Licensed practical nurses and registered nurses planning to re-enter the workforce can update their knowledge and skills this spring and gain hands-on clinical experience in two Anne Arundel Community College noncredit continuing professional education refresher courses.

            In “Licensed Nurse Refresher -- Part 1 -- Theory” (NRN 501), review medical-surgical nursing topics. Cover anatomy and physiology, major disease pathology, current treatment strategies and legal issues in nursing. The course meets 6-9:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 29-May 16, at the Glen Burnie Town Center, 101 N. Crain Highway.

            “Licensed Nurse Refresher -- Part 2 -- Clinical” (NRN 502) offers four weekends of clinical experience at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis under the supervision of practicing clinical nursing experts. Gain practice in physical assessment and other skills at a college lab before your clinical work begins. Clinical duties include patient assignments, giving medication and completing documentation and care plans.

            Lab sessions take place 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, March 11-April 8, on the Arnold campus, 101 College Parkway. Sessions at Anne Arundel Medical Center run 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, April 21-May 13.

            The Maryland Board of Nursing has approved the two-course series. Enroll in the courses simultaneously; each course costs $700. Those successfully completing the courses will receive a certificate awarding contact hours by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

            Nationally, growth for registered nurses is projected to be much faster than average, increasing 29 percent through 2014 according to the spring 2006 U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Quarterly. Growth nationally for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to be average, increasing 9 to 17 percent through 2014. The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation projects 14,850 extra nurses will be needed in the state by 2010, with 1,140 of those jobs in Anne Arundel County.

            Registration is under way. Advance approval is required for both courses; call 410-777-2560 for approval. For information on these and other spring noncredit continuing education nursing courses, go online to www.aacc.edu/healthcare.