Do you aspire to be a nurse and live in the state of Connecticut? Are you wary about taking on two to four years of school to become a registered nurse? Why not test the waters by becoming a licensed practical nurse, or LPN, first? Many successful RNs start out their careers as LPNs, and they overwhelmingly come away with positive experiences. Is it right for you, though?
Becoming an LPN in Connecticut isn't too difficult, but you must follow specific steps to ensure optimal results. Most importantly, you must complete a state-approved LPN training program to be eligible to sit for the licensing exam. All too often, aspiring LPNs get too hung up on locating a training program and fail to make any progress. Many times, they simply aren't aware of the requirements. Don't let this happen to you. Keep reading to get up to speed about becoming an LPN in the state of Connecticut. You'll find information about licensing requirements, salary and employment outlook and more.
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Top LPN Programs in Connecticut
As you know by now, the first and most important step in becoming an LPN in the state of Connecticut is completing and passing an LPN program that has been approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing. With that in mind, it is crucial to take your time while searching for a training program. In addition to ensuring that it's approved by the state board, look for one that suits your budget and that boasts competitive pass rates for the NCLEX-PN.
Some of the top LPN programs in Connecticut include:
Lincoln Tech
200 John Downey Dr, New Britain, CT 06051 (800) 556-4624Lincoln Tech
8 Progress Dr, Shelton, CT 06484 (203) 929-0592Porter & Chester Institute
33 Palomba Dr, Enfield, CT 06082 (860) 741-2561Porter & Chester Institute
30 Waterchase Dr, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 (860) 529-2519Porter & Chester Institute
881 Wolcott St, Waterbury, CT 06705 (860) 274-9294Porter & Chester Institute
670 Lordship Blvd, Stratford, CT 06615 (203) 375-4463Stone Academy
745 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, CT 06108 (860) 569-0618Stone Academy
560 Saw Mill Rd, West Haven, CT 06516 (203) 288-7474
LPN Programs in Neighboring States:
LPN Licensing Requirements in Connecticut
Every state in the country has unique requirements for those who want to become licensed practical nurses. In Connecticut, licensing requirements for LPNs are fairly straightforward. They include:
Basic licensing requirements for LPNs in Connecticut include:
- Complete a state-approved LPN training program. Refer to the contact information for the state board to get more information about approved programs. Always confirm that a program is approved. If it's not, you won't be allowed to sit for the licensing exam. In Connecticut, approved programs have at least 1,500 hours of theory.
- Register for the NCLEX-PN examination through Pearson Vue.
- Submit your application along with transcripts from your LPN training program to the state board of nursing and received the Authorization to Test.
- Take and pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam.
In Connecticut, LPN licenses expire in the first birth month of the licensee following issuance and on an annual basis thereafter. They may be renewed up to 60 days ahead of time, and it is in your best interests to do so as soon as possible to avoid problems.
Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing
Upon completing your training and passing the test, submit your application for your LPN license to the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing. This is the same agency that is in charge of renewing licenses and of approving training programs. Contact information is as follows:
Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing
410 Capitol Ave #13PHO, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 509-7624
Fax: (860) 509-7553
Website: portal.ct.gov
LPN Salary & Employment Outlook in Connecticut
How quickly can you expect to get a return on your investment in LPN training in Connecticut? Fortunately for you, LPNs in this state tend to be very well compensated when compared with LPNs in many other parts of the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for LPNs in Connecticut is $65,670 per year, or $31.57 per hour. This is far higher than the national median salary for LPNs, which is $59,730, or $28.72 per hour.
Job outlook for LPNs in the state of Connecticut is strong right now, and it is expected to stay that way well into the future. According to the BLS, the field in the state will grow by around 8 percent from 2014 to 2024. Although this rate of growth is a bit slower than the national rate, it still represents a growing field and an industry with plenty of opportunities. Approximately 330 new LPN jobs are expected to open up in the state every year during that time, so anyone who possesses a valid LPN license will be able to take their pick from tons of opportunities all around the state.
LPN Salaries in Connecticut by Area
There's no question about it: LPNs in Connecticut are very well-compensated, and they tend to enjoy excellent benefits as well. Just as LPN salaries vary from one part of the U.S. to another, they vary widely in Connecticut from one part of the state to another. They tend to be highest in major metro areas and lowest in more far-flung, rural areas.
Where are the best places to work as an LPN in Connecticut? Here's the scoop:
| Area | Total Employments | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford | 2,800 | $32.78 | $68,170 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk | 2,050 | $33.41 | $69,490 |
| New Haven | 1,700 | $32.22 | $67,020 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly | 480 | $31.01 | $64,490 |
| Waterbury | 450 | $33.39 | $69,460 |
| Danbury | 400 | $31.68 | $65,900 |
As evidenced by the info above, there is a fairly big gap in pay between LPNs who work in Bridgeport versus those who work in Norwich. It may therefore be worth it to relocate if you're in an area where pay isn't as high.
With all of this information at your fingertips, you should be able to identify a suitable LPN training program in Connecticut with ease. In no time, you'll be on your way to applying for LPN jobs.
