CT State Announces New Practical Nursing Certificate Program

Connecticut State Community College (CT State) has announced the launch of a second practical nursing certificate program, now offered at CT State Norwalk. The program aims to address the critical shortage of nurses in Connecticut and expand access to careers in health care.

The four-semester certificate program combines classroom-based instruction in foundational nursing concepts with simulation labs and hands-on clinical training at local health care facilities, supervised by licensed nurse faculty. Graduates are eligible to take the licensure exam to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and may apply credits from the certificate toward an associate degree in registered nursing (RN), reducing their time to complete their RN coursework by up to one year.

“CT State Norwalk is proud to introduce the practical nursing certificate program as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing community health and addressing critical workforce needs,” said CT State Campus President Cheryl De Vonish, J.D. “This initiative represents a strategic expansion of our academic offerings, designed to affordably prepare students for essential roles in health care and to support the well-being of the communities we serve. We remain dedicated to fostering educational pathways that promote opportunity, equity, and lasting impact.”

Connecticut residents who are high school graduates and first-time college students may qualify for free tuition, even if they started college in fall 2020 or later. Accessing the program starts with completing the FAFSA at fafsa.gov. The program is not income-based, but all students should submit the FAFSA. Funding is available on a rolling basis; check eligibility at www.ctstate.edu/free-tuition.