RN REENTRY PROGRAM FAQ

For more information on the RN and LPN Reentry Program please contact, Southern Regional Technical College Economic Development. Please send a Letter of Introduction and your CV/Resume in an email.

1. How many parts are there to the Reentry Program and how long does each take?

There are two parts:
1) Part one is didactic (self-study). You are given 4 weeks from the date that it is issued to complete.
2) Part two is the clinical portion. This portion consists of a minimum of 160 hours of supervised clinical practice. The length of time varies but is usually around 1-3 months.

2. What will I need to do to enroll in your Reentry Program?

Download an application form the Georgia Board of Nursing web site →

Complete and return the application for licensure to the GBON and state that you want to enroll in Southern Regional Technical College’s board-approved Nurse Reentry Program. If your name has changed, include a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.

3. Who completes Form A, B and C for the Board of Nursing?

Southern Regional Technical College, after you send in the application to the state.

4. Prior to meeting with the Southern Regional Technical College nurse reentry coordinator, what do I need to do?

  • A physical examination within the past six months indicating a good state of health
  • Documentation of a 2-step TB skin test unless documentation is provided of annual TB skin testing or documentation of a negative Quantiferon or T-Spot test. If past history of positive TB skin test, then a chest x-ray within the past 12 months (some facilities may require 6 months) with results within normal limits is required.
  • MMR Two doses or documentation of positive Measles, Mumps and Rubella titers.
  • Documentation of Tdap within the last 10 years. Td alone is not sufficient.
  • Varicella Vaccination two doses, or documented history of Chicken Pox disease or Varicella titer.
  • Documentation of polio immunization or titer.
  • Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers
  • Active malpractice liability insurance ($1,000,000 each incident, $4,000,000 aggregate).
  • Complete the Hepatitis B Series or show proof of immunity.
  • Active accidental health insurance (medical coverage)
  • May be other requirements based on the institution’s policies and procedures.

5. How long will the entire reentry program take?

It takes anywhere between 2 to 4 months. The entire program must be completed in 6 months.

6. How often will I meet with the Coordinator?

You will have two skills check offs with your program coordinator.

7. How does the self-study portion work?

You will work independently through an online course. There is an instructor available to answer questions and provide assistance as needed.

8. What is the cost for the entire program?

The cost of the program is $1500.00. You can apply for assistance through WIOA if qualified.

9. Are there any other costs associated with the program?

You will have to pay for your immunizations, physical exam, malpractice, CPR training, background check, and the Board of Nursing application fee. Additional fees may be assessed based on the training institution’s policies and procedures.

10. I have not practiced for years; do you think I can do this?

Yes. Our course is designed to allow for up to 6 months of self-study to ensure you feel refreshed and confident in your skills.

11. What if I do not finish the Reentry Program within the six months in which my temporary license has been issued?

You must reapply to the Board of Nursing and start the process over.

12. Who actually contacts the facility to obtain a preceptor?

The Southern Regional Technical College reentry coordinator will work with one of our affiliated facilities/hospitals to identify a preceptor.

13. May I have more than one clinical preceptor for my experience?

It could be possible, but it is a 1:1 ratio in working with a nurse.

14.How do I know if my local college offers the reentry program?

Currently, 7 of our colleges offer the reentry program. If your local college does not currently offer the program but you would like them to, please reach out to their Economic Development division.

15. Will I have to have a criminal background check?

The GBON requires a criminal background check. Follow their instructions on their website to obtain one. In addition, some institutions require their own background check. We will inform you of how to proceed once the institution has been identified.

16. Is an institution obligated to let me do the clinicals if something negative shows up in my background check?

No.

17. Who arranges the actual hours I will work during my clinicals?

The reentry candidate and the preceptor work together to make those arrangements. Be sure to document the actual days and hours worked and submit that information to Southern Regional Technical College at the end of your clinicals.

18. Are there certain competencies I must demonstrate during the clinical?

Yes, you and your supervising nurse/preceptor will be given a copy of them. They are typically the skills checklist used at that facility.

19. Do I have to work 12-hour shifts?

Shift hours vary by the facility and the department that you are placed in. It is usually an 8 or 12-hour shift depending upon the shift your Supervising Nurse/preceptor works.

20. Do I need insurance during my clinical time?

Yes, you need both medical liability insurance, health, and an accidental health insurance (medical coverage).

21. Can I choose which shift and which area I would like to do my clinical?

No. The clinical hours and unit are assigned based on the availability at the facility. You may state your preference for shifts/departments but that is not a guarantee that you will be placed on that shift. It would be helpful if you have a resume stating your area of expertise.

22. Can I do this program if I have a current nursing license?

Yes, the program may be done if you have a current license and want a refresher to brush up on your skills and to make you more marketable as an employee.

23. Can I participate in this program if I am licensed in another state?

Yes, first you have to submit an application to the GBON for licensure by endorsement. Once your application has been processed/reviewed, GBON will notify you if a reentry program is necessary. To avoid processing delays, please be sure to include all required documentation with your application packet.

24. Does your program have a scheduled start date for sessions?

Please contact us for information about start dates.

For more information contact the Economic Development office today!