How to Become an LPN in Connecticut – A Simple Guide

How to Become an LPN in Connecticut

Do you think a career as an LPN is a great fit for you?

A career in nursing is rewarding, especially if you enjoy taking care of other people. 

Whether you’re a current nursing assistant or have no experience yet in the medical field, a career as an LPN might just be for you! 

But where do you start? How do you become one?

Don’t worry, we got you!

We will teach you how to become an LPN in Connecticut in just 5 steps!

We’ll also answer FAQs about being an LPN, such as:

  • How much does an LPN program in Connecticut cost?
  • How much do LPNs in Connecticut earn?
  • Is Connecticut a Nursing Compact State? 

Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

How to Become an LPN in Connecticut in 5 Steps

Here are the five steps to becoming an LPN in Connecticut:

  1. Step #1: Complete a State-Approved LPN Program
  2. Step #2: Prepare for the NCLEX-PN Exam
  3. Step #3: Obtain a License
  4. Step #4: Get a Job as an LPN
  5. Step #5: Renew Your License

Without further ado, let’s begin!

Step #1: Enroll in an LPN Nursing Program

To kickstart your career as an LPN, you need to complete an approved LPN program in Connecticut. 

The program lasts for one to two years, depending if the student has a full-time or part-time enrollment.

Requirements will depend on your chosen educational institution, but here are the basic admission requirements:

  • 18 years old or older
  • High school diploma or GED
  • A minimum GPA of 2.5

Some LPN course subjects can be taken online or in-classroom, but there is also hands-on clinical training. You will experience real-life training in different healthcare settings under the supervision of RNs.  

The common courses in an LPN program include:

  • Pharmacology
  • Nursing fundamentals
  • Medical-surgical nursing
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • First aid
  • Child growth and development
  • Emergency medical technology

Choosing which LPN program to enroll in will depend on a mix of different factors, such as the location, cost, facilities, quality of faculty, etc. 

But the first thing to consider when choosing a school is to check if it is approved by the state.

A state-approved LPN program will prepare you for the NCLEX examination and ensure that you have the fundamental skills to succeed in your nursing career. 

For reference, you check state-approved nursing education programs in Colorado here.

You should also look at the NCLEX passing rate of the school to see if their graduates do well in the exam or not. This will give you a gauge if the school prepares the students well. 

Step #2: Prepare for the NCLEX-PN Exam

Upon completion of an accredited LPN training program, students must take and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. 

This national test is administered to ensure that candidates are competent and have all the skills needed to practice as new practical nurses.

It’s best to take this exam soon after graduation so that what you learned from your LPN program will still be fresh in your mind. 

Your program (especially if it is a good one) will prepare you for this exam, but you also need to review what you learned from the 1-2 years of study.

There are many free and paid online resources that you can use to help you in your review. 

You can also create a study group with some of your friends to help you out and discuss the topics. 

The NCLEX-PN consists of 150 questions that require a strong understanding and foundational knowledge of topics about general nursing.

While you are studying for the exam, you should also be processing your application to take the exam with the Connecticut Board of Nursing.

We’ll talk about how to register for the exam in the next step. 

Step #3: Obtain a License

You’re almost there!

Before you can start working, you need to obtain your LPN license to be able to work in Connecticut. 

There are two main ways to get a license in Connecticut – by examination and by endorsement.

License by Examination

If you have not taken the NCLEX-PN yet, then you need to apply for a license by examination.

Each state has specific license requirements for LPNs, but the requirements in Connecticut are pretty straightforward. 

The basic requirements include:

  • Complete a state-approved nursing program with at least 1,500 hours of theory. Fifty percent (50%) of those hours should be in supervised direct client care experiences and observational experiences.
  • Official transcript from your nursing school should be submitted directly to the Board.
  • Pearson VUE registration
  • Pay the $180 application fee 

Pearson VUE is the administrator of the NCLEX examination, therefore, you are required to register through Pearson VUE for the exam.

  • Register for the NCLEX online or by telephone
  • Pay the $200 examination fee

Once you complete the registration process, you will receive a registration acknowledgment email from Pearson VUE.

The Nursing Board will review your application. If you qualify for the exam, then they will give you the authorization to test (ATT). 

You can then finalize the schedule of your NCLEX exam with Pearson VUE.

If you pass, you will be issued your new LPN license. 

Candidates who fail the examination for the first time are allowed to retake it within 45 to 90 days. You just need to register again and pay the $200 fee.

License by Endorsement

If you’re a licensed LPN from another state or territory, you are eligible for licensure by endorsement. 

Candidates need to register online and complete the application for Licensure by Endorsement. Your current and expired LPN licenses will be verified by the Board.

  • If the state uses Nursys to verify licenses electronically, candidates must complete the Nursys verification process and designate Connecticut as the recipient of the verification.
  • If the state does not use Nursys, the candidate must contact their state Board for instructions. The Board also needs to submit an official Verification of Licensure form to the Connecticut Board of Nursing

Candidates who completed an LPN program but do not have at least 1,500 hours of theory and clinical instruction can use work experience to make up the difference. 

Step #4: Get a Job as an LPN

Congrats, you can now work as an LPN in Connecticut!

There has been a shortage of nurses nationwide, which is one of the reasons why LPNs are in high demand right now. Job opportunities are expected to boom in the next few years.

LPNs provide basic patient care and administer medications for the elderly, adolescents, and people with developmental disabilities. 

Most people think that nurses only work in hospitals, but as an LPN, you can work in different settings including:

  • Nursing homes
  • Private homes
  • Military
  • Physician offices
  • Correctional facilities
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Travel 

That being said, there are lots of exciting opportunities in store for you!

You can also pursue certifications for specialty nursing areas if you want to advance your career.

Step #5: Renew Your License

Now, to continue working as an LPN in Connecticut for the years to come, you need to renew your license every year. 

Every six years, they have to complete two contact hours of training or education on 

(1) screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression and grief, and 

(2) suicide prevention training.

Licensees will usually receive a notification within 60 days before the expiration date. A grace period of 90 days is also given to candidates who want to renew their licenses. 

On the 91st day, the license is void and you should apply for reinstatement. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an LPN in Connecticut

We’ve covered the five steps to becoming an LPN in Connecticut! 

But you might still have some relevant questions. 

We’ll answer a few of them in this section. 

How much does an LPN program in Connecticut cost?

The total tuition fee of an LPN program will depend on the school, location, and many other factors. 

Aside from the tuition, students are also expected to pay for additional program fees and course materials. 

In Connecticut, LPN programs can cost you $15,000 and up.

How much do LPNs in Connecticut make?

Fortunately, LPNs in Connecticut are well-compensated and have lots of benefits as well compared with other LPNs in the country. 

Although the salary will depend on the location and the company, overall, LPNs in Connecticut are satisfied with their salaries and benefits.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Connecticut have a mean annual salary of $59,440. 

The national salary mean of LPNs is only about $ 51,850 per year.

Is Connecticut a Nursing Compact State?

Unfortunately, no. Connecticut is not part of the NLC.

All LPNs who want to work in Connecticut need to apply for a separate LPN license by endorsement. 

Conclusion

So, what are you waiting for? 

Being an LPN in Connecticut is exciting and fulfilling!

Hopefully, our comprehensive step-by-step guide will help you through the whole process.

And we hope you will become a successful LPN soon.

We wish you all the best!

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