How to Become an RN in Connecticut: 5 Steps
Want to know how to become an RN in Connecticut? While the process is similar to that of other states, there are some key differences to be aware of. Pursuing an RN license in CT has major benefits, like job opportunities, stability, and competitive salary levels — Connecticut ranks among the top 10 states with the highest RN salaries. Learn more about how to become a registered nurse in Connecticut.
What Does an RN in Connecticut Do?
There are nearly 90,000 registered nurses in Connecticut, and 22% are between the ages of 50 and 59, so the demand for nurses will grow as these RNs retire. Nurses help keep Connecticut’s population healthy and can work in a broad range of specialties, from neonatal (NICU) care to hospice nursing.
Depending on their patient population and specialty, an RN in CT might have any of the following responsibilities:
- Medication administration: Give prescribed meds through oral, intramuscular, intravenous, dermal, and other routes, and document administration in the medication administration record (MAR).
- Nursing interventions: Perform tasks per protocol and as ordered by the care team, such as inserting Foley catheters and feeding tubes, performing tracheostomy care, and more.
- Head-to-toe assessments: Thoroughly evaluate a patient’s current health status to update the plan of care.
- Patient education: Help patients understand their bodies, plan of care options, and resources.
To learn more about what nurses do in Connecticut, check out the Connecticut Nurse Practice Act.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in CT?
The process for how to become an RN in Connecticut will likely take at least two to four years. The bulk of this time is spent on a prelicensure nursing degree, which typically entails one of the following two options:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This is a 2-year degree that’s typically offered by technical schools and community colleges. It prepares you for practice but may limit you if you’re applying to more competitive or specialized roles.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A 4-year degree offered by universities, a BSN includes additional training in leadership, research, and more. Many employers prefer BSN-prepared nurses, and it’s typically easier to pursue advanced degree programs with a bachelor’s degree. Learn more about comparing ADN vs. BSN degrees.
Want to learn how to become an RN in Connecticut fast? If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you could take advantage of a direct-entry or accelerated nursing program. These curriculums typically run year-round and have an intense pace. Learn more about the fastest way to become a nurse in our video below.
Aspiring nurses in Connecticut have great options when it comes to educational programs. See some of the top BSN programs in Connecticut below:
- Fairfield University
- University of Saint Joseph
- Quinnipiac University
- University of Connecticut
- University of Bridgeport
If you’re seeking an ADN program, see some of the top two-year nursing programs in Connecticut:
- Three Rivers Community College
- Northwestern Connecticut Community College
- Naugatuck Valley Community College
- Norwalk Community College
- Capital Community College
Whichever degree path you pursue, be sure that the schools you apply to meet Connecticut’s educational program requirements. This will ensure that you are eligible to sit for the licensure exam after graduation.
How to Become an RN in Connecticut: 5 Steps
Step 1: Complete Nursing School
The first step of how to become an RN in Connecticut is nursing school. The RN education process is known for being challenging, with essential nursing classes in pathophysiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and much more. Alongside these classes, you’ll also attend clinical rotations in different specialties. These typically include:
If you’re looking for more practical nursing experience, consider working as a nursing assistant. Once you’ve completed your first 100 hours of theory and clinical instruction, Connecticut allows nursing students to take the CNA exam. Working as a CNA could help you gain confidence in clinical care, and you may find it easier to get hired as a new grad on a unit you worked in as a CNA. Learn more about CNA jobs in Connecticut.
Another option is to work as a nurse extern during school. Externships typically function a little differently than CNA jobs, because their purpose is to expose you to several different units. You’ll likely do CNA tasks, with the addition of supervised nursing skills. Externships can also give you a leg up when applying for new grad nursing roles.
Step 2: Register for the NCLEX and Apply for Licensure
What are the requirements for an RN in Connecticut? First, register for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) with Pearson VUE. To do so, you’ll need to submit your personal information and the name of your nursing school, then pay a $200 exam fee. Unlike other states, which typically require a BON application before registering with Pearson VUE, the Connecticut BON prefers that applicants register for the exam first to avoid application delays.
Next, apply for an RN license by examination with the state. You’ll need to create an account to apply for a license. Below are the items you’ll need:
- $180 application fee
- Official nursing school transcripts
Once your application is reviewed, you’ll receive an authorization to test in your email, which includes a link to schedule your NCLEX exam. Connecticut allows new graduate nurses to begin working before they’ve gained licensure for up to 90 days, so you don’t have to wait to start applying for jobs.
Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN
The NCLEX-RN is a national test that determines whether a nurse has the knowledge and skills to practice at the entry level. The test is adaptive, which means you’ll be given between 75 and 145 questions to answer, depending on how you perform. It includes test content in the following areas:
- Safe and effective care management
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
If you’re stressed about studying for the NCLEX, there are several strategies you can use to prepare. Many nursing schools offer NCLEX prep after graduation to help you review essential content. You might also purchase additional NCLEX study programs, which are designed to add structure to your studies. Pace yourself, take several practice tests, and rest well before the exam to give yourself the best chance of passing.
You’ll be able to see informal NCLEX Quick Results two days after passing the exam, and your formal results will come from the Connecticut BON. What if you fail the NCLEX in Connecticut? If you’ve begun working as a graduate nurse, you’ll need to stop. You’ll receive a Candidate Performance Report, which highlights areas to review before your next test date. After a 45-day wait, you can retake the exam after applying and paying the fees again.
Step 4: Start Your Job Search
Your RN license is your ticket to finding RN jobs in Connecticut in many specialties and settings. If you love working with a close team, consider becoming an operating room (OR) nurse. Looking for lots of patient interaction? A role in ambulatory care might be a great fit. With so many nursing specialties to choose from, you can fit your career to your interests.
Want to know how to become an RN in Connecticut in an inpatient nursing role? Many new graduate nurses start their careers in acute care hospitals, many of which offer nurse residency programs. These programs are meant to ease your transition into professional nursing, by offering an extended orientation period among a class of other new nurses.
If you’re looking for acute care roles, check out nursing jobs with some of the leading healthcare systems in Connecticut:
- Yale New Haven Health
- Hartford Hospital
- St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center (Trinity Health)
- Albert J. Solnit Psychiatric Center
- Bridgeport Hospital (Yale New Haven Health)
- Bristol Hospital
- Charlotte Hungerford Hospital (Hartford Healthcare)
- Connecticut Children’s Medical Center
How much does an RN make in CT? The average salary for CT RNs is $103,670 per year, with an hourly wage of $49.84. It’s typical for new grads to earn less than this when starting out, but gaining experience, earning additional certifications, and being a leader in your unit could lead to more income.
Location also plays an important role in what you earn as a nurse. If you’re open to a move, consider roles in some of the largest cities in Connecticut by population:
Interested in moving further away? In 2024, Connecticut joined the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The law will be in effect as of October 1, 2025, so a CT RN license allows you to apply for compact licensure to work in other nearby states, including the following:
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
Once you’re an RN, it’s your job to maintain continuing education requirements and renew your license to continue practicing. See our three-step guide on Connecticut nursing license renewals for more information.
Opportunities for Nurses in Connecticut and Beyond
Now that you know how to become an RN in Connecticut, you might want to learn more about jobs in your area. IntelyCare makes it easy to find your next nursing role, whether you’re in the Constitution State or elsewhere. Don’t miss our nursing job notifications to get a tailored list of opportunities delivered right to your inbox.
