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Connecticut Nursing Programs and Degrees Guide

    The following guide is designed to provide you with important information on the nursing programs offered in the state of Connecticut. Connecticut’s colleges and universities feature an eclectic menu of concentrations, including family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and clinical nurse leader. Flexible, alternative options to earning a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in nursing are available through online programs. Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, which is featured later in this guide, also has several options that allow graduate students to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) online.

    Quick Facts

    • 26 schools with nursing programs in Connecticut are in our database (see below).
    • 15 colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees or certificates in nursing.1
    • 12 colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing.1
    • 11 colleges and universities offer master’s or advanced degrees in nursing.1
    • 1 school ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
    • 1 school ranked in the Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors in 2018.3
    • 6 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s programs.4
    • 4 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.4

    Top-Ranked Schools with Nursing Programs in Connecticut

    Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges 2018*

    • University of Connecticut (#35 in-state, #38 out-of-state)

    *Institution-wide ranking.

    Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors 2018

    • Fairfield University

    US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s

    • Yale University (#8)
    • University of Connecticut (#37 tie)
    • Fairfield University (#74 tie)
    • Sacred Heart University (#160 tie)
    • Quinnipiac University (#160 tie)
    • University of Hartford (#173 tie)

    US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice

    • Yale University (#10)
    • Fairfield University (#58 tie)
    • University of Connecticut (#61 tie)
    • Quinnipiac University (#128 tie)

    Read below to learn more about the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs in Connecticut’s top colleges and universities.

    NCLEX Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Nursing Schools in Connecticut

    The following table allows you to easily compare not-for-profit Connecticut nursing schools on a variety of factors. Click on the arrows in the top row to sort the table. In addition to seeking a program that leads to licensure in your desired area of nursing, it’s advisable to consider accreditation as a factor in your decision. If you are considering education beyond the associate’s level, know that a degree from a school that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a common requirement for admission to master’s degree, ADN/LVN and RN to BSN, and specialized certificate programs. You should also check to ensure that the school you are considering is approved or accepted by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing.

    SchoolADN or LVN ProgramBSN ProgramGraduate Nursing ProgramACEN/CCNE Accred.*NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rate**# TakingNCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rate^# TakingNet Price^^
    Capital Community CollegeYesNoNoACEN91%N/AN/AN/A$9,934
    Central Connecticut State UniversityNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A74%N/A$15,273
    Fairfield University (BSN)NoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A87%N/A$36,598
    Fairfield University (ABSN)NoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A87%N/A$36,598
    Gateway Community CollegeYesNoNoACEN79%N/AN/AN/A$6,647
    Goodwin CollegeYesYesNoACEN/CCNE85%N/AN/AN/A$17,893
    Naugatuck Valley Community CollegeYesNoNoACEN94%N/AN/AN/A$6,196
    Northwestern Connecticut Community CollegeYesNoNoACEN90%N/AN/AN/A$5,523
    Norwalk Community CollegeYesNoNoACEN82%N/AN/AN/A$7,248
    Quinnipiac University (BSN)NoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A89%N/A$35,595
    Quinnipiac University (ABSN)NoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A95%N/A$35,595
    Sacred Heart UniversityNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A96%N/A$38,313
    St. Vincent’s CollegeYesYesNoACEN90%N/AN/AN/A$14,786
    Southern Connecticut State University (BSN)NoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A85%N/A$13,741
    Southern Connecticut State University (ABSN)NoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A100%N/A$13,741
    Three Rivers Community CollegeYesNoNoACEN93%N/AN/AN/A$3,979
    University of Connecticut-Storrs (BSN)NoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A90%N/A$18,931
    University of Connecticut-Storrs (ABSN)NoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A97%N/A$18,931
    University of Connecticut-GrotonNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A95%N/A$18,931
    University of Connecticut-StamfordNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A86%N/A$18,931
    University of Connecticut-WaterburyNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A89%N/A$18,931
    University of HartfordNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/AN/AN/A$30,328
    University of Saint Joseph (BSN)NoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A90%N/A$23,672
    University of Saint Joseph (ABSN)NoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A79%N/A$23,672
    Western Connecticut State UniversityNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A98%N/A$16,926
    Yale UniversityNoNoYesCCNEN/AN/A95%N/A$18,164

    *The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits ADN/ASN/BSN programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits BSN/MSN/DNP programs.5,6
    **NCLEX-PN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates who graduated from an LPN program testing between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
    ^NCLEX-RN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
    ^^The National Center for Education Statistics calculates net price from the total estimated cost of attendance, including includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses, for in-state students minus the average financial aid award (such as grants and scholarships).

    Schools in Connecticut with Nursing Degrees

    Associate’s in Nursing Programs

    Goodwin College
    Goodwin College offers an associate’s degree program in nursing that can be earned in 20 months of part-time study once prerequisite courses are completed. The program uses a selective admissions process based on the prospective student’s GPA, grades in prerequisite courses, and score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam. Courses in the nursing curriculum include Nursing Skill Development, Adults and Wellness Continuum, and Integration of Nursing Skills: Adults with Complex Health Problems. The program emphasizes compassionate nursing care and communication with patients and the healthcare team. Goodwin College also offers an online RN to BSN program that can be completed in as few as 16 months with part-time study.

    Naugatuck Valley Community College
    The Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) degree program at Naugatuck Valley Community College requires 68 credit hours to complete and can be earned in as few as four semesters with full-time study. Evidence-based practice and skills are emphasized in the program. Core courses include Family Health Nursing, Life Span Development, and Pharmacology for Families Across the Lifespan. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and earn licensure in Connecticut before embarking on careers as professional nurses. The ASN program at Naugatuck Valley Community College is approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

    Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs

    Fairfield University
    Nursing majors must complete 130 credits of general college and nursing course requirements at Fairfield University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The program generally takes four years to complete. Students will take a full range of nursing courses, completing the majority of those classes in the final two years of the program. Coursework focuses on therapeutic nursing interventions, mental health nursing, geriatric nursing, patterns of illness, and public health nursing. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical experiences during the academic year and may complete non-credit internships during the summer. Nursing majors can become involved on campus by joining the Student Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau Mu Chi, an honor society for nursing students.

    Quinnipiac University
    Quinnipiac University’s School of Nursing awards the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to students who successfully complete the four-year, 127 credit program. Students must take general college requirements in addition to nursing core courses, which include labs, and electives to fulfill degree requirements. Students gain real-world experience by completing clinical rotations at one of the several dozens of affiliated medical facilities, such as Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut Children’s Center, Grove Hill Medical Center, and Southington Public Schools. Networking and educational opportunities are available for students who join the Quinnipiac Student Nurses Association and the Tau Rho Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.

    Master’s in Nursing Programs

    Southern Connecticut State University
    Graduate students pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Southern Connecticut State University can choose from one of three concentrations: nursing education, family nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse leader. Students in the clinical nurse leader track must take 42 credits of core and clinical requirements to earn the degree. The nursing education and family nurse practitioner tracks each require between 45 and 48 credits. All students, regardless of track, must either complete a thesis or a special project to fulfill degree requirements. Prospective students must submit an essay, two letters of recommendation, and an official copy of the applicant’s current nursing license.

    Sacred Heart University
    Sacred Heart University in Connecticut affords graduate students the opportunity to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in one of several areas: clinical nurse leader (online), family nurse practitioner (traditional and online), patient care services administration (online), and nursing education (online). Each concentration requires students to complete clinical rotations. The clinical nurse leader specialization includes 300 hours of role immersion and prepares students to take the American Association of Colleges of Nursing CNL Certificate Exam. Students in the nursing education and patient care services administration specializations must complete 120 hours in a clinical practicum. Students generally complete their degree in two years.

    Student Reviews

    Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

    Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing
    200 Mill Hill Ave
    Bridgeport, CT 06610
    (203) 384-3205
    https://www.bridgeporthospital.org/medical-professionals/bhsn.aspx

    Student Review: “I learned that nurses, by nature of their field, are leaders and lifelong learners. The University of Bridgeport School of Nursing (UBSN) offers an exciting opportunity for all those beginning or continuing nursing education, as here we’ll find a mission of innovation, excellence, caring, integrity, and diversity; experiences for inter-professional practice in a variety of healthcare settings; an opportunity to create history at UB with Dean Carol Papp etc.” – Student at Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing
    stars-5

    Capital Community College
    950 Main St
    Hartford, CT 06103
    (860) 906-5077
    https://www.capitalcc.edu/

    Student Review: “The capital community college nursing program is a great program. The college itself is a very nice building in a safe area of Hartford. There is a whole floor of the building just dedicated to nursing students. It even has its own study cubicles which I have utilized a lot. I am lucky enough to study under many knowledgeable professors who bring much of their own real-world experience into the classroom. The nursing academic advisers are also very helpful and will put you on the right path. The program also has a variety of very good clinical locations in a variety of settings. I have gotten to practice skills in a nursing home environment, a hospital environment, and a rehabilitation facility. I have done well in this program because I have had great guidance. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who has an interest in nursing!” – Student at Capital Community College
    stars-4

    Quinnipiac University
    275 Mt Carmel Ave
    Hamden, CT 06518
    (203) 582-8200
    https://www.qu.edu

    Student Review: “Being part of Quinnipiac’s Nursing program has been a challenging experience, yet I’ve been able to learn an incredible amount over a short period of time. My nursing classes are just like lecture classes, so I spent a lot of time outside of class reviewing and teaching myself the material. It takes a lot of self-discipline to stay on top of work, and I really wish these classes were more interactive. However, professors are always available to help and encourage us to visit them during office hours. I’d say that what I love the most about this nursing program are the labs. I’ve gotten the chance to learn how to examine people and perform nursing skills such as catheter insertion, tracheostomy suctioning, nasogastric tube insertion, wound care, etc. It can be a little scary (especially when the professor was watching), but the hands-on labs proved to be an invaluable part of my experience here. I couldn’t have chosen a better place!” – Student at Quinnipiac University
    stars-4

    Student Review: “I could not have asked for a better nursing program. Quinnipiac University fully prepared me to become the nurse I am today. I love that my professors were constantly available to help me through an academically rigorous program. I was encouraged through the challenges and reminded that I was equipped to overcome them. Quinnipiac also had many extracurricular opportunities available. I personally had the opportunity to volunteer and help raise money and awareness for patients with Type 1 diabetes. For me, nursing school was more than academics, it was a chance to be developed holistically as a nurse.” – Student at Quinnipiac University
    stars-5

    Student Review: “The Quinnipiac University Nursing Program was a challenging, beneficial, and ultimately fantastic experience for my education. I had very informed, helpful professors who cared about my academic success. Professors were quick to aid students who struggled, both with accommodating office hours as well as ways to personally contact them outside of University hours. The program at Quinnipiac was engaging and fellow students were competitive and friendly at the same time. Clinical time was helpful and collaboration between the clinical program and the university classroom made the entire program feel cohesive to my learning. Quinnipiac’s program was essential to my growth as a student and as a nurse.” – Student at Quinnipiac University
    stars-4

    References:
    1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
    2. Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/index.php#Tile
    3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2018 Edition. New York, Penguin Random House, 2018.
    4. US News Top Graduate Nursing Schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
    5. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
    6. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp
    7. Connecticut State Department of Health, Board of Examiners for Nursing: https://portal.ct.gov/dph/public-health-hearing-office/board-of-examiners-for-nursing/board-of-examiners-for-nursing