2024 - Best LPN Programs in Connecticut

Last Updated/Verified: Dec 8, 2023

Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Connecticut is a wise choice for those looking to enter the healthcare field in the state. Connecticut has committed to improving patient outcomes by offering numerous schools with LPN programs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is projecting an 11% increase in employment for LPNs through the year 2028, making this a great time to consider practical nursing. LPNs in Connecticut earn approximately $30.11 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $62,620. This is roughly $6,760 per year more than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Connecticut? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Connecticut are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 8 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 3 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Connecticut click here.

Details on Connecticut LPN Schools & Classes

LPN programs in Connecticut can be found throughout the state, in institutions such as community colleges, technical schools, and more. Students can typically complete the entire program in 1-2 years of study, depending on full or part-time enrollment. Upon graduating, students will then take the NCLEX-PN in order to gain licensure.

Common courses found in the LPN curriculum at schools in Connecticut include:

  • Human Anatomy & Physiology
  • Nursing Fundamentals
  • Pharmacology
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing

Accreditation

Those considering an LPN program should first and foremost consider how reputable the school and program are. The best way to do this is to check for proper accreditations. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is a great national organization to watch out for, and there are regional accrediting bodies as well. The Connecticut Board of Nursing may also be able to steer you toward an approved LPN program.

Admission Requirements

To gain entrance into an LPN program, students should make sure to follow their school of choice’s admission requirements. While these can vary, they usually consist of the following:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Completion of any prerequisite courses
  • Must be 18 or older

Tuition and Costs

The complete cost of an LPN program will fluctuate due to things like location, type of school, and other factors. Students will be expected to pay for tuition, any additional program fees, and course materials (textbooks, etc.). For example, the LPN program costs at Porter and Chester Institute are roughly $29,900 for tuition and fees, with an estimated $2,700 more needed for books. Financial aid, student loans, and scholarships are typically available to students who qualify.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Connecticut LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Connecticut LPN Licensing Requirements

To become an LPN in the state of Connecticut, educational requirements must be met by attending a state-approved nursing program that is comprised of at least 1,500 hours of theory over 10 months. If the student has less than 1,500 hours, he or she can substitute clinical work experience for missing hours. Once coursework is complete, the graduate must sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state, along with passing test scores and official transcripts from the state-approved nursing program.

Connecticut LPN licenses expire annually and can be renewed as early as 60 days prior to expiration date.

NCLEX Exam Information

The NCLEX-PN is the official exam that LPN students must pass upon graduating from an approved nursing program. This test consists of a series of general nursing questions broken up into several categories. A detailed overview of the NCLEX-PN can be found here, and students can take the NCLEX-PN practice test to prepare for the actual exam.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Connecticut does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact.

LPNs from out of state can apply for a Connecticut license by endorsement. To do this, the applicant must submit the notarized application form, including:

  • Official transcript from state-approved nursing program.
  • Verification of Theory and Clinical Instruction form submitted by the dean of the above school.

Foreign applicants pursing a license in Connecticut must submit approval from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) after full course-by-course review.

For detailed information about LPN endorsement by application in Connecticut, click here.

2024 CT NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

  • Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 8
  • 2022 Average Statewide Connecticut NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 73.5%

Top Ranked Connecticut LPN Programs

1

Porter & Chester Institute - Enfield

33 Palomba Drive, Enfield, CT 06082 - (860) 741-2561 - Visit Homepage

Porter and Chester Institute's Enfield campus offers their renowned practical nursing program. PCI seeks to not only educate and train future practical nurses through its 15-month program, but also to create amibitious employees and lifelong learners. Students learn through small class sizes, labs, and experiences at local medical facilities.

Overall Score: 91.60 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Lincoln Tech - New Britain

200 John Downey Dr, New Britain, CT 06051 - (800) 556-4624 - Visit Homepage

Lincoln Technical Institute is located in New Britain, Connecticut, with other campuses located in Hamden, Shelton, Hartford, and East Windsor, as well several other cities across the United States. Hands-on experience is at the forefront of Lincoln Technical Institute's training to help students gain practical, career-intensive nursing skills, preparing them for the jobs of their dreams.

Overall Score: 87.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Porter & Chester Institute- Rocky Hill

30 Waterchase Dr, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 - (860) 529-2519 - Visit Homepage

Porter and Chester Institute (PCI) is located in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, with additional campuses in Branford, Enfield, Watertown, and Stratford, as well as four locations in Massachusetts. PCI's philosophy is to educate and prepare students, creating competent practical nurses with excellent job prospects upon graduation.

Overall Score: 85.20 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Connecticut

RankedProgramScore
#4 Porter & Chester Institute - Waterbury
881 Wolcott Street, Waterbury, CT 06705
(860) 274-9294
74.55
#5 Lincoln Tech - Shelton
8 Progress Dr, Shelton, CT 06484
(203) 929-0592
72.30
#6 Stone Academy - East Hartford
745 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, CT 06108
(860) 569-0618
71.05
#7 Stone Academy - West Haven
560 Saw Mill Rd, West Haven, CT 06516
(203) 288-7474
61.55

Programs Not Included In Rankings

Program
Porter & Chester - Bridgeport
156 Boston Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610
(475) 273-2400

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional CT Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in Connecticut

The table below lists career information obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Connecticut. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Hartford, West Hartford, East Hartford2,860$29.70$61,780
Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk2,060$31.15$64,790
New Haven1,850$30.20$62,810
Norwich, New London, Westerly520$29.08$60,480
Waterbury470$30.33$63,090
Danbury370$29.74$61,860

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)