Harper College

RN Refresher

Gain practical, hands-on skills and confidence in a program with 56 classroom hours and 104 clinical hours (includes orientation). Ideal for registered nurses working in non-hospital settings, nurses returning to the workforce, or nurses who want to further their education in the most current medical practices. To take the class, you must complete the online RN Refresher Questionnaire.

RN Refresher badge earners are US registered nurses out of clinical practice for five or more years or nurses seeking to renew or obtain an Illinois state license. Participants validate the proper care for medically diverse patient issues.

Program objectives:

  • Achieve 100% on the Math for Medications written quiz
  • Participate in Mandatory Skills Day
  • Successfully complete oral medication pass exercise
  • Demonstrate placement of IV lines and blood administration, and wound care
  • Demonstrate proper nursing documentation in a hospital setting

Required course

Restart your career as a registered nurse in this refresher course. The first part of this unique program utilizes a blended approach to help you hone your critical thinking skills as you become familiar with the most current trends in nursing care. During the second part of the course, the Nursing Field Experience provides the opportunity to put theory into practice in a clinical setting. If you have been licensed in the US and desire to return to a patient care setting, this course is for you. Twenty CEs are awarded for RN license renewal in Illinois.


OR if you are preparing to take the NCLEX nursing licensing exam, register for:

This course is the classroom portion of the RN Refresher course (LNU8100). Students in this section do not participate in the Nursing Field Experience. Designed for foreign trained nurses who are preparing to take the NCLEX exam. The blended format of this course will help you become familiar with the most current trends in nursing care and the Nurse Practice Act in Illinois. As a student at Harper College, you will also have access to all of the nursing resources at the college to help you prepare for the licensing exam. Students purchase skills kit and course materials.


Funding Opportunities

Some CPE courses may be eligible for grants and scholarships on a limited basis. We encourage you to apply for funding to learn more about options that may be available to you. To apply, please complete the Scholarship Application form.

Contact us

For more information, subscribe to our newsletter, or contact Continuing Professional Education by email at cpe@harpercollege.edu or call 847.925.6340

Last Updated: 1/24/24