CT Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps
Connecticut has it all within its compact borders: forests, city views, beaches, historic landmarks, prestigious Ivy League schools, and thriving business centers. This state is also a top life science sector, drawing in nurses and other professionals with its blend of cutting-edge research, a well-educated workforce, and innovative healthcare enterprises. To make the most of the opportunities available in this state, it’s important to stay informed about the CT nursing license renewal process.
This article is your A to Z guide on how to renew your nursing license in Connecticut. Whether you’re a CNA, RN, LPN, or APRN, we’ll help you renew your license and explore exciting job offers in the Constitution State.
Connecticut Nursing Facts
Below are the essentials of the CT nursing license renewal process. Make sure to have them readily available as you work through the renewal steps.
Is Connecticut part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?
No.
How much do nurses in Connecticut earn?
- The average CNA salary in Connecticut is $43,050 per year.
- The average LPN salary in Connecticut is $68,150 per year.
- The average RN salary in Connecticut is $101,840 per year.
How can I contact the Connecticut Board of Nursing?
CT Nursing License Renewal Phone Number: 860-509-7603
Fax Number: 860-509-8457
Email Address: dph.nursingteam@ct.gov
Connecticut Board of Nursing Address
Department of Public Health
410 Capitol Avenue, MS #13PHO
P. O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
CT Nursing License Renewal Steps
If your current nursing license is registered in the Constitution State, you can renew it by following the three steps outlined below. However, if you have an out-of-state license, including a compact one (remember, Connecticut is not a member of a compact license agreement), you have two additional options:
- Explore the license endorsement process if you’re a nurse with a license from a state other than Connecticut.
- Consider taking an examination if you’re a new nurse seeking your first license.
Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline
The first step to renew your license is to find out its expiration date. In Connecticut, RN and LPN licenses expire in the first birth month after they are issued and must be renewed annually thereafter. You’ll usually get a renewal notice about 60 days before it expires. If you miss that, you’ll get a final notice 30 days after it expires at the address you have on file.
APRNs in Connecticut, consider yourselves fortunate; your licenses are valid for two years and follow a biennial renewal cycle. Similarly, for CNAs, your certification remains valid for a full 24 months, sparing you the annual renewal hassle.
If you’re feeling a bit uncertain about when your license expires, no problem! Just go to the CT nursing license lookup page. Select your license, type in your name, license number, and city, and then hit ”Submit.” You’ll see your license’s expiration date along with other license details.
If your license has slipped past its expiration date, don’t panic. In Connecticut, there’s a 90-day grace period during which you can continue practicing while renewing your license. But once the 91st day hits, your license becomes invalid — so don’t overextend that ”grace.”
If you’ve gone past the 90-day window and your license can’t be renewed anymore, don’t worry, you don’t have to bid farewell to the nursing profession. You can reenter the nursing world by applying for reinstatement.
Step 2: Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements
Your next step in the CT nursing license renewal process is to ensure you meet all the necessary continuing education requirements. This ensures you are staying up to date with the latest advancements in the industry and sharpening your professional skills.
RN and LPN Requirements: You must complete two contact hours of education that cover the following topics. This requirement must be satisfied once every six years, during that year’s license renewal process.
- Screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide risk, depression, and grief
- Suicide prevention
Just remember, one training hour is at least 50 minutes. Not all online courses are permitted by the Connecticut Board of Nursing — make sure you check if your chosen course meets all the requirements before enrolling.
After completing the course, keep your training record for at least three years. You might be required to provide it to the department within 45 days if requested.
APRN Requirements: You need 50 continuing education hours for every 24-month renewal cycle. These hours must relate to your practice area, and include five hours in pharmacotherapeutics and one hour in each of the following topics:
- Diseases (i.e., AIDS, HIV, etc.)
- Risk management
- Sexual assault
- Domestic violence
- Cultural competency
- Substance abuse (i.e., prescribing controlled substances, pain management, etc.)
In addition, APRNs must complete continuing education on the topic of mental health conditions common to veterans and family members of veterans during your first renewal and at least once every six years after that.
Interestingly, the Department of Public Health can give APRNs up to 10 hours of continuing education waiver if they serve on the Connecticut State Board of Nursing or help the department with its duties.
CNA Requirements: You need to show evidence of working an eight-hour shift in a compensated role that involves direct personal or nursing care.
Looking for options to meet those continuing education requirements? IntelyEdu provides a range of courses that are accredited by the ANCC. Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity!
Step 3: File Your CT Nursing License Renewal Online Application
Now, let’s get to the heart of the CT nursing license renewal process. First things first, keep an eye out for the renewal notice. The Connecticut Board of Nursing sends it out every renewal cycle. APRNs will receive renewal instructions via email, while RNs, LPNs, and CNAs will receive a mailed notice with instructions for online renewal. You should get this about 60 days before your license expires.
Once you receive your renewal notice, you can visit CT nursing license renewal site and sign in to your account. After logging in, you can begin the license renewal process. Don’t forget to update any changes to your address, last name, or other license details, if necessary. You can use this guide to walk you through the license renewal process step by step.
Keep moving forward with your application. At some point, you’ll reach the payment step. Here’s the fee schedule for CT nurse license renewal:
- CNA: Free
- RN: $110
- LPN: $70
- APRN: $130
After you’ve paid the license renewal fee, you’ll be taken to the “Successful Payment” screen. Don’t forget to print a receipt for your records — it’s a good habit, just in case.
If you are not a fan of online renewal, you can email the Connecticut Board of Nursing and request that a renewal application be mailed to you.
After completing these steps, you can start looking for RN, LPN, CNA, or NP jobs in Connecticut. You can also check out great nursing opportunities in some of the Constitution State’s largest cities:
Find Great Nursing Jobs in Connecticut
With your CT nursing license renewal successfully completed, explore all the nursing jobs in Connecticut that are available on IntelyCare right now, and discover the right match for you.