List of the Best Nursing Schools in Connecticut

Best Nursing Schools in ConnecticutThe state of Connecticut is among one of the best states in the nation to launch a nursing career. The following cities within Connecticut: Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and other major cities have a higher demand for nurses. This is probably due to some of the largest health care organizations in the world: Yale-New Haven Hospital, Saint Francis Medical Care Center, Hartford Hospital, Danbury Hospital, and Hospital of Saint Raphael.

Due to these facilities and others new positions for nurses are continually opening and in need of employees. Whether you live in the state now or you plan to move her in the future, you should be able to find work as a nurse. Connecticut offers excellent educational opportunities as you search the best nursing schools in Connecticut, and possible RN to BSN programs, which will increase and improve your chances in obtaining a nursing job in the future. The information below shows all the benefits that come with nursing schools in Connecticut. Use it to decide if this is the right career for you.

How to Become a Nurse in Connecticut

The first decision in knowing how to become a nurse, you will need to earn a college education. There are several levels of education to choose from based on the type of nurse you want to be. When you start looking through nursing schools in Connecticut and nursing programs in Connecticut, try to find ones that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). These boards test out nursing degree programs to make sure they properly prepare you for work in the real world. Here is a list of possible nursing career paths and related articles for additional reading:

Here is an overview of common nursing degrees in Connecticut, as well as the amount of time you’ll spend in each of them:

  • Diploma of Nursing (DN): 1 year
  • Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 6 years
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 8+ years

After you get through your career training, you will need to obtain a nursing license. You may also need certifications for specific skills in your profession. To find out which licenses and certifications are right for your future career, contact the Connecticut Board of Nursing.

Tuition for Connecticut Nursing Schools

The money you pay for college will depend on several factors, like the time you need to spend in school and the type of school you choose to attend. The stats below indicate the average tuition rates for Connecticut, not specific to nursing degree programs. This information is courtesy of the College Board.

  • Public Two Year College: $3,786 per year
  • Public Four Year University: $10,206 per year
  • Private Four Year University: $38,776 per year

Job Prospects for Connecticut Nurses

The projected job growth for nursing is high throughout the country, and Connecticut is no exception. Nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse educators, and other upper-level nurses are in particularly high demand due to a lack of qualified professionals in the area. Here are some pay rate estimates for nurses in Connecticut. (BLS)

  • Nursing Assistant: $31,840 per year
  • Licensed Practical Nurse: $54,840 per year
  • Registered Nurse: $76,920 per year
  • Nurse Practitioner: $96,910 per year

Top Ranked Connecticut Nursing Schools:

University of Connecticut

As a top public research universities in the nation, The University of Connecticut (Uconn) offers an excellent opportunity for higher education to more than 30,000 students. Uconn seeks to attract the brightest students and faculty internationally. As a top university, Uconn, is able to foster the right climate and atmosphere to keep up with an ever changing global society.

The University provides the necessary platform for success; students, however, will need to know what they are truly interested in and, “That’s why it helps to have choices. And with more than 100 undergraduate majors to choose from, you’re bound to find something that will inspire you. And if not, you can work with a faculty advisor to create your own major and course of study. After you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree, we offer several opportunities to advance your education at the graduate and professional levels. (source)

Location: Storrs, CT
Student Enrollment: 30,000+
Tuition (in-state): $10,524
Tuition (out-of-state): $32,066
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
Type of School: Public
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: Yes
Degree Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner, PhD (Doctoral)
Website: http://uconn.edu/


Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University is located in Fairfield, Connecticut. They offer student online educational opportunities that mirror the schools commitment to excellence. Their online courses are active and engaging so that students interests are fueled, the students skills are sharpened, which ultimately drives students toward a successful career in their chosen field of study.

Here is some additional information Sacred Heart University provides regarding their nursing programs in connecticut (Source)

  • RN-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN): Designed for RNs with a diploma or an ADN, this program further develops your professional skills for today’s complex health care workplace.
  • RN-Bachelor-Master of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN-MSN): RNs with a diploma or ADN can leap to the advanced master’s degree level in this accelerated option.
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): This program focuses on the superior clinical, administrative and educational skills required for advanced nursing leadership positions. Three specializations available.
  • Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP):  Nursing’s highest credential builds upon a MSN degree to prepare nurses for advanced leadership, practice and research roles.
  • Master of Science in Applied Psychology (MSAP): Learn to understand human behavior and apply psychological principles to positively affect society or the workplace. Offering three concentrations.

Location: Fairfield, CT
Student Enrollment: 6,025
Tuition: $560+ / credit hour
Financial Aid: Yes
Type of School: Private
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: Yes
Degree Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner, DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
Website: http://landing.onlineprograms.sacredheart.edu


Western Connecticut State University

Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, and offers its students high-quality education that provides the necessary conditions for its students to grow as individuals, as professionals, as scholars, and as leaders in our global every changing society.

WCSU offers the following information on the univeristy will achieve this, “To achieve this, we offer undergraduate and graduate programs that weave together liberal arts and professional education and instill a desire for life-long learning. Sustain a vibrant, inclusive campus that connects individuals through co-curricular programs, cultural events, and service to the community. Attract student-centered faculty who are passionate teachers and accomplished scholars. Establish partnerships that create opportunities for internships, research, and experiential learning.” (Source)

Location: Danbury, CT
Student Enrollment: 5,000
Type of School: Public
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: No
Degree Programs: BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
Website: http://www.wcsu.edu/


Southern Connecticut State University

Southern Connecticut State University is located in the city of New Haven, and is home to more than 11,000 students. The university offers more than 110 undergraduate and graduate programs now, which originally began in 1893 as a teachers college. The school has over 700 faculty members that continue to provide excellent quality education as they lead students through a wide range of studies and research specialities.

The following is a paragraph from teh school regarding the schools accreditation, “Southern Connecticut State University is accredited by the Connecticut Board of Governors for Higher Education and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The university has recently completed its 10-year comprehensive NEASC self-study and evaluation. For more information about the NEASC reaccreditation process, and the university’s self-study, visit Southern’s NEASC Web site.” (Source)

Location: New Haven, CT
Student Enrollment: 11,000
Type of School: Public
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: Yes
Degree Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, Nurse Practitioner
Website: – https://www.southernct.edu/


Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University is located in Hamden, Connecticut and continues to be ranked, consistently, among one of the best universities in the US by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers students top-rated programs within smaller classes where professors know their students by name. This university is the right place for student who want to enjoy accredited programs, competitive, and a challenging learning environment to increase their knowledge and skill sets.

The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). (Source)

Location: Hamden, CT
Student Enrollment: 9,000 (6,500 undergraduates, 2,500 graduates)
Type of School: Private
Tuition:
Financial Aid:
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: No
Degree Programs: BS/BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner
Website: https://www.qu.edu/


Yale University

Yale University is located in New Haven, Connecticut, was founded in 1701, and is the third oldest institution for higher education in the United States. Since is origination, Yale University continues to dedicate its resources for sharing and expanding knowledge, preserving its scientific and cultural information, and to inspire innovation for current and future students.

“Yale’s reach is both local and international. It partners with its hometown of New Haven, Connecticut to strengthen the city’s community and economy. And it engages with people and institutions across the globe in the quest to promote cultural understanding, improve the human condition, delve more deeply into the secrets of the universe, and train the next generation of world leaders.” (Source)

New Haven, CT
In-State Tuition: $44,000
Financial Aid: Yes
Board Exam Pass Rate: 97.00%
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Students: 11,906
Website: http://www.yale.edu/


Fairfield University

Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, Connecticut (founded in 1942), and is home to over 5,000 students who are earning graduate and undergraduate degrees. The university is a Jesuit, Catholic university “in mission and spirit.” The university’s core objectives are to provide opportunities for student to increase their social responsibility, and to develop and enhance their intellectual, creative, and emotional potential. One way this is accomplished is by allowing students to learn from a “staggering number of viewpoints” to broaden their perspectives, to embrace their infinite potential, and to assist in them recognizing personal strengths that turn into successful careers.

The University’s website provides the following statement, “Fairfield University has gained a reputation for academic excellence for hundreds of reasons: our faculty and staff. Through them, the Fairfield mission lives and breathes, as they teach, lead, and help students across all facets of their time at the University. They’ll be your biggest advocates, committed to helping you become not just a better student, but also a truly capable scholar, with a lifelong thirst for learning.” (Source)

Fairfield, CT
Tuition: $45,350
Financial Aid: Yes
Board Exam Pass Rate: 89.50%
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Students: 5,000
Website: https://www.fairfield.edu/


Central Connecticut State University

Central Connecticut State Univeristy is located in New Britain, Connecticut, and is home to more than 12,000 students. CCSU’s website provides the following regarding their school commitment to its student, “above all else, a vibrant learning-centered community dedicated to teaching and to scholarship. Education at the undergraduate and graduate level balances academic challenge and personal support, leading students to become thoughtful, responsible, and successful citizens. A network of study-abroad opportunities, overseas inter-institutional arrangements, and other internationally focused educational programming prepares students to become “global citizens,” responsive to a world of cultural differences and able to succeed rtywertewrytin an increasingly international marketplace.” (Source)

New Britain, CT
Resident Tuition: $4,870.50
Non-Resident Tuition: $11,301.00
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
Board Exam Pass Rate: 71.00%
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Students: 12,091
Website: http://www.ccsu.edu/


University of St. Joseph

University of St. Joseph is located in West Hartford, Connecticut, and was founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Mercy (Catholic tradition). The university’s climate and atmosphere promotes and fosters students to expand their creative and intellectual potential by offering challenging academic programs. The university offers outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and even adult learner programs. There are more than 25 majors, they offer accelerated programs from bachelor’s to masters.

As pertaining to aspects of accreditation, “The University of Saint Joseph is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Inc., a non-governmental, nationally recognized organization whose affiliated institutions include elementary schools through collegiate institutions offering post-graduate instruction.” (Source)

West Hartford, CT
Tuition: $26,418.00+ per year (assumes 12+ credits and varies by major)
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
Grants: Yes
Board Exam Pass Rate: 77.00%
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Students: 2,526
Website: http://www.usj.edu/


Naugatuck Valley Community College

Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) is located in Waterbury, Connecticut. One of NVCC’s alluring positions is that they offer an alternative solution for students to save money by not accruing large amounts of student debt as they earn their associates degree. The mission of this college is to provide students with an opportunity to obtain a higher education with lower financial costs.

The school offers this statement on their website, “We are a mostly open admission institution, offering more than 100 accredited programs leading to associate degrees or professional certification and over 120 continuing education/lifelong learning courses for professional development and workforce training. We are the only Connecticut community college to offer associate degree programs in aviation science, horticulture, digital arts and visual and performing arts, dance option. Courses are offered during days, evenings and weekends and individuals may enroll as full- or part-time students.” (Source)

Location: Waterbury, CT
Student Enrollment: 6,725
Tuition: $4,208
Financial Aid: Yes
Type of School: Public
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: Yes
Degree Programs: Associate
Website: http://www.nv.edu/


Norwalk Community Technical College

Norwalk Community College is located in Noralk, Connecticut. NCC provides student opportunities to increase knowledge, improve valuable skill sets, to become active and responsible citizens in their community, and to achieve their highest potential. This is accomplished as NCC provides an atmosphere of hands-on approach to learning allowing students the opportunity to practice what they learn.

ACCREDITATION: “Norwalk Community College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). In addition, many individual programs are accredited by national professional associations including the Legal Assistant, Nursing, Respiratory Care and Engineering Technology Curricula. Credits earned at NCC are transferable to four-year colleges and universities.” (Source)

Location: Norwalk, CT
Student Enrollment: 6,000+
Tuition: $4,188.00
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
Type of School: Public
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: Yes
Degree Programs: Associate
Website: http://norwalk.edu/


St. Joseph College

St. Joseph College is located in West Hartford, Connecticut and offers it higher educational programs to more than 1,300 students. The classroom environment at St. Joseph College enables students to be proactive in their learning process. Professors will ask open questions to help develop and further increase their students capacity for critical thinking in varying circumstances. This type of climate will foster higher learning as student examine their own ideas with faculty and other students, they are then able to explore their insights and others as they cultivate their skills, and obtain necessary habits that will increase their likelihood of success in a global economy. Student at St. Joseph College will learn to work with other people, and they will learn to work and collaborate with other colleagues to fruitful ends.

The following statement can be found on St. Joseph College’s website, “Statistics show that St. John’s College students excel in their endeavors both at the college and after graduation. Almost 70 percent of St. John’s graduates pursue advanced degrees—many enter the nation’s leading humanities, science, business, law, and medical programs. St. John’s College is in the top two percent of all colleges in the nation for alumni earning PhDs in the humanities, and in the top four percent for earning them in science or engineering.” (Source)

Location: West Hartford, CT
Student Enrollment: 1,300+
Tuition: $49,758 / year
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
Type of School: Private
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: Yes
Degree Programs: BS/BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner
Website: http://www.sjc.edu/


Three Rivers Community College

Three Rivers Community College is located in Norwich, Connecticut, which was formed in 1992. The college offers its higher educational programs to more than 4500 students. The college offers non-credit and credit degrees and certificate programs to meet the community. TRCC recognizes that for any organization devoted to a higher pursuit of knowledge (providing effective teaching and learning) needs to act with integrity.

The following are TRCC’s values in action: (Source)

  • Teaching and Learning – Instruction that stresses close consideration, critical analysis, and careful design; collaborative, nurturing, learning communities that foster student success; active, innovative teaching strategies, including a commitment to learning through service; learning for lifelong achievement, growth, development and satisfaction;
  • Integrity and Service – Responsibility to oneself, one’s peers, one’s colleagues and one’s community; trust and confidence in our academic programs; an atmosphere of collegiality across the academy;
  • Community and Diversity – Access for all regardless of age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, orientation, or disability; civic engagement within and outside the college; academic, social and technical resources for citizens within our service area.

Location: Norwich, CT
Student Enrollment: 5,000+
Tution: $150/credit for full-time students
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
Type of School: Public
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: No
Degree Programs: Associate
Website: http://www.trcc.commnet.edu/


University of Hartford

The University of Hartford is located in West Hartford, Connecticut, and offers its students a wide variety a educational pursuits. The school’s mission to provide its students with the opportunities for personal growth, creative thinking, education learning, and to better their community.

Here is a statement from their website regarding the school’s accreditation, “The University of Hartford received a letter of continued accreditation from the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) on May 8, 2012. The re-accreditation came following a comprehensive evaluation of the University in 2011. The next accreditation study is scheduled for 2021.” (Source)

Location: West Hartford, CT
Student Enrollment: 6,000+
Tuition: $35,036 (full-time student)
Financial Aid: Yes
Type of School: Private
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: Yes
Degree Programs: RN-to-BSN, MSN
Website: http://www.hartford.edu/


St. Vincent’s College

St. Vincent’s College is located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and was founded in 1905 and is known for its excellent nursing and other health professional graduates that have entered the workforce. The school continues to offer programs devoted to learning about medical and technological advancements. Their high quality programs are offered to: Community College transfers, traditional students, and adult learners who are seeking to enhance their career pursuits. The schools relationship with St. Vincent’s Medical Center provides students the necessary learning and practice to increase students expertise and experience within the Healthcare industry.

The following statements are from their website, “St. Vincent’s College is licensed and accredited by the Office of Higher Education…St. Vincent’s College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education…Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program: Licensed and accredited by the Office of Higher Education.” (Source)

Location: Bridgeport, CT
Student Enrollment:
Tuition: $605 / credit hour
Financial Aid: Yes
Type of School: Private
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: Yes
Website: http://www.stvincentscollege.edu/


University of Bridgeport: School of Nursing

The University of Bridgeport is located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and was founded in 1927 as a Junior College. The schools foundation then was built upon the vision and goal of promoting a learning atmosphere that encouraged students to become clear and critical thinkers who can offer sound judgement after college and in their professional careers. This vision and goal remains firm and in place today.

This is directly from their website pertaining to their mission, “The University of Bridgeport offers career-oriented undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees and programs for people seeking personal and professional growth. The University promotes academic excellence, personal responsibility and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. The University is independent and non-sectarian.” (Source)

Location: Bridgeport, CT
Student Enrollment: 100+
Tuition: $515 / per credit hour
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
Type of School: Private
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: No
Degree Programs: Diploma, Associate, RN-to-BSN
Website: http://www.bridgeport.edu/academics/schools-colleges/school-of-nursing/


Hospital of St. Raphael – School of Nurse Anesthesia

The philosophy of this “School of Nurse Anesthesia” is to provide communities with professional healthcare employees who are highly competent in their vocation as nurse anesthesia practitioners.

This philosophy is fulfilled by the school providing their, “students with a broad clinical and didactic experience, which is in keeping with the current standards and guidelines set by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Our faculty shows a deep commitment to the education of nurse anesthesia practitioners, openly sharing their expertise with our students. The faculty consists of certified registered nurse anesthetists, physician anesthesiologists, surgeons, allied health practitioners and professors. Our objective is to provide an educational and clinical experience that will enable the student, after completion of the program, to provide safe, comprehensive and compassionate anesthetic care to the wide variety of clinical situations that arise in the current practice of anesthesia.” (Source)

Location: New Haven, CT
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: No
Degree Programs: Nurse Anesthetist
Website: http://www.aana.com/ceandeducation/students/Pages/The-Hospital-of-Saint-Raphael-School-of-Nurse-Anesthesia.aspx