According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses (RNs) are trained healthcare professionals who provide first-hand care to the patients. They also coordinate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to educate patients and their families about various health conditions.

Should I Become a Nurse in Connecticut?

Becoming a Nurse in Connecticut requires completion of at least a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. This degree makes you eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, commonly known as the NCLEX-RN exam. Nurses must clear this exam to become licensed as they cannot get employed without their license. Further details on this career are explained below.

Education Required At least a bachelor’s degree
Major Requirement Nursing (BSN)
Training Internship is recommended
License/Certification Getting licensed as an RN is mandatory
Key Skills/Qualities Patience, Stamina, Critical-thinking, Compassion, Communication, Attention-to-detail, and Problem-solving skills, etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National $77,460
Job Outlook (2018-28) 12% (Much faster than average)
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – Connecticut $83,440

Sources: O*Net Online and US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Outlook

In 2019, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 2,982,280 Registered Nurses (RNs) were employed in the US, and 34,740 belonged to the state of Connecticut. The numbers of Registered Nurses are anticipated to increase by 12% between 2018 and 2028.

Steps to Become a Nurse in Connecticut

If you are interested in becoming a Nurse in Connecticut, then this guide can help you begin your journey!

    1. Diploma in Nursing


A diploma in Nursing can be completed in approximately 2 years. Several hospitals in Connecticut offer various diploma programs for aspiring nurses. This diploma allows students to take their nursing courses at the hospital and simultaneously complete their general education courses at a local college. However, with just a few more courses, now you can earn an associate’s degree in Nursing (ADN). Since this career has become very competitive, employers now prefer hiring college graduates.

    1. Associate Degree in Nursing

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An associate’s degree in Nursing can also be completed in 2 years. It is the most popular choice among candidates who want to become nurses. This degree combines classroom courses with clinical experience, therefore providing nurses with the foundation required for a nursing career.

    1. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

A Bachelor of Nursing can be completed in approximately 4 years. Since the employers in the healthcare sector prefer hiring well-educated candidates, nurses with a bachelor’s degree or BSN would have an edge over others. Many institutions now offer an accelerated RN-to-BSN degree as well.

    1. Become Licensed as a Registered Nurse

All nurses in the US must be registered otherwise, they are not allowed to work. The requirements of licensure vary for each state as well. To get licensed as a Registered Nurse, you must clear the NCLEX-RN exam which is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Once this exam has been cleared, Nurses can get licensed.

How long Does It Take to Become a Nurse in Connecticut?

Becoming a Registered Nurse in Connecticut may take around 5 years or more. This duration includes 4 years of bachelor’s degree in Nursing, the time required to clear the NCLEX-RN exam, and getting licensure as a Registered Nurse. However, this timeline may vary from one person to another since everyone makes different decisions regarding their education and work life.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Nurse in Connecticut?

To be able to work as a Registered Nurse, you must complete all of the following requirements:

  • Earn a Bachelor of Nursing from an accredited institution
  • Clear the NCLEX-RN exam
  • Apply for the state-issued license as a Registered Nurse
  • Get licensed and begin working

How Much Does a Nurse Earn in Connecticut?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all Registered Nurses employed in the state of Connecticut earned an annual mean salary of $83,440 in 2019. While California was named as the highest paying state for this career with an annual mean salary of $113,240.