Maria Delgado, RN
June 2, 2025
Connecticut’s health care system relies on licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to provide essential care in hospitals, long-term care settings, and in the community. Expanded demand for healthcare in Connecticut makes it necessary for LPNs to meet the demands of patients’ safety and care. LPNs are good for the healthcare system because they are able to assist with the needs of an aging population and the staff shortage existing at various healthcare facilities.
East Hartford, CT - Private 4-year - goodwin.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Goodwin University's LPN Certificate program in East Hartford, CT, provides a fast-track path to nursing, completable in 16-28 months with flexible day and evening schedules. It includes hands-on clinical training across Connecticut, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam without a TEAS test fee. A $1,000 scholarship is available for CNAs, making it ideal for career advancement in patient care and medication administration. This campus-based program is military-friendly and led by expert faculty, opening doors to various healthcare settings post-certification.
Shelton, CT - Private 2-year - lincolntech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton's Practical Nursing diploma program equips students for the NCLEX-PN exam through a 52-week day or 92-week evening option, totaling 1500 hours. The curriculum includes pharmacology, mental health, maternity, and pediatric nursing, emphasizing holistic and culturally competent care based on Watson's theory. Clinical experiences are integrated, and admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with no entrance exam specified. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
New Britain, CT - Private 2-year - lincolntech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lincoln Technical Institute in New Britain offers a Practical Nursing diploma program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam through a comprehensive 50-credit curriculum. The program includes 1500 instructional hours with hands-on clinical rotations in areas like mental health, maternity, and pediatric nursing, emphasizing holistic care, cultural competence, and evidence-based practice. It provides flexible scheduling with day and evening options, taking approximately 52 to 92 weeks to complete, and includes financial aid opportunities. No entrance exam is required for this practical nursing program.
The hands-on requirements of nursing education prevent Connecticut from offering fully online LPN programs, but students can enroll in hybrid programs that combine online learning with clinical practice. Certain programs across the state combine online learning with on-campus lab sessions and clinical practice requirements. The flexible program structure includes evening and weekend classes to accommodate students who need adaptable schedules. The workforce entry programs at these institutions allow students to finish their studies within 10 months through accelerated tracks.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Goodwin University |
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| Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton |
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| Lincoln Technical Institute-New Britain |
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| Certifying Board | Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section – Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) |
| Educational Prerequisite | Completion of a Board-approved practical nursing program with at least 1,500 hours of theory and supervised clinical instruction (50% direct client care) |
| Application & Exam Registration | $150 initial application fee, submit online application with photo and official transcript, register for NCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee |
| Eligibility & Testing | Transcript must be sent directly by the school, once processed, you’ll receive an Authorization To Test (ATT) and schedule your exam |
| License Renewal Period | Licenses expire in your birth month annually, $70 renewal fee, 90-day grace period following expiration |
| Continuing Education | Two contact hours of mental health screening and suicide prevention training required once every six years |
| Licensure by Endorsement | Out-of-state LPNs apply online with a $150 endorsement fee, Nursys or written license verification, official transcript, Verification of Theory and Clinical Instruction form, and photo, eligible for a 120-day temporary permit pending full licensure. |
With the ability to find employment at various health care facilities throughout the state, LPNs in Connecticut have a bright future within the job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of licensed practical nurses to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Average LPN Salary in Connecticut LPNs earn a median hourly wage of $28.42; however, the salary can vary because of work experience and the location of the healthcare setting. The state’s aging population, together with ongoing healthcare requirements, maintains a consistent need for skilled nursing professionals.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Connecticut | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $61,381 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $30.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$68,598 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | ~$61,381 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$55,331 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 5% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~930 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Technical Institute-New Britain |
| - |
| Goodwin University |
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| Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton |
| - |
LPNs in Connecticut have a number of ways to advance their careers. Some opt for LPN-to-RN bridge programs where they can transfer their education and current work experience to a path of registered nurse. Various colleges also offer LPN-to-BSN programs, which pave the way for practical nurses to obtain BSN degrees and get further career options. These avenues also can strengthen clinical skills and pave the way toward leadership roles and specialized areas of nursing.
Additional Nursing Programs in Connecticut
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