Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) Continuing Education Requirements

ARNP Certification

The continuing education required for ARNP certification meets the requirement for license renewal. ARNP certification also meets continuing education criteria for RN license renewal. Documentation of current certification in itself verifies compliance. If audited, you may submit a copy of your certification.

Opioid Continuing Education

ARNPs that prescribe opioids during the three-year renewal cycle must take continuing education. Continuing education must be at least two hours and address the current CDC prescribing guidelines.

Include your opioid continuing education documentation with your license renewal application. Email renewal documents to arnpren@iowa.gov. 

On June 27, 2023, a one-time requirement went into effect for all DEA prescribers. DEA prescribers must complete 8 hours of education on the treatment or management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders.

Do I need to take an opioid class?

Q. I work in a hospital and write orders for opioids. 

A. No, writing orders does not meet the definition of prescribing.

Q. I am a CRNA and I administer opioids.

A. Yes, you need to take a course. The course needs to include the CDC guidelines for prescribing opioids. See the question below for topics the course must include. 

Q. I am a pediatric nurse practitioner and I prescribe opioids. 

A. Yes, you need to take a course. The course needs to include the CDC guidelines for prescribing opioids. The course must include:

• chronic pain management
• dosing recommendations
• length of prescriptions
• risk factors for abuse
• non-opioid and nonpharmacologic options

You can use applicable opioid courses from the CDC or the DEA/SAMHSA recommendations page to fulfill your continuing education requirement.

Fluoroscopy Continuing Education and Audit

ARNPs supervising fluoroscopy during the three-year renewal cycle must take continuing education. Continuing education credits must include initial and annual radiological safety courses.
Fluoroscopy continuing education must include:

• radiation physics
• radiobiology
• radiological safety and management, including:
  • time
  • dose
  • distance
  • shielding
  • radiation effects
  • documentation verifying course completion

You must be in compliance with facility policies and procedures. The Board of Nursing will audit ARNPs who supervise fluoroscopy. Board staff will contact the practitioner if there are any questions.
Failing to complete the audit will result in investigation by the Enforcement Unit.
For questions and concerns, contact us at nursingpractice@iowa.gov.