20 Best Lpn To Rn Programs In Bridgeport, CT (2023 Updated) – Save Our Schools March
Bridgeport, Connecticut is home to numerous excellent LPN to RN programs that provide quality education and training for aspiring registered nurses. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for qualified nurses to fill critical roles across medical settings. These top 20 LPN to RN programs in Bridgeport equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to launch or advance a rewarding nursing career.
When researching LPN to RN programs, it is important to consider accreditation, curriculum, teaching methods, clinical training opportunities, career support services, and faculty qualifications. The following programs stand out for meeting high standards across these key indicators of quality education.
1. Norwalk Community College
Norwalk Community College (NCC) has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and for preparing students for career success. The college‘s LPN to RN pathway allows licensed LPNs to leverage their existing medical knowledge while gaining additional training to become registered nurses.
NCC holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), validating its adherence to strict educational standards. Its RN program uses a blended curriculum that combines online coursework with in-person lab sessions. Students benefit from the college’s small class sizes, allowing for individualized instruction from nursing faculty who possess many years of industry experience.
Extensive clinical rotations across major hospitals and medical centers provide invaluable real-world training. NCC partners closely with healthcare employers, improving graduate employment outcomes. The college also assists students with job interview preparation, resume writing, and networking opportunities.
2. Goodwin University
Goodwin University confers an Associate Degree in Nursing to graduates of its RN program. The curriculum incorporates interactive online lessons, on-campus simulation training, and faculty-supervised clinical experiences. Students gain proficiency in evidence-based patient care, nursing fundamentals, and topics like pharmacology and pathophysiology.
With a student-faculty ratio of just 12:1, enrolled LPNs receive close guidance from instructors and mentors. Goodwin maintains relationships with over 100 healthcare providers that serve as clinical sites, enabling students to train across a spectrum of medical environments before entering the field. The university further prepares graduates for professional licensure exams.
3. University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport School of Nursing aims to cultivate clinicians that provide compassionate, ethical, and culturally competent care. Its Nursing Mobility Pathway enables LPNs to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing over 3 years by transferring qualifying credits.
The rigorous BSN curriculum covers advanced nursing practices, community-based care strategies, mental health concepts, research methodologies, leadership principles, and more. Small class cohorts promote meaningful exchanges between students and faculty members possessing doctorates and other high-level nursing credentials.
University of Bridgeport students additionally complete 650 hours of hands-on clinical rotations prior to graduating. Recent placements have occurred at esteemed metropolitan institutions like Yale New Haven Health, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, and Bridgeport Hospital.
4. Gateway Community College
Conveniently located in downtown New Haven, Gateway Community College provides an affordable and accessible pathway for aspiring RNs. Qualified LPNs may enroll in the college’s Nursing, LPN to RN Option associate degree program consisting of just two academic years.
Gateway oversees students’ clinical training within its state-of-the-art simulation center outfitted with computerized mannequins and other advanced technology. This safe yet realistic environment builds confidence and competence prior to working at off-site medical facilities under licensed RN supervision later on. Students also gain familiarity with electronic medical record systems and other essential workplace tools.
Notable campus resources include Gateway’s Academic Success Center, Writing Center, math tutoring services, and counseling options. Graduates benefit from the college’s well-established healthcare industry connections when launching their nursing careers.
5. Three Rivers Community College
Three Rivers Community College allows licensed LPNs to apply relevant course credits toward its Nursing, LPN to RN Option associate degree. Available at two beneficial campus locations, this pathway culminates with a final semester during which students train across major hospitals throughout Connecticut.
The college employs various teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles, including writing assignments, hands-on practice, interactive technology, discussion groups, and traditional lectures. With guidance from experienced nurse educators, students progressively expand their knowledge and capabilities in providing medical, surgical, pediatric, psychiatric, geriatric, and other specialized types of care.
Three Rivers also prepares enrollees to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses exam. Successful graduates subsequently attain authorization to begin practicing in various healthcare settings as valued RN team members.
6. Jersey College
Across its New Jersey and Florida locations, Jersey College offers online and in-person LPN to RN programs culminating with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. Backed by ACEN accreditation, the curriculum covers topics like Fundamentals of Nursing, Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Maternal-Neonatal Nursing, and more over 5 academic terms.
Jersey College provides enriching simulation training within its Nursing Learning Resource Center outfitted with computerized mannequins that exhibit symptoms for different conditions and respond appropriately to interventions. Students additionally complete over 400 hours of clinical rotations under the guidance of preceptor RN instructors. These experiences take place at area hospitals, ambulatory care centers, long-term care facilities, community health clinics, and other sites.
The college further prepares graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN exam for state licensure with in-depth review courses on nursing content, test-taking strategies, critical thinking, and analysis. Ongoing career assistance is also available through the Office of Career Services.
7. Charter Oak State College
Headquartered at several Connecticut State University campuses, Charter Oak State College provides flexible online nursing programs that allow working LPNs to upskill on their own schedules. Both part-time and full-time options exist.
By transferring approved nursing diplomas and licensure credentials earned previously, students minimize expenses and completion time associated with their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They then fulfill upper-level courses delving into Community Health Nursing, Nursing Research, Healthcare Policy, Nursing Leadership, and related areas.
Charter Oak is regionally accredited and part of the distinguished Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. Enrollees interface with dedicated academic advisors equipped to guide their educational journeys. They further gain 24/7 access to online tutoring assistance and the institution’s comprehensive electronic library.
8. West Virginia Junior College – Bridgeport
While West Virginia Junior College is geographically located outside Connecticut, its Bridgeport campus sits under 10 miles from the state border. The private institution offers a 2-year RN diploma program welcoming LPNs seeking to expand their scope of practice at an accelerated pace.
Students swap experiences and network with peers throughout the intimate classroom environment. A robust selection of scholarships helps offset tuition costs that remain below averages observed statewide. West Virginia Junior College also guides all enrollees through financial aid application procedures.
The college arranges clinical rotations with regional healthcare providers like United Hospital Center and WVU Medicine. These hands-on training opportunities facilitate graduates’ entry into various medical careers where skilled nursing services are needed.
9. Northeast Medical Institute – Stamford Campus
The Stamford branch of Northeast Medical Institute prepares students for allied health professions through specialized certificate programs taking less than one year to complete. Offerings relevant to nurse training include Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician courses.
While shorter in duration than RN degrees, these pathways still supply over 100 hours of practical experience across clinical sites like nursing homes, hospitals, and medical offices. Northeast Medical Institute coordinates these placements to build skills in areas like resident care, monitoring vital signs, lab procedures, and more. Students also become eligible for relevant occupational licenses and certifications.
The family-owned school attracts students from across Fairfield County. Its convenient campus location enables commuters to avoid more distant colleges. Experienced faculty provide close guidance throughout the application process and training programs.
10. Lincoln Technical Institute
Lincoln Technical Institute operates a dedicated Health Sciences Education Center near downtown New Haven. Here, LPNs can pursue the institution’s 36-week LPN to RN diploma program consisting of 1,125 instructional hours.
The curriculum incorporates academics, simulations, and 180 hours of hands-on clinical externships. Students gain proficiency in topics like nursing skills, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, psychology, and pharmacology. Training culminates in a nursing capstone course assessing learners’ preparation to enter registered nursing practice.
Lincoln Tech’s student services team can additionally help enrollees identify funding options like federal/state financial aid, private loans, scholarships, and grants. Career assistance is also available, augmented by the school’s extensive employer network.
11. AIHT Education
AIHT Education delivers specialized allied health programs at its Stratford Campus less than 20 minutes outside downtown Bridgeport. The school’s Course Offerings page displays available nursing pathways, seminars, and certification training to help LPNs expand their capabilities.
One example is the Long Term Care Certificate program covering concepts and practices applicable across assisted living facilities, group homes, hospice centers, and related environments. Students gain skills assisting with activities of daily living, safety protocols, emergency response, infection control, restorative care, and more.
AIHT Education additionally provides continuing education for renewing state LPN licenses. Short individual seminars explore focused topics like tracheostomy care, EKG monitoring, phlebotomy, and others supplementing nurses’ existing knowledge. ATTC Health also accredits select offerings.
12. The Transitions Career Institute
Though headquartered in New York, The Transitions Career Institute operates a Connecticut Branch Campus near the Long Island Sound in Stratford. LPNs can enroll in the school’s 1,170 clock hour Nursing Assistant program to bolster core capabilities like patient hydration, hygiene, and transport assistance.
Hands-on clinical externships account for over half of total program duration across skilled nursing facilities. Students prepare for state certification testing while gaining insights from seasoned RNs supervising their practical experiences. For those seeking more advanced RN licensure down the road, Transitions credits Nursing Assistant coursework toward future nursing degrees.
The school further prepares graduates for entry-level nursing roles through career development seminars, interview workshops, job placement assistance, and referrals to the alumni network.
13. Training Direct – Bridgeport Campus
Managed by Total Training Solutions, the Bridgeport branch location of Training Direct offers allied health programs for aspiring or current medical professionals. Offerings relevant to nurse training include Phlebotomy Technician, Patient Care Technician, and Medical Assistant courses ranging between 330-600 hours in length.
Training Direct arranges for students’ clinical rotations and externships at facilities throughout Fairfield County and surrounding areas. These supervised experiences provide practical knowledge and experience interacting with real-world patients. Training Direct also supplies medical supplies and uniforms minimizes additional expenses throughout enrolled students’ education.
Upon completing their programs, graduates gain access to employment opportunities through Training Direct’s network of over 500 healthcare partners. Ongoing job placement assistance is also available.
14. Porter and Chester Institute
With campuses across Connecticut, Porter and Chester Institute welcomes LPNs and individuals from other backgrounds into its Associate Degree in Nursing program. This 7-semester pathway progresses from fundamentals of healthcare to mastery of complex patient care skills and contemporary nursing practices.
Instructors use interactive teaching methods including group discussions, videos, skills simulations, and more to solidify core concepts. Porter and Chester also operates a simulation lab with computerized mannequins exhibiting various disorders and symptoms for enhanced training. Students then apply learnings while completing 400+ hours of clinical rotations locally.
This combination of diverse learning formats and faculty-monitored experiential training produces adaptable, critically thinking graduates ready to excel across healthcare settings. The institute reports robust RN licensure exam pass rates and job placement outcomes.
15. Jewish Senior Services
While primarily offering residential care and community services for Connecticut seniors, Jewish Senior Services hosts an acclaimed Registered Nurse refresher course at its Bridgeport campus. This continuing education program helps reactivate the skills of inactive or retired RNs planning to re-enter healthcare roles.
Course components combine online and traditional classroom learning over a flexible 6-month timeframe. Licensed RN instructors from Jewish Senior Services supply firsthand perspectives into modern medical practices, patient care coordination, documentation methods, and related nursing topics.
Program graduates satisfy state RN licensing renewal and reactivation requirements. They also gain clinical experience during a culminating preceptorship working alongside seasoned nurses within Jewish Senior Services’ skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility on-site. This environment reintroduces key responsibilities, capacities, and workflows incumbent RNs regularly perform.
16. Lincoln Technical Institute – Shelton
At its Shelton campus, Lincoln Technical Institute offers an Accelerated LPN to RN program condensing aspects of a traditional nursing degree into just 48 intensive weeks. Licensed LPNs expand their capabilities in areas like medical-surgical care, mental health, pediatrics, and administration.
Lincoln Tech supplies emerging student nurses with tablets preloaded eBooks, apps, and other helpful resources to study anytime outside the classroom. Its simulation hospital also enables learners to replicate processes and scenarios common across various clinical settings. Students additionally complete Externships within renowned medical institutions like Griffin Hospital, part of the Yale New Haven Health network.
The school reports exceptional first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rates for recent graduating classes. Career placement services further help connect graduates with employer partners like ProHealth Physicians and Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists seeking skilled nursing staff.
17. Northbridge Health Care Center
Northbridge Health Care Center operates a highly rated skilled nursing campus with outpatient rehab services in Bridgeport. Experienced LPNs and RNs are encouraged to apply for open roles providing compassionate long-term resident care. Available opportunities span weekend, evening, and overnight shifts.
As a Quorum Health affiliate, Northbridge staff undergo continuing education around advanced respiratory treatments, complex wound management, quality assurance, and other pertinent topics through its online Learning Lab portal. The facility also provides tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 annually toward nursing staff earning advanced certifications, licenses, or college degrees.
These offerings both support professional development for existing Northbridge nurses while making it an accommodating environment for those enrolled concurrently in outside nursing programs seeking part-time employment. The facility aims to foster a supportive workplace culture for all care team members.
18. Renurse Academy
Though lacking a centralized Connecticut campus, Renurse Academy offers online LPN to RN bridge programs flexibly connecting licensed practical nurses with further nursing education. Students access recorded lectures, discussion forums, skills labs, simulations, and testing via internet-capable devices without geographic restrictions.
Renurse Academy currently confers an Associate Degree in Nursing following six 16-week terms. It applies for programmatic accreditation while aligning course topics to internationally recognized Quality and Safety Education for Nursing (QSEN) standards. Students also complete faculty-monitored clinical rotations locally under approved preceptor nurses.
By leveraging easy-to-use technologies, Renurse Academy provides an accessible solution for working nurses balancing career, academic, and personal responsibilities. The school offers sibling registered nursing programs for individuals without existing medical education looking to newly enter the field.
19. Housatonic Community College
Housatonic Community College allows LPN diploma and work experience credits to satisfy some first-year RN program prerequisites. Qualifying students then transition into the four-semester Nursing, LPN to RN Option associate degree track.
The college embraces diverse learning styles through a “flipped classroom” model applying educational technology. Students gain first exposure to content outside of class through video lessons and readings, enabling deeper discussion, skills reinforcement, and customized support during in-person sessions.
Housatonic nursing graduates consistently demonstrate strong critical thinking, clinical competence, and holistic care capabilities valued highly by healthcare employers. The college has additionally produced many minority nurse leaders awarded for their impactful community contributions.
20. Northwestern Connecticut Community College
Northwestern Connecticut Community College offers both traditional and accelerated pathways to become a registered nurse. The Second Degree Track supplies nursing education for candidates with a prior bachelor‘s degree in another subject, enabling RN preparation in just 12 months.
All enrollees train using the school’s advanced simulation labs replicating real clinical environments under operating room, intensive care, emergency room, and other settings. Students also complete 400 hours of supervised patient care within renowned regional healthcare institutions like Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and Hartford Healthcare.
Upon graduating, students have attained well-rounded skill sets equipping them for diverse nursing roles across ambulatory clinics, doctors’ offices, community health organizations, hospitals, and extended care facilities throughout the state.
