LPN Refresher Courses
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) returning to the workforce after time away often need to refresh their clinical skills and knowledge. LPN refresher courses are designed to help you regain confidence, meet licensing requirements, and safely re-enter today’s fast-paced healthcare environment.
Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
LPN refresher courses are short-term programs intended for nurses who already hold an active or previously active LPN license but have not practiced in a clinical setting for a significant period of time. These courses are ideal for individuals who took time off for personal reasons, changed careers, or let their license lapse due to inactivity. Refresher courses focus on updating knowledge in areas such as patient care, medication administration, documentation, and healthcare technologies that may have changed since the nurse was last in practice.
Online vs. in-person refresher programs
Many LPN refresher courses offer hybrid or online learning options for the theory portion, making them more accessible to working adults or those with family responsibilities. However, clinical hours must still be completed in person to meet licensure board requirements. Therefore, students should choose a program affiliated with local healthcare facilities or be prepared to travel for their hands-on training.
How to choose a refresher course
Before enrolling, check with your state board of nursing to ensure the program meets reactivation or reinstatement requirements. Key things to look for in a course include:
- State board approval or accreditation
- Access to clinical placements
- Flexible scheduling
- Reputation and reviews from past students
- Alignment with your state’s licensing reinstatement process
Certified LPNs who have stepped away from nursing for several years often need a structured pathway to return to clinical work confidently and safely. LPN refresher courses are designed to help these professionals renew their practical skills, stay updated with current medical practices, and meet state requirements for re-licensure. These programs provide both academic review and clinical experience, offering a valuable bridge back into patient care.
LPN refresher programs are ideal for licensed practical nurses who:
- Have allowed their licenses to lapse or expire
- Took an extended break from nursing due to personal, family, or career reasons
- Are required by their state board of nursing to complete a refresher course before returning to practice
- Want to feel more confident after years out of the workforce, even if their license is still active
If you haven’t practiced in several years, a refresher course ensures that you can re-enter the workforce safely and effectively, with the most up-to-date nursing standards and practices.
Most programs include two components: theoretical review and hands-on clinical practice.
Coursework topics often include:
- Medication administration and dosage calculations
- Documentation and electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Infection control and updated patient safety protocols
- Basic and advanced nursing procedures
- Professional ethics and legal responsibilities
- Current nursing technologies and tools
The online or in-classroom portion of the course typically culminates in a clinical practicum. These in-person sessions take place in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities under the supervision of a registered nurse or instructor, allowing you to practice essential nursing tasks and regain confidence.
The length of an LPN refresher program can vary by state and provider, but most take 6 to 12 weeks to complete, depending on the format (full-time or part-time). Some programs are fully self-paced for greater flexibility, while others follow a scheduled structure.
Completing an LPN refresher course is a major step toward re-establishing your nursing career, but transitioning back into the workforce involves more than just finishing your coursework. Once you’ve met all requirements for license reactivation or reinstatement, including any state board documentation, fingerprinting, or continuing education. Many employers actively seek experienced LPNs returning to the field because they bring both foundational knowledge and real-world perspective.
Former LPNs re-entering healthcare often find a wide range of opportunities across care settings. These include skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, home healthcare agencies, outpatient clinics, and even correctional or school-based health services. Your prior experience, combined with newly refreshed training, can make you a competitive candidate for roles that require strong patient care skills, professionalism, and adaptability.
It’s also common for returning LPNs to receive additional on-the-job training or orientation to get reacquainted with current protocols, electronic health record systems, or facility-specific procedures. Some employers may even offer mentorship programs or refresher-friendly roles for nurses who have taken time away from the profession.
To make the most of your return, consider updating your resume to highlight your completed refresher course, clinical practicum, and any certifications you’ve maintained or renewed. Be transparent about your gap in practice, but focus on the steps you’ve taken to stay current and regain your hands-on experience. Professional networking, job fairs, and LPN job boards can also help connect you to open positions that are ideal for re-entry candidates.
Rejoining the healthcare workforce as an LPN is a significant achievement and one that can lead to a fulfilling second chapter in nursing. Whether you choose to stay in bedside care or eventually pursue advanced education, your refresher course lays a strong foundation for long-term success.
More LPN Program Guides
Discover more guides and resources for licensed practical nursing education, degrees and professional development.
Explore the flexibility of Hybrid LPN Programs, which combine online coursework with in-person clinical training. Learn how these programs work and find out if this blended learning path is the right fit for your nursing goals.
Discover what you’ll learn in LPN school. From anatomy to patient care, explore the core classes that form the foundation of every practical nursing program.
Learn the key differences between LPN and RN programs, including length, scope, and career outcomes. Compare both paths to decide which nursing route fits your goals.
Explore LPN bridge programs designed to help current LPNs advance their careers by earning RN credentials. Find out how these flexible pathways can build on your experience and open new opportunities.