A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Connecticut
Navigating Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Connecticut Exploring the advantages of being a registered nurse in Connecticut reveals numerous benefits, including high-quality educational institutions and healthcare facilities. Nurses here earn a median salary that surpasses the national average by 6%. To assist you in obtaining your Connecticut nursing license, we've gathered essential details below.
This guide covers: - Obtaining your license through examination - Acquiring your license via endorsement - Renewing your nursing license - Associated licensing fees - Continuing education mandates - Contacting the Connecticut Board of Nursing
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Securing Your Nursing License in Connecticut Step 1: Educational Requirements To become a registered nurse, a solid educational base is crucial. The three paths include: - Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Accelerated BSN for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
Connecticut requires applicants to earn a nursing degree. Completing a program approved by the state board is the first step towards licensure.
Step 2: Application Process Prospective registered nurses must complete various steps before submitting their online licensure application with the required fee. Paper applications are not accepted. - Register on the official state website. - Sign up for the NCLEX at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex, incurring a $200 fee. - Log in to submit your application and pay the $180 fee. Once submitted and transcripts are received, the Board will authorize your NCLEX-RN exam electronically.
Step 3: Submitting Transcripts Ensure your official transcripts reach the designated department.
Step 4: Criminal Background Check While Connecticut doesn't mandate a background check for licensure, applicants must disclose any criminal history, and some facilities may require one.
Step 5: Passing the NCLEX The NCLEX is the conclusive exam needed to obtain a Connecticut license. Registration and the $200 fee on PearsonVue are prerequisites. Failing the NCLEX-RN means waiting 45 days to retake it, with up to 8 attempts allowed per year. The exam must be passed within three years after graduation. The NCLEX consists of 75-145 questions covering topics like: - Safe and Effective Care Environment - Management of Care - Safety and Infection Control - Health Promotion and Maintenance - Psychosocial Integrity - Physiological Integrity - Basic Care and Comfort - Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies - Physiological Adaptation
Renewing Your Connecticut Nursing License Step 1: Renewal Application Connecticut RNs must renew their licenses annually. Renewal notifications are sent 60 days before expiration, with a second notice 30 days after expiration.
Step 2: Continuing Competency Every six years, Connecticut RNs must complete: - One contact hour on screening for conditions like PTSD, suicide risk, depression, and grief - One contact hour on suicide prevention
Each contact hour is 50 minutes. Courses may be in-person or online. Nurses confirm compliance during renewal and should keep course records for three years. These are not needed for renewal but must be available within 45 days if requested.
Step 3: Completing Renewal Application Renewal applications are processed online, with fees payable on the platform. To request a paper application, contact the relevant department.
Getting a Nursing License by Endorsement Nurses from other states seeking a Connecticut license must verify all active and inactive RN licenses with the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Submit an online application with the necessary fees. Out-of-state applicants receive a temporary 120-day permit to practice while awaiting licensure, issued within 15 days of application approval.
Licensing Fees Below are the fees for obtaining a Connecticut nursing license, whether you're a new nurse or relocating. Examination licensing fees (first-time applicants): - NCLEX fee: $200 - Application fee: $180
Endorsement licensing fees (existing RNs): - Application fee: $180
License renewal fees: - Application: $110
Continuing Education RNs and LPNs renewing licenses after January 1, 2022, must complete 2 contact hours every six years on: - Screening for PTSD, suicide risk, depression, and grief - Suicide prevention training
APRNs licensed post-October 1, 2014, need 50 hours of continuing education biennially, with 5 hours on pharmacotherapeutics and 2 hours on veteran mental health issues.
For further training topics, consult reputable providers.
Contacting the Connecticut Board of Nursing For more help, contact the Connecticut Department of Health's Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section Board of Examiners for Nursing.
