Compare costs, outcomes, and schedules for accredited practical nursing programs within reach of Shelton.
Which LPN programs near Shelton, CT deliver dependable NCLEX preparation and manageable costs for students aiming to work in the Bridgeport-Stamford healthcare corridor? Southern Connecticut’s LPN demand is anchored by large employers: Yale New Haven Health, Optimus Health Care, and area long-term care facilities, while BLS data pegs the statewide mean annual wage at $65,042. Just three state-approved practical nursing programs sit within a practical commute, so the differences in exam pass rates, financial aid-adjusted net price, and clinical partnerships carry real weight for graduates entering a competitive market.
Shelton residents have access to three state-approved practical nursing programs, including one located right in town. Lincoln Technical Institute’s Shelton campus provides a convenient local option, while Goodwin University offers a Bridgeport campus just a short commute away. Lincoln Tech’s New Britain location rounds out the available CT-approved LPN pathways.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton | Shelton, CT | $39,000/yr | Shelton residents wanting a nearby campus | |
Lincoln Technical Institute’s Shelton campus offers the only state-approved practical nursing program located directly in Shelton. The program, approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing, prepares students for the NCLEX-PN with a comprehensive 1500-hour curriculum covering pharmacology, mental health, and maternity nursing. Day and evening schedules accommodate working students, with the day track finishable in about 52 weeks. Graduates emerge ready for diverse healthcare roles grounded in holistic, culturally competent care.
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| #2 | Goodwin University | East Hartford, CT | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | CNAs advancing with scholarship support | |
Goodwin University’s LPN certificate program, newly approved by Connecticut’s nursing board, is delivered at campuses in East Hartford and Bridgeport. The Bridgeport location puts a state-approved pathway within easy commute for Shelton-area students. The 16–28 month program offers flexible day and evening classes, requires no TEAS test fee, and includes a $1,000 scholarship for CNAs advancing their careers. Clinical rotations occur statewide, giving students broad hands-on experience.
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| #3 | Lincoln Technical Institute-New Britain | New Britain, CT | $33,000/yr | ||
Lincoln Technical Institute in New Britain provides a second CT-approved LPN option for students outside the Shelton area. The program mirrors the Shelton curriculum with 1500 instructional hours and a holistic care framework, emphasizing evidence-based practice and cultural competence. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN and enter nursing roles across various settings.
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LPN program costs can look very different once financial aid is factored in. While sticker prices for private, for-profit schools may appear high, the net price, what students pay after grants and scholarships, provides a more realistic comparison. Among the three programs near Shelton, net prices range from $29,249 at Goodwin University to $38,521 at Lincoln Tech Shelton.
Program-level earnings and debt figures for LPN graduates are not yet published by the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. The metrics below draw on institution-wide data from 2023, which can still signal relative value.
Median earnings for all federal-aid recipients who entered each school, measured ten years after entry, provide a broad earnings backdrop:
These figures are not specific to LPN completers, but they give a general sense of the earnings potential for graduates of these institutions.
ROI ratio divides institution-wide median earnings by median federal debt, reflecting how quickly a graduate might recover educational costs:
A higher ratio suggests a stronger earnings-to-debt balance, which is typical of affordable lpn programs. The two Lincoln Tech campuses stand out for their lower debt loads relative to earnings, resulting in a more favorable ROI ratio. Keep in mind that these debt figures are also institution-wide and may not mirror the typical borrowing for an LPN certificate alone.
The NCLEX-PN is the licensing examination all practical nursing graduates must pass to practice. A program’s pass rate directly signals how well it prepares students for licensure. Employers often view consistently high rates as a proxy for graduate readiness, and low rates can delay or block a graduate’s entry into the workforce. Because the test validates minimum competency for public safety, the pass rate remains one of the most transparent quality indicators available.
The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing provided the following first-time NCLEX-PN results for graduates in 2025:
*Stratford figures reflect programs where graduates did not sit for the exam or the program was in transition.
The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing does not publish a single statewide average, so the national first-time pass rate for US-educated candidates (86.6% in 2025, per NCSBN) serves as the most relevant benchmark.1 While Lincoln Tech Shelton’s day and evening tracks both surpass this mark (the evening cohort achieved a perfect 100%), several Porter and Chester campuses fell significantly below it. This variation underscores the importance of comparing specific campus data when evaluating LPN programs.
Getting into an LPN program in Connecticut is straightforward but competitive. While specific requirements vary by school, most programs in the Shelton area share a common set of prerequisites designed to ensure students are ready for the rigor of nursing education.
Most practical nursing programs near Shelton require a high school diploma or GED. You will also need to pass a nursing entrance exam, Lincoln Tech’s Shelton campus requires the TEAS, while other schools may accept the HESI. Additional steps typically include a criminal background check, drug screening, and up-to-date immunizations. Some programs ask for a minimum GPA in prior coursework, though Lincoln Tech reviews applicants holistically. Meeting these benchmarks early can speed your acceptance.
LPN training in Connecticut can be completed in as little as 12 months of full-time study. Lincoln Tech’s Shelton program, for example, spans 50 credits and 1,500 instructional hours, delivered in day or evening formats. This flexibility allows working adults to attend classes without leaving their jobs. While part-time options are less common at the Shelton campus, nearby schools may offer extended timelines. Always confirm the schedule during your interview to ensure it fits your life.
After graduation, the next step is licensure through the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing. You must submit an application (online or paper) with a $150 fee and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Registration for the NCLEX is handled through Pearson VUE; the board will issue an Authorization to Test once your application is approved. A state-mandated background check is required before licensure is granted.
Most LPN programs near Shelton use rolling admissions, meaning you can apply anytime and start at the next available cohort. Lincoln Tech’s Shelton campus accepts applications year-round and offers multiple start dates. Contact the admissions office directly to confirm current deadlines and secure your spot. Once accepted, completing financial aid paperwork and attending orientation ensures a smooth transition into the program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical nurses in Connecticut earned a mean annual wage of $65,042 in early 2023. This translates to an average hourly rate of approximately $31.27 for full-time work. The wage distribution shows that even entry-level LPNs in the state do comparatively well: the 10th percentile annual wage was $59,490 (about $28.60 per hour), while the most experienced nurses at the 90th percentile earned $80,410 ($38.66 per hour).
Specific data for the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk metro area, which includes Shelton, is available from a 2017 BLS survey. At that time, the mean annual salary for LPNs in the region was $59,640, with approximately 1,530 nurses employed. While more current metro-level figures are not published, wages in this region have likely risen in line with state trends. The statewide percentiles above provide a more up-to-date earning range for LPNs working near Shelton.
Nationally, the median annual wage for LPNs was $59,730 in 2023, with a 10th percentile of $45,670 and a 90th percentile of $77,870. Connecticut's pay scale is notably higher across all levels. The state’s 10th percentile ($59,490) nearly matches the national median, meaning that LPNs in Connecticut who are in the lower half of their wage distribution still earn close to what the typical LPN makes across the country. This premium reflects the state’s higher cost of living and strong demand for healthcare services.
The Connecticut Department of Labor projects 4% growth for LPN jobs from 2022 to 2032, equivalent to about 700 annual openings. While this rate is slightly below the national projected growth of 5% for the same period, it still points to steady demand driven by an aging population and the need for long-term care. LPNs trained in accredited programs near Shelton can expect a stable job market, with opportunities concentrated in nursing care facilities, home healthcare, and physician offices.
Choosing an LPN program involves several key questions about cost, outcomes, and logistics. Below we answer common inquiries to help Shelton-area students make informed decisions.
