Nursing Education in Connecticut in 2023
This report, created by the Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce, Inc. (CCNW) in collaboration with the Connecticut Data Collaborative (CTData), provides information on the students and faculty at Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) pre-licensure education programs in Connecticut for the time period of January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.
This report uses data from a statewide survey of RN (Registered Nurse) and LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) pre-licensure nursing education programs completed by program deans and directors. The data were collected and analyzed in 2024. This report also presents trends in enrollments, new student seat capacity, graduates, and attrition rates for pre-licensure nursing education programs from annual statewide surveys administered in 2017 through 2023. Finally, this report presents data on nursing licensure examination (NCLEX) pass rates as reported by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Previous statewide RN and LPN pre-licensure nursing education reports can be accessed for calendar years 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2022.
Registered Nurse (RN) Program Enrollments & Capacity
In 2023, there were twenty-eight (28) accredited RN pre-licensure nursing program options in Connecticut:
Eight (8) 2-year associate degree programs,
Ten (10) 4-year baccalaureate programs,
Eight (8) 12–15 month accelerated (2nd degree) baccalaureate programs, and
Two (2) master's entry programs.
Total RN Student Enrollments
A total of 7,513 students were enrolled in RN pre-licensure education programs across Connecticut during the 2023 calendar year:
1,940 (26%) were in an associate degree program,
4,738 (63%) were in a baccalaureate degree program,
664 (9%) were in an accelerated (2nd degree) baccalaureate program, and
171 (2%) were in a master's entry degree program.
Between 2017 and 2023, total student enrollment in pre-licensure RN programs increased by 26%.
Total enrollments increased across baccalaureate, accelerated baccalaureate, and master’s entry RN programs:
Baccalaureate degree program enrollment increased by 46%,
Accelerated baccalaureate degree program enrollment increased by 124%, and
Master’s entry degree program enrollment increased by 61%.
In contrast, enrollment in associate degree programs reached a peak of 2,651 students in 2019 and then decreased by 27% between 2019 and 2023.
New RN Student Seat Capacity and Enrollments
Statewide, RN pre-licensure programs had 2,935 seats open for new student enrollments in the 2023 calendar year (88 fewer seats than in 2022). A total of 2,682 new students enrolled in RN programs in 2023, filling 91% of the available seat capacity. Of these new RN pre-licensure students,
858 (32%) enrolled in an associate degree program,
1,282 (48%) enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program,
469 (17%) enrolled in an accelerated (2nd degree) baccalaureate program, and
73 (3%) enrolled in a master's entry degree program.
The charts below show how new student seat capacity and new student enrollments by degree type for RN pre-licensure programs have changed from 2017 through 2023.
For baccalaureate and accelerated baccalaureate programs, both new student seat capacity and new student enrollments have increased since 2017. However, the increase in enrollments in these programs has not kept pace with the increase in capacity. In both programs, the gap between new seat capacity and new enrollments increased most notably in the years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In baccalaureate programs, the percentage of unfilled seats increased from 5% in 2020 to 10% in 2023 (down slightly from a peak of 12% in 2022). In accelerated baccalaureate programs, the percentage of unfilled seats increased from 5% in 2020 to 14% in 2023.
For associate degree programs, both new student seat capacity and new enrollments remained stable between 2022 and 2023, with just 3% of available seats left unfilled in 2023. Associate degree programs have filled nearly all seats available for new students in each year since 2019.
New student seat capacity in master’s entry programs declined by 32% between 2022 and 2023, and new enrollments declined by 20%. In 2023, 15% of master’s entry seats were left unfilled.
New RN Student Capacity, Enrollments, and Utilization Rates by Program
The tables below provide the new student seat capacity, enrollments, and percent of capacity that was filled at each RN pre-licensure education program in 2023, reported separately by type of degree. Note that some RN programs filled more than 100% of their available seats because admitted students are not guaranteed a spot in the clinical portion of the nursing program, to account for expected student attrition prior to beginning clinical experiences, and/or due to readmitted and transfer students.
New Student Enrollments in RN Pre-Licensure Associate Degree Programs:
Six (6) state community colleges offered an RN pre-licensure program at the associate degree level in 2023. These programs had a combined first year enrollment of 663 students, with eight (8) seats left unfilled on day one of classes.
One (1) private university offered an RN pre-licensure program at the associate degree level in 2023, with a first year enrollment of 195 students and 16 seats left unfilled on day one of classes.
New Student Enrollments in RN Pre-Licensure Baccalaureate Degree Programs:
Four (4) state universities offered RN pre-licensure programs at the baccalaureate degree level in 2023. These programs had a combined first year enrollment of 381 students, with 64 seats left unfilled on day one of classes.
Six (6) private universities offered RN pre-licensure programs at the baccalaureate level in 2023. These programs had a combined first year enrollment of 901 students, with 74 unfilled seats.
New Student Enrollments in RN Pre-Licensure Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Programs:
The two (2) state universities that offered RN pre-licensure programs at the accelerated (2nd degree) baccalaureate level in 2023 had a combined first year enrollment of 180 students, with 42 seats left unfilled on day one of classes.
The six (6) private universities that offered RN pre-licensure programs at the accelerated (2nd degree) baccalaureate level in 2023 had a combined first year enrollment of 289 students, with 36 unfilled seats.
New Student Enrollments in RN Pre-Licensure Master’s Entry Programs:
The two (2) private universities that offered RN pre-licensure master’s entry programs in 2023 had a combined first-year enrollment of 73 students with 13 unfilled seats on day one of classes.
RN Program Graduates
A total of 2,181 students graduated from an RN pre-licensure program in 2023.
731 (34%) graduated with an associate degree.
997 (46%) graduated with a baccalaureate degree.
372 (17%) graduated with an accelerated baccalaureate degree.
81 (4%) graduated with a master’s entry degree.
Across all RN pre-licensure programs in Connecticut, the total number of graduates increased steadily from 1,736 in 2017 to 2,181 in 2023 (a 26% increase).
The percentage of all RN program graduates who had completed an associate degree program decreased from 40% in 2017 to 34% in 2023.
The percentage who had completed a four-year baccalaureate degree program increased from 38% in 2017 to 46% in 2023.
The percentage who had completed an accelerated baccalaureate degree program increased slightly from 16% in 2017 to 17% in 2023.
The percentage who had completed a master’s entry program decreased from 6% in 2017 to 4% in 2023.
RN Program Attrition Rates
Across all RN pre-licensure programs, there was a 7% student attrition rate during the 2023 calendar year. This rate was calculated by dividing the number of students who withdrew from RN programs during the year by the total number of students who were enrolled at any time during the calendar year.
In all years, RN associate degree programs showed the highest attrition rates. Although attrition rates in these programs decreased annually between 2017 and 2020 (from 13% in 2017 to a low of 7% in 2020), rates have climbed since 2020 and reached 12% in 2023.
Baccalaureate degree programs had a steady attrition rate of 4% in 2017 through 2021, with a slight increase to 6% in 2023. Accelerated baccalaureate degree programs had attrition rates below 5% in each year, with an attrition rate of 2% in 2023. Finally, attrition rates in master’s entry degree programs were generally below 5% in all years (with the exception of 2019) and were at 2% in 2023.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Program Enrollments & Capacity
Three institutions provided LPN pre-licensure training in Connecticut in 2023 and are included in this report: Lincoln Technical Institute, Porter & Chester Institute, and Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health. As of the end of 2023, these institutions were operating seven day programs and two evening programs across seven towns.
Total LPN Student Enrollment
In the 2023 calendar year, there were a total of 1,659 students enrolled in LPN pre-licensure programs in Connecticut. This was a 48% decrease from 2021, when 3,182 students were enrolled in LPN programs. Enrollment had remained steady between 2019 and 2021.
The steep drop in enrollments between 2021 and 2023 reflects the closure of several LPN pre-licensure programs:
Porter & Chester Institute closed three LPN programs (the day and evening programs in Rocky Hill and the evening program in Stratford) in 2022.
Stone Academy closed all programs and campuses in Connecticut on February 15th, 2023. For this reason, Stone Academy did not complete the Annual Nursing Education Survey for the 2022 or 2023 calendar years.
New LPN Student Seat Capacity and Enrollments
In 2023, a total of 825 seats were available for new LPN pre-licensure students and 781 new LPN students enrolled, representing a 95% new LPN student seat utilization rate across all programs.
New LPN student seat capacity and enrollments dropped steeply between 2021 and 2022 due to the closing of several programs operated by Porter & Chester Institute and the exclusion of all programs operated by Stone Academy, as noted above.
Between 2022 and 2023, new LPN student seat capacity increased by 60 seats (8%) and new enrollments increased by 198 students (34%). However, new LPN student seat capacity in 2023 was still 66% lower than it had been in 2021, and enrollments were still 60% lower than in 2021.
New LPN Student Capacity, Enrollments, and Utilization Rates by Program
The table to the right shows the new student seat capacity, enrollment, and seat utilization rates at each LPN pre-licensure program in Connecticut in 2023.
Griffin Hospital had 65 new students enrolled in their LPN pre-licensure program in Derby, with 25 seats left unfilled on day one of classes.
Lincoln Technical Institute had 525 new students enrolled across their four (4) LPN pre-licensure programs, with 15 seats left unfilled on day one of classes.
Porter & Chester Institute had 191 new students enrolled across their four (4) LPN pre-licensure programs, with four (4) unfilled seats on day one of classes. Porter & Chester’s Enfield site did not have capacity to take on new enrollees in 2023.
LPN Program Graduates
A total of 476 students graduated from an LPN pre-licensure program in 2023. This was an increase of 95 graduates compared to 2022, and a reversal of a trend of declining numbers of LPN graduates since 2019.
LPN Program Attrition Rates
In 2023, the student attrition rate across all LPN programs was 20% (333 LPN students withdrew in that year out of the total of 1,659 who were enrolled during the year). This attrition rate is similar to LPN program attrition rates prior to 2021.
In 2021, attrition had spiked at 35% when 1,111 LPN students withdrew from their programs. This spike in attrition rates had coincided with the steep drop in LPN program graduates in 2021.
Licensure Examination (NCLEX) Results
In order to practice nursing in Connecticut, RN and LPN program graduates need to pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX). RNs take the NCLEX-RN, and LPNs take the NCLEX-PN.
First-time candidate exam pass rates are made available through the Connecticut Department of Public Health for each RN and LPN program in the state.
The chart to the right shows the average of the program-level pass rates by program type. In this chart, each program is weighted equally. Thus, these averages do not take into account the number of graduates of each program who took the NCLEX that year. These averages also include students who attended programs that are now closed.
Annual NCLEX pass rates include exams taken from May 1 of the prior year through April 30 of the reporting year. For example, 2023-2024 NCLEX results include exams taken between May 1, 2023 and April 30, 2024. Note that the timeline of the pass rate data does not line up with the timeline of the Annual Nursing Education Survey, which covers calendar years from January 1 through December 31.
Average NCLEX pass rates for RN programs were between 94% and 97% for all degree types in 2023-2024. RN program pass rates increased across all program types between 2022-23 and 2023-24, after a downward trend from 2020-21 to 2022-23.
LPN programs had lower average NCLEX pass rates in all years, decreasing from a high of 73% in 2020-21 to a low of 67% in 2023-24. However, there was wide variability in LPN program pass rates, from 0% to 100% in 2023-24 (see the table below). Furthermore, most LPN programs included in these average pass rates are no longer in operation. NCLEX pass rates for these programs may reflect a small number of graduates who took the NCLEX in each reporting period. Among the nine (9) LPN programs that were in operation during the 2023 calendar year, the average NCLEX pass rate in 2023-24 was 91%.
Explore NCLEX pass rates for each program by year in the table below.
Nursing Students
Below, we report the demographic characteristics of students enrolled in pre-licensure nursing education programs in Connecticut as of December 31st, 2023.
We report data separately by degree type for RN programs (Associate, Baccalaureate, Accelerated Baccalaureate, and Master’s Entry). Students in pre-licensure LPN programs receive a certificate upon completion.
Students by Race and Ethnicity
The chart below shows nursing students’ race and ethnicity by program and degree type. Percentages are based on the 98% of students in pre-licensure RN programs and the 94% of students in pre-licensure LPN programs whose race/ethnicity was reported.
For RN pre-licensure programs:
Overall, the majority of RN students identified as white (65%), followed by Hispanic/Latino (16%), Black or African American (12%), Asian (5%), and other race/ethnicity categories (3%).
The percentage of RN students identifying as White ranged from 49% in associate degree programs to 72% in baccalaureate degree programs.
The percentage of RN students identifying as Hispanic or Latino ranged from 11% in accelerated baccalaureate degree programs to 22% in associate degree programs.
The percentage of RN students identifying as Black or African American ranged from 8% in baccalaureate degree programs to 20% in associate degree programs.
The percentage of RN students identifying as Asian ranged from 5% in baccalaureate and associate degree programs to 12% in master’s entry degree programs.
In contrast, only 18% of LPN pre-licensure students identified as White. About half of LPN students (51%) identified as Black or African American, and 23% identified as Hispanic/Latino. Only 2% of LPN pre-licensure students identified as Asian.
Students by Gender
Calculations are based on the 100% of students in RN pre-licensure programs and in LPN pre-licensure programs whose gender was reported.
The vast majority of students enrolled in RN and LPN pre-licensure programs identified as female.
Overall, only 11% of students in RN programs identified as male, with the highest percentage in accelerated baccalaureate (18%) and master’s entry (17%) degree programs.
Only 8% of LPN students identified as male.
Students by Age
Calculations are based on the 98% of students in RN pre-licensure programs and the 100% of students in LPN pre-licensure programs whose age range was reported.
For RN programs overall, 70% of students were under 25 years old and 81% were under 30 years old. However, the age ranges of RN pre-licensure students varied widely by degree type.
Students enrolled in baccalaureate degree programs had by far the youngest age distribution, with 95% being under 25 years old. For all other RN degree types, fewer than 50% of enrolled students were under 25 years old.
Among RN programs, students enrolled in associate degree programs were most likely to be at least 30 years old (57%), followed by master’s entry programs (27%) and accelerated baccalaureate programs (25%).
LPN students also tended to be older, with 26% of enrolled students being under 25 years old, and 51% being at least 30 years old.
Nursing Program Faculty
Below, we report characteristics of the faculty employed at pre-licensure nursing education programs in Connecticut in 2023.
In 2023, there were a total of 1,101 faculty employed at RN pre-licensure programs and 171 faculty employed at LPN pre-licensure programs in Connecticut. The majority of these positions were part-time.
67% of RN program faculty were part-time and 33% were full-time.
77% of LPN program faculty were part-time and 23% were full-time.
There were 17 vacant faculty positions for RN programs (16 of which were full-time positions), and 25 vacant faculty positions for LPN programs (6 of which were full-time positions).
Educational Attainment of Nursing Program Faculty
RN Program Faculty
63% of full-time RN pre-licensure program faculty held a doctoral degree and 37% held a master’s degree as their highest level of education.
In contrast, only 14% of part-time RN pre-licensure program faculty held a doctoral degree and 84% held a master’s degree as their highest level of education.
LPN Program Faculty
Education levels for LPN pre-licensure program faculty tended to be lower than for RN program faculty.
In 2023, only 3% of full-time LPN pre-licensure program faculty held a doctoral degree, 46% held a master’s degree, and 49% held a baccalaureate degree as their highest level of education.
Among part-time LPN pre-licensure program faculty, 8% held a doctoral degree, 48% held a master’s degree, and 44% held a baccalaureate degree as their highest level of education.
Nursing Program Faculty by Age
Calculations are based on the 93% of RN pre-licensure program faculty and the 90% of LPN pre-licensure program faculty whose age range was reported.
RN Program Faculty
In 2023, 65% of Connecticut’s full-time faculty in RN pre-licensure programs were at least 50 years old and 26% were at least 60 years old.
Part-time faculty in RN pre-licensure programs tended to be younger than full-time faculty. In 2023, 61% of part-time RN program faculty were under 50 years old.
LPN Program Faculty
In 2023, 53% of the 32 full-time faculty in LPN pre-licensure programs in Connecticut were at least 50 years old and 41% were at least 60 years old.
Among the 122 part-time LPN pre-licensure program faculty in Connecticut, 45% were at least 50 years old and 24% were at least 60 years old.
Nursing Program Faculty by Gender
As in prior years, in 2023 the overwhelming majority of faculty at RN and LPN pre-licensure programs, both full- and part-time, identified as female.
Just 7% of full-time and part-time RN faculty identified as male.
Just 10% of full-time LPN faculty and 5% of part-time LPN faculty identified as male.
Nursing Program Faculty by Race/Ethnicity
The racial and ethnic breakdown of full-time and part-time faculty at RN and LPN pre-licensure programs is shown below. Calculations are based on the 83% of RN pre-licensure program faculty and the 91% of LPN pre-licensure program faculty whose race/ethnicity was reported.
RN Program Faculty
In 2023, 83% of the 340 full-time faculty at RN pre-licensure programs whose race was reported identified as White, 7% as Black or African American, 5% as Hispanic/Latino, and 3% as Asian.
Among the 578 part-time RN program faculty whose race was reported, 74% identified as White, 14% as Black or African American, 6% as Hispanic/Latino, and 5% as Asian.
LPN Program Faculty
In 2023, 78% of the 36 full-time faculty at LPN pre-licensure programs identified as White, 14% as Black or African American, 6% as Hispanic/Latino, and 3% as Asian.
The greatest racial/ethnic diversity was present among part-time faculty at LPN pre-licensure programs. Among the 120 part-time LPN program faculty whose race was reported, 63% identified as White, 18% as Black or African American, 11% as Hispanic/Latino, and 4% as Asian.
Race/Ethnicity Breakdown of Nursing Program Students versus Faculty
Below, we compare the racial and ethnic breakdown of nursing program students and faculty in RN and LPN pre-licensure programs. Percentages for faculty are calculated across both part-time and full-time faculty.
RN Program Students versus Faculty
In 2023, faculty at RN pre-licensure programs were more likely than students to identify as White (77% vs. 65%) and were less likely to identify as Hispanic (6% vs. 16%). RN faculty were also somewhat less likely than students to identify as multiracial (1% vs. 3%).
LPN Program Students versus Faculty
There was a greater mismatch in the racial/ethnic breakdown of faculty versus students in LPN pre-licensure programs.
In 2023, faculty at LPN pre-licensure programs were more than three times more likely than students to identify as White (67% vs. 18%). Compared to the student population, LPN faculty were one-third as likely to identify as Black or African American (17% vs. 51%) and were about half as likely to identify as Hispanic/Latino (10% vs. 23%).
Faculty at LPN pre-licensure programs were also less likely than students to identify as multiracial (3% vs. 5%).
Implications for Connecticut’s Nursing Workforce
Trends in RN pre-licensure program graduates and new enrollments
Between 2017 and 2023, the total number of students graduating from RN pre-licensure programs in Connecticut increased by 26%, suggesting growing robustness of the RN pre-licensure nursing education pipeline in the state.
However, student enrollments in RN pre-licensure baccalaureate and accelerated baccalaureate degree programs have not kept pace with increases in program capacity. In 2023, 11% of the seats that were available in these programs were left unfilled.
Proactive measures are needed to increase student recruitment into baccalaureate degree nursing programs in the state. These could include:
Enhanced marketing and outreach efforts highlighting the value and importance of a career in nursing, emphasizing the demand and impact on society.
Collaborating with schools and community colleges to provide pathways for students interested in nursing.
Offering financial incentives, scholarships, grants, or loan forgiveness programs to alleviate the economic burden of pursuing higher education.
Providing mentorship and networking opportunities for prospective students to connect with current nursing professionals and gain insight and support.
Trends in LPN pre-licensure program graduates and new enrollments
LPN program capacity for new enrollees dropped by 1,695 seats in 2022 due to the closing of Stone Academy (which closed abruptly in February 2023) and several Porter & Chester Institute programs. Between 2022 and 2023, new LPN student seat capacity increased by 60 seats (8%) and new enrollments increased by 198 students (34%). However, new LPN student seat capacity in 2023 was still 66% lower than it had been in 2021, and new enrollments were still 60% lower than in 2021. With only 44 seats left unfilled in 2023, there will likely continue to be increased competition for spots in the remaining LPN programs, making it more challenging for prospective students to secure a position. This could limit the number of individuals able to pursue LPN education and enter the workforce as licensed practical nurses. The reduced LPN program capacity and decreasing number of LPN graduates may negatively impact the local healthcare industry, as a decrease in LPN graduates could result in a shortage of qualified professionals.
Encouragingly, however, the number of LPN program graduates increased from 381 in 2022 to 476 in 2023 (a 25% increase). This represents a 17% increase in the number of LPN graduates compared to 2021, despite a 50% drop in total LPN student enrollments between these years. This is attributable in part to the decrease in LPN student attrition rates from 35% in 2021 to 20% 2023.
NCLEX pass rates
Average NCLEX pass rates for RN programs increased for all degree types between the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 reporting periods. In the 2023-2024 reporting period, average RN program pass rates were between 94% and 97% for all degree types. In contrast, the average LPN program pass rate in the 2023-2024 reporting period was just 67% and had declined slightly from a high of 73% in 2021. However, pass rates were highly variable across LPN programs, ranging from 0% to 100%. Some program pass rates may be based on a small number of individuals who took the exam. Unfortunately, the CT Department of Public Health does not publish the number of graduates of each program who took the NCLEX exam in each reporting period. Among the nine (9) LPN programs that were in operation during the 2023 calendar year, the average NCLEX pass rate in 2023-24 was 91%.
Under-representation of Black and Hispanic/Latino individuals in the faculty vs. student population of Connecticut’s nursing programs
Our data show that work needs to be done to increase the recruitment of Black and Hispanic/Latino nursing program faculty to better match the demographics of the student population, particularly in LPN programs. Recommended strategies include:
Implementing targeted outreach and recruitment programs to attract candidates from these underrepresented groups. This can include partnering with professional organizations, ethnic minority nursing associations and societies, minority-serving institutions, and community groups to identify potential candidates and promote job opportunities.
Offering mentorship and support programs for Black and Hispanic/Latino nursing students and professionals to help to foster a pipeline of future faculty members.
Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment within the nursing program to attract and assist in retaining diverse faculty members.
Instituting fair and unbiased hiring practices, actively seeking diverse candidates for open positions, and supporting diverse faculty growth to create a faculty body that better reflects the student demographics.
For more information, contact Dr. Tina Loarte-Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce, at Tina@CTCenterForNursingWorkforce.com.