List of RN Refresher Courses in the U.S.
Higher Education Articles September 26, 2013Introduction & General Information
For a nurse seeking to return to the field after some time away, an RN refresher course can provide the confidence and necessary updates to keep your clinical skills current and safe. Refresher courses can be obtained from a number of different sources, including:
Your New Employer
Many large medical centers and teaching hospitals offer two to six week refresher courses to newly hired, returning RNs.
Community Colleges
Some community colleges offer formal semester-long programs designed for nurses who plan to reenter the workforce.
Your Alma Mater
Some nursing schools offer formal or informal programs that allow their former graduates to attend, or “audit,” courses as a classroom nonparticipant.
A List of US RN Refresher Courses
Sutter Health’s New Grad/RN Re-entry Program
This program in Northern California has been ongoing for almost a decade. It “combines classroom and clinical experiences to update nurses returning to acute care environments,” or hospitals.
Return to Nursing Refresher Program
Nursing Knowledge International operated an online “Return to Nursing Refresher Program” comprised of seven different units, and the program lasts up to 60 hours. The program is currently unavailable as the education material is reviewed and updated to reflect current nursing knowledge needs.
NurseRefresher.org
The organization NurseRefresher.org offers a program combining self-study modules and a supervised clinical preceptorship. Developed over 30 years ago by Idahoan nurse educators, it is formally accepted by the State Boards of Nursing in Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Tennessee. Other states are said to be considering the program. In the meantime, it can be available to those living outside of those states, provided they are able to locate an institution and responsible party for the clinical preceptorship.
American Health Education
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. American Health Education can be reached at 800-483-3615, Ext. 1005.
Azusa Pacific University
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. Azusa Pacific University can be reached at 626-815-6000, Ext. 5588.
California School of Health Sciences
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. California School of Health Sciences can be reached at 714-539-7081.
California State University
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. California State University School of Nursing’s Refresher Program can be reached at 530-898-5891.
Connecticut League of Nursing; Charter Oak State College
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. The Connecticut League of Nursing can be reached at 203-235-6873.
Cornerstone College of Science; Technology
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. The Cornerstone College of Science & Technology can be reached at 510-429-1700.
Fresno City College
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. Fresno City College can be reached at 559-244-2604.
Grossmont Health Occupations Center
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. Grossmont Health Occupations Center can be reached at 619-956-4300.
JVS: Chabot College
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. JVS; Chabot College can be reached at 415-782-6233.
JVS: City College of San Francisco, John Adams Campus
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. JVS; City College of San Francisco can be reached at 415-782-6267.
Medical Advancement Center
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. The Medical Advancement Center can be reached at 714-952-8964.
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. The Mount Carmel College of Nursing can be reached at 614-234-5777.
Nurses Educational Opportunities
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. Nurses Educational Opportunities can be reached at 714-979-4022.
Professional Healthcare Educational Services, Inc.
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. Professional Healthcare Educational Services, Inc. can be reached at 877-313-7437.
Santa Ana College
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. Santa Ana College can be reached at 714-564-6825.
South Dakota State University College of Nursing
This organization’s name is provided by the California State Board of Nursing. The South Dakota State University College of Nursing can be reached at 605-688-5745.
