Are you searching for the best nursing schools in Connecticut? Whether you're starting your journey in healthcare or advancing your nursing career, finding the right nursing program is essential. In or near Connecticut, you’ll find a range of accredited nursing programs, from entry-level certificates to advanced nursing degrees.
Explore nursing schools in Connecticut to choose the right program for your future in nursing.
Connecticut Nursing Degree Programs
RN to BSN Programs in Connecticut
RN to BSN programs in Connecticut are tailored for registered nurses who want to expand their skills, advance in their careers, or pursue graduate education. These programs can often be completed in 12 to 18 months and focus on leadership, research, and community health. Many schools offer flexible online formats to accommodate working nurses.
RN to BSN and RN to MSN Bridge Programs by Specialization in Connecticut
Bridge programs in Connecticut provide registered nurses with clear academic pathways to higher degrees. RN to BSN programs help build leadership and public health expertise, while RN to MSN bridge programs allow for specialization in roles such as family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader. These programs are designed to fit into the schedules of working professionals through evening, weekend, and online formats.
Western Connecticut State University Nursing Programs in Danbury, Connecticut
Comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, and maternal-child nursing.
Extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based practice to provide safe and effective patient care.
Preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination through dedicated review courses, practice questions, and simulated testing environments.
Opportunity to work collaboratively with interprofessional healthcare teams.
Focus on ethical and legal considerations in nursing practice.
Career outlook includes high demand and diverse job opportunities in various healthcare settings.
Nursing Schools in Danbury, Connecticut
Address: 181 White Street, Danbury, Connecticut 06810-6826
Three Rivers Community College RN Nursing Programs in Norwich, Connecticut
Focuses on preparing students to pass the NCLEX-RN examination and become licensed Registered Nurses.
Offers a comprehensive curriculum covering medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child health, mental health, and community health.
Emphasizes hands-on clinical experience in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and community agencies in the Norwich, CT area.
May offer articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities for RN-to-BSN completion.
Includes courses in nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment.
Provides opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for nursing practice.
Instructors are typically experienced registered nurses with advanced degrees and clinical expertise.
Nursing Schools in Norwich, Connecticut
Address: 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, Connecticut 06360
University of Bridgeport BSN, Pre-Nursing, RN, RN to BSN Nursing Programs in Bridgeport, Connecticut
BSN Program: A four-year program providing a comprehensive foundation in nursing theory and clinical practice, preparing graduates for entry-level positions as registered nurses.
Pre-Nursing: A preparatory program designed to equip students with the necessary science and mathematics coursework to successfully apply to and succeed in a BSN program.
RN Program (Associate Degree in Nursing - ADN): Focuses on practical skills and patient care, preparing students to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and become licensed registered nurses. Often offered at community colleges, but may exist in articulation agreements with universities.
RN to BSN Program: An accelerated program designed for registered nurses with an Associate's Degree or Diploma in Nursing to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing, enhancing career opportunities and leadership skills.
Clinical Experience: Strong emphasis on clinical rotations at local hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Bridgeport, CT area.
Career Advancement: Programs designed to facilitate career progression in various nursing specialties and leadership roles.
Nursing Schools in Bridgeport, Connecticut
Address: 126 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604-5620
Southern Connecticut State University Accelerated BSN, BSN, FNP, MSN, NP, RN Nursing Programs in New Haven, Connecticut
Provides pathways for students with diverse educational backgrounds to enter the nursing profession, including Accelerated BSN for those with prior bachelor's degrees.
Offers a traditional BSN program providing a strong foundation in nursing practice, preparing graduates for entry-level RN positions in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
MSN programs, potentially with FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) tracks, focus on advanced practice nursing roles with specialization, leadership, or education.
NP (Nurse Practitioner) programs prepare registered nurses for advanced clinical practice roles, diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing patient care in collaboration with physicians.
RN licensure is the foundation for all advanced practice nursing roles; programs prepare students to successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Curricula across programs emphasize evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and patient-centered care.
Clinical rotations provide valuable hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings throughout the New Haven area.
Nursing Schools in New Haven, Connecticut
Address: 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06515-1355
Stone Academy-East Hartford Nursing Programs in East Hartford, Connecticut
Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, obstetrics, pediatrics, and geriatrics.
Extensive Clinical Experience: Provides hands-on experience in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health agencies.
NCLEX-RN Preparation: Offers dedicated resources and support to prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Experienced Faculty: Instruction is provided by qualified and experienced registered nurses and healthcare professionals.
Simulation Lab: Utilizes a state-of-the-art simulation lab to enhance practical skills and critical thinking abilities.
Career Advancement Opportunities: Upon graduation and licensure, RNs can pursue diverse career paths and advanced education opportunities.
Focus on Patient-Centered Care: Emphasizes the importance of providing compassionate and holistic care to patients and their families.
Nursing Schools in East Hartford, Connecticut
Address: 745 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford, Connecticut 06108
Naugatuck Valley Community College BSN, MSN, Pre-Nursing, RN Nursing Programs in Waterbury, Connecticut
Pre-Nursing programs offer foundational coursework to prepare students for entry into more advanced nursing programs like an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
RN programs (often ADN) provide a direct pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse, focusing on practical skills and patient care.
BSN programs emphasize critical thinking, leadership skills, and community health, opening doors to more advanced nursing roles and graduate studies.
While a school like Naugatuck Valley Community College likely doesn't directly offer an MSN, BSN graduates can pursue MSN programs at other institutions to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
Common career paths include hospital nursing, clinic nursing, long-term care, home healthcare, and public health.
All nursing programs require clinical rotations in healthcare settings, providing hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced nurses.
Successful completion of an RN or BSN program is required to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become a licensed Registered Nurse.
Fairfield University BSN, RN Nursing Programs in Fairfield, Connecticut
Emphasis on holistic patient care, integrating the mind, body, and spirit.
Strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences complements nursing coursework.
Clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings throughout Connecticut and potentially beyond.
Opportunities for research and scholarly activities with faculty.
Preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam and licensure as a registered nurse.
BSN graduates are well-prepared for advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist with further education.
Focus on critical thinking, leadership, and ethical decision-making in nursing practice.
Nursing Schools in Fairfield, Connecticut
Address: 1073 N Benson Rd, Fairfield, Connecticut 06824-5195
Gateway Community College Pre-Nursing, RN Nursing Programs in New Haven, Connecticut
Pre-Nursing programs provide a foundation for further nursing education.
RN programs typically offer both Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathways, though ADN is more common at community colleges.
Clinical experiences are an integral part of RN programs, providing hands-on training in various healthcare settings.
Curriculum covers essential topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care.
Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN examination for licensure.
Strong emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making skills.
Opportunities for specialization in various areas of nursing (after obtaining licensure and gaining experience).
Nursing Schools in New Haven, Connecticut
Address: 20 Church Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
Extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Focus on patient-centered care, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice.
Dedicated faculty comprised of experienced registered nurses and healthcare professionals.
Emphasis on ethical and legal considerations in nursing practice.
Preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination, including review courses and practice exams.
Strong career outlook with opportunities in various nursing specialties.
Nursing Schools in New Britain, Connecticut
Address: 55 Paul Manafort Drive, New Britain, Connecticut 06053
1. What types of nursing programs are available in Connecticut?
Nursing schools in Connecticut offer various programs, including:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs – Entry-level training for nursing assistants.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs – Typically one year of training.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – A two-year program that prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam and RN licensure.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – A four-year degree that provides more career opportunities and higher earning potential.
RN-to-BSN programs – Designed for current RNs who want to earn a BSN.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Advanced education for specialized nursing roles, such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – The highest level of clinical nursing education.
2. How do I choose the best nursing school in Connecticut?
When selecting a nursing school, consider factors like accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, clinical training opportunities, tuition costs, and program flexibility (online, hybrid, or in-person).
3. Why is nursing school accreditation important?
Accreditation ensures your program meets high educational standards. Nursing programs should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Attending an accredited school is required for licensure and financial aid eligibility.
4. How do I check if a nursing program in Connecticut is accredited?
You can verify accreditation by visiting the school’s website, checking the ACEN or CCNE directories, or contacting the State Board of Nursing in Connecticut.
5. How long does it take to complete a nursing program?
The duration depends on the type of program:
CNA program: A few weeks to a few months.
LPN/LVN program: About 12 months.
ADN program: 2 years.
BSN program: 4 years.
RN-to-BSN program: 12-24 months.
MSN program: 2 years (after BSN).
DNP program: 3-4 years.
6. Can I complete a nursing program online?
Some programs, such as RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP, offer online coursework. However, pre-licensure programs (like ADN and BSN) require in-person clinical training.
7. What is the NCLEX, and why is it important?
The NCLEX-PN (for LPNs) and NCLEX-RN (for RNs) are national exams required for licensure. Graduating from an accredited program is necessary to sit for these exams.
8. What financial aid options are available for nursing students?
Students enrolled in accredited nursing programs may qualify for:
Federal financial aid (Pell Grants, loans, and work-study programs).
State grants and scholarships.
Nursing-specific scholarships.
Employer tuition assistance programs.
9. What are the job opportunities for nurses in Connecticut?
Nurses in Connecticut can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home healthcare, and specialized care facilities. Advanced degrees open opportunities in leadership, education, and specialized nursing roles like nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.
10. How much do nurses earn in Connecticut?
Salaries vary based on education, experience, and location. On average:
CNA: $30,000 – $40,000 per year.
LPN/LVN: $45,000 – $55,000 per year.
RN (ADN or BSN): $65,000 – $90,000 per year.
MSN-prepared nurses: $90,000 – $120,000 per year.
Nurse practitioners and APRNs: $100,000 – $150,000 per year.