Nursing Refresher

Nursing Refresher

  • Degree Type Non-Credit
  • Program outcomesEnter the workforceEnhance my skillset
  • Area of StudyHealth

Designed for Registered Nurses who hold an active Pennsylvania Registered Nurse license and wish to refresh their med-surg nursing knowledge and skills.

Refer to this Nursing Information Session to help differentiate between the Nurse Refresher and Nurse Reactivation Programs, as well as to learn more.

Please note: Inactive RN license for more than 5 years, check out the Nursing Reactivation course.

Important Dates
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Fall 2023

  • Information Session: August 1, 2023, at 6 p.m. via zoom
  • Registration deadline: Friday, August 18, 2023
  • Course dates: September 18-December 14, 2023
    • Clinical dates: October 7-November 18

Spring 2024

  • Information session: January 16, 2024, at 6 p.m. via zoom
  • Registration deadline: Friday, February 2, 2024
  • Course dates: February 12-May 9, 2024
    • Clinical dates: March 9, March 23-April 27, 2023

Curriculum

The program may be taken as a 2 or 3 component course.

2 Component Course (BICEC 2500)

  • Theory – 60-hours
  • Laboratory – 40-hours

3 Component Course (BICEC 2501)

  • Theory – 60-hours
  • Laboratory – 40-hours
  • Clinical – 80-hours
Prerequisite

Active Pennsylvania Registered Nurse license in good standing.

**All licenses will be verified as active through the State Board of Nursing prior to the student being able to attend any portion of the program. If a license cannot be verified, the student will be unable to attend the program.

Recognition of Completion

A certificate of program completion will be awarded by the College.


Frequently Asked Questions

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I have not worked in over 15 years, is this course for me?

Yes! If you have not worked and want to either reactivate your license or refresh your skills this course if for you! You will be in class, lab and clinical with other students in similar situations.

To reactivate your license you must attend all class, lab and clinical sessions attendance is mandatory as per the State Board.

To refresh skills you can attend class, lab and clinical or only class and lab, attendance is not mandatory for refreshing skills but highly encouraged.

How long is the course and what is the schedule?

The course runs for 10 weeks: Lecture is asynchronous, Lab is on Thursday evenings, Clinical is on Saturdays.   

If I miss a day is there a way to make it up?

If you are reactivating your license you cannot miss any time and there is no mechanism to make up time at present.

Do I need any special equipment or supplies for the course?

Yes, you will need to purchase books that are identified by your instructor along with a stethoscope, watch with a second hand, and scrubs for clinical.

What do I need to do to attend clinical?

Students need to provide the following to the College at least one week prior to the start of the class to be eligible to attend clinical, no late documents may be accepted.

  • Physical exam along with documentation of the following by either date received or titers – MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B.
  • Tdap-must be within 10 years
  • TB test – 2 step required
  • Drug test – 10 panel
  • PA Child Abuse
  • PA Criminal Background Check
  • FBI Background Check
  • CPR
  • Malpractice Insurance
  • Verification of Medical Insurance
  • COVID-19 vaccination – The Nurse Refresher-Reactivation Program does not require students be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, most clinical facilities are requiring the initial vaccine series as well as the booster.
    Please Note: Students should know that any vaccine exemption may impact their progression in the program as the vaccine may be required by clinical/practicum sites. Some of these steps may take time to complete, such as the Hepatitis B and COVID vaccine series, which can take up to seven months if the individual has not started this series. Please plan accordingly.

How will I get my license reinstated?

At the conclusion of the course students who are reactivating their license will take a standardized exam recognized by the State Board. Upon meeting the benchmark on the exam your name will be submitted to the State Board and they will reinstate your license provided you have no additional sanctions against your license.

Will the course run as scheduled?

The course will run if a specific number of students are enrolled. If the enrollment is low the course will not run and students will need to register for the next set of dates.

What do I do if I want more information?

For more information, contact email nursingprogram@mc3.edu.