{"id":6861,"date":"2020-03-30T17:10:24","date_gmt":"2020-03-30T21:10:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=6861"},"modified":"2024-12-17T10:01:58","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T15:01:58","slug":"connecticut-nursing-license-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/connecticut-nursing-license-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"Connecticut Nursing License Requirements, Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nurses are the backbone to our healthcare system. If you are interested in becoming a nurse, you are planning to embark on a challenging but incredibly rewarding career. In addition to the great income (registered nurses in Connecticut earn an average annual salary of $81,220<\/a>), registered nurses fill an ever-important role of helping those in need. <\/p>\n

There are many benefits to becoming an RN<\/a>. And there’s no denying the fact that nursing is an exciting role that will keep you on your toes for many years to come. But if you are just starting out, you may be wondering how to earn your Connecticut nursing license. Read on, as we break down the RN license requirements for those looking to enter this competitive and growing field.<\/p>\n

1. Start with an Education<\/h2>\n

In order to earn your Connecticut RN license, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). But before you sit for this exam, you will need to complete a state-approved nursing program. This is mandated by the state board. An accredited, career-focused school like Goodwin University offers several different paths<\/a> for those interested in becoming a nurse. There’s more than one way to become a nurse in Connecticut. <\/p>\n

If you are completely new to postsecondary education, and you want to enter the nursing field as quickly as possible, you may choose an approved Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program<\/a>. The program at Goodwin may be completed in as little as 20 months — part time.<\/em><\/p>\n

If you have already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you may choose to pursue the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program<\/a>. This can be completed, part time, in as little as 16 months. It can be completed on campus, online, and in a hybrid format. If you would like to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree — and there are many good reasons to pursue this type of degree<\/a> today — you may opt to earn your ADN, become a licensed RN, and then pursue an RN-to-BSN program while working as a nurse. In taking this route, you can earn your bachelor’s degree while you gain experience in the field. The BSN program<\/a> at Goodwin can be completed in as little as 16 months.<\/p>\n

2. Sit for the NCLEX-RN<\/h2>\n

Once you have completed your state-approved nursing program, you must sit for the NCLEX-RN<\/a>. This exam is a standardized, computer-based test that is used across the country to determine whether a nurse is fully prepared to enter the field and work with patients. To register for the exam, you must fulfill these requirements<\/a>. <\/p>\n

The NCLEX-RN is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). It covers three levels of comprehension:<\/p>\n