Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are essential members of a patient’s healthcare team. These nurses deliver basic care services, help patients feel comfortable, and support physicians and RNs on a daily basis. Often, LPNs are thought of as the liaison between patients and providers, acting as a primary point of contact for the patient and ensuring their needs are tended to throughout their stay.
The path to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse is relatively straightforward, requiring the successful completion of a state-approved program and licensing examination. These steps can be completed in just two years’ time. For this reason, many aspiring nurses decide to begin their careers by becoming an LPN.
While the requirements to become an LPN vary state-to-state, the steps are usually as follows:
- Complete your high school diploma or GED
- Graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)
If you are interested in learning how to become an LPN in Connecticut, read on. This guide explores the steps you must take to not only become an LPN, but become a successful one! We’ll explore the Connecticut state requirements for LPNs today, as well as the various skills you will need to excel in the healthcare field.
Connecticut LPN Requirements, Step-by-Step
According to the state’s Department of Public Health, aspiring practical nurses need to complete the following steps to become an LPN in Connecticut:
1. Successfully complete a practical nursing program.
This program must provide at least 1,500 hours of theory and be, at minimum, 10 months long. Of the hours covered in the practical nursing program, at least 50 percent must encompass clinical training. In other words, LPN students must participate in supervised, direct patient care experiences as well as observational learning experiences in the healthcare setting.
2. Pass the NCLEX-PN examination.
All practical nurses in Connecticut must be licensed (hence, the LPN designation). In order to obtain licensure, aspiring LPNs must complete the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensing Examination-PN (NCLEX-PN), which is issued by the state.
The NCLEX-PN examination measures the competencies of practical nurses, to ensure patient safety and problem-solving skills. The exam is completed over a computer and typically includes between 85 and 205 questions evaluating your nursing skill sets. You have up to five hours to complete the exam.
Applicants may register for the examination online via Pearson Vue. Along with the exam registration, LPN candidates must also submit their application for Connecticut LPN licensure, an official transcript from their nursing school, and the exam fee.
Skills Requirements for Becoming an LPN in Connecticut
While the pathway to becoming an LPN is relatively short, the thought of completing a board examination can be intimidating for many candidates. For others, it might be the clinical experiences in nursing school (and working with real-life patients!) that makes them nervous. If you have any hesitations about your ability to become an LPN, try to put those to rest.
While it may be challenging at times, your practical nursing program is entirely dedicated to your skill development and your success. Upon graduation, you will walk away with the skills needed to excel in your profession and provide fundamental care for patients in need.
At Goodwin, our LPN training program is designed to prepare you for the licensing examination (NCLEX-PN) and to get you comfortable in patient care. Learn more here!
The skills requirements for LPNs are similar to that of any nursing or healthcare career. You must have technical know-how, compassion and empathy, and strong communication skills. Here is a breakdown of some of the most essential skills you’ll need to become a great LPN:
- Attention-to-detail: The safety and care of patients will often fall into your hands, and as an LPN, you need to make sure you are paying attention to their symptoms, closely monitoring their progress, and administering tests or medications appropriately.
- Communication skills: As an LPN, you will be a key point of contact for your patients. You must be able to listen to their needs and communicate those back to a registered nurse or physician. You may also be required to relay information to patients and their families, such as education on their condition, test results, or treatment plan.
- Compassion and empathy: Perhaps the most important skill you can possess as an LPN is compassion, or an inherent ability to care for people in need. This is core to the work of any nurse. You must be caring and empathetic towards each patient, and family, that you serve.
- Interpersonal skills: Communication is important for LPNs, as well as general interpersonal skills and the ability to work with others. LPNs work on a team of professionals and you must be able to work well on that team. Additionally, you should be prepared to work with a variety of patients and demographics as an LPN, and build a strong rapport with them.
- Multi-tasking skills: LPNs can work on a number of patient cases at once, each with a variety of health needs, and can often be found balancing multiple tasks. As such, you should have a good ability to balance multiple requests at one time. This will ensure your patients receive the proper care.
- Physical stamina: LPNs spend much of their days on their feet, migrating between patients’ rooms, laboratory settings, and hospital floors. Additionally, LPNs can be found doing physical tasks like transporting patients, or bending over for long periods of time. You should therefore be ready for the physical demands of the job (comfy shoes, included!).
How Long Does it Take to Become an LPN?
Many people choose to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) because the journey to get there is relatively fast. Most LPN programs will take between one and two years to complete. Of course, the timeline can vary depending on the nursing school as well as your scheduling needs.
At Goodwin University, the LPN certificate program can be completed in as few as 16 to 24 months. All classes are offered in a part-time format, meaning you can still maintain your current job (or family obligations) while going to nursing school. This is an added perk of our program. LPN classes are offered in the evening for student flexibility, and students can walk away with their certificate – ready for the licensing exam – in under two years’ time.
In contrast, becoming a registered nurse can take a bit longer. An associate degree in Nursing (ADN) usually takes about two years to complete after prerequisite courses are fulfilled. Learn more about becoming an RN here.
Advancement Opportunities for LPNs
For many, the journey to a successful healthcare career starts with the LPN training and designation. LPNs provide basic patient care such as taking vital signs, changing bandages, maintaining medical records, helping patients with bathing and dressing, and reporting health statuses and needs to the larger healthcare team.
Some LPNs wish to advance their nursing skills or gain more autonomy in their careers after becoming an LPN. They may consider becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). With experience as an LPN, and proper licensure, current LPNs can qualify for a fast-paced LPN-to-RN bridge program and become an RN seamlessly.
LPNs may also advance their skills by obtaining professional certifications. While these are entirely voluntary, certain certifications can help you stand out to employers or help you excel on the job. Optional certifications for LPNs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, are offered in areas like gerontology, wound care, and intravenous (IV) therapy.
At Goodwin University, you can become an LPN in just 16 to 24 months through our comprehensive certificate program. And, if you’re interested in career advancement, you can qualify for our bridge program down the road! At Goodwin, the LPN Bridge program is an accelerated offering for licensed LPNs that can be completed in just four semesters.