So, you’re a nurse practitioner (NP) looking to keep your skills sharp. Good news—there are some amazing continuing education (CE) courses out there just for you! Whether you’re in primary care, pediatrics, or acute care, we’ve rounded up some of the best options. Let’s make learning fun and easy!
Why Continuing Education Matters
CE courses help you:
- Stay up-to-date with the latest evidence-based practices
- Maintain your license
- Expand your knowledge and confidence
- Network with other healthcare pros
And hey, some of these courses are even fun. Yes, really!
Top Picks for Primary Care NPs
Primary care means dealing with everything—from sore throats to chronic diseases. Pick CE courses that stay relevant to real-life patient care.
- Pri-Med – Offers free and low-cost online courses tailored to NPs. Covers diabetes, hypertension, mental health, and more.
- UpToDate® CME – Use what you’re already using! If you use UpToDate for work, earn CE credits while researching topics.
- FHEA Primary Care Conference – A jam-packed, upbeat live or virtual event with expert speakers. Great for a yearly knowledge refresh.
Top Picks for Pediatric NPs
Kids aren’t just smaller adults. They require special care and knowledge. Take CE that boosts your pediatric know-how in a fun and engaging way.
- NAPNAP CE Center – The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners offers CE designed just for pediatric pros. Topics include asthma, ADHD, vaccinations, and more.
- Contemporary Pediatrics Summit – Think of it as a learning party. This event mixes science with fun. Loads of sessions plus Q&A time.
- Medscape CME Pediatrics – If you like quick, online learning with current guidelines and expert input, this is for you.
Pro tip: Look for CE activities that use real-life pediatric cases. It makes the learning stick!
Top Picks for Acute Care NPs
Acute care is fast-paced. Heart failure, cardiac arrest, sepsis—you’ve got to be on your A-game. The right CEs can help you stay cool under pressure.
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) eLearning – Courses are made with ICU and ER NPs in mind. Update your critical thinking and clinical skills here.
- BoardVitals – Perfect for test prep or refreshers. Their question banks make learning feel like a game.
- Advanced Practice Education Associates (APEA) Acute Care Review – Covers all you need for certification and daily practice. Clear, fun, and easy to follow.
Tips to Pick the Best Course for You
- Know your state’s requirements. Some states have specific CE topics like opioid training or ethics.
- Choose your learning style. Like podcasts? Webinars? Classroom vibes? Pick what suits you best.
- Look for ANCC-approved courses. These are respected and widely accepted.
- Mix it up! Don’t stick to one provider. Try a few to keep it interesting.
Make It Fun!
CE doesn’t have to be a snooze. Take the course while sipping coffee. Or with a study buddy. Try a walking podcast or gamified app. The more fun it is, the more you’ll learn.
Final Thoughts
Staying current doesn’t have to be hard. With so many CE options made just for NPs like you, it can even be fun. Choose what matches your specialty and sparks your interest.
Whether you’re treating toddlers, adults, or ICU patients—there’s a CE course with your name on it. Keep learning, keep growing, and most of all, enjoy the journey!