Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and program length for local practical nursing schools near New Britain.
Fueled by an aging population and more outpatient care, LPN demand in Connecticut stays strong. New Britain, in the Hartford metro, sits close to major employers like the Hospital of Central Connecticut and numerous skilled nursing facilities, giving graduates immediate job options.
The local training options are few but focused: Lincoln Tech’s New Britain campus, Goodwin University in East Hartford, and Lincoln Tech’s Shelton site offer accredited practical nursing programs. Each schedules classroom work, clinical rotations, and NCLEX-PN prep around different timelines and costs.
With so few choices, directly comparing licensure exam pass rates and financial aid packages becomes critical. A hurried decision can delay your career start in a profession that already has job openings across central Connecticut.
Our rankings spotlight the top LPN programs accessible from New Britain, Connecticut, considering factors like accreditation, clinical training quality, and affordability. Whether you're starting fresh or advancing from a CNA role, these schools offer flexible pathways to licensure. Read on for detailed profiles of each program to find your best fit.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Lincoln Technical Institute-New Britain | New Britain, CT | $33,000/yr | New Britain residents pursuing local training | |
Lincoln Technical Institute's New Britain campus stands out as a locally embedded option, offering an ACEN-accredited Practical Nursing diploma right in the heart of the city. Students train in simulated labs and participate in community health fairs, blood drives, and screenings, gaining real-world skills aligned with Connecticut's scope of practice. The 1500-hour curriculum, covering everything from pharmacology to mental health nursing, thoroughly prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam. With day and evening tracks, it's a flexible choice for New Britain area residents.
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| #2 | Goodwin University | East Hartford, CT | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | CNAs seeking scholarship and RN bridge | |
Goodwin University in East Hartford offers a flexible LPN Certificate program that can be completed in as little as 16 months, with day and evening options to fit working students. Notable for its $1,000 scholarship for current CNAs, the program provides extensive hands-on clinical training across Connecticut. With a strong institution-wide graduation rate and a career ladder into RN and BSN programs, it's an appealing launchpad for long-term nursing careers in the state.
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| #3 | Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton | Shelton, CT | $39,000/yr | ||
Lincoln Tech's Shelton campus delivers the same rigorous Practical Nursing diploma curriculum as its New Britain counterpart, with a focus on holistic, culturally competent care. The 1500-hour program includes clinical experiences and covers all major nursing domains, and graduates are eligible for NCLEX-PN. Located in Shelton, it serves students in the western Connecticut area with both accelerated and extended scheduling options.
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Choosing a practical nursing program in New Britain usually means weighing immediate cost and scheduling flexibility against the depth of training you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-PN and impress employers. A program that’s easy on your wallet or fits your current work shift won’t pay off if it lacks proper accreditation or skimps on clinical experience.
The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing grants full or conditional approval to LPN programs. Only graduates of fully approved Connecticut LPN programs are guaranteed NCLEX-PN eligibility. Conditional status signals problems that could delay your exam or even result in program closure. Beyond state approval, national accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) tells employers you’ve met a consistent standard. Always verify a program’s standing directly with the board, don’t rely on marketing materials.
Request a detailed cost breakdown that goes beyond tuition. Some programs quote a low base price but leave out substantial additional expenses:
Comparing total costs upfront prevents a budget squeeze mid-program.
Many LPN students in New Britain work while enrolled, so flexibility matters. Ask whether the school offers evening, weekend, or part-time tracks. Hybrid programs blend online theory classes with in-person labs and clinicals, rarely fully online due to hands-on requirements. However, even flexible schedules must deliver enough direct patient care hours; a program that cuts corners on clinical days may leave you underprepared.
Clinical placements are the backbone of your training. Find out:
Prioritize programs that place you in respected facilities with clear supervision, this directly affects your confidence and job readiness.
How much does LPN training cost near New Britain actually cost?
Actual tuition varies widely. Because detailed financial aid breakdowns for New Britain, area LPN programs weren’t available at publication, your most reliable step is contacting each school’s financial aid office. Lincoln Tech in New Britain may offer interest‑free payment plans. Community colleges like Tunxis and Naugatuck Valley often have lower base tuition and may provide tuition waivers for in‑state residents. Ask each school about current fees, payment schedules, and any institutional scholarships. Many LPN students combine federal, state, and school‑based aid to lower their out‑of‑pocket expense.
Start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Connecticut’s state aid application. These determine eligibility for federal Pell Grants and Connecticut need‑based grants, which are accepted at most vocational nursing programs. The Connecticut Office of Higher Education (CT.gov/OHE) maintains a list of state‑specific LPN scholarships and grants, including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding. WIOA can cover full tuition for eligible dislocated workers or low‑income adults. Monitor the OHE website for application deadlines, and apply early because funds are limited.
Before committing, check the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) for regional LPN wage data in Connecticut to estimate how quickly your education costs will be offset by future income. The Connecticut Nurses’ Association also advertises professional‑development scholarships that can reduce costs as you advance. Watch their announcements to catch new funding opportunities that can shorten your break‑even timeline.
First-time NCLEX-PN pass rates reflect how well a program prepares students for the licensing exam. Rates above the national average suggest strong instruction and clinical readiness, while those significantly below may indicate gaps in training. The chart below compares 2025 first-time pass rates for day and evening cohorts at area schools alongside the national benchmark.
Before you can enroll in an LPN program near New Britain, you must hold a high school diploma or GED. Lincoln Tech's practical nursing program also expects students to have completed specific foundational courses. These typically include biology, anatomy, and physiology. If you haven't taken them recently, consider a refresher or an adult education course to strengthen your application. While Lincoln Tech does not publish a minimum GPA, having a solid academic record in science courses will help you succeed in the fast-paced curriculum.
Most LPN programs require a standardized entrance exam to assess readiness. Lincoln Tech uses the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or a similar assessment. The school has not disclosed a specific minimum score, so it is wise to prepare thoroughly using TEAS study guides and practice tests. Scoring well demonstrates that you can handle the program's rigor and may improve your chances in a competitive applicant pool.
Nursing programs require several non-academic steps to ensure patient and workplace safety. At Lincoln Tech, you will need to pass a criminal background check and a drug screening. You must also provide up-to-date immunization records, including vaccines like hepatitis B, MMR, and varicella. Additionally, a current BLS/CPR certification for healthcare providers is mandatory before starting clinical rotations. These requirements protect you, your classmates, and future patients.
Lincoln Tech uses an enrollment agreement rather than a traditional application form. You will also complete a learner assessment and must have reliable internet access and a device for online components. Application deadlines are not fixed, but many LPN programs operate on a rolling or cohort basis. With limited seats, it pays to apply as early as possible. Reach out to an admissions representative to confirm the next class start date and gather the most current checklist. If you are missing a prerequisite, ask about evening or accelerated options, Lincoln Tech offers both day and evening pathways, so you can align your preparation with your intended schedule.
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Britain involves a clear step-by-step process. From meeting prerequisites to passing the NCLEX-PN and obtaining state licensure, here is the pathway.
When deciding where to build your licensed practical nursing career, the difference between state and national wages can significantly impact your lifetime earnings, and in Connecticut, the local figures are worth a close look.
Licensed practical nurses in the Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown metropolitan area earned a median annual wage of $60,470 in 2024. The middle half of earners fell between $59,080 (25th percentile) and $61,220 (75th percentile), with the top decile reaching $62,000.1 This tight range reflects strong baseline compensation across experience levels.
Nationally, LPNs reported a median of $59,730 in 20232, making the Hartford metro figure slightly higher. More telling is the floor: the 25th-percentile wage in Hartford ($59,080) outpaces the national 25th percentile ($50,640) by over $8,000. While the national 90th percentile climbs to $77,870, reflecting high-cost areas elsewhere, Central Connecticut LPNs enjoy greater mid-range stability.
Program-level earnings data for the schools listed here are not yet publicly available, but statewide occupational data provides a dependable benchmark for new graduates entering the local market.
Nationally, employment for licensed practical nurses is projected to grow 5 percent through 20332, about as fast as the average for all occupations. In Connecticut, major employers include skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and acute-care hospitals. The aging population continues to drive demand, particularly in long-term care and community-based settings. For new LPNs who complete a program in the New Britain area, this translates into steady job openings and room to advance with experience.
Get quick answers to common questions about LPN programs in New Britain, Connecticut. If you don't see your question, reach out to the schools directly or check with the Connecticut Board of Nursing.
