Continuing Education Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to questions regarding MNA continuing education courses.

Please note that you may find many answers regarding more general questions, like renewing your license, on the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing Continuing Education FAQ page.

Q. How do I register for an MNA Continuing Education program?

A. Review the MNA Continuing Education course calendar to decide which course you’d like to take. Registration for all CE courses is available online:

  1. Nursing Resources Tab
  2. Take an MNA Course Online
  3. View the course calendar
  4. Choose the program you want to attend
  5. Member or non-member registration

If you choose not to use the register online feature, you can register by calling the MNA contact for that course listed in the course description. For more information call the MNA at 781.821.4625 and ask for the Division of Nursing.


Q. Do I need to pay for an MNA Continuing Education program if I am a member or associate member?

A. Continuing Education programs are free for full and associate members.  However, in order to register for a program, a placeholder fee is required. (There are different fees for different programs.) The fee is returned to you upon attendance at the program. If a credit card is used, your card will be charged only if you do not attend the program or call to cancel. Regional offices do not have credit card capability; therefore, a check is required if registering via mail.


Q. If I cannot attend the program, must my placeholder fee be forfeited?

A. If you give advance notice of non-attendance your check or credit card will not be cashed or charged. In case of inclement weather, please call the MNA at 781.821.4625 to determine whether a program will run as scheduled. Registration fees will be reimbursed for all cancelled programs.
 


Q. Can members and associate members enroll in all MNA programs?

A. Yes. You may enroll in all MNA programs regardless of the region to which you are assigned.


Q. What is the difference between ANCC contact hours and the BORN contact hours?

A. MNA Continuing Nursing Education certificates of participation and successful completion of MNA programs list both designated contact hours. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) contact hour is based on a 60 minute hour. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN) contact hour is based on a 50 minute hour. The BORN contact hours are used for license renewal in Massachusetts only.


Q. Does the MNA offer online courses and are they also free to members?

A. Yes, the MNA offers online courses that are free to all nurses (not just members). Visit the MNA CE Online page for more information.


Q. I am planning to offer a CE course for my organization, and would like the MNA to approve the CE credits for me. How do I go about this process?

A. The MNA no longer approves continuing nursing education for contact hours.

We recommend you do the following:

Go onto the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Constituent Member Associations page on their Web site. That will bring up an alphabetical list of state nurses associations affiliated with ANA. All the New England States have state nurses associations that have been accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on Accreditation as approvers of continuing nursing education. This includes one for Massachusetts (not MNA). If you click on the name of the state, the contact information for that state, including its Web site, will appear. We hope this information proves helpful.