
Our State Board of Nursing approved courses are online, independent study courses designed with your needs in mind. Flexible formats allow you to update your nursing knowledge and skills while working within your busy schedule to get your license reinstated. No travel required!
Nurse Refresher Program Transition
Going forward, THEARI will be transitioning the Nurse Refresher programs to the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence. The Center was formally opened in 2003 with a mission to build the nursing workforce during a severe nursing shortage. Kris Wenzel, the original Executive Director of CCAHEC, and founder of the Nurse Refresher programs, was an original champion of the Center and their work. We are honored and grateful that these innovative and critical programs will live on at the Center.
Currently enrolled nurse refresher students will not experience a disruption of service during this process.
- For Licensed Practical Nurses whose licenses have been expired for 5+ years
- One full year to complete
- Interactive modules and course content
- Pre-hospital practice scenarios and case reviews
- Access to program staff through email, phone, or video conferencing
- Engage with fellow students through discussion board and monthly virtual open house sessions
Join our efforts in Leading Change today!

Read below for more information on the course or click the button to get started!
You will have 12 months from when you received your logins to finish phase 1 and phase 2 of the course.
Online Programs Used:
- Moodle: The course is designed using case-based learning where actual case scenarios are used to develop critical thinking in the learner. There are four theoretical modules that can be accessed online (you will be provided login information and instructions).
- Evolve: The Evolve Website will be used as a tool to teach various scenarios. These include critical thinking exercises in adult health (all systems),medical-surgical review of systems, procedures and treatment, mathematical practice, acid-base and electrolytes, infection control and wound care, and psychiatric fundamentals, procedures, disorders, and treatment.
Each module has assigned readings, case scenarios and self-testing. The student is expected to read the assignments, review the web links, and complete the self-tests.
- Module One - Nursing Concepts
- Module Two - Nursing Skills
- Module Three - Nursing Interventions
- Module Four - Adult Health Nursing
- Module Five - Alternative Healthcare Systems
- Module Six - Clinical Practicum
Once you have completed the course requirements you will then be eligible to take the open book final exam, either online or at an approved proctoring site. You are required to pass the final exam with at least a score of 80% in order to continue to the clinical portion. Students may take the final exam only once. Those who do not pass may retake the course for an additional fee. Retaking the final exam requires the design and approval of a successful retake plan.
Complete the following:
Purchase Textbook
Foundations and Adult Health Nursing 8th Edition
ISBN: 978-0-323-48437-4
Approximately $130.00 (25% off with discount code 70548)
Register for Course
Tuition: $1645.00
Instructions on how to get started will be sent to you by the Professional Education Team, including login information for the course.
Financial Aid
After passing the exam, you will need to complete the following:
Colorado State Board of Nursing Fingerprint Background Check
Price determined by fingerprinting agency.
THEARI Drug Screen and Background Check
Drug Screen Cost: $40.00
Background Check Cost: $40.00 minimum (varies based on student information)
NOTE: We do not accept any other background check or drug screens.
Required Documents/Information (Only if participating in in-person clinicals)
For your security, do not send these items via regular email. Please contact us to have them delivered securely.
Copy of previous license
Proof of professional liability insurance
Proof of current Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association
Proof of current immunizations or titers:
- Hepatitis B
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Tetanus Diphtheria and Pertussis (T-DAP)
- Chicken Pox
- Flu Vaccine
- Complete COVID-19 vaccination series
Proof of current Tuberculosis (TB) test
- The clinical experience is individualized for the student based on their background, education and work environment.
- The experience is a contract between the student, healthcare facility, and assigned preceptor. This practicum is arranged with the support of the Clinical Coordinator.
- An Education Agreement between THEARI and the healthcare facility must be created before the experience begins.
- The State Board of Nursing (SBON) must assign a temporary nursing license which reads "Active-Refresher Only" before students may begin their clinical experience.
- Students are required to submit a copy of this license to THEARI prior to starting clinicals.
- The student must also apply for a permanent license to the SBON at this time.
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website has more information about these requirements.
5+ years expired/inactive - Contact Hours: 120 Theory and 120 Clinical*
*The State Board of Nursing may require additional hours as determined by the Board on a case-by-case basis.
Have questions about reinstating your nursing license? Contact us at training@wearetheari.org or 720-446-8319