RN Programs in Connecticut 2026
Connecticut has approved ADN and BSN programs at community colleges, state universities, and private schools throughout the state. All graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN to practice as a registered nurse. Program selection comes down to timeline, format, cost, and how competitive the admissions process is at your target school.
Sponsored School(s)
Prospective RNs in Connecticut have more options than they might expect. The state approves both two-year ADN programs and four-year BSN programs, plus accelerated pathways for career changers and bridge options for licensed practical nurses. Every approved program leads to the same NCLEX-RN eligibility, but the programs differ significantly in length, cost, delivery format, and how selective they are in admissions.
Use the links below to jump to program types, selection factors, admissions details, licensing steps, and salary data.
- RN program types in Connecticut
- What to look for when comparing programs
- Admissions and waitlists
- Getting your Connecticut RN license
- RN salary and job outlook in Connecticut
RN Program Types in Connecticut
Connecticut approves five distinct pathways that lead to RN licensure. The right choice depends on where you are in your education and career.
| Program Type | Typical Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) | 2 years | First-time students seeking the fastest entry into RN practice |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years | Students who want a broader clinical foundation and a stronger hiring position |
| Accelerated BSN (ABSN) | 12–18 months | Career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field |
| RN to BSN | 1–2 years | ADN-prepared RNs who want to advance their credentials while working |
| LPN to RN Bridge | Varies | Licensed practical nurses using the CT Articulation Model to earn an ADN or BSN |
The ADN is the most common starting point. Connecticut’s community college system operates ADN programs at multiple campuses under a shared curriculum model. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and can continue to a BSN through the state’s transfer and articulation agreements, including RN to BSN programs designed for working nurses.
The BSN opens more doors at the hiring stage. Many Connecticut hospitals prefer BSN-prepared nurses, particularly in competitive markets. Some facilities maintain formal BSN-preferred hiring policies for certain specialty roles.
Connecticut also recognizes a formal LPN-to-RN pathway through the CT Articulation Model for Nurse Educational Mobility. Licensed practical nurses who meet admissions requirements can enter an approved ADN program with credit applied from prior LPN coursework, reducing the overall time to RN licensure.
What to Look for When Comparing Programs
Four factors matter most when comparing Connecticut RN programs.
NCLEX-RN pass rates. The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing publishes first-time pass rates for all approved programs. Programs must maintain a minimum first-time pass rate to stay in approved status. Look for programs that consistently perform well above that threshold, since strong pass rates signal that the program adequately prepares students for the exam.
Accreditation. All Board-approved programs meet state requirements, but national accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) signals that the program meets additional quality benchmarks. Some employers and graduate nursing programs specifically require a degree from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited school.
Delivery format. Most Connecticut ADN programs are offered on-campus or in a hybrid format. Clinical rotations must be completed in person at an approved healthcare facility, regardless of how coursework is delivered. Some BSN and RN-to-BSN programs offer online coursework with in-person clinical components, which can work well for students who are working while enrolled.
Attrition rate. Some programs have high withdrawal rates, which can signal issues with academic support, scheduling demands, or program fit. Ask admissions staff about completion rates alongside NCLEX pass rates before committing to a program.
Admissions and Waitlists
Nursing programs in Connecticut are competitive. Demand for seats consistently outpaces availability, particularly at community college ADN programs. Some programs maintain formal waitlists, while others manage demand by raising admission requirements each cycle.
Typical prerequisites for Connecticut RN programs include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, English composition, and mathematics. BSN programs generally require a stronger academic record and may specify minimum GPA thresholds or minimum scores on nursing entrance exams such as the ATI TEAS.
If you’re applying to programs with waitlists, confirm the estimated wait time directly with the school before submitting your application. Some students apply to multiple programs simultaneously to avoid losing a year on a single school’s list.
After Graduation: Getting Your Connecticut RN License
Graduating from a Board-approved program makes you eligible to apply for licensure, but you can’t practice until you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN and received a license from the Connecticut Department of Public Health. See the full Connecticut RN license requirements for a complete walkthrough of the application process.
Here are the steps after graduation:
- Apply for licensure through the Connecticut Department of Public Health. The application requires official transcripts, proof of graduation, and the applicable application fee.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE and pay the exam registration fee. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT). The ATT has an expiration window, so schedule your exam promptly.
- Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check as required by the Department of Public Health.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN. The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing issues your license once all requirements are met.
Connecticut RN licenses expire in the holder’s birth month and must be renewed annually. Renewal requires continuing education. Every six years, RNs must complete two contact hours covering mental health screening and suicide prevention topics, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, suicide risk, and grief.
Nurses licensed in another state may be eligible to practice in Connecticut under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Connecticut fully implemented the NLC on October 1, 2025, joining 43 jurisdictions that allow RNs and LPNs to hold a single multistate license. Nurses who are Connecticut residents and meet the uniform licensure requirements can apply through the state’s eLicense system to convert to a multistate license. Nurses relocating to Connecticut from another compact state should confirm their license status with the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
RN Salary and Job Outlook in Connecticut
Connecticut ranks among the higher-paying states for registered nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for RNs in Connecticut was $102,740 as of May 2025, compared to the national median of $97,550. The mean wage was $105,250, with 40,110 RNs employed statewide.
Wages vary across the state’s major metropolitan areas.
| Area | Median Annual Wage | Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut (statewide) | $102,740 | $105,250 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | $105,660 | $111,740 |
| New Haven, CT | $104,490 | $108,670 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $101,470 | $103,080 |
| National | $97,550 | $101,420 |
Job growth projections for Connecticut RNs are strong. Projections Central estimates 8.2% employment growth between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 2,270 job openings per year. That growth rate outpaces the national RN projection of 5.6% over the same period. For a closer look at specialties and settings, see RN career opportunities in Connecticut.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many RN programs are approved in Connecticut?
The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing currently lists eight approved ADN programs and sixteen approved BSN programs. All programs qualify graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN and receive a Connecticut RN license. Program counts can change, so confirm the current list directly on the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing approved programs page.
Do Connecticut RN programs have waitlists?
Some do. Community college ADN programs tend to have more applicants than available seats and may run formal waitlists or raise admissions standards to manage demand. Confirm current waitlist status and estimated wait times directly with each school before applying.
Is an ADN or a BSN better for getting hired in Connecticut?
Both degrees qualify you for RN licensure and initial employment. However, BSN-prepared nurses have a broader range of options, and many Connecticut hospitals prefer BSN candidates, especially for competitive specialty positions. ADN graduates can pursue a BSN through RN-to-BSN articulation agreements while already working as licensed RNs.
What is the CT Articulation Model for Nurse Educational Mobility?
It’s a Connecticut-specific pathway that allows licensed practical nurses to earn credit toward an ADN by completing specific coursework. LPNs who meet admission requirements can enter an approved ADN program with prior LPN credits applied, shortening the overall path to RN licensure.
Does Connecticut participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes. Connecticut fully implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) on October 1, 2025. Connecticut residents who are RNs or LPNs and meet the uniform licensure requirements can apply to convert their single-state license to a multistate license through the state’s eLicense system. Nurses holding a multistate license from another compact state should confirm authorization to practice in Connecticut with the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple program types are available — Connecticut approves ADN, BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, and LPN-to-RN bridge programs at schools across the state.
- NCLEX pass rates and accreditation matter — The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing publishes pass rates for all approved programs. Look for consistent performance above the state minimum and CCNE or ACEN accreditation.
- Many programs have competitive admissions — Demand for nursing seats regularly exceeds capacity. Some programs run formal waitlists, so check current availability before committing to a single application.
- Connecticut RNs earn above the national median — BLS data shows a statewide median annual wage of $102,740 for RNs in Connecticut, compared to the national median of $97,550.
- Connecticut joined the Nurse Licensure Compact in October 2025 — Connecticut residents who are RNs or LPNs can apply to convert to a multistate license through the state’s eLicense system. Nurses from other compact states should verify their authorization to practice in Connecticut with the Department of Public Health.
Select your state below to find approved RN programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.