Connecticut, also known as the “
The Constitution State”, is home to a diverse mix of residents and visitors. The state government has developed a sound infrastructure and hosts a number of leading industries. Connecticut is popularly known for its extensive sectors for real estate, finance, and insurance which contribute significantly to the overall economy. Connecticut has also become a benchmark in quality healthcare education, which is translated in the exceptional healthcare services available throughout this east coast state. In recent years, the rising shortage of nurses has increased the demand for these professionals. Other factors such as an ageing population and technology also play a key role in pushing the need for healthcare experts. Did you know that 1% of the nation’s total nursing workforce is employed in Connecticut?
Nursing Schools in CT
Thousands of students in Connecticut are pursuing healthcare degree and nursing education to prepare for dynamic careers in this growing sector. There are many accredited nursing schools in Connecticut that provide nursing educational programs to students. According to the organization “Education News”, Connecticut saw an increase of 192% in nursing school enrollments in the past few years.
Nursing Schools in CT provide a range of nursing degrees such as RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing), and MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degrees. The program offerings may vary from school to school. Before enrolling in Nursing school in CT, it is important to make sure the school has been accredited. The Commission for Education in Nursing is among the few boards that accredits educational institutes.
Licensed Practical Nurse Program
LPN degrees are offered by a number of nursing colleges in CT. This is the most basic nursing qualification needed to work at entry-level. The program will equip students with basic nursing knowledge and skill. Students will cover a range of topics that will build theoretical understanding and also emphasize on practical skills.
Coursework:
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Nursing fundamentals
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Medical surgical nursing
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Family nursing
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Microbiology for healthcare
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Structure and function of the human body
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Physiology
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Nursing ethics
Admission Requirements:
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Completion of nursing prerequisites
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High school diploma
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Minimum CGPA 2.0
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Minimum 70% score is science and general subjects
Duration:
An LPN degree will take 12 to 18 months to complete, depending upon which school you enroll in.
RN Degree
Registered Nursing degree programs are popularly pursued by thousands of students who wish to become a Registered Nurse. The program offers insight on latest nursing healthcare trends in the industry, technology, and nursing practices. The main focus of the degree is upon skill development as students are required to undergo practical training.
Coursework:
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Models and theories for nursing
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Clinical practice
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Healthcare delivery systems
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Nursing ethics and administration
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Nursing research
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Adult care nursing
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Family nursing
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Pediatric nursing
Admission Requirements:
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High school diploma with minimum 2.0 CGPA
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Completion of nursing prerequisite courses
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Minimum 70% score in general science subjects
Duration
An RN degree can be complete in 2-3 years. The exact duration will depend upon the enrollment status of the student.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A BSN degree will prepare students for more specialized nursing roles within the healthcare industry. The program covers various aspects of the nursing field. Students will cover major nursing disciplines and models that facilitate clinical practice. The program is more advanced in nature as compared to the LPN and RN degree.
Coursework:
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Pharmacology
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Microbiology
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Nutrition
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Anatomy
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Medical ethics
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Leadership in nursing
Duration
A BSN degree can be completed in four years from most colleges. However, the duration may vary, depending upon which school you enroll in.
Master of Science in Nursing
This is the main graduate-level nursing degree offered by schools. It is designed to prepare nurses for leadership and advanced clinical job positions in the industry. The program will cover many advanced topics. Students will develop research skills and strong clinical skills.
Coursework
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Healthcare technologies
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Evidence-based practice
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Systems leadership
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Nursing and technology
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Advanced clinical practices
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Pharmacology
Duration
The program can be completed in two years. It is also possible to complete an MSN degree in less than two years by opting for an accelerated track.
Nursing Specialties
In most programs, students can specialize in any nursing field depending upon their career objectives. Since nursing is a broad field, most students pick a specific area for practice. Some common nursing specialties include:
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Gerontology nursing
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Oncology nursing
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Travel nursing
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Geriatrics nursing
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Emergency nursing
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Pediatrics nursing
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Healthcare administration
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Intensive care nursing
Objectives of Nursing Programs
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Help students develop necessary nursing skills needed for clinical practice
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Demonstrate strong analysis and critical-thinking skills
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Be able to diagnose and assess patient health
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Devise treatment plans
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Conduct various basic and advanced medical tests
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Assist physician and doctors
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Educate patients and provide support
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Attend to patients in critical condition
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Address medical needs of families and individuals
Licensing
Once a nursing degree has been completed, individuals can take the nursing licensing examination in Connecticut. This exam is mandatory to get a license. The Nursing Board in Connecticut conducts the NCLEX exam for LPNs and RNs. It is designed to assess the skill and knowledge of a student, and determine their readiness for the healthcare field. The test will evaluate nursing knowledge in many different areas.
Certification
Nurses can also seek certification from a credentialing agency. Certification has become popular and helps increase job prospects. There are a number of credentialing organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Online Nursing Education
Nursing degree programs are available online as well. Online nursing degree programs are relatively more flexible and may also be affordable as compared to campus-based degrees. This mode of learning has made higher education more accessible and convenient. Students can study according to their own free time without having to travel anywhere. Online programs are especially recommended to professionals who do not wish to sacrifice their career to pursue further education.
Career Opportunities in Connecticut
With the healthcare industry expanding in the state of Connecticut, individuals can seek diverse career opportunities in this field. The demand for nursing professionals is growing rapidly, making it a major occupation in the healthcare sector. RNs earned a median annual wage of $75,850 in 2011 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. RNs and LPNs are typically employed by healthcare institutions such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.
This career is suitable for individuals who want to help others in need and bring a positive change. The monetary benefits of a nursing job are incomparable to the sense of achievement and satisfaction that comes with it.