Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Connecticut

Though it’s among the smallest states in the country and even the East Coast, Connecticut is well-known for its massive amounts of universities and colleges spread throughout the state from Hartford to New Haven. Among these are a number of fantastic nurse practitioner programs that come in a variety of NP specializations and are explicitly catered to students based on where they are in the educational process. Below are a few examples of the types of NP programs available to students in Connecticut and how and where you can access them. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Connecticut

Introducing RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Rankings of the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Connecticut! Our rankings are crafted to assist aspiring nurse practitioners in finding the top online programs across the state. We evaluate programs based on factors like completion rates, cost of living, institutional reputation, program diversity, and faculty expertise to provide a comprehensive assessment. For more details on our ranking criteria, please visit our methodology page.

1.

University of Saint Joseph

West Hartford, CT

The University of Saint Joseph's nursing programs, offered through the Department of Nursing, are highly regarded for their rigorous curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences. The main campus, located in West Hartford, CT, offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, including a traditional BSN, an RN to BSN program, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention from experienced faculty.

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program Online/Hybrid

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Online/Hybrid

2.

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT

The nursing programs at Sacred Heart University offer students a comprehensive education in the field of healthcare. The nursing department, known as the College of Nursing, incorporates innovative technology and hands-on experience to prepare students for successful careers. The programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice, are highly respected and accredited by prestigious organizations.

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Online/Hybrid
• Online MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

3.

University of Connecticut

Storrs, CT

The University of Connecticut's School of Nursing offers a diverse range of accredited programs such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Located on the university's main campus in Storrs, the nursing department boasts state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge research initiatives, providing students with a comprehensive and rigorous education in the field of nursing.

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practioner (FNP) Online/Hybrid
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Master's Program Online/Hybrid

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Online/Hybrid
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Online/Hybrid

DNP Programs

• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner DNP Online/Hybrid

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Many registered nurses looking to invest in their education and become nurse practitioners are typically looking for the cheapest and quickest graduate programs to fully take advantage of their studies and resume a new role in the medical field as quickly as possible. The good news is that there are plenty of remarkably fast and affordable NP programs available in Connecticut if you know where to look.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

The fastest way to become a nurse practitioner is to get a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) as opposed to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), another common NP degree program. MSN degrees can take up to six years to complete if enrolled part-time, but through online learning and summer programs, you can complete your MSN degree program in as little as two years or less. Here are a few of the faster MSN options available in Connecticut:

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

Connecticut is not the most affordable state to live in, but there are plenty of cheaper options for NP programs throughout the state. The exact amount of money you’ll spend on your NP education will depend on things like room and board, whether you’re a Connecticut resident, or if you’re taking classes online. To give you an idea of how much you could potentially save, here are a few of the cheapest NP programs located in the Nutmeg State.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Not only can you find numerous affordable and fast NP programs in Connecticut, but a good number of them come in a variety of exciting specializations, such as family nursing or pediatrics. These specialized NP programs can be found at nearly every level and graduating from one can help you achieve a higher level of pay and more job security. Here are a few schools in Connecticut that offer them:

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Traditional MSNs may be one of the more common routes to becoming a nurse practitioner, but they are far from the only route. Depending on your credentials, licensure, and previous education, you may be able to graduate even faster and for less money than if you had enrolled in an MSN program. Here are the various types of NP programs available to you in Connecticut.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

As mentioned, MSN programs are usually the first choice amongst nurses hoping to become nurse practitioners. Below are a few universities in Connecticut that offer them:

• University of Bridgeport – Bridgeport, CT
• Fairfield University – Fairfield, CT

RN to NP Programs

More commonly known as ADN to MSN programs or RN to MSN programs, this bridge track allows registered nurses with an associate’s degree to bypass the typical BSN degree and move to an accelerated version followed by a shortened MSN curriculum. Take a look at these schools in Connecticut that offer these types of programs:

• Goodwin University – East Hartford, CT
• Sacred Heart University – Fairfield, CT

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

If the speed at which you graduate isn’t a factor, you may be interested in a DNP program, the most prestigious level of NP degree you can obtain. These programs typically take between 4 and 6 years to complete, but once you do, you can expect very competitive wages. Examples in Connecticut include:

• University of Connecticut – Mansfield, CT
• University of St. Joseph – East Hartford, CT

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are designed for MSN-educated nurses wanting to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. While not a degree in and of itself, it's a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. Examples in the state include:

• Southern Connecticut State University – New Haven, CT
• Yale University – New Haven, CT

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

If you’ve just decided to enter the medical field for the first time, but you’e already completed a different degree program, you may be interested in this type of accelerated program. Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, allow non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in any subject to enter directly into an MSN program. These programs essentially combine BSN and MSN coursework into one rigorous program. Here are a few examples in Connecticut:

• Fairfield University – Fairfield, CT
• Yale University – New Haven, CT

General Admissions Requirements

As Connecticut is home to a large number of NP programs, not every NP program will have the same admissions requirements. However, you should have a minimum of:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

Connecticut NP License and Certification Requirements

Once you’ve graduated, it’s time to get licensed! Licensure will require a graduate degree and a current RN license. In addition to meeting these qualifications, aspiring NPs will need to submit a range of documentation, such as academic transcripts and details about their clinical training. The application process also involves filling out an official form and paying an application fee, which is generally around $200. Step-by-step instructions and further specifics about the application can be accessed through Connecticut’s official licensing portal.

Regarding certification, Connecticut requires NPs to obtain certification in their chosen specialty. Certification can be acquired through recognized organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The majority of NP certification programs require that applicants hold a valid RN license and have completed an accredited graduate program that focuses on their specialty area. Certification exams are typically required to demonstrate competency in the field.

As of 2024, Connecticut NPs enjoy full practice authority, meaning they can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications independently without physician oversight. This enhanced authority reflects Connecticut’s commitment to allowing nurse practitioners to provide comprehensive care across various settings. Resources, continuing education opportunities, and additional guidance are available through professional organizations such as the Connecticut Nurses Association (CNA), which serves as an essential support network for NPs throughout the state.

List of NP Programs in Connecticut

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