Best Nursing School Options in Connecticut
Do you have an interest in the health care industry, a strong desire to help the people of your community, and the willingness to tackle a challenging field of study? If so, it may be time to look into nursing schools in Connecticut. Becoming a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse can help you explore an entirely new career field with a solid job outlook. Read on for more information about your nursing education options and associated career outlook for the state of Connecticut. When you’re ready to get more information about a program, click on any of the featured school links or use the “Find Schools Near You” quick search to quickly find programs that meet your preferences.
You know that healthcare is a growing industry, which may make this the perfect time to start learning about the best nursing schools in CT. Whether you want to become an LPN, a registered nurse, or a nurse practitioner, it all begins with your education.
There are many accredited nursing schools in Connecticut, and you may jump start your career by finding the school that best suits you. Explore RN programs in CT, LPN programs, and graduate schools to discover which degree is in line with your career goals.
There are numerous benefits to enrolling in an LPN or RN program in Connecticut. The Milford Mirror reports that local schools have started offering low-cost LPN programs to address the state’s growing nurse shortage. Contact Connecticut nursing schools to learn more about your options, and to request program materials.
Nursing standards are increasing all over Connecticut, leading many employers to increase their staffing levels and health care standards. The Journal Inquirer notes that nursing home rating systems have recently changed, causing ratings to drop in many parts of Connecticut. This may lead to a more positive job outlook for nursing graduates.
Nursing Education in Connecticut
After earning an RN or LPN degree at one of the nursing schools in CT, you may be in a position to understand and carry out new health care legislation. Per The Courant, changing health care laws have left many health care employers struggling to keep up. With an up-to-date education, you could be a great asset to a local employer.
Working as a nurse requires you to carry out a number of tasks, display professional competence, and have a strong understanding of different types of health care theory. You may get the training you need in a one-year LPN program, two-year Associate’s nursing programs in CT, or a four-year BSN program. Your curriculum may begin with core science courses like Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Pathophysiology. Nursing courses that may help you expand your knowledge in specific areas include Family Health Nursing, Lifespan Development, Pharmacology for Families Across the Lifespan, and Introduction to Nursing Practice.
Clinical work is a fairly prominent part of nursing programs in Connecticut, so be prepared to spend quite a bit of time in local nursing homes, clinics, and hospitals. Program requirements vary from school to school, although you can generally plan on spending several hundred hours in local nursing settings. This part of your education tests your theoretical understanding, your ability to apply knowledge to real-life situations, and your patient communication skills.
Once you have been accepted to a nursing program in Connecticut, you may be able to apply for scholarships and grants to offset the costs associated with your education. The Connecticut Student Nurses’ Association offers scholarships that range from $1,000 to $5,000. Another local scholarship resource is the Connecticut Nurses Foundation. By joining the Connecticut League for Nursing, you may be able to apply for several scholarships that they fund.
Nursing Degree Programs in Connecticut
There are many different educational pathways to meet your nursing career goals. We have listed below some of the popular program types for nurses in Connecticut. Just click the link for the programs that apply to you to find further information.
Transition programs for nurses:
Graduate programs for nurses:
- All Masters in Nursing Programs in CT
- All DNP and PhD in Nursing Programs in CT
- All Nurse Practitioner Programs in CT
Entry level nursing programs:
- All LPN/LVN Programs in CT
- All Associate Degree Nursing Programs in CT
- All Four-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs in CT
- All Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs in CT
- Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing Programs in CT
CT Nursing Program Requirements: Acceptance to Graduation
In the section below, we outline the basic program acceptance requirements, required credit hours, licensing information, and more for the most popular nursing programs.
Connecticut LPN Programs
At some two-year Connecticut nursing schools, you may find LPN programs alongside Associate’s in nursing degree programs. Licensed practical nursing courses can typically be finished in just one year of study, providing students with a convenient and fast-paced way to get started in the field of nursing.
- Entrance requirements: A high school diploma, completed health screen, and a criminal background check
- Credit hour range: 30 to 36 credits
- Online training options: Unavailable, since clinical work is mandatory for LPN students
- Licensure exams: NCLEX-PN
BSN Programs in Connecticut
Although you may get started in nursing at RN schools in CT, a growing number of students are skipping the Associate’s path and going straight to a BSN. A Bachelor’s degree may permit you to work in a greater variety of healthcare settings and pave the way for future graduate or doctoral study.
The best nursing programs in CT should offer multiple clinical experiences at this level, ensuring that you become confident working with different populations and healthcare needs.
- Entrance requirements: A high school diploma, completed health screen, and a criminal background check
- Credit hour range: 120 to 130 credits
- Online training options: Not offered at the Bachelor’s degree level
- Licensure exams: NCLEX-RN
Connecticut MSN Schools
At the Master’s degree level, you may be able to focus your career goals on a specific role. If you enjoy working in technology and management, consider going into nursing informatics or nursing leadership. If clinical work is your favorite part of being a nurse, you may choose instead to focus on nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwifery programs.
- Entrance requirements: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a license from the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing
- Credit hour range: 30 to 56 credits
- Online training options: Offered in some specialties, particularly administrative specialties
- Licensure exams: Certification requirements differ between advanced nursing specialties
DNP and PhD Nursing Programs in Connecticut
With a doctoral degree from one of the top nursing schools in CT, you may have what it takes to oversee massive change in the healthcare industry. Those who graduate with DNP or PhD degrees often go on to become important instructors, researchers, and leaders in this field.
- Entrance requirements: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Nursing and a current nursing license
- Credit hour range: 80 to 90 credits
- Online training options: Offered at some Connecticut schools
- Licensure exams: Certification requirements differ between advanced nursing specialties
Nursing Colleges in Connecticut with Nursing Bridge Programs
Depending on your previous postsecondary education, you may find that a bridge program can save you time and credits. These programs are designed for students who have already earned an LPN diploma, an Associate’s degree in nursing, or a Bachelor’s degree in another field of study. Rather than starting from the beginning and possibly repeating courses, you may leverage your existing education to earn your nursing degree more quickly.
Some programs are ideal for those who have earned a Bachelor’s degree in another area of study. The accelerated BSN program is growing rapidly in popularity, since it makes it easy for graduates to smoothly transition from another field. The majority of accelerated BSN programs last 12 to 18 months, combining several years of nursing education into one fast-paced curriculum. Due to the intensity of this type of program, you may have to forgo work until you complete your degree.
Nursing professionals may see the opportunities that come with advancing their education. That’s why several Connecticut nursing schools now offer LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs. This makes it fairly simple to expand your scope of practice and apply for certification as a registered nurse. Other programs are perfect for Associate’s-level nurses who want to earn a BSN or MSN. RN to BSN programs may allow you the flexibility of online study, since many require that applicants already have one to two years of nursing experience.
Tips for Choosing the Top Nursing Schools in Connecticut
Regardless of which type of degree you’d like to earn, you want to make sure that your school is a good fit for your needs. This looks different for every student. While some prefer small classes, others learn better with the myriad viewpoints of larger classes.
While you may want to build strong connections with professors, others like the anonymity of large crowds. You may want to tour the schools you’re considering. Sit in on courses and talk to current students to find out what their experience as been like at their school. You may find out how teachers inspire their students, what type of clinical experiences students get, and how they’ve grown professionally.
One aspect of selecting a nursing school is important at all levels of education. Accreditation is crucial for nursing professionals. If you earn your nursing degree from an unaccredited school, you may have difficulty earning a license. Depending on the school you attend, you may not even be unable to apply for a nursing license. On the other hand, a degree from an accredited agency may help you take the NCLEX and start working more quickly. The two largest accrediting agencies you may come across are the CCNE and the ACEN. You may also want to find out if your school is approved as an education provider by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing.
2017 Career Outlook for Nursing Professions
In Connecticut, the field of nursing is relatively stable. It has experienced consistent growth for several years, a trend that experts expect to continue for several years to come. This may give you the optimal opportunity to take your nursing education to the next level or start your nursing career at one of the best nursing colleges in Connecticut.
If you want to work as a licensed practice nurse, your journey may start at one of the accredited licensed practical nursing degree programs in Connecticut. From 2014 through 2024, job openings for licensed practical nurses are expected to increase 8% (O*Net, 2017). The average salary for an LPN in Connecticut is $55,720 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017).
Once you finish your Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Connecticut and pass the NCLEX-RN, you may be ready to jump into a registered nursing role. Demand for registered nurses may jump 6% through the year 2024 (O*Net, 2017). Those who work as registered nurses in this state earn an average of $78,270 per year, which is significantly higher than the national average (BLS, 2017).
At nurse practitioner degree programs in Connecticut, you may earn a Master’s or doctoral degree. Demand for nurse practitioners may increase 26% by 2024 (O*Net, 2017). Statewide, the average salary for a nurse practitioner is $113,550 (BLS, 2017).
There are many work environments you may explore as a nursing professional. Clinics and hospitals are almost always on the lookout for dedicated, highly trained nursing professionals who can provide evidence-based care to patients. Don’t forget to look into openings in Connecticut nursing homes. Experts report a strain on Connecticut nursing homes, as public health officials try to keep patients in nursing homes and out of hospitals, where they may contract deadly infections (CT Mirror, 2017). These efforts have the potential to significantly increase demand for nurses in nursing homes.
