A Guide to Nursing in Connecticut

Connecticut is steeped in history. From the Mark Twain house to the Peabody Museum of Natural History. Visit the college town of Yale University, one of the most prestigious universities in the country. There are beaches, lighthouses, sailing tours. These are just a few things that Connecticut has to offer.

If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!

---

In this article, we will cover:

• Licensing information
• Steps for renewing a Connecticut nursing license
• Continuing education requirements
• Job & salary outlook for nurses in Connecticut
• Top hospitals in Connecticut
• Nursing organizations & associations in Connecticut
• Basic steps for licensing and certification
• Contact information

---

Licensing information

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Connecticut whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Connecticut from another state. For more information visit the Connecticut licensing page.

Licensing fee by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $180

Licensing fee by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $180

License renewal fees:

• Application: $110

*Fees are subject to change.
**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.

BACK TO TOP

---

Steps for renewing a Connecticut nursing license

BACK TO TOP

---

Continuing education requirements

• RN/LPN: None (some employers may have requireements)

• APRNs licensed after October 1, 2014, must complete 50 hours of CE every 2 years
  • 5 hours must be in pharmacotherapeutics
  • At least 2 hours of training must address mental health conditions common to veterans and family members of veterans.
  • Must complete at least 1 hour in the following topics:
    • HIV
    • Risk Management
    • Sexual Assault
    • Domestic Violence
    • Cultural Competency
    • Substance abuse, including, but not limited to, prescribing controlled substances and pain management

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited. 

BACK TO TOP

---

Job and salary outlook for nurses in Connecticut

Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by about 9% between 2020-2030. The annual mean salary is $84,850.

We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if Connecticut is the right state for you.

[ MORE: Average nurse salary in Connecticut ]

BACK TO TOP

---

Top hospitals in Connecticut

If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in Connecticut will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:

• Yale New Haven Hospital – Newa Haven, CT: The mission of this Magnet Recognition Program^® recognized facility is “committed to innovation and excellence in patient care, teaching, research and service to our communities.” Some specialties include:
  • Colon & lung cancer
  • Cardiology & heart surgery
  • Diabetes & endocrinology
  • Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
  • Learn more

• Hartford Hospital – Hartford, CT: The mission of this awarding winning faciltiy is to “work as a team to bring experience, advanced technology and best practices to bear in providing the highest-quality care for patients and families.” Some specialties include:
  • Cardiology & heart surgery
  • Conditions related to cancer
  • Diabetes & endocrinology
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
  • Surgical weight loss
  • Learn more

• St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center – Hartford, CT: This mission of this highly decorated facility to “serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities.” Some specialties include:
  • Colon cancer surgery
  • Heart failure
  • Aortic valve surgery
  • Diabetes
  • Nephrology
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Learn more

*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.

---

Nursing organizations and associations in Connecticut

Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in Connecticut:

Connecticut Nurses Association: This association promotes advocacy, professional development, and providing nurses with a voice to influence decisions within the nursing profession.

Connecticut Nursing Collaborative-Action Coalition: The nurses in this organization are “working toward an America in which everyone can live a healthier life, supported by nurses as essential partners in providing care and promoting health equity and well-being.”

Southern Connecticut Black Nurses Association: This association operates on the “principle that African-American nurses have the understanding, knowledge, interest, concern and the expertise to make a significant difference in the health care status of African-Americans and other communities of ethnic origin.”

Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.

BACK TO TOP

---

Basic steps for licensing and certification

Step 1: Education

Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job.

Step 2: Licensing

When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.

The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:

1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity

Step 3: Experience

This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.

Step 4: Certification

The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.

BACK TO TOP

---

Contact information

Connecticut Department of Health Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section
Board of Examiners for Nursing
Phone: (860) 509-7603
Fax: (860) 509-8457

Attention all correspondence to the profession in which you are interested.

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/dph/public-health-hearing-office/board-of-examiners-for-nursing/

The office is not open to visitors who do not have an appointment. There is a dropbox if you need to turn something in.

410 Capitol Ave, MS#12PHO
PO Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308

BACK TO TOP