Connecticut Nursing Colleges, Degrees & Licenses

“The transformative power of graduate-level education in nursing can unlock unforeseen opportunities and carry you forward. When the going gets tough, remember why you began your educational journey and your ultimate goal—this reflection can help realign your focus. Contributing to the nursing profession in meaningful ways, whether through obtaining a graduate degree, becoming a nurse practitioner, or serving communities, is vital for advancing nursing.” 

Kim Nerud, PhD, Dean of the American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Post University

Nursing has long been a respected profession. The nursing profession within the United States currently faces several challenges that transcend state boundaries. The four main challenges the nation’s nursing workforce faces both today and in the future are the aging Baby Boomer population and the reorientation of care models and resource allocation this necessitates, a shortage and poor distribution of physicians, the loss of the workforce’s most senior and skilled nurses, and the continued potential for disruption of healthcare policy at the federal level depending upon what political party controls the nation’s various branches of government.

Connecticut is typical of most states in terms of its particular nursing workforce challenges. One major issue is the size of the workforce. Data collected by the Connecticut Department of Public Health reveals a mismatch between nursing demand and supply. In recent years, more nurses have retired from the profession than have entered it. The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated attrition issues; many nurses retired early or accepted more lucrative positions that did not necessarily require a greater capacity to provide patient care. Because this supply-demand mismatch cannot be quickly corrected, workforce attrition will likely remain a substantial risk to the nursing workforce through at least the 2020s. 

The state’s workforce is also impacted by issues related to education. Two major educational issues are prominent in Connecticut. These are a lack of nurses qualified to educate future nurses and a lack of institutional capacity to train new nurses. Nursing professionals who wish to work to educate future nurses typically must have obtained a master’s degree. Yet, recent data shows that only one in five registered nurses has completed a master’s degree. A major hindrance to attaining an advanced degree is an economic one. 

The state is undertaking various efforts to stabilize and rejuvenate its nursing workforce. Some state-level efforts include the state’s annual budget bill incorporating funding for tuition repayment and housing for healthcare workers,  legislation that will expand mental health services and subsequently open up new job opportunities for nursing professionals, and support for the state’s Office of Workforce Strategy designed to expand health care academic programs. Regional efforts to improve the state’s nursing workforce include Yale New Haven Health’s plan to invest substantial money in enhancing academic programs offered at many universities throughout the state.

Finally, as noted above, the aging of the nation’s Baby Boomer generation is also a challenge. As a larger portion of the population becomes elderly, the state’s healthcare system, including its nursing workforce, will be compelled to shift its care delivery models. This demographic shift will prove a boon to nurses specializing in geriatric patient care.

Read on to discover Connecticut’s top undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, salary expectations, and licensing requirements for nursing careers in this state.

Meet the Expert: Nancy A. Moriber, PhD, CRNA, APRN, FAANA

Dr. Nancy A. Moriber is a distinguished expert in anesthesia care who demonstrates unwavering dedication to her profession. Her passion for enhancing patient care outcomes is evident in her clinical and educational research, which advances the field of anesthesia. 

Dr. Moriber’s multifaceted role as the president of the Connecticut Association of Nurse Anesthesiology ensures that future CRNAs have the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver exceptional care. Her ongoing contributions to patient care and nurse anesthesia education are a testament to her dedication and should inspire all those in the field.

NursingColleges.com: How has graduating from a nursing program enhanced your career?

Dr. Moriber: I graduated from my baccalaureate program in 1986 from what is now Binghamton University, then known as the State University of New York at Binghamton. I entered nursing at just 16 years old to become a nurse anesthetist. I completed my nurse anesthesia program in 1990 and have been a certified registered nurse anesthetist since passing my boards. 

My interest in nurse anesthesia stemmed from a desire to care for patients during critical moments when they are most vulnerable, such as surgical procedures requiring anesthesia. The field appealed to me because it combined nursing science, physiology, and pathophysiology with the core nursing value of patient care.

I grew up in a family of educators, although I was initially resistant to following that path. 

However, six years into my practice, a colleague I had encouraged to go to anesthesia school invited me to write a chapter for a textbook. This opportunity led to guest lectures at Columbia University, where I had studied, and eventually to teaching multiple courses and precepting students. 

After seven years of teaching at Columbia, I applied for and accepted the position of program director for the Fairfield University nurse anesthesia program in Connecticut, a role I held for 20 years. Over time, I recognized the importance of advocating for our profession, which led to my involvement in state and national organizations. I joined the board of the Connecticut Association of Nurse Anesthetists (CTANA) and eventually became its president. 

Reflecting on my journey from a naive 16-year-old entering nursing to a leader in my field, I appreciate how being a nurse opens numerous opportunities. As a type-A personality, I thrive in the nurse anesthesia field, relishing the ability to make quick decisions, guide patients through procedures safely, and see them recover post-anesthesia. When patients ask if I’m the one who will put them to sleep, I reassure them that I’m the one ensuring they wake up safely.

NursingColleges.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective nursing student?

Dr. Moriber: It’s quite straightforward: you need to work extremely hard to get into a nursing program, but your investment will open up a lifetime of opportunities. 

While in the program, continue to put in the effort and never let an opportunity pass by without exploring it. Even if it’s something you haven’t considered before, the vast range of opportunities in nursing means that unexpected paths can lead to incredible experiences. Embrace these chances because they will bring amazing things your way, and that’s one of the best parts of nursing. 

It’s an incredible profession, and I’m thrilled to have had such a long and fulfilling career as a nurse. I wouldn’t change it for anything. This advice should instill a sense of determination and proactivity in all prospective nursing students.

Meet the Expert: Kim Nerud, PhD, MSN

Dr. Kim Nerud is the dean of the American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Post University. 

With a rich background in nursing education spanning over two decades, Dr. Nerud has been a pivotal figure at Post University since her arrival. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding the university’s healthcare programs, showcasing her visionary approach and commitment to growth. Dr. Nerud is well-versed in the intricacies of CCNE and ACEN accreditation processes, having played a key role in evaluating program outcomes and authoring self-studies that have led to successful accreditation approvals. 

Before joining Post University, she held the position of academic director for the RN-to-BSN program at the University of South Dakota. She lent her expertise as an online instructor at Western Governors University (WGU). Dr. Nerud’s academic credentials include a doctorate in nursing from South Dakota State University, marking her as a distinguished expert.

NursingColleges.com: How has graduating with a PhD in nursing enhanced your career? 

Dr. Nerud: My career has significantly advanced through a series of educational milestones, starting with an LPN diploma and progressing through an RN associate degree, RN-to-BSN, an MSN online, and finally, a PhD in nursing. This educational progression enriched my experiences, enabling me to lead and mentor effectively and expand my career opportunities across various healthcare settings. 

My transition into mentoring critical care students sparked a passion for teaching, leading me to a master’s in nursing focusing on healthcare education and subsequently to roles in nursing education and leadership. Ultimately, earning my PhD opened doors to higher leadership positions, culminating in my role as dean of American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Post University, allowing me to impact nursing education and leadership significantly.

NursingColleges.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a nurse thinking about pursuing graduate-level education?

Dr. Nerud: I often advise students who doubt their ability to persevere that investing in themselves and their education is paramount. The transformative power of graduate-level education in nursing can unlock unforeseen opportunities and carry you forward. When the going gets tough, remember why you began your educational journey and your ultimate goal—this reflection can help realign your focus. 

Contributing to the nursing profession in meaningful ways, whether through obtaining a graduate degree, becoming a nurse practitioner, or serving communities, is vital for advancing nursing. My core piece of advice is to always reconnect with the motivation that initiated your path.

Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Connecticut

Sacred Heart University

The Sacred Heart University (SHU) Davis & Henley College of Nursing trains students to become nursing professionals adept in the healing of body, mind, and spirit. It offers three degree program pathways for students seeking a bachelor’s degree in nursing: the traditional BSN program, a second bachelor’s accelerated degree program, and an online RN-BSN program.

The traditional BSN trains students to become generalist nurses. Students study the biological, behavioral, social, and nursing sciences, clinical prevention, and population health. Graduates are skilled in patient assessment and treatment, make informed clinical judgments based on both knowledge and evidence, understand health care policy, finance, and regulatory frameworks, and are skilled in collaborating with nurses and other health care professionals in a variety of tasks, processes, and initiatives designed to sustain and improve patient care outcomes. Students also benefit from many other resources, including online testing platforms, research projects, and the University’s study abroad program.

The second-degree accelerated BSN program is very similar to the traditional program in terms of learning objectives, curriculum, and supportive resources. It is designed to build upon a student’s prior undergraduate degree. The program duration is also only fifteen months. Students are expected to study year round, beginning in May and finishing in August of the next calendar year. The short duration makes this program incompatible with study abroad programming.

The online RN-BSN program, ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online bachelor’s programs in Connecticut and the country, is designed to accommodate the needs of working RNs seeking to expand their career potential by obtaining a BSN. Students may start on one of six start dates per year, and may complete the program in as little as ten months. In addition, this program invites students to broaden their horizons further through a two-week term at SHU’s Dingle, Ireland campus.

  • Location: Fairfield, CT
  • Duration: Ten months to four years
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

University of Hartford

The University of Hartford College of Education, Nursing, and Health Professions (ENHP) offers a variety of academic programs designed to prepare individuals for careers in the helping professions. This college offers programs in health science, education, nursing, and rehabilitation sciences. 

Regardless of the ultimate focus, all students who complete a program within this college accrue clinical experience that is critical to success after graduation. Students uncommitted to a particular major may choose one of two exploratory pathways in their first and second years of studies. By choosing this option, students can give themselves the time to further identify their strengths, interests, and compatible career pathways.

The College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions offers a 121 credit hour, direct-entry bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, leadership skills, and care delivery that is ethical, competent, and compassionate. Students further develop their skills in simulation labs within the recently opened Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions. Required clinical placements are offered at leading hospitals and healthcare facilities in Hartford. As is typical of many undergraduate nursing programs, students must complete prerequisite chemistry, biology, and physiology courses before advancing to their professional nursing coursework. This program also accepts transfer students.

  • Location: West Hartford, CT
  • Duration: Four years
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Western Connecticut State University

Western Connecticut State University, recognized as one of New England’s best-rated nursing schools, offers students a local, affordable undergraduate nursing program. Small classes and a curriculum of evidence-based traditional classroom learning and skills development in nursing simulation labs characterize this program. Students begin their three years of nursing coursework in their sophomore year. Students may choose from many clinical placement opportunities in the Danbury, Waterbury, and New Haven areas. The WCSU nursing program has one of Connecticut’s highest pass rates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Program graduates are highly sought after by employers both in Connecticut and throughout New England.

Nursing professionals already working as registered nurses may take a separate, customized pathway to complete a BSN degree. This is the RN-BS degree completion program. This program is open to graduates of both associate degree and diploma programs and is delivered online to accommodate the needs of working professionals. While the curriculum is similar to the university’s traditional BSN program, this program features some RN-only components designed to build upon the skills and expertise practicing RNs already have. RNs may be permitted to transfer up to 28 credits to fulfill degree requirements. Students attending part-time can often complete the program in two years.

  • Location: Danbury, CT
  • Duration: Two to four years
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Fairfield University

Fairfield University, founded by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1942, is one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. The Jesuits are one of the most well-known, innovative, and expansive religious orders of the Roman Catholic Church. Jesuit spirituality emphasizes the care of the whole person. In Latin, this is known as cura personalis. Another prominent anchor within Jesuit spirituality is what is known as a preferential option for the poor. This orientation guides many Jesuits to work with populations that have historically been frequently marginalized and underserved. The Jesuit tradition infuses Fairfield University’s academic programs, including its nursing program.

The Fairfield University Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies offers a 130-credit, four-year undergraduate degree nursing program. The curriculum features a strong liberal arts education combined with training in theoretical knowledge and clinical skills designed to prepare graduates for various roles in nursing and the larger healthcare system. Students benefit from small class sizes, an extensive collection of clinical placement sites, and access to a robust university-wide study abroad program. After graduation, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN certification and obtain RN licensure.

  • Location: Fairfield, CT
  • Duration: Four years
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Connecticut

Post University – American Sentinal College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Post University offers several online nursing programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to an RN-to-BSN, this school has an MBA in healthcare, an MSN, and a DNP.

The MSN is offered in eight specializations: nursing education, case management, nursing informatics, infection prevention and control, management and organizational leadership, adult-gerontology primary care NP, family NP, and psychiatric-mental health NP. The DNP has four specializations: educational leadership, executive leadership, informatics leadership, and professional leadership. 

  • Location: Waterbury, CT
  • Duration: Varies depending on the program
  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Sacred Heart University

In addition to the undergraduate nursing programs noted in the previous section, Sacred Heart University also offers five distinct online MSN programs. These programs include clinical nurse leadership, nursing management and executive leadership, nursing education, family nurse practice, and psychiatric mental health nurse practice. Given the breadth of these program offerings, students seeking graduate-level education in nursing can expect to find their preferred nursing specialization at Sacred Heart University.

Regardless of particular specialization, all graduate nursing programs feature a curriculum designed in accordance with competency standards espoused by leading professional nursing organizations. They emphasize evidence-based practices, provide students with critical hands-on clinical training, and effectively prepare students to pass certification exams. While the number of credit hours varies by program, students can generally expect to complete any programs within two to two-and-a-half years.

  • Location: Fairfield, CT
  • Duration: Two to two-and-a-half years
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Yale University

Yale University has a national and even international reputation for quality education. In keeping with this reputation, the Yale University graduate-level nursing program offers students eight master’s degree (MSN) specialties. These specialties are adult/gerontology acute and primary care, family nurse practitioner, midwifery, pediatric nurse acute and primary care, psychiatric mental health, and women’s health nurse practitioner. The nursing program also offers two distinct program tracks and three concentrations. Understanding the difference between a specialty, track, and concentration can be confusing. Prospective students are therefore encouraged to research the school’s website thoroughly. 

Yale University also offers a pathway by which students with a baccalaureate education in a non-nursing profession can complete an MSN. Known as the graduate entry pre-specialty in nursing (GEPN) program, this program is an accelerated three-year program featuring a combination of basic and advanced nursing training. Graduates are equipped to pursue positions in advanced clinical practice, leadership, and more. In recognition that students often have diverse non-nursing backgrounds, the GEPN curriculum offers content in both the arts and sciences in its curriculum and clinical training requirements.

  • Location: Orange, CT
  • Duration: Two to three years
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Fairfield University

Fairfield University offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program designed to provide students with multiple training options to support different career trajectories. As noted in the undergraduate nursing programs listed above, Fairfield University is a Jesuit university. The university’s many academic programs are thus grounded in a spirituality defined by compassion, a commitment to continued learning, and an enthusiasm for working amidst and on behalf of the world’s most marginalized and underserved communities.

Students may complete an MSN degree in nursing leadership, family nurse practice or psychiatric mental health nursing. Nursing leadership is a 38-credit program that trains students to become nursing generalists skilled in improving individualized patient outcomes and the functioning of healthcare delivery systems. Students can choose to focus on clinical systems or integrated healthcare. Particular curriculum focus areas include caring for aging populations, chronic illness management, and integrated healthcare leadership. 

The family nurse practitioner option is a 51-credit program that trains students to provide care across the human lifespan and successfully care for women’s particular health needs. Graduates are skilled in diagnosis, evaluation, and management of patient care. Finally, the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program is a 55-credit-hour program that prepares students to provide primary mental health care for people from varied backgrounds who experience psychiatric disorders and mental health problems. Training in various therapeutic settings and medication management are critical aspects of the curriculum. 

Graduates may work in many settings, including private practice, home care, emergency/urgent care settings, and extended care facilities. This program only offers fall term admission.

  • Location: Fairfield, CT
  • Duration: Two years
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University offers many graduate nursing programs for individuals interested in various nursing careers. The university offers six programs: acute and primary care nursing for adult-gerontology, a family nurse practitioner program, psychiatric mental health nursing, an RN-to-MSN program, and operational leadership.

Four of the aforementioned programs focus on training students to become nurse practitioners specializing in a certain type of care. These programs are designed to accommodate the busy schedules typical of working nurses. MSN graduates who wish later to begin a doctor of nursing program at Quinnipiac and who do so within two years of finishing their MSN will not lose relevant academic credit or be at risk of duplicating coursework.

The operational leadership program is an option for those interested in leadership roles rather than positions focused on regularly providing patient care. The curriculum includes coursework in health policy, organizational leadership, adult learning, epidemiology, health care finance, and much more. Three courses from the university’s doctor of nursing practice program are also included in the curriculum. In addition, students are required to complete 360 hours of practicum experience. Graduates are qualified to assume leadership and management positions and teach undergraduate nursing students in clinical and lab courses.

The RN-to-MSN program is online for licensed RNs interested in completing an MSN focusing on operational leadership. Upon completion, students are awarded both a BSN and an MSN. The curriculum is based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice and the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing.

  • Location: Hamden, CT
  • Duration: Two years
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Southern Connecticut State University

Southern Connecticut State University offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program featuring two track options: family nurse practice (FNP) and nurse education. Coursework for both tracks is fully online and consists of synchronous and asynchronous classes. Clinical hour requirements must be performed in person.

The FNP track is a 45-credit program that trains students to work in primary care settings. Students receive training in women’s health, internal medicine, and pediatrics. They must complete a total of 660 hours of clinical hours. Though students are encouraged to seek their clinical placements early in their training, they can also receive substantial placement support from the SCSU School of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC and AANP FNP board certification exams and may ultimately become advanced practice RN (APRN).

The nursing education track is a 37-credit program designed to prepare graduates to become the next generation of nurse educators. Applicants must be currently licensed as RNs in Connecticut and hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing before the date of application. Graduates possess the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to offer evidence-based clinical and classroom nursing instruction to nursing students at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels. Students may complete the program at an accelerated (16 months) or part-time pace (two to three years).

  • Location: New Haven, CT
  • Duration: Sixteen months to three years
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut (UConn) School of Nursing is highly respected in Connecticut, the United States, and the international community. The UConn School of Nursing is known for its leadership in using simulation labs and other technologies as but one part of its high-quality academic programs designed to train nurses to provide skilled care to patients in diverse clinical settings. Regardless of program focus, all curricula emphasize evidence-based practice, innovation, leadership, scholarship, and research. Many nursing faculty are internationally respected experts in their areas of specialization.

Master’s degree program specializations include acute care adult gerontology, family nurse practitioner, nursing administration and leadership, nurse educator, and neonatal nurse practitioner. The neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) master’s degree option is noteworthy as this specialization is not offered at many nursing schools, even though advanced neonatology roles are some of the oldest and most respected advanced practice roles. UConn School of Nursing faculty teaches UConn’s neonatal program and experienced NNPs working in that field. The 44-credit master’s degree can be completed in two years. 

Before beginning their clinical practicum coursework, applicants must have completed at least two years of full-time RN-level practice in a level three neonatal intensive care unit. Upon graduation, students may apply for the NNP examination offered by the National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Specialties.

  • Location: Storrs, CT
  • Duration: Two to three years
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Nursing School Accreditation

Accreditation is a process that provides critical value to both academic programs as well as prospective and current students. Accreditation authenticates the capacity of an academic program to deliver the education necessary to produce skilled professionals capable of working in a certain discipline. On the other side, accreditation provides prospective and enrolled students peace of mind. By knowing an academic degree program is accredited, students can be confident their decision to pursue a degree will be a worthwhile investment of their time and money. Academic nursing programs are typically accredited by one of two accrediting organizations. These are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

In Connecticut, nursing professionals both seek and renew their licenses through the Connecticut State Department of Public Health. Connecticut offers two options for licensure: licensure by examination and licensure by endorsement of out-of-state license. As licensure requirements typically vary by state as well as nursing specialization, it is important for prospective and current nursing professionals to clearly understand these requirements before embarking on a course of study or seeking work in another state.

Some states are considered nurse licensure compact states. A nurse licensure compact state is a state that permits nurses to practice in multiple states using a single license they may not necessarily have obtained in the state where they seek to practice primarily. An advantage of this licensure portability model is that it reduces nurses’ time navigating bureaucracy before being permitted to practice in a state they have just moved to. Connecticut does not maintain a membership in the nurse licensure compact and is, therefore, free to set its own standards for various nursing professionals.

Continuing education is generally required to maintain and renew a nursing license. If a nurse decides to move out of state or pursue work in a different specialization, the nurse may need to fulfill additional education or other requirements to practice elsewhere. In regards to continuing education, Connecticut has some noteworthy exceptions. LPNs and RNs do not have continuing education requirements. In addition, NPs do have prescriptive authority, but the types of drugs they are permitted to prescribe depend on how long they have been licensed.

How Much Do Nurses Make in Connecticut?

These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest data available as of August 2024.

Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries

United StatesConnecticut
Number employed630,2508,550
Average annual salary (mean)$60,790$68,150
10th percentile$45,670$57,230
50th percentile (median)$59,730$65,670
90th percentile$77,870$78,930

Registered Nurse Salaries

United StatesConnecticut
Number employed3,175,39036,430
Average annual salary (mean)$94,480$101,840
10th percentile$63,720$78,370
50th percentile (median)$86,070$100,620
90th percentile$132,680$127,150

Nurse Anesthetist Salaries

United StatesConnecticut
Number employed47,810490
Average annual salary (mean)$214,200$247,740
10th percentile$139,980$173,360
50th percentile (median)$212,650$229,630
90th percentile>$239,200> $239,200

Nurse Midwife Salaries

United StatesConnecticut
Number employed6,96070
Average annual salary (mean)$131,570$122,530
10th percentile$87,320$78,060
50th percentile (median)$129,650$121,600
90th percentile$177,530$170,240

Nurse Practitioner Salaries

United StatesConnecticut
Number employed280,1403,400
Average annual salary (mean)$128,490$136,980
10th percentile$94,530$101,380
50th percentile (median)$126,260$135,390
90th percentile$168,030$174,240

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in Connecticut

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements

Connecticut State Department of Public Health

Connecticut requirements for LPN license applicants include:

  • Successfully complete a practical nursing program that provided at least 1,500 hours of theory over no less than ten months. Fifty percent of the contact hours must have been in supervised direct client care experiences and observational experiences. Applicants may substitute work experience for clinical hours
  • Pay a $150 application fee
  • Successfully complete the NCLEX-PN exam

Connecticut LPN licenses expire in the first birth month following issuance and are renewable annually thereafter. In addition to annual renewals, candidates must complete two hours of continuing education units every six years. The fee to renew is $70.

Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in Connecticut 

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements

Connecticut State Department of Public Health

In order to earn a license as an RN in the state of Connecticut, a candidate must:


  • Show proof of a diploma, undergraduate degree, or a graduate degree from a board accredited nursing school

  • Pay a $180 application fee

  • Successfully complete the NCLEX-RN exam

RN licenses in Connecticut expire in the first birth month following issuance and are renewable annually thereafter.

Every six years, candidates must also complete two hours of continuing education units to renew. Renewals cost $110.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in Connecticut

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements

Board of Examiners for Nursing

In the state of Connecticut, CNSs are licensed as APRNs, and an individual must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold a current Connecticut RN license
  • Hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner from a nationally accredited organization such as American Nurses Credentialing Center, National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
  • Have completed 30 hours of education in pharmacology for advanced nursing practice
  • Hold a graduate degree in nursing or in a related field recognized for certification as a nurse practitioner, or completed an advanced nurse practitioner program that a national certifying body recognized for certification as a nurse practitioner on or before December 31, 2004 and holds a current license as an APRN in another state that requires a master’s degree in nursing or a related field for such licensure
  • Submit a completed application and fee of $180

Licenses for CNS in Connecticut are renewed every other year.

In most cases, applicants will need to provide proof of 50 contact hours of continued education, including five contact hours of pharmacotherapeutics and one contact hour each in domestic violence, sexual assault, risk management, substance abuse, cultural competence, and disease. There is a $110 license renewal fee.

Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in Connecticut

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements

Board of Examiners for Nursing

To be licensed as an NM in the state of Connecticut, the following is required:

  • Be eligible for a Connecticut RN licensure
  • Hold current certification by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
  • Successful completion of 30 hours of education in pharmacology for nurse-midwifery
  • An application fee of $100
  • Submit a complete application

NMs in Connecticut must maintain their RN license. Registered nurse licenses in Connecticut expire in the first birth month following issuance and are renewable annually thereafter.

Candidates must also complete two hours of continuing education units every six years to renew. Renewals cost $110. Renewals of a NM license can be complete online and cost $130

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in Connecticut

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements

Board of Examiners for Nursing

In the state of Connecticut, nurse practitioners are licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), and an individual must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold a current Connecticut RN license
  • Hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner from a nationally accredited organization such as American Nurses Credentialing Center, National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
  • Have completed 30 hours of education in pharmacology for advanced nursing practice
  • Hold a graduate degree in nursing or in a related field recognized for certification as a nurse practitioner OR completed an advanced nurse practitioner program that a national certifying body recognized for certification as a nurse practitioner on or before December 31, 2004 and holds a current license as an APRN in another state that requires a master’s degree in nursing or a related field for such licensure
  • Provide official verification of current certification by a national certifying agency listed above
  • Submit official transcript of a master’s degree in nursing sent directly from the educational institution
  • Have verification of all licenses held from each state in which the applicant is or was licensed as nurse practitioner
  • Complete an application
  • Pay the fee of $200
  • application fee

Licenses are renewed every other year. Licensees can expect a renewal notification 60 days prior to expiration. Connecticut renews all medical licenses through an online portal. Applicants will need to provide proof of 50 contact hours of continued education, including 5 contact hours of pharmacotherapeutics and 1 contact hour each in domestic violence, sexual assault, risk management, substance abuse, cultural competence, and disease. There is a $130 license renewal fee.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in Connecticut

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements

Board of Examiners for Nursing

In the state of Connecticut, CRNAs are licensed as APRNs, and they must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold a current Connecticut RN license
  • old and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner from a nationally accredited organization such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center, National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
  • Have completed 30 hours of education in pharmacology for advanced nursing practice
  • Hold a graduate degree in nursing or in a related field recognized for certification as a nurse practitioner, or completed an advanced nurse practitioner program that a national certifying body recognized for certification as a nurse practitioner on or before December 31, 2004 and holds a current license as an APRN in another state that requires a master’s degree in nursing or a related field for such licensure
  • Submit a completed application and fee of $200

Licenses for APRNs in Connecticut must be renewed every other year.

In most cases, applicants will need to provide proof of 50 contact hours of continued education, including five contact hours of pharmacotherapeutics and one contact hour each in domestic violence, sexual assault, risk management, substance abuse, cultural competence, and disease. There is a $130 license renewal fee.

Bernd Geels

Bernd Geels

Writer

Bernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Writer

At NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.