For nurses who already hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), there are plenty of opportunities to advance their education and credentials. Programs include basic master of science in nursing degrees, nurse practitioner degrees and PhDs in nursing.
Yale University School of Nursing in New Haven, founded in 1923, offers nursing degrees through the PhD level. Programs include a variety of nurse practitioner programs, midwifery, nursing management and policy and leadership. There are also joint degree programs in nursing/divinity and nursing/public health.
Western Connecticut State University School of Professional Studies in Danbury is part of the state university system. The school offers BSN degrees and MSN degrees, as well as an RN to BSN degree program. Specialties include nurse practitioner and adult health clinical nurse specialist.
The University of Hartford College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions is a private school that offers both BSN and MSN degrees. The RN to BSN program, the first of its type in the state, is designed for working RNs and offers a flexible schedule.
The University of Connecticut School of Nursing, founded in 1942, is located on the main campus of UC at Storrs. The school awards BSN, MSN and PhD degrees.
Southern Connecticut State University School of Nursing in New Haven awards degrees through the MSN level. For students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another subject, there is a BSN transition program. MSN options offered are nursing education, family nurse practitioner and clinical nurse leader.
Saint Joseph College Nursing Department is a private school located in West Hartford. The school offers BSN and RN to BSN programs. There is also a BSN degree completion program for those already holding a bachelor's degree.
Fairfield University's School of Nursing offers degrees through the PhD level. For undergraduates, there is a BSN program, second degree BSN program and an RN to BSN program. An overseas study opportunity in Italy is also an option.
Quinnipiac University School of Health Sciences in Hamden is a private school with degrees through MSN. The undergraduate program offers both a traditional BSN program as well a second degree program. The two options for the MSN program are family nurse practitioner and adult nurse practitioner.
Central Connecticut State University's Department of Nursing, located in New Britain, offers affordable BSN programs for Connecticut residents. Both traditional BSN students and those completing a second bachelor's degree in nursing have the option of performing clinical rotations in several hospitals in the Hartford area.
Goodwin College Nursing Department, located in East Hartford, offers a traditional BSN for students without a degree or nursing credentials, and also three conversion programs. These include licensed practical nurse to licensed vocational nurse, LPN to associate's degree in nursing (ADN) and RN to BSN degrees. A traditional ADN program is also available.
There are several technical and community colleges in Connecticut that offer ADN, LPN, LVN and other two-year and certificate programs. These are the most affordable options for entry level nurses.
Capital Community College in Hartford, Gateway Community College in North Hartford, Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury and Norwalk Community College in Norwalk all offer only a traditional ADN program. Students generally can complete these programs in two years of full-time study. The Porter and Chester Institute has campuses in Branford, Enfield, Rocky Hill and Watertown. The school offers students a chance to earn their license as a practical nurse. Lincoln Technical Institute in New Britain offers programs for licensed practical nurse and licensed vocational nurse.
Both the Hospital of Saint Raphael School of Nurse Anesthesia, administered by the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven, and the New Britain School of Nurse Anesthesia in New Britain train nurses holding at least a BSN to become nurse anesthetists . Upon completion of either program, students earn the degree of master of science degree in biological sciences: anesthesia. With this degree, they are eligible to become licensed as certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA).