If your North Carolina Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license has been inactive, retired or lapsed for five years or more and you have not been licensed in another state during the last five years*, successful completion of a Board approved Refresher Course is required prior to reinstating your North Carolina license. To be considered for current licensure status, you must apply for reinstatement within one year of completing the Refresher Course.
A current license to resume the practice of nursing will be issued upon successful completion of the Refresher Course and submission of the reinstatement application, fee, criminal background check and any other documents which the Board may require. The Board may decline to reinstate a license if a determination of unsatisfactory ability to practice nursing is evident.
Refresher Courses
Currently Approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing
According to the North Carolina Nursing Practice Act, individuals who have not held an active license for at least five years are required to successfully complete a Board approved Refresher Course. If you desire licensure in a state other than North Carolina, contact that state's Board of Nursing regarding their requirements. The Registered Nurse Refresher Course includes at least 240 hours of instruction, with at least 120 hours of the total consisting of clinical learning experiences. The Licensed Practical Nurse Refresher Course consists of at least 180 hours of instruction, with at least 90 hours of the total being clinical learning experiences.
Contact the program of your choice for specific admission and course requirements. If you need additional information regarding this process, email Education using the Email Us Form. Refresher Courses currently approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing:
Registered Nurse
Lenoir Community College - Kinston, NC
Approval Expires: November 2026
Phone: (252) 527-6223
North Carolina AHEC Program (Various locations throughout North Carolina)
Approval Expires: November 2026