Last Updated/Verified: November 15th, 2024

Nursing is a rewarding career both financially and on a more personal level.

Many nursing students opt for a licensed practical nurse program in Connecticut because it provides a quicker entry into the career field.

LPNs don’t need a four-year degree, so you can get a jumpstart on your nursing career. Many LPNs go on to pursue their registered nursing degree while also working either part-time or full-time. There are numerous opportunities for LPNs in Connecticut thanks to job growth rates, and the top LPN programs throughout the state ensure students are ready to make their mark on the world as soon as they land their first job.

• Licensure requires at least 10 months of educational instruction, and most programs take 1 to 2 years to complete.
• LPNs in Connecticut average $29.40 per hour and an additional $9,562 in overtime each year.
• The job growth rate is much higher than average at 9% for LPNs in Connecticut, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Connecticut is one of the highest paying states for LPNs, according to Indeed, and nurses in Rocky Hill, CT, typically earn the highest salary at $33.36 per hour.
• Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport have the most educational opportunities and job opportunities for LPNs in CT.

Overview of LPN Schools in Connecticut

There are 11 schools with approved LPN courses throughout the state of Connecticut. Each school is qualified to train and educate future LPNs, but you’ll need to do a bit of research to find the best program for your unique needs.

Each school follows a similar curriculum that includes both in-class study as well as practical labs and clinical studies.

LPN program topics include:

• Nursing fundamentals
• Anatomy and physiology
• Nursing clinicals
• Specialized nursing courses (mental health, pediatric, geriatric, etc.)
• Nursing ethics

LPN Accreditation

To gain licensure, the nursing program you attend must be accredited by a nursing organization. The national nursing organization is the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and the regional organization is the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE). Ideally, your school is accredited by both, as well as approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing.

LPN Admissions Requirements

Each program has its own admissions requirements, so make sure you contact the school you choose for details. However, minimum requirements are typically:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Entrance examination
• Interview
• Background check

LPN Tuition & Costs

For most LPN students, cost is a major consideration. Each Connecticut LPN program sets its own prices, so costs will vary from one institution to the next. For example, Lincoln Tech – Allentown estimates $29,625 in total tuition for its LPN program. Books and supplies are an additional $3,026.21, and room and board aren’t included in these costs. However, students may also qualify for financial aid via grants, student loans, or scholarships.

LPN Licensing Requirements in Connecticut

A practical nursing program is the quickest way to gain your nursing licensure in Connecticut. To apply for your license, you’ll need to complete at least 1,500 hours of theory, and 50% of those hours must be supervised clinical hours. The training must take at least 10 months. Most Connecticut LPN programs take 12 to 18 months to complete.

Checklist to become a Connecticut LPN:

1. Complete your LPN program with 1,500 hours of coursework and hands-on experience.
2. Apply for licensure with the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing.
3. Attend CPR training and receive your CPR certification card.
4. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

You must renew your license each year during your month of birth. Continuing education courses aren’t required in Connecticut for LPNs.

NCLEX-PN Exam

To apply for LPN licensure in Connecticut, you’re required to sign up for the NCLEX-PN exam through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The exam includes four main sections:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity

All LPNs are required to pass the exam.

LPN Reciprocity

If you’re moving to Connecticut from another U.S. state and want to obtain LPN licensure, you must submit a Verification of Theory and Clinical Instruction Form, completed by your prior educational institution.

If you’re moving to Connecticut from another country, you must submit a Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report.

LPN Salaries in Connecticut

Connecticut LPNs earn an average of $29.41 per hour, which is higher than the national average salary of $20.17 per hour.

These are the major metropolitan areas in Connecticut and the average salaries of LPNs in these areas:

While location greatly affects an LPNs potential salary, other factors may also apply. Nurses who work in a hospital generally earn more than those who work in a physician’s office. Certain specialties may also command higher salaries, depending on demand and job duties. Like most careers, LPNs with more experience earn more than those with less experience. Because these shifts are often more difficult to fill, nurses who work nights or weekend shifts may also earn more.

• Bridgeport—Stamford—Norwalk ($61,370)
• Springfield ($59,640)
• Danbury ($59,690)
• New Haven ($57,740)
• Hartford—West Hartford—East Hartford ($57,600)

Source: https://www.bls.gov/

Job Outlook for LPNs in State

The job outlook is excellent for LPNs in Connecticut. The BLS reports anticipated job growth rates of 9 percent between now and 2029. As our population continues to age and experience numerous health concerns, the need for qualified LPNs will rise. Employers are offering numerous incentives for LPNs in Connecticut. These may include perks such as flexible schedules, tuition or student loan reimbursement, sign-on bonuses, and higher pay rates.

In addition, LPNs who want to continue their education to become registered nurses or gain specialized skills will find many opportunities in Connecticut. Specialties occupations such as geriatric nurses, nurse anesthesiology, and midwifery are growing in popularity throughout the New England states.

If you’re looking for a long-term career with a wealth of benefits and opportunities, nursing is the ideal solution.

Top LPN Schools in State

Lincoln Technical Institute-New Britain

200 John Downey Drive
New Britain, CT 06051
(860) 225-8641

Lincoln Tech’s New Britain campus has numerous facilities and resources for its students. There are hospital and medical labs, clinical nursing facilities, and examination rooms. Financial aid is available for qualified students, and career services help you start your career upon graduation.

Lincoln Technical Institute – Shelton
8 Progress Drive
Shelton, CT 06484
(203) 929-0592

Lincoln Technical Institute offers classroom education, practical labs, and simulated real-world settings for LPNs. They also offer hands-on experience to start your new career. The Shelton campus is located on Progress Drive near I-95.

Lincoln Technical Institute-East Windsor
97 Newberry Road
East Windsor, CT 06088
(800) 243-4242

Formerly known as Baran Institute of Technology, the East Windsor campus of Lincoln Technical Institute is located on 40 acres just off I-91 in East Windsor. It’s near the Connecticut River and has housing opportunities available for students.

Porter and Chester Institute – Rocky Hill
30 Waterchase Drive
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
(860) 529-2519

Porter and Chester Institute in Rocky Hill was founded in 1973 and offers 12 unique programs. The school is career-focused so you’re ready to start working as soon as you graduate.

Porter and Chester Institute – Waterbury
881 Wolcott Street
Waterbury, CT 06705

The Waterbury campus of Porter and Chester Institute is located near the Naugatuck Valley Shopping Center. It offers 10 career-focused programs for students who are eager to start their professional journeys quickly.

Porter and Chester Institute – Enfield
33 Palomba Drive
Enfield, CT 06082
(860) 741-2561

Established in 1979, the Enfield branch of Porter and Chester Institute focuses singularly on its Practical Nursing program. It’s located near Bradley International Airport and serves students in both Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Porter and Chester Institute – Hamden
1245 Dixwell Avenue
Hamden, CT 06514
(474) 234-6600

Located at the corner of Putnam and Dixwell Avenues, Porter and Chester Institute – Hamden offers nine programs for students, including Practical Nursing. Programs are career-focused, and financial aid is available for qualified students.

Stone Academy – East Hartford
745 Burnside Avenue
East Hartford, CT 06108
(860) 569-0618

East Hartford is the newest campus of Stone Academy. It opened in 2005 and has classrooms, skill development labs, a library, a student lounge, and administrative offices. The campus is well-landscaped with lush maple trees, benches, and picnic tables for peaceful study areas.

Stone Academy – Waterbury
101 Pierpont Road
Waterbury, CT 06705
(203) 756-5500

The Stone Academy – Waterbury campus is located on Pierpont Road and features 7,000 square feet of office, classroom, and lounge areas. There are also four modular classrooms, an expanded nursing assistant laboratory, and a dental assisting laboratory which are part of an upcoming expansion.

Stone Academy – Westhaven
560 Saw Mill Road
West Haven, CT 06516
(203) 288-7474

The West Haven campus is the main campus of Stone Academy. It covers 28,000 square feet of area and features large classrooms with plenty of natural light. There are also medical labs, a library, a large student lounge, and administrative offices.

Additional Resources

Connecticut State Department of Public Health

The Connecticut State Department of Public Health is the state’s governing authority for all healthcare and health-related matters. The goal of the organization is to “protect and improve the health and safety of the people of Connecticut.” They provide licensure requirements and other information for LPNs and other healthcare professionals.

Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing

The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing is a government agency that oversees LPNs and other nurses throughout the state. The board establishes nursing standards, issues licenses, and ensures nursing compliance. They also provide accreditation for nursing education programs in Connecticut.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that includes nursing boards from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. The NCSBN created, maintains, and administers the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN examinations.