No matter where you live, it’s a safe bet that your state is in need of nurses. Nurses provide vital services for their patients and their medical teams. Registered nurses not only provide care but also educate their patients and the public on health matters. While nurses are ubiquitous across the world, the process of becoming a nurse can change depending on which state you live in. Luckily, it’s always a great time to become a nurse in Connecticut. The first step to becoming a nurse is to study nursing. For those interested in the pursuit of nursing classes in CT, read on. This is a brief guide on today’s nursing requirements, as well as the top reasons to earn a Bachelor’s in Nursing and become a nurse in Connecticut.
Connecticut is a Great Place to Become a Nurse
Unlike some other states, Connecticut hospitals have not been forced to reschedule elective surgeries or other non-emergency care. However, they are still struggling with a nursing shortage. Due to a combination of an aging workforce and an increase in medical need (largely due to the pandemic), there is a demand for licensed RNs. As a student in nursing, this is an excellent time to consider becoming a nurse in CT, if only because there will be ample job opportunities in the coming years. Additionally, Connecticut is a great place to become a nurse due to the higher standard pay nurses can expect to earn. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a registered nurse in CT is $84,850 per year, about 13% more than the average salary for nurses across the U.S. Additionally, many nurses earn vacation time, overtime pay, and have the option to open a 401k account. With plenty of job opportunities and great pay, CT is certainly friendly to its nurses.
Becoming a Nurse in Connecticut
To become a nurse in CT, there are highly specific, though straightforward steps and educational requirements that prospective nurses must complete. Individuals typically need an undergraduate degree from an accredited nursing school. While an associate degree is the standard, many nurses choose to pursue a BSN degree – or Bachelor’s in Nursing – for advancement potential. BSN classes cover advanced topics in nursing that prepare aspiring RNs for a successful and comprehensive career in inpatient care.
Upon completion of their nursing classes in CT, graduates must pass the nursing licensing exam, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Upon earning their licensure, many nurses choose to connect with nursing organizations in their state. By joining their state’s nursing association, they can broaden their professional network, learn about challenges and opportunities in their state, and even potentially find jobs.
Enrolling in BSN Nursing Classes in Connecticut
For those nurses who wish to one day enter leadership positions, prepare for graduate study, or simply earn more pay, the pursuit of a BSN nursing program is the right move. As noted above, BSN classes can prepare students for career advancement and robust knowledge within the field of nursing.
Before beginning their BSN nursing classes, however, many students must first take pre-nursing courses. These courses include general education credits, as well pre-requisite classes that prepare students to enter their BSN program. Pre-nursing classes can include Anatomy and Physiology, Lifespan Developmental Psychology, Principles of Sociology, Chemistry, and Psychology. Upon completion of this preparatory year, students can apply to begin their BSN classes.
In their second year, students take a variety of courses related to their degree path as well as some general education credits. These classes include:
- Microbiology
- Intro to Professional Nursing
- Health Assessment
- Health Maintenance
- Pharmacology
In year three, students continue their BSN nursing classes as well as begin their clinical training. Alongside the hands-on experience gained in clinicals, students complete courses such as:
- Nutrition
- Humanities
- Health Policy
- Family Nursing
In their last year of their BSN program, students complete their studies and continue their clinical training. One of the many benefits of earning a BSN is that, in this last year, students take a course in Leadership in Management that prepares them for higher-level roles in nursing and increased career opportunities. Additional courses that nursing students may take in their final year include:
- Current Issues and Trends in Nursing
- Transition to Professional Practice
- Nursing Capstone
Choosing Your BSN Program in Connecticut
There are a number of BSN programs in CT to choose from. It’s important when selecting your future program that it meets the standards that the Connecticut Department of Public Health requires programs to meet. Here are some requirements you should consider before enrolling in your BSN classes in CT.
Accreditation
No matter which nursing program in Connecticut you choose, it should be fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. These accrediting bodies help schools maintain a high standard of educational excellence, guaranteeing that their students receive quality training and preparation for the field.
Licensing
Even if an institution is accredited, its program may not qualify its students to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Make sure that your future program adequately prepares students to take and pass the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. Upon passing this exam, graduates are able to enter professional practice, so this requirement is crucial.
So, you’ve decided that nursing is the career for you. If a vibrant and well-paying career with job security appeals to you, consider taking nursing classes in CT. If BSN nursing classes, specifically, are of interest, there are a number of nursing programs in the state to choose from. When choosing your school, make sure that you’ve selected a fully accredited program that prepares you for licensing and professional life. From there, the world of nursing is wide open to you!
Interested in nursing school in CT? Learn more about how University of Bridgeport’s School of Nursing can help you pursue your career in nursing!