Continuing Education Approval Process
NEW - Web-Based Application Update
- An index allows applicants to access over a dozen different parts of the application at any time so that you can complete information as you receive it.
- You can create a basic promotional flyer by clicking a button
- Larger educational activities that occur over several days can be completed in one application
- Healthcare Facilities, Ambulatory Settings, Entrepreneurs, and Industry can now apply via our web application
THE APPROVAL PROCESS
Continuing education activities for registered nurses (RNs) may be submitted to AORN's Continuing Education Approval Committee (CEAC) for approval of contact hours. This requires:
- Content classified as continuing education for nurses
- One planning committee member with a BSN/MSN degree in nursing
- A completed CE Approval Application – now completely web-based
- Submission of the appropriate fee
Each application for approval of contact hours submitted to the AORN Approval Unit is reviewed by members of the Continuing Education Approval Committee (CEAC), a 16-member volunteer peer group of perioperative registered nurses, each holding a Bachelor of Science or higher degree in nursing. The Continuing Education Approval Committee's qualitative review ensures that the application is:
- Accurate
- Meets American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) criteria
- Is relevant to professional practice
- Meets the learning level of the target audience
- A Quality Assurance process to ensure consistency
Once an application has been reviewed, the applicant is notified of the results via email. If an application has met all ANCC requirements upon first review, the application is APPROVED immediately. If corrections are required, the application receives an APPROVAL PENDING status and the applicant is told specifically what information is still needed or needs revision and is provided with examples/suggestions to assist in making those corrections.
A corrected application must be returned by a specified date and confirmed. If all requirements have been met, the program is APPROVED and final notification to the applicant is made. No program may be presented without this final approval from the Approval Process Project Coordinator. Approval must be obtained before the activity date.
We recommend that you submit your application several weeks in advance of the activity date to allow enough time for any revisions that are required.
All applications receive a two-year approval. The program expires two years after the approval date and can be presented at any time during those two years.
For more information, contact the Approval Unit, or by phone at 800-755-2676, Ext. 254.
Chapter Programs Approved from the Continuing Education Approval Committee (CEAC):
- List of Chapter Programs (PDF) - approved by CEAC for 2006
- List of Chapter Programs (PDF) - approved by CEAC for 2007
INTRODUCTORY FEE SCHEDULE
AORN’s web-based application process
- Eliminates almost all paper files.
- Stores your application online in a password protected area.
- Automatically generates Certificates and Evaluation forms
- Stores Post Activity Reports online eliminating the need to send these reports to AORN
Applications are accepted from AORN chapters, specialty assemblies, state councils, entrepreneurs, health care providers (hospitals, ambulatory settings, clinics), and industry. Providing a web-based process is new technology, and helps AORN promote industry standards and the latest research.
All applications for contact hours should be submitted through our web-based process.
Additional Resources:
- Online Application Instructions
- Online Application Instructions -- Independent Study
- Commercial Support Description
- Sample Promotional Material/Flyer
BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCESS

