Understanding Your 2024 Iowa Nursing License Renewal

• 2024 Iowa nursing license renewal guidelines stipulate that nurses cannot legally work with an expired license.
• Many nurses in Iowa do not have time to keep current with each update they must understand in order to renew their license.
• Nursing CE Central makes renewal easy to manage, with options for RN, LPN, and APRN continuing education in Iowa.

The 2024 Iowa nursing license renewal requirements exist for good reason. Our nurses must keep up as best practices evolve, so they are empowered to provide the highest level of care for their patients. 

However, we know you are facing burnout, staffing shortages and the high demands of a complex healthcare system. Nursing CE Central offers quick, effective courses that earn Iowa nursing CEUs. 

1. What are the continuing education requirements for the 2024 Iowa nursing license renewal? 

Nurses are required to complete 36 contact hours of continuing education every three years. Two of the contact hours must be on identification and reporting of child and dependent adult abuse provided by the Iowa Department of Human Services.

Nursing CE Central’s Iowa Renewal Bundle includes LPN license renewal CE and RN license renewal CE.

APRNs are required to maintain their certification. You also must complete a course on identification and reporting of child and dependent adult abuse if you regularly examine, attend, counsel, or treat children or dependent adults.

APRNs with prescriptive authority are required to complete two contact hours each renewal cycle on opioid prescribing.  

Nursing CE Central provides APRN license renewal CE. 

APRNs that supervise fluoroscopy procedures must complete annual training.  

2. Is Nursing CE Central a Iowa Board of Nursing-approved provider?

Yes. Courses from Nursing CE Central are approved and accepted by the Iowa Board of Nursing. 

3. How can I renew my license?

You can renew your license online at IBON Online Services. You must renew by the 15th of your birth month to avoid paying late renewal fees. There is a $99 standard renewal fee. 

If you renew on or after the 16th of the month, you will pay a $50 late renewal fee. 

4. Can I renew now and complete my CEUs later?

No. All Iowa nurses must complete their CE requirements before they renew their license.

5. Am I required to complete a test for my Iowa CE requirements?

No. We’ve made it as easy as possible to complete your Iowa requirements. You can easily complete your CE requirements with just one click.

6. Do I need to submit my certificates of completion when I renew?

No. You only need to attest that you have met the continuing education requirements. 

7. Do I have to keep documentation proving I completed my 2024 CE requirements for renewal?

Yes. You’re responsible for keeping individual records of continuing education completion, in case the Iowa Board of Nursing selects you for an audit. Nursing CE Central suggests keeping these records for a minimum of three years.

8. How can I check that my renewal application is complete?

You can check the status of your application at IBON Online Services. 

9. What happens if I don’t renew my license before its current expiration date?

Your license will not immediately expire. Iowa allows a 30-day grace period, and you can still practice. But you will be required to pay a late renewal fee of $50 at the time of your application.

If you don’t renew within the grace period, your license is considered expired, and you cannot practice with an expired license in the state of Iowa.

10. How can I get my license active again if I missed the 30-day grace period?

To reactivate an expired license, nurses must fill out a reactivation application on IBON Online Services, submit proof of completed CEUs and pay the required restoration fees. The $225 total of $225 includes:  

• $175 reactivation fee  
• $50 criminal background fee

Still have questions?

You can contact the Iowa Board of Nursing at (515) 281-3255, online, via email, or at the following location:

6200 Park Avenue, Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50321 

Enroll for an Iowa nursing license renewal bundle today! 

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