Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Connecticut
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) enjoy fast-paced, people-focused careers. They support patients by providing medication, caring for wounds, taking vital signs and assisting with basic hygiene. They also support medical staff by keeping detailed records and completing other tasks. LPNs may choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine or work as general support professionals.
Receiving State Licensure
People with a high school diploma or GED may enroll in an accredited LPN training program. After successfully completing this program, they may then take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), apply for a license and complete the necessary criminal background check.
Licensed Practical Nurses who received their licenses in another state may apply for a Connecticut license by providing an official transcript from a state-approved nursing program and a Verification of Theory and Clinical Instruction form from the dean of that school.
Connecticut’s LPN licenses must be renewed once per year and can renewed up to 60 days before the license expires.
Extra Certifications
Additional certifications are available for LPNs who would like to continue their education. These certifications are not required to begin working as an LPN, but they may provide a competitive advantage when applying to jobs and provide a good foundation for those who would like to become Registered Nurses. Certifications include IV work, long-term care, pharmacology, hospice and more.
Training Programs in Connecticut
The majority of training programs for LPNs take just one year to complete. For some programs, applicants must pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills, or TEAS. The following programs are among those available in Connecticut:
- Stone Academy. Stone Academy does not require any prerequisites for enrolled students. It also provides flexible schedules for those with full-time jobs and provides a transition program to help LPNs become Registered Nurses, if desired.
- Porter and Chester Institute. This program prides itself on providing a science-based curriculum that trains students in anatomy, first aid and medical terminology in addition to clinical training.
Career and Salary Expectations
The average annual salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse in Connecticut in 2019 was $57,380, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The profession is growing slightly, with the Partnership Managing Project estimating an increase of 7.7 percent in Connecticut during the 10 years from 2018 to 2028. Conditions in your area may vary.
Working as a Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes and other healthcare environments. They interact with patients each day and must have excellent communication skills, a strong attention to detail and the ability to empathize with patients and families. Most LPN jobs can be found in larger cities, such as Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford and Hartford, Connecticut. These jobs also pay more to compensate for the higher cost of living in these metropolitan areas.
Popular Colleges
FAQs
How much do licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earn in the state of Connecticut?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in the state of Connecticut made an average of $57,380 per year in 2019. Entry-level licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earned around $45,440 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $70,060.