Best Connecticut LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
Connecticut offers bridge programs that allow LPNs to develop the skills required for registered nursing practice. Courses cover complex patient care, leadership, and professional ethics. Clinical requirements ensure practical experience, and graduates are prepared for state licensure as RNs.
2027 Best LPN to RN Programs in Connecticut
Albertus Magnus College
New Haven, CT - Private 4-year - albertus.edu
Associate - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Albertus Magnus College’s LPN to BSN is a hybrid bridge specifically for LPNs. It blends evening and online coursework for flexibility. The curriculum stresses evidence-based practice, leadership, and clinical decision-making, with faculty including DNP-prepared coordinators. Students complete 126 credits in 36 months, with a 3.0 prerequisite GPA required. The program is the first of its kind in Connecticut, using a cohort model with waitlist priority. Admission requires the NACE exam rather than ACT/SAT. Career outcomes include nurse educator, nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist. ACEN candidate accreditation and financial aid add to its appeal.
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- 36-Month program
- 126 total credit hours
- Cohort-based structure
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- $35 application fee
- Financial aid available
- First LPN to BSN program in Connecticut
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Albertus Magnus College delivers a distinct LPN-to-BSN track with a hybrid format: 16-week in-person evening classes paired with 8-week online courses. This schedule suits working LPNs seeking upward mobility. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and clinical decision-making. Over three years, you'll earn 126 credit hours ready for positions like nurse practitioner, educator, informatics specialist, or nurse manager. Small classes ensure personalized attention, and hands-on learning reinforces real-world skills. The program holds ACEN candidate accreditation and supports military students. Admission doesn't require ACT or SAT; instead, an entrance exam is mandatory. Financial aid is available, making this a flexible and affordable BSN pathway.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- 3-Year program
- 126 total credit hours
- Cohort-based structure
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- $35 application fee
- Financial aid available
- First LPN to BSN program in Connecticut
Goodwin University
East Hartford, CT - Private 4-year - goodwin.edu
Associate - LPN Bridge program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Goodwin University's LPN Bridge program is a hybrid, four-semester pathway for working LPNs pursuing RN licensure. The first semester delivers online coursework at Charter Oak, while on-ground clinical rotations begin in the second semester at top healthcare facilities. This accelerated curriculum comprises five courses and emphasizes advanced patient care, critical thinking, and leadership, building on existing LPN knowledge. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and careers in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. With spring and summer start dates, financial aid availability, veteran-friendly support, and hassle-free enrollment, the program also offers on-demand information sessions, making it a practical and accelerated option for career advancement.
- 4-Semester program
- 5 total courses
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts spring/summer
- Financial aid available
- Accelerated LPN-RN program
- First semester online at Charter Oak
- Clinical rotations start in second semester
- Veteran-friendly support
- Hassle-free enrollment
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT - Public 2-Year - ctstate.edu
Associate - LPN to AD RN Bridge
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Connecticut State Community College’s LPN to AD RN Bridge hybrid pathway lets licensed practical nurses fast-track to an Associate in Science in Nursing. Through NUR 1150 online bridge and transition coursework, students gain advanced placement into the RN sequence. Curriculum emphasizes lifespan health, evidence-based practice, and professional communication, paired with clinical rotations in hospitals and long-term care facilities. This ACEN-accredited program culminates in NCLEX-RN eligibility. Admission demands a current Connecticut LPN license, prerequisite completion, a minimum 2.70 GPA, and a TEAS score of 58.7% or higher.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2.7 GPA minimum
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Online LPN to AD RN bridge course
- Requires current Connecticut LPN license
- Advanced placement into third semester
- Guaranteed entry into first semester
- College-based transition course required
Connecticut LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Bridge programs in Connecticut are designed for working LPNs who want to become registered nurses through an ADN or BSN pathway. Admissions are selective. Common requirements include:
- Active, unencumbered LPN license eligible for practice in Connecticut at the time clinical courses begin.
- Official transcripts showing completion of prerequisite coursework with minimum grades set by the program. Typical prerequisites include:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs
- Microbiology with lab
- English Composition
- General Psychology and Lifespan Development
- College-level math competency and dosage calculation readiness
- Nutrition and introductory sociology or communications, depending on campus policy
- Entrance testing such as TEAS or a similar standardized exam, as required by the program.
- Placement or mobility assessment for advanced standing that evaluates LPN knowledge and skills, and/or completion of a transition course.
- Current BLS CPR for healthcare providers, health and immunization compliance, and clinical clearance requirements including background check and drug screening.
- Meeting technology and computer literacy expectations for any hybrid or online coursework.
Programs may prefer or require recent LPN practice experience. Because clinical placements occur in Connecticut facilities, applicants must be able to meet clinical site requirements and travel to assigned locations.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN bridge curricula build on your LPN education and experience while preparing you for the broader RN scope of practice. After a transition course or validation of prior learning, you can expect coursework and clinical rotations that cover:
- Advanced adult medical-surgical nursing across acute and chronic conditions
- Maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing
- Behavioral health and community/public health nursing
- Health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology with clinical application
- Evidence-based practice, informatics, leadership, and interprofessional teamwork
- High-fidelity simulation, skills lab, and NCLEX-RN preparation integrated throughout
Accreditation and state approval are critical. To be eligible for RN licensure in Connecticut, you must graduate from a program approved by the state’s nursing board and pass the NCLEX-RN. National accreditation by ACEN for ADN programs or CCNE for BSN programs signals that a program meets rigorous academic and clinical standards, supports credit transfer to higher degrees, and is often required by employers and for federal financial aid. You can review program approval status through the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Connecticut offers LPN to RN bridge options at public community colleges and universities, as well as some private institutions. Most are cohort-based with limited seats and offer advanced placement into the second year of an ADN or into an accelerated track toward a BSN, depending on transfer credits and validation of prior learning. Daytime, evening, and some weekend options exist in different parts of the state.
Common courses and learning experiences include:
- Nursing transition concepts that align LPN competencies with RN expectations
- Complex adult health and care of patients with multi-system conditions
- Maternal-child, pediatrics, and family-centered care
- Mental health, crisis intervention, and therapeutic communication
- Community and population health, including home health and public health rotations
- Advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and clinical decision-making
- Leadership, delegation, quality improvement, and preparation for entry-level RN roles
Career Outlook
RNs in Connecticut work in hospitals, long-term and post-acute care, ambulatory clinics, home health, hospice, schools, and public health. Schedules vary and may include 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts with options for days, evenings, nights, weekends, or per diem arrangements. Workforce demand is steady, driven by retirements, chronic disease management, and the need for care coordination across settings.
Compared with LPN roles, RN practice includes a broader scope such as comprehensive assessment, complex care planning, independent nursing judgment, and leadership responsibilities. This typically expands employment options, especially in acute care, and aligns with pathways to BSN and graduate nursing roles. According to recent federal labor data, RNs in Connecticut earn higher average wages than LPNs, with RN statewide averages commonly in the mid-to-upper 90,000s annually and LPN averages in the mid-60,000s, recognizing that pay varies by region, setting, shift, and experience.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full-time bridge: Often 12 to 16 months of nursing coursework after transition requirements are met for ADN pathways. BSN bridges can take approximately 24 to 36 months depending on transferred credits.
- Part-time bridge: Commonly 18 to 30 months for ADN, with extended timelines for BSN based on course load and clinical availability.
- Evening/weekend formats: Designed for working LPNs; timelines typically fall between full-time and part-time durations due to clinical scheduling.
Your exact timeline depends on prerequisite completion, credit transfer, mobility exam results, and campus-specific sequencing of clinical courses.
2027 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Connecticut
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Albertus Magnus College |
|
|
| Goodwin University |
|
|
| Connecticut State Community College |
|
|
Tuition and Costs
Costs vary by institution and whether you attend a public or private program.
- Public in-state ADN bridge tuition and mandatory fees commonly total about 9,000 to 16,000 for the nursing portion, depending on credits needed after advanced placement.
- Private or university-based BSN bridge tuition can range more widely, often from the mid-20,000s to 45,000 or more for remaining coursework after transfer credit.
- Additional costs to budget:
- Books, e-resources, and supplies: 1,500 to 2,500
- Uniforms, stethoscope, skills kits: 300 to 800
- Background check, drug screen, and clinical on-boarding: 100 to 250
- Immunizations and titers: 200 to 600
- BLS CPR: 70 to 100
- Liability insurance: 15 to 40
- NCLEX and licensure fees: approximately 380 to 400 combined
- Transportation and parking for clinicals
- Housing: Many Connecticut bridge programs are commuter-oriented. Off-campus rents vary by region; a one-bedroom apartment often ranges roughly from 1,300 to 2,000 per month, with higher costs in Fairfield County and lower costs in some inland areas.
2027 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Connecticut
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Albertus Magnus College |
|
|
| Goodwin University |
|
|
| Connecticut State Community College |
|
|
Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Connecticut bridge programs frequently use hybrid delivery. Didactic courses may be offered in person, online, or in a hybrid format, while skills labs and clinical rotations occur face-to-face at approved sites. Fully online LPN to RN pathways are not feasible because direct, supervised clinical learning in Connecticut facilities is required for state-approved programs. Some schools also incorporate simulation to enhance, but not replace, hands-on clinical experience, consistent with program policy and state approval standards.
Working LPNs can often find options with evening or weekend classes and clinicals in select locations, but availability varies by campus and term. Always confirm current delivery formats, clinical scheduling, and state approval status before enrolling.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Connecticut
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN bridge programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse in Connecticut. Candidates typically complete two parallel steps: apply to the Connecticut Department of Public Health for RN licensure by examination and register for the NCLEX through the official NCLEX program site. After your nursing program submits required education verification and the state determines eligibility, you will receive authorization to test. Connecticut issues an RN license after the state receives official NCLEX pass results and any remaining documents. State-specific application instructions and eligibility details are maintained by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Connecticut licenses RNs from other states through licensure by endorsement. Applicants generally must hold an active RN license in another U.S. state or territory, have graduated from an approved RN program, and have passed the NCLEX-RN. Endorsement requires an application to the Department of Public Health and verification of all licenses; where available, electronic verification is accepted. Connecticut does not maintain state-to-state reciprocity agreements outside of the endorsement process.
Connecticut is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. RNs must hold a Connecticut RN license to practice in the state, and Connecticut-issued licenses are not multistate privileges. Students and new graduates planning multistate practice should review the compact’s current member list and plan for separate licensure if relocating or working across state lines.
Licensure Requirements
RN licensure in Connecticut is overseen by the Department of Public Health in coordination with the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing. Core requirements for initial RN licensure by examination include:
- Graduation from an approved RN program (ADN or BSN), including LPN-to-RN bridge programs
- Submission of an application and required fee to the Department of Public Health
- Official verification of nursing education sent directly by the program to the state
- Registration for and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN
Internationally educated applicants must meet Connecticut’s education equivalency requirements and provide license verification and examination proof as directed by the Department of Public Health.
License Renewal
Connecticut RN licenses are renewed annually through the state’s online renewal system. Renewal notices are sent in advance of expiration. At this time, Connecticut does not mandate continuing education hours or minimum practice hours for RN renewal. RNs must attest to meeting renewal requirements, pay the renewal fee, and keep contact information updated with the Department of Public Health to ensure timely notices. Lapsed licenses require additional steps for reinstatement as outlined by the state.
Average LPN State Salary in Connecticut
$70,240
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Average RN State Salary in Connecticut
$103,670
2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 12-18 months.
Credential Awarded:
Associate in Science (AS) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Provides the foundational knowledge and clinical skills necessary for entry-level registered nursing practice. The curriculum builds upon the LPN's existing experience.
Average In-State Tuition in Connecticut:
Varies by credit load. At Connecticut State Community College, in-state tuition is approximately $192 per credit, with additional fees. A full-time course load over a year could range from roughly $4,600 to $5,000 in tuition and fees, excluding books and materials.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest and most cost-effective route to becoming a registered nurse and gaining entry into the RN workforce.
School Types:
Primarily offered at community colleges, with the Connecticut State Community College system being the main provider in the state.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Approximately 3 years (36 months).
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Offers a more in-depth education in nursing theory, research, leadership, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for a broader range of nursing roles and responsibilities.
Average In-State Tuition in Connecticut:
At Albertus Magnus College, the cost is $583 per credit. The total annual tuition is in the range of $38,000-$43,000 before financial aid.
Best For:
LPNs aiming for leadership positions, advanced practice roles, or graduate studies, and who want to be competitive in a job market that increasingly prefers BSN-prepared nurses.
School Types:
Offered at four-year colleges and universities. Albertus Magnus College offers the first LPN to BSN program of its kind in Connecticut.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Role: This is the quickest path to becoming a registered nurse, allowing for a swifter transition into the RN workforce.
- Lower Cost: Associate degree programs at community colleges are significantly more affordable than bachelor's programs at universities.
- Foundation for Further Education: An ADN serves as a solid base for later pursuing a BSN through an RN to BSN bridge program, often with employer tuition assistance.
- Immediate Career Advancement: Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and can immediately access a wider range of job opportunities and higher earning potential compared to an LPN.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Broader Career Opportunities and Leadership Roles: A BSN is often required for management, research, and specialized nursing positions, and is increasingly preferred by employers, especially hospitals seeking Magnet status.
- Higher Earning Potential in the Long Term: While both ADN and BSN graduates can become RNs, those with a BSN may have a higher long-term earning potential and more opportunities for salary advancement.
- Deeper Knowledge and Skill Set: The BSN curriculum provides a more comprehensive education in areas like nursing theory, evidence-based practice, and public health, preparing graduates for the complexities of modern healthcare.
- Direct Path to Graduate Studies: A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist, which require a master's or doctoral degree.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Connecticut
East Hartford, CT
Goodwin University
- Associate - LPN Bridge program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 4-Semester program
- 5 total courses
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts spring/summer
- Financial aid available
- Accelerated LPN-RN program
- First semester online at Charter Oak
- Clinical rotations start in second semester
New Britain, CT
Connecticut State Community College
- Associate - LPN to AD RN Bridge
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2.7 GPA minimum
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Online LPN to AD RN bridge course
- Requires current Connecticut LPN license
- Advanced placement into third semester
New Haven, CT
Albertus Magnus College
- Associate - LPN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- 36-Month program
- 126 total credit hours
- Cohort-based structure
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- $35 application fee
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- 3-Year program
- 126 total credit hours
- Cohort-based structure
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- $35 application fee
Related Articles
- Most Affordable LPN/LVN Programs for 2026: Your Path to Nursing Success on a Budget
- LPN / LVN History & Background
- LPN to RN Bridge Programs: Accelerating Career Growth for Practical Nurses
- You Will ALWAYS Be Learning!
- Nursing in Long Term Care
- Full Time Mother and LPN
- Culture of LPNs and RNs in Team Nursing
- How to Prepare for Your LPN/LVN Program Entrance Exam