2026 Connecticut Guide

Top LPN Programs & Schools in Connecticut

Connecticut packs top-5 national LPN salaries into the third-smallest state geographically — meaning every hospital, clinic, and long-term care facility is within practical commuting distance from wherever you train. Yale-New Haven Health, Hartford HealthCare, and Trinity Health of New England dominate employment. Programs run 12–15 months through technical high schools and community colleges.

$70,240 Avg. Annual Salary
$33.77 Avg. Hourly Wage
3% Job Growth (10-yr)
~700 Annual Openings

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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Connecticut

Connecticut offers several accredited LPN programs through community colleges, technical centers, and vocational schools. Most programs can be completed in 11 to 14 months and include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical rotations. The table below lists top programs — tuition shown is approximate in-state/in-district and does not include books, fees, or supplies.

Connecticut LPN training runs through an unusual system — many programs are housed at technical high schools rather than community colleges, offering adult practical nursing certificates alongside their regular high school programs. Windham Technical High School and other state technical schools provide affordable tuition with strong clinical partnerships across Connecticut's dense hospital network.

School City Type Program Length Approx. Tuition
Windham Regional Vocational Technical School Willimantic Vocational School 10 months $3,800
Eli Whitney Technical High School Hamden Technical School 10 months $3,500
Norwich Technical High School Norwich Technical School 10 months $3,600
Stone Academy Waterbury Private School 12 months $18,500

Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing.

Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Connecticut

No Connecticut LPN program is fully online — state requirements mandate in-person clinical training. Connecticut's small geographic size makes hybrid programs less critical than in larger states — the furthest clinical site is rarely more than an hour's drive. Some programs offer recorded lectures for theory coursework flexibility.

Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.

For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Connecticut residents, visit our dedicated guide:

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Requirements to Enroll in a Connecticut LPN Program

Connecticut's Board of Examiners for Nursing sets training standards that make programs slightly longer (12–15 months) than the national average — the emphasis is on thorough preparation. Prerequisites typically include TEAS or HESI, background check, and health screening. Technical high school programs may have different application processes than community colleges.

Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Connecticut

Licensing Exam NCLEX-PN
Regulatory Board Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing
Min. Education State-approved LPN program (typically 12 months)
Background Check Required

After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.

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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Connecticut

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Connecticut earn an average of $70,240 per year ($33.77/hour). This places Connecticut above the national LPN average of $62,340.

Salaries in Connecticut typically range from $53,100 for entry-level positions to $86,900 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.

LPN Salary by City in Connecticut

City / Metro Area Average Annual Salary
Hartford $71,800
Bridgeport $72,400
New Haven $70,600
Stamford $74,200

Job Outlook

Employment of LPNs in Connecticut is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 700 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.

Where LPNs Work in Connecticut

The majority of LPNs in Connecticut work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.

First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates

Landing your first LPN position in Connecticut is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.

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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Connecticut

Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:

Connecticut

Connecticut LPN Scope

Connecticut LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do

Connecticut LPNs are regulated by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing. Connecticut is NOT an NLC state — you need a CT-specific license.

You Can Direct Patient Care

  • Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
  • Focused assessments and ongoing patient monitoring
  • Wound care and dressing changes
  • Vital signs and point-of-care testing
  • Foley catheter insertion and management
  • Tracheostomy care and suctioning
  • Contributing to the nursing care plan
  • Supervising CNAs/UAPs

Conditional IV Therapy

  • LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing a Board-approved IV therapy course
  • Must work under the direction of an RN or physician
  • LPNs may start peripheral IVs, administer IV fluids and approved medications
  • LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or investigational drugs
  • LPNs CANNOT access or manage central venous lines

You Cannot RN-Only Functions

  • Comprehensive assessments
  • Formulating or modifying care plans
  • Triage
  • Blood product administration
  • Central line management
  • Independent practice

Connecticut LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs

SchoolFormatTimelineDetails
Charter Oak State CollegeOnline + clinicals12–18 monthsLPN-to-RN bridge, flexible online format with CT clinical placements
Goodwin UniversityHybrid12–16 monthsLPN-to-BSN bridge in East Hartford
Excelsior University100% OnlineSelf-pacedOnline + local clinicals, no waitlist

Connecticut Board of Nursing Contact

Ready for the Next Step?

Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck

Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.

Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →