LPN/LVN Refresher Course Overview
The LPN/LVN refresher course consists of a three-phase process:
- 120 hours of theory (presented online)
- 200-question multiple-choice final exam
- 120 hours of clinical practice in an approved healthcare facility
Features
- Specifically geared toward previously-licensed LPNs or LVNs
- Self-paced 16-module online course
- Full technical support provided
- NAPNES approved for 240 total contact hours
- Approved and/or accepted by the vast majority of states for re-instatement of lapsed or inactive licenses
Application Process (Prerequisites)
Prior to being registered in the online LPN/LVN refresher course, the nursing student must provide information to a Nurse Educator who will:
- Confirm that you've completed the application for the online LPN/LVN Refresher Course
- Confirm the receipt of a copy of the graduation certificate from an approved school of practical nursing or transcript showing completion date of LPN/LVN program
- Verify your current licensure (active or LEL - Limited Educational License)
Once the documents have been verified, the nursing student will be given a password to log on to the system and begin the online portion of the LPN/LVN Refresher Course.
Online Theory Course (120 hrs)
The nursing student will have one (1) year to complete all three phases of the LPN/LVN Refresher Course, with one 3-month extension allowed. If an extension is needed, the nursing student must notify a Nurse Educator in writing at least 30 days prior to the 1-year refresher course deadline.
All 16 modules of the theory portion must be completed with a minimum of 75%, (or state requirement), on all post assessment (each assessment can be completed a maximum of three times). Final exam score must be 75% or above, (or state requirement), prior to beginning active clinical hours.
Clinical Practice (120 hrs)
After successful completion of the online portion of the LPN/LVN Refresher Course, but before beginning the clinical practicum, the nursing student must submit the following:
- Copy of current CPR card (healthcare provider/Level C – within 6 months)
- Current TB test (within one year) and immunizations required by individual facility
- Satisfactory criminal background check
- Proof of professional liability insurance
- Complete registration for clinical practice
The clinical practicum must be completed under the guidance of a preceptor at a clinical site that meets LPN/LVN Refresher Course requirements. The nursing student will provide the clinical site Nurse Administrator with the "Letter to the Clinical Site" form. In addition, the nursing student will provide the preceptor with the:
- Letter to the preceptor
- Skills and competencies checklist
- Clinical outline
- Guidelines for nurse performance
- Nurse evaluation by preceptor
- Provider-preceptor contact forms
The nursing student will need to submit the following completed and signed documents to the Nurse Educator for verification before scheduling any clinical time:
- Preceptor agreement form
- Registration for clinical practice
- Preceptor’s verification of licensure form
LPN/LVN Refresher Program Finalization
After completion of the application process and the online portion of the LPN/LVN Refresher Course, achieving a passing score on the final examination, and fulfilling the clinical requirements, the nursing student must submit the following in order to receive the certificate of completion:
- Clinical Experience Completion Verification Form
- Clinical Time Sheet
- Skills & Competencies Checklist
- Preceptor’s Recommendation for Licensure
- Student Self-Assessment
- Learner/Nurse Evaluation of the Clinical Experience
After earning the certificate of completion, the nursing student will need to submit a copy of this certificate and the verification of successful completion of the NAPNES approved LPN/LVN Refresher Course to his/her state Board of Nursing to apply for re-activation of the license.