Nurse Refresher Program (RNs/LPNs)

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Nurses taking a Refresher Course must have a current inactive Maryland license. Applicants for nursing licensure who are applying for a Maryland license for the first time and who qualify for a Temporary Maryland license, can take a refresher course on a Temporary license. A Temporary license is only valid for 90 days from the date it is issued, and is not renewable. Any out of state nurse taking a refresher course on a Temporary Maryland license should apply for a permanent inactive license as early as possible, since most courses take longer than 90 days to complete. 

• If you have an inactive license, please contact the Maryland Board of Nursing to start the process of activating your inactive license with a current expiration date.
• DC or other state license – Please contact the Maryland Board of Nursing for the endorsement application to obtain an inactive Maryland nursing license.
• Inactive out of state license – Please contact the Maryland Board of Nursing for the endorsement application to obtain an inactive Maryland nursing license.
• Compact license – Maryland is a compact state. Check with the Maryland Board of Nursing to make sure you can practice in Maryland.
• Your RN or LPN license must be activated to inactive with a current expiration date before you can start clinical. If your license is received after clinical starts, speak with the program director to request placement in the next term’s clinical section.

1. Basic Cardiac Life Support for Healthcare Workers (BLS):
   1. This must be a healthcare provider-level course from American Heart Association.
2. A Complete Physical Exam:
   1. A complete physical exam, signed by your health provider, within 9 months of the start date for clinical. (You must use the Montgomery College Nurse Refresher Health Inventory form (PDF, ) ).
3. Proof of Immunity to the Following Diseases:
   1. Mumps, Measles (Rubeola) and Rubella:
      1. Must provide serologic evidence that you are immune to Mumps, Measles and Rubella (positive titers). If blood titers are negative for any of these three diseases, you must receive two (2) doses of Mumps, Measles and Rubella vaccine (MMR) given 4 weeks apart. (Information documenting past MMR vaccinations is appreciated but cannot take the place of the titer test results.)
   2. Varicella:
      1. Must provide serologic evidence that you are immune to Varicella (positive titers). If titers are negative, you are required to receive two (2) doses of Varicella vaccine given 4 weeks apart. (Documentation of childhood disease will not be accepted).
   3. Hepatitis B:
      1. Three (3) doses of Hepatitis B vaccine given 0,1, and 6 months apart, followed by Hepatitis B surface antibody testing 1-2 months after dose #3 is required. If you cannot provide documentation of the 4-step vaccination process described above, you must obtain serologic evidence of immunity (positive Hep Bs Antibody titer). If this titer is negative for immunity, the vaccination series must be repeated.
   4. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis:
      1. Documentation of one (1) dose of Tdap vaccine (not to be confused with DTaP) in the past two (2) years, regardless of when the last Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccine was given.
   5. Seasonal Influenza:
      1. Vaccine is to be given 1 month prior to the start date for clinical.
   6. Tuberculin Skin Test (2 step):
      1. Tuberculin Skin Test: (Mantoux Tuberculin test) within 9 months of the start date for clinical is required. If test results show TB exposure in the past or present, you must obtain clearance from your health provider that you are able to attend clinical. A chest x-ray may be needed. (Use the Montgomery College TB clearance form, which will be provided with the Health Inventory Form when being evaluated.)

Please note: Vaccine series must be started prior to clinical start date. All laboratory titers must have date blood was drawn as well as test results.

After enrollment in the Nurse Refresher or Nursing Assistant programs, instructions will be sent to you on how to upload all documentation to Castle Branch. 

• Background checks – Instructions will be sent to you to upload to Castle Branch.
• Drug and Alcohol Screening - Instructions will be sent to you to upload to Castle Branch.

This course is designed for RNs and LPNs who desire to maintain or re-establish their active license to re-enter the nursing field.  The classroom section contains both live online lectures and in-person nursing skills lab practice. Topics include anatomy and physiology, major disease pathology, current treatment strategies, and legal issues.  Prerequisites: This course has a list of materials, licensure, physical exam, and proof of immunity requirements that students must meet to participate in clinical training, as listed above in Clinical Training Requirements You must concurrently enroll in NUR078, NUR023, and NUR007. 

This lab is for inactive or active registered or Licensed Practical Nurses who have completed the classroom portion of this program. Topics focus on health/physical assessment, nursing process, communication, nursing care and procedures, current trends in documentation, and pharmacology. Learn more about the Nursing Lab.