Refresher Course
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If your North Carolina Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license has been inactive, retired or lapsed for five years or more and you have not been licensed in another state during the last five years*, successful completion of a Board approved Refresher Course is required prior to reinstating your North Carolina license. To be considered for current licensure status, you must apply for reinstatement within one year of completing the Refresher Course.

A current license to resume the practice of nursing will be issued upon successful completion of the Refresher Course and submission of the reinstatement application, fee, criminal background check and any other documents which the Board may require. The Board may decline to reinstate a license if a determination of unsatisfactory ability to practice nursing is evident.

Refresher Courses

Currently Approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing

According to the North Carolina Nursing Practice Act, individuals who have not held an active license for at least five years are required to successfully complete a Board approved Refresher Course. If you desire licensure in a state other than North Carolina, contact that state's Board of Nursing regarding their requirements. The Registered Nurse Refresher Course includes at least 240 hours of instruction, with at least 120 hours of the total consisting of clinical learning experiences. The Licensed Practical Nurse Refresher Course consists of at least 180 hours of instruction, with at least 90 hours of the total being clinical learning experiences.

Contact the program of your choice for specific admission and course requirements. If you need additional information regarding this process, email Education using the Contact Us Form. Refresher Courses currently approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing:

Licensed Practical Nurse

Lenoir Community College - Kinston, NC
Approval Expires: January 2029
Phone: (252) 527-6223

South Piedmont Community College - Monroe, NC
Approval Expires: June 2028
Phone: (704) 290-5826
Online - provides independent didactic review with clinical preceptorship in your own community

Registered Nurse

Lenoir Community College - Kinston, NC
Approval Expires: November 2026
Phone: (252) 527-6223

North Carolina AHEC Program (Various locations throughout North Carolina)
Approval Expires: November 2026

NC AHEC Nurse Refresher Program

Last Changed 13-Dec-2023

North Carolina Board of Nursing

Protect the public by regulating the practice of nursing.
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