Reengaging healthcare workers who have stepped away from practice is not only a workforce strategy, it’s an opportunity to retain experience, strengthen care teams, and meet the growing needs of North Carolina communities. Employers, educators, professional associations, and policy leaders each have a role to play in building clear pathways back into the profession.
Partnering to Bring Nurses Back to the Workforce: The NC AHEC RN Refresher Program
Across North Carolina, the demand for skilled nurses continues to grow — and one powerful way to strengthen the pipeline is by supporting experienced RNs as they reenter the workforce. The NC AHEC RN Refresher Program has been redesigned to make that possible, offering a flexible, affordable pathway for nurses with lapsed or active licenses to update their skills and return to practice.
This program combines 24 self-paced online modules with a 140-hour clinical practicum, coordinated locally through regional AHECs. Employers and educators play a critical role, by welcoming refresher students into clinical sites, providing mentorship, and ultimately hiring graduates who are ready to contribute immediately to patient care.
Interested in exploring how your organization can partner, host clinical experiences, or connect with upcoming RN Refresher students?
Access the full brochure and contact your regional AHEC to get involved:
NC AHEC RN Refresher Program.
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South Piedmont Community College Expands Access by
offering LPN and Nurse Aide Refresher Courses and LPN to
RN Bridge Program
South Piedmont Community College is helping strengthen the healthcare workforce by offering targeted refresher courses and an LPN to RN Bridge Program for individuals seeking to re-enter or advance in the nursing profession.
Nurse Aide Refresher Course
This 40-hour course is designed for individuals preparing to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam, which is required for listing on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry. Whether you're returning to practice or simply need a comprehensive review, this course provides the essential knowledge and skills to help you succeed.
For more information click here.
LPN Refresher Course
Tailored for individuals previously licensed as Practical Nurses who have experienced a lapse in licensure of five or more years, this course covers medical-surgical conditions, mental health principles, pharmacology, and safe clinical nursing practices. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for licensure reinstatement through the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
These programs not only support individual career reentry but also contribute to a more robust and prepared nursing workforce across the region. Employers and educators are encouraged to share these opportunities with potential candidates looking to rejoin the field.
For more information, click here.
LPN to RN Bridge Program
This one-year LPN to RN Bridge Program is designed to help Licensed Practical Nurses transition into the role of Registered Nurse. This career-focused curriculum builds on the existing skill level and knowledge and is enhanced by hands on experience in a state-of-the-art simulation lab and guidance from experienced faculty.
Application deadline for Fall: November 10, 2025.
For more information, click here. |
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Call to Action:
Strengthen the Nursing Pipeline through Reengagement! |
Refresher programs for RNs, LPNs, and Nurse Aides are critical tools for reengaging trained professionals who want to return to practice. These programs provide the clinical updates, licensure support, and supervised experiences needed to safely reenter the workforce — and they are already making a difference in addressing shortages across North Carolina.
As you think about reengagement strategies, here is a key question to consider:
How can your organization actively support professionals returning to the healthcare workforce?
Whether it’s through mentorship, clinical placements, refresher training, or policy advocacy, your efforts can make a real difference. Reengagement isn’t just about filling roles, it’s a powerful, sustainable solution that builds a more resilient, responsive healthcare system for everyone.
If your organization is seeking strategies to strengthen the nursing pipeline, we encourage you to connect with your regional lead at South Piedmont AHEC. Together, you can explore opportunities to expand refresher program access, create clinical placements, and develop wrap-around supports that help returning nurses and nurse aides successfully transition back into care settings. |
Now is the time to act.
What steps will your organization take
to open the door for those ready to return? |
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On the Horizon: UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Health Careers
Conference and Expo – Sponsors Needed!
October 8, 2025 | 9 AM–1:30 PM
Sponsored by South Piedmont AHEC and UNC Charlotte, this FREE event will provide prospective health careers high school students with the opportunity to explore a variety of health careers pathways. The event will feature campus tours, key impact speakers and an interactive expo packed with healthcare professionals and health science programs. |
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South Piedmont AHEC Regional Healthcare Workforce Collaborative Meeting
October 23, 2025 | 2 PM–3:30 PM
The South Piedmont AHEC Collaborative's goal is to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in the South Piedmont Region by aligning regional resources and expertise to strengthen the health workforce pipeline. |
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Leadership at Lunch Series: Bite-Sized Learning for Big Impact
Join South Piedmont AHEC for our Leadership at Lunch Series—a collection of affordable, one-hour trainings designed to help you lead with confidence, resilience, and impact. Each session tackles a critical leadership challenge, from preventing burnout and communicating effectively to retaining top talent and bridging generational gaps. Invest in your growth over lunch and gain practical strategies to enhance your leadership skills.
October 9, 2025 | 12 PM–1 PM
For more information on the Leadership at Lunch Series, click here.
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Gerontological
Nursing Certification
Review Course
October 23 & 24, 2025 | 12 PM–1 PM
Multiple Speakers
This two-day course offers an in-depth review of essential topics in gerontological nursing, designed to support nurses preparing for the ANCC Gerontological Nurse Certification exam. It is also ideal for nurses currently working in gerontology or those seeking continuing education credits in this specialty. |
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South Piedmont AHEC Regional Healthcare Workforce Collaborative Meeting
November 20, 2025 | 2 PM–3:30 PM
Sponsored by South Piedmont AHEC and UNC Charlotte, this FREE event will provide prospective health careers high school students with the opportunity to explore a variety of health careers pathways. The event will feature campus tours, key impact speakers and an interactive expo packed with healthcare professionals and health science programs. |
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