Washington, DC, Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

Washington, DC, is the nation’s capital and home to slightly more than 600,000 people, 13% of which are aged 65 and over. If you need guidance on navigating the DC nursing license renewal process, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more about the steps you need to take, the nursing board’s contact information, and more.

Washington, DC, Nursing Facts

Is Washington, DC, part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

No, Washington, DC, is not a part of the NLC. Check out our license renewal state guide for requirements in other areas.

How much do nurses in Washington, DC, earn?

• The average CNA salary in Washington, DC, is $47,860 per year.
• The average LPN salary in Washington, DC, is $68,120 per year.
• The average RN salary in Washington, DC, is $99,000 per year.
• The average APRN salary in Washington, DC, is $128,030 per year.

How can I contact the Washington, DC, Board of Nursing?

Do you have any questions or concerns about your nursing license? The contact information below can help you find answers, or you can email the DC Board at doh@dc.gov.

Washington, DC, Board of Nursing Phone Number: 877-672-2174

Website: https://dchealth.dc.gov/bon

Washington, DC, Board of Nursing Mailing Address:

Department of Health
Health Professional Licensing Administration
899 North Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC, 20002

Washington, DC, Nursing License Renewal Requirements: 3 Steps

Follow these steps to renew your DC nursing license. If you’re an out-of-state nurse who wants to practice in DC, you must apply for licensure by examination or endorsement.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

The first step to complete your renewal is to figure out its expiration date. The nursing license renewal deadlines in Washington, DC, are outlined below:

• CNA: Mid September to October 31 during odd years
• LPN: Mid April to June 30 during odd years
• RN/APRN: Mid April to June 30 during even years

Step 2: Complete Your Continuing Education Requirements

Completing continuing education is a state board of nursing’s way of ensuring nurses are up to date on industry necessities and changes. Below, we describe the requirements unique to Washington, DC.

CNA:

• 24 hours of continuing education regarding health or nursing
• At least 10% of the continuing education in public health
• 2 hours dedicated to cultural competency or the LGBTQ community
• Background check conducted by Fieldprint
• At least 1 paid and documented 8-hour day during the previous 24 months, under the supervision of an RN or LPN

LPN:

• 18 hours of continuing education

RN:

• 24 hours of continuing education

APRN:

• 24 hours of continuing education, 15 of which must focus on pharmacology

In addition, RNs, LPNs, and APRNs must utilize two hours of continuing education on COVID vaccinations, another two hours on topics related to the LGBTQ community and cultural competency, and three hours on HIV/AIDs or subjects selected by the director of health.

Check out our continuing education options on IntelyEdu, a resource that’s been accredited by the American Nurses Association. Once you figure out your state’s requirements for licensure, IntelyEdu has plenty to offer.

Step 3: File Your Washington, DC, Nursing License Renewal Online

CNAs can renew their licenses through the DC Department of Health’s contracted vendor, Credentia. RNs, LPNs, and APRNs can renew online on the DC Department of Health’s renewal portal. The license renewal fee schedule is outlined below:

• CNA: $12
• RN: $195
• APRN: $313
• APRN with controlled substance registration: $443

RNs and APRNs can submit late renewal applications until August 30 for an additional $85 fee. If your employer requires official confirmation of your license, you can verify your license with a paper application for $34. Or, you can verify your license online through Nursys.

Great Areas in Washington, DC, for Nursing Jobs

Looking for CNA, LPN, RN, APRN opportunities near Washington, DC? Check out these areas:

• Arlington, VA
• Alexandria, VA
• Bethesda, MD
• Fairfax, VA
• Silver Spring, MD

Start Your Washington, DC, Nursing License Renewal Today

Beginning the renewal process is only a few clicks away. Once you’re done, find all the latest nursing jobs in Washington, DC, on IntelyCare today.