There are several potential career paths to consider when pursuing your nursing education. Different career paths will have different educational requirements in the state of Connecticut. Before you enroll in a nursing school, consider which path is most appealing to you.
Nursing assistant or aide: These nurses typically work in hospices, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities. They specialize in personal care such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. In Connecticut, nursing assistants can expect to earn a salary of about $15 per hour.
Connecticut
We've organized a comprehensive list of Connecticut nursing schools. Below you'll find information on specific nursing programs such as LPN certificates and ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees. You'll also find a profile of nursing education and careers in each major Connecticut city.
Connecticut school overviews
Connecticut nursing programs and careers
City-specific information
After years of caring for disabled, sick, and aging patients, many registered nurses (RNs) look forward to entering a management or administration role that supervises, teaches, and trains the next generation of young nurses. Earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree makes this career move possible.
Although the fastest way to become a registered nurse (RN) is to earn an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), many RNs choose to continue their studies through special RN-to-BSN programs. Healthcare providers are always looking for ways to upgrade their facilities, professionalize their employees, and improve their level of patient care. It is thus becoming increasingly important that RNs are as educated as possible to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare system.
Registered nurses (RNs) play a truly vital role in the healthcare community, taking on many of the roles that have been traditionally ascribed to physicians. These include planning, implementing, and assessing patient care, as well as managing a team of other nurses and medical support staff. Because RNs have become so instrumental in providing care, the need for qualified RNs continues to grow.
Like the rest of the United States, the state of Connecticut is suffering from a shortage of nurses to address the healthcare needs of our population. As our national leaders struggle to address the healthcare needs of the people, this is an exciting opportunity for young men and women to pursue careers that will help with this massive undertaking. The serious need for registered nurses (RNs) means that there is currently an unusually high number of opportunities in a field with great job satisfaction and generous salaries.
Registered nurses (RNs) are responsible for taking on many of the same responsibilities as physicians: planning, implementing, and assessing patient care, as well as managing a number of other nurses and support staff. Registered nurses also give patients and family members advice and emotional support when they are coping with a serious illness. All of these responsibilities require not only clinical preparation, but also knowledge across several fields and behavioral preparedness to face and cope with patients and their loved ones in trying times.
Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is the fastest way to become a nurse. Most LPN programs take 12 to 18 months to complete, and include job training as well as exam preparation. LPNs assist physicians and registered nurses (RNs), and provide for basic patient care, monitoring symptoms and administering treatments and medications.
There are plenty of opportunities in the state of Connecticut for aspiring certified nursing assistants (CNAs). A number of healthcare institutions in the state even offer free training for CNAs, in exchange for a commitment to work for them. CNA programs at technical schools often cost around $1,000 to enroll, so if you are short on cash for school, this could be a great option for you. Beyond covering your training costs, another perk of this arrangement is that you are guaranteed employment at the end of the program.
As the US baby boomer population ages, the demand for nurses steadily grows. Each year, approximately 4,500 students are enrolled in nursing programs across the state of Connecticut. However, this supply of new nurses is far outstripped by demand, causing shortages in the state's healthcare field and creating employment opportunities for many different types of nurses. Because of the options available, nursing education is an excellent choice for any aspiring healthcare professional in Connecticut.
Choosing to attend post-secondary school for nursing is a major decision, and it requires being financially prepared for your program of study's full duration. There are many different expenses to consider when attending a college or university nursing program. Aside from tuition and enrollment fees, students must also fund expenses for books, room and board, food, school supplies, and other living expenses.
Private colleges and universities can be a good choice for any student who wants to become a nurse. Private schools offer one-year, two-year, and four-year program options, and these private institutions often carry more prestige than their public counterparts. While private schools tend to be a bit more expensive, students receive the benefit of smaller class sizes and more opportunities for hands-on learning. Connecticut has over 20 private college and university campuses with nursing programs of study.