LPN Programs in Connecticut 2026
Complete Guide to Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in CT
Complete Guide to Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in CT
Short Answer: NO. Connecticut requires a minimum of 12-18 months to complete an approved LPN program and become licensed.
Why the confusion? Some advertisements mention "6 months" referring to:
The Reality: All Connecticut Department of Public Health approved LPN programs require 12-18 months of full-time study, including classroom instruction, lab practice, and supervised clinical rotations. This guide lists only legitimate, state-approved programs.
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Connecticut ranks 8th in the nation for LPN wages with an average salary of $52,000/year. That's $4,000+ more than the national average and significantly higher than neighboring states.
Connecticut has 50+ hospitals, hundreds of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies actively hiring LPNs. Major employers include Yale New Haven Health, Hartford HealthCare, and Trinity Health.
Most Connecticut LPN programs take 12-18 months to complete. Start your nursing career faster than a 2-year associate degree, and you can always bridge to RN later through proven pathways.
Connecticut's community college system offers LPN programs for $8,000-$12,000 – some of the best values in New England. Financial aid, grants, and payment plans make training accessible.
All programs listed below are approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and prepare students for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam.
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Tuition costs for Connecticut LPN programs range from $8,000 to $18,000. Community colleges offer the most affordable options, while private technical schools typically charge higher tuition but may offer more flexible schedules and multiple start dates.
| School | Tuition (In-State) | Fees | Books & Supplies | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Community College | $8,500 - $9,200 | $800 | $1,000 | $10,300 - $11,000 |
| Manchester Community College | $8,800 - $9,500 | $850 | $1,050 | $10,700 - $11,400 |
| Gateway Community College | $8,400 - $9,100 | $800 | $1,000 | $10,200 - $10,900 |
| Naugatuck Valley CC | $8,700 - $9,400 | $820 | $1,020 | $10,540 - $11,240 |
| Three Rivers CC | $8,300 - $9,000 | $780 | $980 | $10,060 - $10,760 |
| Porter and Chester Institute | $16,500 - $18,000 | $1,200 | $1,500 | $19,200 - $20,700 |
Note: Costs shown are estimates for the 2025-2026 academic year. Out-of-state students at Connecticut community colleges pay approximately 2-3x the in-state tuition rate. Always verify current costs with schools directly.
Connecticut offers some of the highest LPN salaries in the nation. The average LPN in Connecticut earns $52,000 per year ($25/hour), ranking 8th nationally. Salaries vary significantly by region, with Fairfield County (Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk) offering the highest wages.
| City/Region | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stamford/Greenwich | $58,000 | $27.88 | $52,000 - $66,000 |
| Bridgeport/Fairfield County | $55,000 | $26.44 | $49,000 - $62,000 |
| Hartford | $53,000 | $25.48 | $47,000 - $60,000 |
| New Haven | $52,000 | $25.00 | $46,000 - $59,000 |
| Waterbury | $51,000 | $24.52 | $45,000 - $58,000 |
| Norwich/New London | $50,000 | $24.04 | $44,000 - $57,000 |
Salary data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indeed, ZipRecruiter (January 2026)
| State | Average LPN Salary | vs Connecticut |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $52,000 | — |
| Massachusetts | $58,000 | +$6,000 |
| New York | $51,000 | -$1,000 |
| Rhode Island | $49,000 | -$3,000 |
| National Average (U.S.) | $48,000 | -$4,000 |
Salary Growth Potential: Experienced LPNs in Connecticut with 5+ years can earn $58,000-$65,000, especially in specialized settings like dialysis centers, surgical clinics, or with leadership responsibilities.
The NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) is required for all LPN graduates to obtain their Connecticut license. Connecticut programs maintain an average pass rate of 89%, slightly above the national average of 86%.
| School | First-Time Pass Rate | vs CT Average | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester Community College | 91% | +2% | âś… Above Average |
| Gateway Community College | 90% | +1% | âś… Above Average |
| Naugatuck Valley CC | 89% | — | ✅ Average |
| Capital Community College | 88% | -1% | âś… Average |
| Three Rivers CC | 88% | -1% | âś… Average |
| Tunxis Community College | 87% | -2% | âś… Average |
| Housatonic Community College | 86% | -3% | âś… Average |
| Porter and Chester Institute | 85% | -4% | âś… Average |
What Pass Rates Mean: Schools with 80%+ first-time pass rates are considered good programs. Rates between 85-95% indicate strong instruction and student preparation. All Connecticut programs listed maintain approval from the CT Department of Public Health.
Note: Pass rates fluctuate yearly based on class size and student demographics. A lower pass rate doesn't necessarily indicate poor instruction—many programs serve non-traditional students or those with English as a second language who may need additional preparation.
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Connecticut takes approximately 12-18 months from start to finish. Here's a realistic timeline of what to expect:
Cost: $300-$600 (exam fees, application fees, health requirements)
Cost: $10,000-$20,000 (tuition, fees, books, supplies, uniforms)
Cost: $350 (application + exam fees)
Tip: Most students pass on their first attempt. If you don't pass, you can retake after 45 days.
Total Time from Start to Licensed LPN: 12-18 months
Total Investment: $11,000-$21,000
Return on Investment: $52,000/year average salary = payback in 6-12 months!
Don't let cost prevent you from pursuing LPN training! Most Connecticut students receive financial aid through federal grants, state programs, scholarships, or employer reimbursement. Here are your options:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for:
Tip: File FAFSA by March 1st for Connecticut state grant priority. Most LPN students qualify for Pell Grants which cover 50-100% of community college tuition!
Many Connecticut healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement or scholarships for employees pursuing nursing education:
Strategy: Work as a CNA while attending LPN school. Many employers will pay for your training!
đź’ˇ Financial Aid Tip: Over 70% of Connecticut LPN students receive some form of financial aid. Community college students often graduate with $0-$5,000 in debt, which can be repaid in less than a year with LPN salary!
Connecticut's healthcare industry is the state's largest employer, with over 250,000 healthcare workers. LPNs work in diverse settings including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, clinics, and dialysis centers.
Locations: New Haven, Bridgeport, Greenwich, Westerly
LPN Positions: Medical-surgical units, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation services
Benefits: Competitive pay, tuition reimbursement, health insurance, retirement plans
View CareersLocations: Hartford, Glastonbury, Manchester, New Britain, Stafford Springs
LPN Positions: Primary care clinics, urgent care, home health, rehabilitation hospitals
Benefits: Tuition assistance, sign-on bonuses, comprehensive benefits
View CareersLocations: Hartford, Waterbury, Manchester
LPN Positions: Skilled nursing facilities, outpatient services, home health
Benefits: Flexible scheduling, career advancement, benefits packages
View CareersConnecticut has over 200 nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities—the largest employer sector for LPNs:
Typical Pay: $48,000-$55,000/year, often with shift differentials for evenings/weekends
Growing sector with excellent work-life balance:
Typical Pay: $50,000-$58,000/year, flexible schedules, mileage reimbursement
High-demand specialty with excellent pay:
Typical Pay: $54,000-$62,000/year, weekday schedules, specialized training provided
Typical Pay: $46,000-$54,000/year, Monday-Friday schedules, no holidays/weekends
🔍 Job Search Tip: Connecticut has a nursing shortage! Many facilities offer sign-on bonuses ($1,000-$3,000), tuition reimbursement, and flexible schedules. New LPN graduates typically have multiple job offers to choose from.
Both Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) are in demand in Connecticut. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide:
| Factor | LPN (Practical Nurse) | RN (Registered Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Education Time | 12-18 months | 2-4 years (ADN or BSN) |
| Tuition Cost | $8,000-$18,000 | $20,000-$80,000 |
| Licensing Exam | NCLEX-PN (85-205 questions) | NCLEX-RN (75-265 questions, harder) |
| Connecticut Salary | $52,000/year average | $81,000/year average |
| Scope of Practice | Basic nursing care under RN/MD supervision | Assessment, care planning, IV therapy, independent practice |
| Work Settings | Nursing homes, home health, clinics, some hospitals | All settings including ICU, ER, surgery |
| Career Advancement | Limited; can bridge to RN | Management, specialties, advanced practice |
| Job Availability | High demand in long-term care, home health | High demand in all settings |
Many Connecticut LPNs advance to RN through bridge programs:
Timeline: LPN-to-ADN bridge programs take 12-18 months. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement!
Want to learn more about LPN to RN programs in Connecticut? Visit LPN to RN Bridge Programs in CT for complete guide.
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No. All Connecticut Department of Public Health approved LPN programs require a minimum of 12-18 months to complete. Programs claiming "6 months" typically refer to prerequisites only (like CNA training) or are not CT-approved and won't qualify you for Connecticut licensure. Always verify a program's approval status at portal.ct.gov/DPH before enrolling.
The complete timeline from application to licensed LPN is 12-18 months. This includes: 2 months for prerequisites and applications, 12 months for the full-time program (classroom, labs, and clinical rotations), and 1-2 months for NCLEX-PN exam and licensure processing. Part-time programs take 18-24 months but allow you to work while studying.
Connecticut LPN programs range from $8,000 to $18,000 for tuition and fees. Community colleges (Capital CC, Gateway CC, Manchester CC, Naugatuck Valley CC) are most affordable at $8,000-$12,000 total cost. Private technical schools like Porter and Chester Institute cost $16,000-$20,000 but may offer more flexible schedules. Additional costs include books ($1,000), supplies ($400), uniforms ($300), health requirements ($500), and exam fees ($350).
LPNs in Connecticut earn an average of $52,000 per year ($25/hour), ranking 8th highest in the United States. Salaries vary by region: Stamford/Fairfield County pays the highest at $55,000-$58,000, while Hartford and New Haven average $52,000-$53,000. Experienced LPNs with 5+ years or specialty certifications (IV therapy, dialysis) can earn $58,000-$65,000. Connecticut LPN salaries are $4,000+ higher than the national average.
Yes, but it's challenging. Most Connecticut students work part-time (10-20 hours/week) during LPN training. Full-time programs require 30-40 hours/week of class, labs, and clinical rotations, making full-time work difficult. Many students work weekend shifts in healthcare (as CNAs or home health aides) to gain experience and income. Part-time LPN programs (18-24 months) are designed for working adults and offer evening/weekend classes.
Yes. All Connecticut LPN programs must be approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). Many programs also hold national accreditation from ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). Always verify a school's approval status before enrolling by checking the CT DPH approved programs list. Graduating from an unapproved program will prevent you from taking the NCLEX-PN or obtaining Connecticut licensure.
Connecticut LPN program prerequisites typically include: high school diploma or GED, minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA (or completion of prerequisite courses), entrance exam (TEAS, HESI, or school-specific test), criminal background check and fingerprinting, drug screening, health requirements (vaccinations, physical exam, TB test), and basic computer skills. Some programs require prerequisite courses in anatomy, biology, or math. Each school has specific requirements—check their admissions page for details.
Partially. Some Connecticut LPN programs offer hybrid formats where lecture courses are online, but lab practice and clinical rotations must be completed in-person. No Connecticut program offers 100% online LPN training because hands-on clinical experience is required by state law. Community colleges like Naugatuck Valley and Gateway offer hybrid options with online lectures and local clinical sites. This format works well for working adults or those with transportation challenges.
Connecticut LPN programs maintain an average first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate of 89%, which is above the national average of 86%. Top-performing schools like Manchester Community College (91%) and Gateway Community College (90%) have excellent track records. All Connecticut-approved programs maintain pass rates of 80%+ to keep their accreditation. Students who don't pass on the first attempt can retake the exam after 45 days—about 70% of retakers pass on their second attempt.
Absolutely! Many Connecticut LPNs advance to RN through LPN-to-RN bridge programs. These accelerated programs recognize your LPN education and experience, allowing you to complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in 12-18 months instead of starting from scratch. Connecticut schools offering LPN-to-RN bridges include Gateway Community College, Naugatuck Valley CC, and Capital CC. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for LPNs pursuing RN degrees. You can work as an LPN while attending part-time RN classes, earning while you advance your career. Learn more at LPN-RN.com.
Ready to advance? Explore LPN-to-RN bridge programs in Connecticut that allow you to earn your RN degree in 12-18 months while working as an LPN.
View Bridge ProgramsConsidering other states? Compare LPN programs, salaries, and requirements across all 50 states to find the best option for your situation.
Browse State ProgramsPreparing for your licensing exam? Find study guides, practice tests, and test-taking strategies to help you pass NCLEX-PN on your first attempt.
Get Study ResourcesOfficial Connecticut Department of Public Health resource for licensure applications, renewal requirements, and approved program lists.
Visit CT DPHCompare accredited programs, get free information, and take the first step toward a rewarding healthcare career. Connecticut LPNs earn $52,000/year average—start your journey today!