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 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certificate program in East Hartford, CT, offers a fast-track to a rewarding healthcare career. Complete in 16-28 months with flexible day and evening options. CNAs can apply for a $1,000 scholarship. The program includes hands-on clinical training across Connecticut, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. No TEAS test fee at Goodwin. Ideal for those seeking to advance from CNA roles, offering skills in patient care, medication administration, and more. Open to various healthcare settings post-certification.
Shelton, CT - Private 2-year - lincolntech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing program at Lincoln Technical Institute-Shelton prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing, offering a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential nursing skills, pharmacology, and patient care across various life stages. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, opening doors to employment in diverse healthcare settings. The program emphasizes holistic, culturally competent care, grounded in Watson’s human caring theory. With both day and evening options, the program is designed to accommodate students' schedules, requiring approximately 52 weeks for day students and 92 weeks for evening students to complete. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, with financial aid options available for qualifying students.
New Britain, CT - Private 2-year - lincolntech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lincoln Technical Institute in New Britain, CT, offers a Practical Nursing diploma program designed for those aiming to enter the nursing profession. This program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam, opening doors to careers in various healthcare settings. With a curriculum covering human anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care, students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations. The program emphasizes holistic care, cultural competence, and professional development, ensuring graduates are ready to meet the demands of the nursing field. Financial aid options are available, making this program accessible to aspiring nurses at different life stages.
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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