Best Nursing Schools in Connecticut
While Connecticut’s nursing job market is projected to grow a little slower than the rest of the country, it still is expected to grow steadily (by about 4%) throughout the decade. Connecticut, like many other New England states, is also home to a large majority of the country’s nursing programs. Regardless of the level of nursing degree you desire, or your experience as a nurse, you are sure to find options that work perfectly with your specific circumstance.
Jump to:
- Connecticut RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
- Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Getting an RN License in Connecticut
For RN bridge programs visit:
Cities in Connecticut
Best RN Programs in Connecticut
Selecting the best nursing school in Connecticut can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 5 nursing schools in Connecticut by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 20 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).
Southern Connecticut State University
Score: 96.86
Southern Connecticut State University's school of nursing was established in 1969. Through the years, they have worked to be a center of excellence and innovation in nursing education. The nursing program is one of the top selected majors on campus.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (203) 392-7278
University of Connecticut - Waterbury
Score: 96.73
UConn Waterbury offers the unique Certificate Entry Into Nursing (CEIN/BS) program, which is an accelerated one-year nursing program for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing subject. At the completion of the program, graduates will hold a bachelor's degree in nursing as well as a post-baccalaureate certificate.
Program Details
- Programs: Accelerated BSN
- Phone: (203) 236-9800
Sacred Heart University
Score: 96.70
Positioned along Connecticut's Gold Coast, Sacred Heart University's College of Nursing welcomes new, transfer and returning students to complete or upgrade their nursing qualifications. The school's traditional BSN focuses on the mind, body, and spirit of all patients. Personal mentorship from industry leaders ensures nursing graduate excellence.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (203) 371-7999
Central Connecticut State University
Score: 96.23
Central Connecticut State University, a public institution located in New Britain, is dedicated to academic excellence. With a mission to cultivate well-rounded professionals, it offers a distinguished registered nursing program. Emphasizing innovation and compassion, the university prepares nursing students for impactful contributions in the dynamic field of healthcare.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (860) 832-3200
Three Rivers Community College
Score: 94.70
Three Rivers Community College empowers nursing students to focus on their future by starting with a high-quality nursing program. RN graduates work in offices, hospitals and clinics both locally and afar.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (860) 215-9000
Connecticut Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
At the entry-level, Connecticut offers a variety of exceptional nursing programs such as an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Take a look at the sections below to find out which one makes the most sense for you.
Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs
An ADN is the quickest degree pathway for nurses who want to practice at the entry level. These degree options take just 2 years to complete. Students may also try the RN diploma option, typically offered through specialty nursing schools and hospitals. If going with a nurse diploma, it takes around 1-2 years to complete. The difference between an ADN and an RN diploma is that the ADN includes other core college courses, while the diploma is focused strictly on basic nursing education. A good option for current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) is the LPN to RN bridge program, which can result in either an ADN or a BSN.
Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Connecticut include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
- Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment
For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.
More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:
| Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60-72 credits | Limited online courses, primarily on-campus |
| LPN to RN | $4,000 – $10,000 | 30-45 credits | Often hybrid; some online courses |
| RN Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 40-60 credits | Rarely online; primarily on-campus |
ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Connecticut.
Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN to BSN vs. Accelerated BSN Programs
For some nurses, a traditional 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the perfect choice. Typically, students who go with this option have little to no nursing experience and no previous nursing education. However, if you do have nursing experience, a nursing license, and an ADN, you can enroll in an RN to BSN which get you to graduation in a much shorter amount of time. The same goes for an Accelerated BSN program — if you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, your timeline to graduation will be much shorter.
Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Connecticut typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses
For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.
Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:
| Program Type | Length/Credits | Estimated Cost (In-State) | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 4 years (120-126 credits) | $20,000 – $50,000 | First-time college students/career starters |
| RN to BSN | 1-2 years (30-35 credits) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Licensed RNs with an ADN |
| ABSN | 12-18 months (50-60 credits) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Bachelor's degree holders in another field |
RN to BSN
If you already have an ADN or nursing diploma and want to advance to a bachelor's degree you may be interested in a Connecticut RN to BSN bridge pathway. These programs can be taken full-time or part-time, allowing nurses to continue working if they wish, and are available both on-campus and online. Clinical hours, however, must be completed in person.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Connecticut ABSN programs may be able to be completed in an even faster timeline than RN to BSN programs. These programs are more geared toward students who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. For the right candidate, this can spell out a graduation timeline in as little as a year!
Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
Students in Connecticut who want to pursue more advanced nursing opportunities will need to go with a nursing graduate degree — either a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Typically speaking, you’ll need at least a BSN to pursue these options, but once enrolled, you’ll find that they are well worth the wait.
Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Connecticut:
Read more about advanced practice nursing programs in Connecticut here:
Getting an RN License in Connecticut
Upon graduation, nurses who intend to practice in the state will need to get licensed. The process for RN licensure in Connecticut requires a formal application to the Connecticut State Department of Health following the passing of the NCLEX-RN.
Requirements for RN Licensure in Connecticut
- Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Application to the Connecticut Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance
Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?
RN program accreditation is also an important consideration. If an RN program is not accredited, it means that the state board has not approved the school’s curriculum, and thus, graduates from the program will not be allowed to get licensed. Accreditation in the US is conducted by both the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Continued List of All RN Programs in Connecticut
Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.
| Ranked | School | Program | Score | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6. | University of Connecticut - Storrs Storrs, CT 06269 | Phone: (860) 486-4900 | Programs: BSN | 94.46 | nursing.uconn.edu |
| 7. | University of Connecticut - Avery Point Groton, CT 06340 | Phone: (860) 405-9017 | Programs: Accelerated BSN | 94.35 | cein.nursing.uconn.edu |
| 8. | Fairfield University Fairfield, CT 06824 | Phone: (203) 254-4000 | Programs: BSN | 93.83 | fairfield.edu |
| 9. | Yale University Orange, CT 06477 | Phone: (203) 737-5678 | Programs: Direct Entry MSN | 92.91 | nursing.yale.edu |
| 10. | Northwestern Connecticut Community College Winsted, CT 06098 | Phone: (860) 738-6300 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 91.89 | nwcc.edu |
| 11. | Western Connecticut State University Danbury, CT 06810 | Phone: (877) 837-9278 | Programs: BSN | 91.32 | wcsu.edu |
| 12. | University of Saint Joseph Connecticut West Hartford, CT 06117 | Phone: (860) 231-5399 | Programs: BSN | 91.01 | usj.edu |
| 13. | University of Connecticut - Stamford Stamford, CT 06901 | Phone: (203) 251-8400 | Programs: BSN | 88.35 | cein.nursing.uconn.edu |
| 14. | Quinnipiac University Hamden, CT 06518 | Phone: (203) 582-8200 | Programs: BSN | 87.21 | qu.edu |
| 15. | Naugatuck Valley Community College Waterbury, CT 06708 | Phone: (203) 575-8000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 86.67 | nv.edu |
| 16. | Norwalk Community College Norwalk, CT 06854 | Phone: (203) 857-7000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 85.33 | norwalk.edu |
| 17. | Capital Community College Hartford, CT 06103 | Phone: (860) 906-5000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 85.33 | capitalcc.edu |
| 18. | Gateway Community College New Haven, CT 06510 | Phone: (203) 285-2000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 82.37 | gatewayct.edu |
| 19. | Goodwin University East Hartford, CT 06118 | Phone: (860) 528-4111 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 75.13 | goodwin.edu |
| 20. | University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT 06604 | Phone: (800) 392-3582 | Programs: BSN | - | bridgeport.edu |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.