As of January 31, 2010, all approver unit applications must be submitted online. Paper applications will no longer be accepted after January 31 as NAON continues its efforts to 'go green'. Updates will be made to the online application process to enhance its user friendliness by the end of January.

All applications must be postmarked or submitted online a full 42 days (6 weeks) before the intended program date.  There will be no exceptions granted.  This change in time frame is to allow adequate time for reviewers to complete the review process, the Administrator to grant approval or denial, and the program contact to make any requested adjustments in order to obtain approval of contact hours. 

Thank you for immediate adoption of these modifications. Contact the NAON National Office at naon@smithbucklin.com if you have questions.

NAON believes continuing nursing education is a process designed to promote competence and expertise in clinical practice. Continuing education is essential to maintain currency in an environment of rapidly changing technology and processes.

The Approver Unit of NAON is designed to review, evaluate and critique continuing education activities developed and implemented by NAON's defined constituents and their co-sponsors.

NAON's Approver Unit provides a service to members and other parties interested in providing orthopaedic nursing continuing education for contact hour credit. The services provided by the Approver Unit include assistance with the application process, review of the application and granting approval for the applicant to award contact hours. Specific information on the operation of the Approver Unit and the application process is located in NAON's Guidelines for Continuing Education Development and Approval.  Click here for a quick reference guide to completing the Approver Unit Application!

The application process can be done via our new online application or via mail. In order to view the online application you must be logged into the web site. If you do not know or do not have your login and password, please call NAON at 800.289.6266.  If you have any questions please direct them to  NAON at naon@smithbucklin.com. 

Please note that NAON is making improvements to the Approver Unit for 2009.  Beginning January 1, 2009, NAON will no longer mail carbon-copy printed contact hour certificates for attendees. In an effort to be as timely as possible and environmentally friendly, we will e-mail your letter of approval and the certificate template to your program coordinator. Additionally, the cost of submitting a paper application will increase by $10 for each category. The cost of submitting an online application will not change. Thank you in advance for supporting NAON 's efforts to “go green”.