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by
Erin Lee, BSN, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) in Connecticut involves exploring several educational pathways. Among them, the Associate of Science (AS) in Nursing is one of the fastest and most popular options.
Considering this, we've provided everything you need to know to apply for an AS in Nursing in Connecticut, along with salary expectations after graduation and recommendations for the best programs in the state.
Table of Contents
Best Associate in Nursing Programs in Connecticut
The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools with the addition of NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rate of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.
1. Northwestern Connecticut Community College
Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted offers an Associate of Science (AS) program in nursing, providing a quick pathway to becoming a registered nurse. With an estimated annual tuition of $6,438, the program ensures affordability without compromising quality education. The college has a commendable 91% NCLEX pass rate, reflecting its dedication to producing competent and successful nursing graduates. Moreover, with ACEN accreditation, students can be confident in receiving a high standard of nursing education.
2. Naugatuck Valley Community College
In Waterbury, aspiring nurses can pursue their dreams through the Associate of Science (AS) program in nursing at Naugatuck Valley Community College. With an estimated annual tuition of $6,743, the program provides comprehensive training and a well-structured curriculum. The college maintains ACEN accreditation and has an 89% NCLEX pass rate, assuring students a quality education and preparation for their nursing careers.
3. Norwalk Community College
At Norwalk Community College in Norwalk, aspiring nurses can thrive in the Associate of Science (AS) program in nursing. With an estimated annual tuition of $6,443, the program provides an accessible route to achieving a nursing career without compromising on excellence. The program's 87% NCLEX pass rate and ACEN accreditation reflect its commitment to producing skilled and competent nurses who can excel in their future roles.
| Score | School | Program | City |
Estimated Cost(Annual)* |
NCLEX Pass Rates (Avg. 2018-2022) |
ACEN Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100.00 | Northwestern Connecticut Community College | AS | Winsted | $6,438 | 91% | Yes |
| 94.00 | Naugatuck Valley Community College | AS | Waterbury | $6,743 | 89% | Yes |
| 89.08 | Norwalk Community College | AS | Norwalk | $6,443 | 87% | Yes |
What Is an Associate in Nursing?
An Associate's in Nursing is an entry-level degree that provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become RNs. Upon completion of an AS program, students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed.
Related: 10 Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023
Associate in Nursing Coursework
The robust curriculum, including a blend of classwork and hands-on coursework, means students will be well prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and begin in a clinical nurse role upon graduation. Since Associate in Nursing students work towards an associate of applied science, coursework in general education and nursing is required. Standard classes include:
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Nursing care of adults
- Community Health Nursing
- Behavioral Health
- Microbiology
- Humanities
- Psychology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Chemistry
Can An Associate in Nursing Be Taken Entirely Online?
Acquiring nursing skills requires hands-on learning and real-life practice, which can't be fully replicated in an entirely online environment for an initial nursing degree. Because of this, AS programs aren't entirely online, as in-person skills training and direct patient care experiences in healthcare facilities are needed. However, plenty of associate in nursing programs offer online coursework options, providing a hybrid environment for working students or those who require more flexible schedules.
Where Do Associate-Prepared Nurses Work?
Nurses with an AS in nursing have many career options and opportunities and can practice in most care settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Home Care Agencies
- Physician Office
- Educational Services
- Government Agencies
- Schools
- Community Centers
- Hospices
- Dialysis Centers
- Telephonic and Virtual Care Settings
Associate in Nursing Prerequisites and Requirements
Acceptance to an Associate in Nursing program comes with several prerequisites and requirements, including:
- Proof of Prior Education: Verification of high school diploma or GED.
- Prerequisite studies: Research your program for the exact courses needed.
- Pre-Entrance Exam: Tests like the TEAS or HESI.
- CPR Certification: Varying depending on the program.
- Criminal Background Check: To ensure patient safety.
Associate in Nursing Salary Expectations in Connecticut
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs in Connecticut in 2022 earned:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $45.32
- Annual Mean Wage: $94,260
Unfortunately, the BLS does not specify whether this is an associate-prepared RN or BSN-prepared RNs; however, given that a BSN is likely to increase earning potential, this is likely to be representative of slightly lower than the average BSN-RN salary.
RN salary in Connecticut is 6% higher than the national estimates for 2022, as the BLS reports RNs across the U.S. earning:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $42.80
- Annual Mean Wage: $89,010
With the highest-paying states being:
- California: $133,340
- Hawaii: $113,220
- Oregon: $106,610
- Massachusetts: $104,150
- Alaska: $103,310
The BLS collected the Connecticut RN wage data from over 34,290 nurses.
How to Choose a Nursing School
Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of education, while others may place greater emphasis on NCLEX pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.
Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:
- Cost
- High NCLEX Pass Rate
- Location
- Academic Reputation
- Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Length of Time to Obtain Degree
- Flexibility of Schedule
- Curriculum
- Campus and Surroundings
- Nursing Clinicals Location
- Availability of Online Courses
Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that best fit them.
FAQ and Additional Readings
Q: How do I transfer my nursing license to Connecticut?
Connecticut is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you'll be required to apply for licensure with the Connecticut Board of Nursing
Q: Are there specialization programs for nurses in Connecticut?
Many schools in Connecticut offer advanced nursing degrees, allowing RNs to specialize in pediatric, geriatric, family nurse practitioner, acute care, and more.
Q: Is it better to have an associate in nursing or a BSN?
While obtaining an RN license after completing an associate in nursing is possible, the opportunities after graduation and beyond are more significant with a BSN degree. BSNs focus more on research, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice, whereas an AS primarily focuses on clinical skills.
Additionally, many healthcare institutions now require BSN-prepared RNs to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements and achieve Magnet status prestige.
