Please find some frequently asked questions about Nursing Programs.
What does it take to become an RN?
Currently, there are three pathways to becoming an RN in Connecticut. Successful graduates of all three types of programs sit for the same RN licensing exam, a national computer-based exam called NCLEX, which is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing in local testing centers.
Diploma in Nursing (24 months)
Hospital-based diploma programs were the most common type of nursing education until the mid-1990s. In Connecticut, there is one diploma program at the Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing. Students take liberal arts and science courses at local community colleges or universities and their nursing courses at the hospital. Recent diploma graduates can earn an associate degree by successfully completing a few additional courses. In 2004, 25% of nurses entering the profession nationwide came from diploma programs. The average age of graduates was 32.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) (24 months)
Associate degree programs are the most popular path to becoming an RN. Community colleges have nursing programs, as well as a few private schools in Connecticut. Programs are generally two academic years in length with a summer session. They are usually the least expensive way to become a registered nurse. Students take liberal arts, science and nursing courses. In 2004, 42% of nurses entering the profession nationwide came from AD programs. The average age of graduates was 32.
Baccalaureate Degree (BSN) (4 academic years)
Baccalaureate degree programs are offered in public and private universities and colleges. Students participate in a full course of study in general education and nursing, with more advanced nursing courses that provide more in-depth study on management, leadership, research, physical assessment and community health care than do the shorter programs. In 2004, 31% of nurses entering the profession nationwide came from BS programs. The average age of graduates was 26 years of age.
Articulation
Connecticut is fortunate to have a comprehensive articulation model for nursing education. This means that previous coursework is recognized, and used for credit or advanced standing in the next level of nursing education. For example, LPNs can apply for advanced placement in an entry-level RN program. RNs with an AD can now more easily continue their education by enrolling in a BS program without having to repeat courses. Keep this in mind when selecting an entry-level RN program – you can build on the foundation you create when you first attend nursing school.
Through Connecticut’s articulation plan, LPNs may apply to associate degree or diploma RN programs and seek advanced standing by virtue of their LPN education. Here’s how it works:
Once this process is completed, the LPN/RN student will receive 12 to 16 advanced placement credits in nursing and progress directly to the third semester of the nursing program.
Keep in mind that each nursing program has its own definitions of “successful completion” such as minimum course grades and grade point averages. Start this process by contacting the nursing program at the school(s) in which you are interested, where you can get help mapping out your education plan.
Each state has a law known as the Nurse Practice Act that legally defines the practice of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses (also called nurse practitioners). Different laws define the practice of physicians, dentists, and other health care professionals.
In Connecticut, the law describing the role of the LPN states:
In Connecticut, the law describing the role of the RN states:
RN to BSN programs, also known as baccalaureate completion programs or 2 + 2 programs, are designed for licensed registered nurses who wish to return to school to earn a BS in nursing.
Curriculum requirements vary depending upon the school; however, the Connecticut articulation model makes it easier to transfer credits so RNs aren’t faced with repeating courses they have already taken in their basic nursing program.
Classes are designed for adult learners who are currently working in nursing, and often offered in the late afternoon, evenings, and on weekends. Many programs offer online courses as well. Both full-time and part-time options are available. Courses at the baccalaureate level provide nurses with more in-depth study of nursing practice and expand nurses’ knowledge of research, community health, management and leadership.
These programs help nurses build on their entry-level knowledge to prepare them for leadership and management roles and graduate-level nursing education.
Masters in Nursing & Doctoral Programs
A master’s degree in nursing is required to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN or nurse practitioner) in Connecticut, and the state requires a master in nursing to join the faculty of any RN program (including clinical instructors).
Master’s programs in Connecticut offer a wide variety of clinical specialty practice for APRNs, including anesthesia, community and public health, adult health, pediatrics, acute care, gerontology, and women’s health. Check each school, as specialty areas are being added all the time.
Other nursing graduate programs offer concentrations in administration, business (alone or in a combination with an MBA), education, forensic nursing, and clinical leadership.
All nursing graduate schools will accept licensed RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing who meet all admissions requirements. Some schools also have courses of study for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in another field, and Yale offers an entry to nursing practice at the Master’s level for students with a BS or BA in another field, and no prior nursing education. All of these schools recognize RNs as adult learners, and have creative, flexible courses of study, including evening, weekend, and online classes, depending on the school and the concentration.
What does it mean to be a Nursing Assistant?
A number of Connecticut public high schools offer a health careers curriculum that provides training in a number of fields, depending on the size of the program. High school students interested in a career in nursing can apply to these programs and become eligible to take the certified nursing assistant (CNA) exam while still in high school. Once they pass and become certified, they can work in long-term care facilities, some hospitals, and for some home care agencies.
Connecticut Community Colleges offer CNA training through their Continuing Education Departments.
Read more about CNA programs, career pathways and scholarship opportunities
Other CNA courses are offered through a number of adult education programs.
Read more about those courses here
A CNA course is a great way to get acquainted with basic bedside care, and to get a head start on nursing school by gaining experience working with patients.
Visit CT Nursing Guide
View all nursing schools and programs in Connecticut
What does it take to become an RN?
Currently, there are three pathways to becoming an RN in Connecticut. Successful graduates of all three types of programs sit for the same RN licensing exam, a national computer-based exam called NCLEX, which is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing in local testing centers.
Diploma in Nursing (24 months)
Hospital-based diploma programs were the most common type of nursing education until the mid-1990s. In Connecticut, there is one diploma program at the Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing. Students take liberal arts and science courses at local community colleges or universities and their nursing courses at the hospital. Recent diploma graduates can earn an associate degree by successfully completing a few additional courses. In 2004, 25% of nurses entering the profession nationwide came from diploma programs. The average age of graduates was 32.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) (24 months)
Associate degree programs are the most popular path to becoming an RN. Community colleges have nursing programs, as well as a few private schools in Connecticut. Programs are generally two academic years in length with a summer session. They are usually the least expensive way to become a registered nurse. Students take liberal arts, science and nursing courses. In 2004, 42% of nurses entering the profession nationwide came from AD programs. The average age of graduates was 32.
Baccalaureate Degree (BSN) (4 academic years)
Baccalaureate degree programs are offered in public and private universities and colleges. Students participate in a full course of study in general education and nursing, with more advanced nursing courses that provide more in-depth study on management, leadership, research, physical assessment and community health care than do the shorter programs. In 2004, 31% of nurses entering the profession nationwide came from BS programs. The average age of graduates was 26 years of age.
Articulation
Connecticut is fortunate to have a comprehensive articulation model for nursing education. This means that previous coursework is recognized, and used for credit or advanced standing in the next level of nursing education. For example, LPNs can apply for advanced placement in an entry-level RN program. RNs with an AD can now more easily continue their education by enrolling in a BS program without having to repeat courses. Keep this in mind when selecting an entry-level RN program – you can build on the foundation you create when you first attend nursing school.
Through Connecticut’s articulation plan, LPNs may apply to associate degree or diploma RN programs and seek advanced standing by virtue of their LPN education. Here’s how it works:
- Hold a current Connecticut LPN license
- Meet admission requirements and be accepted into a nursing program
- Successfully complete the required general education courses of the first year of the nursing program
- Nursing program recommends candidates for enrollment in the on-line LPN Transition Bridge Course
- After successful completion of the 3-credit bridge course, candidates take the 1-credit school-based transition course.
Once this process is completed, the LPN/RN student will receive 12 to 16 advanced placement credits in nursing and progress directly to the third semester of the nursing program.
Keep in mind that each nursing program has its own definitions of “successful completion” such as minimum course grades and grade point averages. Start this process by contacting the nursing program at the school(s) in which you are interested, where you can get help mapping out your education plan.
Each state has a law known as the Nurse Practice Act that legally defines the practice of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses (also called nurse practitioners). Different laws define the practice of physicians, dentists, and other health care professionals.
In Connecticut, the law describing the role of the LPN states:
- The practice of nursing by a licensed practical nurse is defined as the performing of selected tasks and sharing of responsibility under the direction of a registered nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse and within the framework of supportive and restorative care, health counseling and teaching, case finding and referral, collaborating in the implementation of the total health care regimen and executing the medical regimen under the direction of a licensed physician or dentist.
- In practice, this means that LPNs work under the supervision of a licensed professional (usually an RN) and provide basic hands-on care that helps to improve the health of generally stable patients.
In Connecticut, the law describing the role of the RN states:
- The practice of nursing by a registered nurse is defined as the process of diagnosing human responses to actual or potential health problems, providing supportive and restorative care, health counseling and teaching, case finding and referral, collaborating in the implementation of the total health care regimen, and executing the medical regimen under the direction of a licensed physician, dentist or advanced practice registered nurse.
- In practice, this means that RNs have a greater level of responsibility because they direct the care of LPNs and nurses’ aides in addition to developing plans of care that they and others follow. RNs evaluate how patients’ illnesses, injuries, or other health conditions affect them and those close to them; and think ahead to identify and help people who are at risk for a variety of health conditions. RNs also provide hands-on care, typically caring for patients whose conditions are not stable, or patients whose needs are more complex than those cared for by an LPN. Because of these added responsibilities, RN salaries are higher than LPN salaries.
RN to BSN programs, also known as baccalaureate completion programs or 2 + 2 programs, are designed for licensed registered nurses who wish to return to school to earn a BS in nursing.
Curriculum requirements vary depending upon the school; however, the Connecticut articulation model makes it easier to transfer credits so RNs aren’t faced with repeating courses they have already taken in their basic nursing program.
Classes are designed for adult learners who are currently working in nursing, and often offered in the late afternoon, evenings, and on weekends. Many programs offer online courses as well. Both full-time and part-time options are available. Courses at the baccalaureate level provide nurses with more in-depth study of nursing practice and expand nurses’ knowledge of research, community health, management and leadership.
These programs help nurses build on their entry-level knowledge to prepare them for leadership and management roles and graduate-level nursing education.
Masters in Nursing & Doctoral Programs
A master’s degree in nursing is required to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN or nurse practitioner) in Connecticut, and the state requires a master in nursing to join the faculty of any RN program (including clinical instructors).
Master’s programs in Connecticut offer a wide variety of clinical specialty practice for APRNs, including anesthesia, community and public health, adult health, pediatrics, acute care, gerontology, and women’s health. Check each school, as specialty areas are being added all the time.
Other nursing graduate programs offer concentrations in administration, business (alone or in a combination with an MBA), education, forensic nursing, and clinical leadership.
All nursing graduate schools will accept licensed RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing who meet all admissions requirements. Some schools also have courses of study for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in another field, and Yale offers an entry to nursing practice at the Master’s level for students with a BS or BA in another field, and no prior nursing education. All of these schools recognize RNs as adult learners, and have creative, flexible courses of study, including evening, weekend, and online classes, depending on the school and the concentration.
What does it mean to be a Nursing Assistant?
A number of Connecticut public high schools offer a health careers curriculum that provides training in a number of fields, depending on the size of the program. High school students interested in a career in nursing can apply to these programs and become eligible to take the certified nursing assistant (CNA) exam while still in high school. Once they pass and become certified, they can work in long-term care facilities, some hospitals, and for some home care agencies.
Connecticut Community Colleges offer CNA training through their Continuing Education Departments.
Read more about CNA programs, career pathways and scholarship opportunities
Other CNA courses are offered through a number of adult education programs.
Read more about those courses here
A CNA course is a great way to get acquainted with basic bedside care, and to get a head start on nursing school by gaining experience working with patients.
Visit CT Nursing Guide
View all nursing schools and programs in Connecticut
