Jake Flannigan, NP
June 26, 2025
Connecticut’s nurse practitioner programs prepare registered nurses for advanced, autonomous practice in settings ranging from metropolitan hospitals to community health centers. Leading CCNE‑accredited schools, including the University of Connecticut, Quinnipiac University, Yale School of Nursing, and Sacred Heart University, offer MSN and DNP pathways in specialties such as Family, Psychiatric‑Mental Health, and Adult‑Gerontology Primary Care. These programs blend rigorous, evidence‑based coursework with hands‑on clinical rotations across diverse healthcare environments. Graduates earn national certification eligibility and Connecticut licensure with full prescriptive authority.
Hamden, CT - Private 4-year - qu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Quinnipiac University's Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to diagnose and manage common patient illnesses across all ages. The comprehensive online curriculum features three immersive campus experiences, enabling students to expand their healthcare roles. Graduates become eligible for national certification and can work in diverse healthcare settings. Designed for working nurses, the program offers flexible part-time and full-time options with rigorous academic standards requiring a 3.0 GPA.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Quinnipiac University's Master of Science in Nursing for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare to adult and elderly populations. This hybrid program equips students with advanced clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and specialized knowledge in primary care settings. Graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners capable of conducting patient assessments, diagnosing conditions, and developing personalized treatment plans for complex adult health challenges.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Quinnipiac University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN prepares healthcare professionals to excel in high-intensity medical environments. This dynamic online program, complemented by three focused campus immersions, equips nurses with advanced skills to deliver comprehensive acute care. Designed for registered nurses with at least one year of acute care experience, the 48-credit curriculum covers advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and specialized clinical practica. Graduates become eligible for national certification, positioning themselves for leadership roles in critical care settings. The program offers a flexible learning model that combines rigorous academic training with practical clinical experience.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Quinnipiac University's MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals to address critical mental health needs. This hybrid program offers flexible learning, combining online coursework with essential clinical experiences. Students gain advanced skills in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, positioning themselves at the forefront of mental healthcare. Graduates are equipped to provide comprehensive patient care across diverse settings, addressing growing mental health challenges in communities. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and holistic patient-centered approaches.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Quinnipiac University's MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for advanced practice in family healthcare. This online program blends clinical expertise with compassionate care, ideal for working professionals. It focuses on evidence-based practice, health promotion, and disease prevention across the lifespan. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of diverse populations. Financial aid options are available. Admissions require a BSN, RN license, and minimum GPA. The program fosters leadership skills for impactful healthcare delivery.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Quinnipiac University offers an online MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, designed for nurses aiming to specialize in mental health care. This program prepares graduates for advanced practice roles, focusing on patient-centered care. With flexible online coursework, it suits working professionals. Admissions require a BSN, RN license, and prerequisites. Costs are competitive, with financial aid options available. The curriculum blends theory with clinical practice, ensuring readiness for certification and diverse healthcare settings.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Quinnipiac University's Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) prepares advanced practice nurses to diagnose and manage psychiatric mental health illnesses across all ages. This comprehensive online program with three focused campus immersions enables graduates to prescribe medications and sit for national certification. Students develop advanced clinical skills through a rigorous curriculum that combines evidence-based learning, clinical practica, and specialized coursework in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, current RN licensure, and a competitive application including professional goals and recommendations.
Storrs, CT - Public 4-Year - uconn.edu
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Connecticut offers a cutting-edge online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program designed for registered nurses seeking advanced practice credentials. This comprehensive master's and doctoral degree option prepares nurses to provide primary care across patient lifespans, with a remarkable 100% first-attempt certification exam pass rate. Designed for flexibility, the program offers 48-credit MS and 78-80-credit BS-DNP pathways. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, with admission once annually for summer semester start, and a January 31st application deadline.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program at UConn prepares licensed registered nurses for advanced practice roles in complex acute care settings. Designed for professionals with at least two years of acute care experience, this 100% online master's and doctoral degree track equips nurses with specialized clinical skills to manage critically ill adult and geriatric patient populations. The comprehensive curriculum focuses on developing expert-level acute care competencies, enabling graduates to provide exceptional patient care in high-intensity medical environments.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Connecticut's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) program provides advanced nursing professionals an opportunity to specialize in critical neonatal care. Designed for experienced RNs with at least two years of level three NICU experience, the program offers flexible online learning with two on-campus simulation visits. Students can choose between a 44-credit Master's degree, 76-82 credit BS to DNP, or a 29-credit Post-Graduate Certificate, preparing graduates for national certification and specialized neonatal healthcare roles.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Connecticut's Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program provides advanced registered nurses with specialized pathways to enhance clinical expertise across multiple healthcare specialties. Designed for nurses holding a master's degree, the program offers concentrations in Adult Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Neonatal Nursing. Rigorous coursework spanning 26-33 credits prepares professionals for advanced practice roles, emphasizing evidence-based practice, comprehensive patient assessment, and specialized clinical practicums. Candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and are eligible to pursue national certification upon program completion.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Connecticut's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program prepares experienced registered nurses to advance their careers in complex patient care. Designed for nurses with at least two years of acute care experience, this fully online master's degree offers flexible full or part-time options. Graduates are equipped to manage care for acutely ill adult and gerontology populations, with opportunities to pursue certification through professional nursing organizations. The program includes comprehensive clinical training and two on-campus intensive sessions, providing a robust educational pathway for healthcare professionals seeking advanced practice roles.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Connecticut's online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive primary care across all life stages. Students can choose from a 48-credit Master of Science or 78-80 credit Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The fully online program features experienced faculty and boasts an impressive 100% first-attempt certification exam pass rate. Designed for licensed registered nurses with a bachelor's degree, the program offers flexible pathways including a post-graduate certificate option for those with existing master's degrees.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program at UConn prepares advanced practice nurses to manage complex care for critically ill adult and elderly patients. Designed for experienced registered nurses, this online master's and doctoral degree provides comprehensive clinical skills in acute care settings. The program targets licensed RNs with a bachelor's degree and at least two years of acute care experience, offering a flexible pathway to specialized healthcare expertise.
New Haven, CT - Private 4-year - yale.edu
Concentration: Primary Care - Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care master's program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive healthcare for children from birth to young adulthood. Students receive rigorous training through evidence-based coursework and extensive clinical experiences across diverse pediatric settings. With a remarkable 100% first-time certification exam pass rate, graduates are equipped to deliver holistic care in community health centers, private practices, and school-based clinics. The program offers flexible full and part-time study options, including paths for RNs and Graduate Entry Pre-specialty students.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive healthcare across the adult lifespan, from adolescents to geriatric patients. Emphasizing preventive care and wellness, the curriculum integrates innovative age-friendly health system concepts. Students receive robust clinical training in diverse healthcare settings, gaining expertise in maintaining patient health through evidence-based practices. Top-ranked and nationally recognized, the program offers flexible full and part-time study options, enabling students to become certified through leading nursing credentialing organizations.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale's Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to manage complex patient care across acute healthcare settings. Students develop comprehensive skills in patient assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and high-acuity treatment strategies. The rigorous two-year curriculum combines advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and clinical immersion experiences, positioning graduates for specialized certification through national credentialing bodies. Designed for ambitious healthcare professionals, the program offers intensive training in critical care and advanced diagnostic techniques.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Yale's Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program addresses critical healthcare gaps by training advanced practice nurses to serve communities with mental health professional shortages. This innovative 51.5-credit Master of Science in Nursing prepares registered nurses to diagnose, treat, and support patients across age groups experiencing mental health challenges. Students develop comprehensive skills through a flexible three-year hybrid format combining online coursework and immersive clinical training. The program equips graduates to prescribe medication, deliver psychotherapy, and collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive primary care for women across their lifespan. Students gain expertise in gynecological care, reproductive health, and gender-related medical services. The rigorous curriculum covers essential topics like health maintenance, cancer screening, prenatal care, and complex gynecologic management. With a 100% board certification pass rate, graduates are equipped to deliver patient-centered care in diverse healthcare settings. The program offers a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and extensive clinical training at top healthcare facilities.
Concentration: Acute Care - Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Acute Care (PNP-AC) master's program trains advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive care to infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Focusing on complex acute and chronic conditions, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, family-centered care, and cultural humility. Graduates are prepared for certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. The program requires a baccalaureate degree and 1-2 years of acute inpatient experience for RN applicants.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Yale University's online Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice in mental health care. This 51.5-credit-hour program blends online coursework with in-person clinical training and immersions, offering flexibility for working professionals. Graduates are equipped to address mental health professional shortages, providing care for individuals with complex psychiatric needs. The program emphasizes human-forward care, preparing students to screen, diagnose, and treat mental health and substance use disorders across all ages. Admission requirements include RN licensure and advanced practice nursing experience. The program spans three years, with tuition details available on Yale's website.
Concentration: Primary Care - Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale University's School of Nursing offers a Post-Master’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Primary Care (PNP-PC) Certificate. This program is designed for advanced practice nurses with a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, aiming to specialize in pediatric primary care. It prepares graduates for certification and advanced practice licensure. The curriculum builds on the PNP-PC specialty, requiring courses at Yale or through challenge exams for similar content. Admission requirements include a graduate degree in nursing with a focus on pediatric, family, or parent-child nursing. The program emphasizes clinical training and education, tailored to the student's academic background.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale's Post-Master's Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides advanced clinical training for master's-prepared nurses seeking specialized acute care expertise. This targeted program enables nurses to expand their professional capabilities, preparing them for certification and advanced practice licensure in adult-gerontology acute care. Designed for experienced clinical nurses, the curriculum builds comprehensive skills for managing complex patient care in high-intensity medical environments, with rigorous coursework and clinical training.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale School of Nursing's Post-Master's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care Certificate provides advanced clinical training for experienced nurses seeking specialized pediatric healthcare expertise. Designed for master's-prepared nurses with pediatric or family nursing backgrounds, this program enables professionals to expand their credentials and become certified pediatric nurse practitioners. Graduates gain comprehensive skills in primary care pediatric health management, preparing them for advanced practice roles in diverse healthcare settings.
Fairfield, CT - Private 4-year - sacredheart.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Sacred Heart University's online Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program prepares registered nurses to become comprehensive primary care providers. Spanning 2.5 years and 42 credit hours, this CCNE-accredited program offers a flexible online format with two local residencies. Students develop advanced skills to diagnose, treat, and manage patient care across all age groups. With competitive tuition at $955 per credit, the program requires a 3.0 GPA, current RN license, and one year of nursing experience. Graduates are positioned for a high-demand career with a projected 40% job growth and potential median earnings over $108,000.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Sacred Heart University's RN to MSN program offers registered nurses a comprehensive pathway to advanced nursing practice, specifically in the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. Designed for working professionals, this accelerated online program allows students to earn both BSN and MSN degrees in just 3.5 years. With competitive tuition ranging from $390-$955 per credit hour and no GRE/GMAT requirements, students can advance their careers while maintaining flexibility. The program prepares graduates for high-demand roles with an impressive 40% projected job growth, with MSN-educated nurses averaging $104,000 annually.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Sacred Heart University's RN to MSN program in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers a dynamic pathway for registered nurses to advance their careers. This accelerated online program enables students to earn both BSN and MSN degrees in just 3.5 years, with competitive tuition ranging from $390-$955 per credit hour. Designed for RNs with a BSN and two years of experience, the program provides flexible learning opportunities and prepares graduates for high-demand roles with an average annual salary of $104,000. No GRE or GMAT scores are required, and students can transfer up to 90 credits, making educational advancement more accessible.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Sacred Heart University's online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares students for advanced roles in primary care. This CCNE-accredited program offers a flexible online format, allowing students to balance studies with professional commitments. With a focus on evidence-based practice, graduates are equipped to diagnose and treat patients across the lifespan. The program includes 42 credit hours at $955 per credit, with clinical placements required. Admission requires a BSN, RN license, and a 3.0 GPA. Graduates are prepared for ANCC or AANP certification exams, stepping into a field with a 40% job growth projection.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Sacred Heart University's Online MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares BSN-prepared nurses for advanced roles in mental health care. This 42-credit program, costing $955 per credit hour, offers flexibility with part-time study options and no GRE/GMAT requirement. Students gain hands-on experience through 540 practicum hours and in-person residencies, preparing for the ANCC certification exam. Admission requires a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, current RN license, and official transcripts. The program focuses on equitable, high-quality care for diverse populations.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Sacred Heart University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive primary care. With a rigorous 42-credit curriculum, students gain advanced clinical skills and specialized knowledge in family healthcare. The program offers flexible online learning, competitive tuition at $955 per credit hour, and a total estimated cost of $40,110. Designed for working professionals, this graduate degree equips nurses with the expertise to provide patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings.
Fairfield, CT - Private 4-year - fairfield.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program equips students with the skills to provide comprehensive care across all ages, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. This hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus sessions in Fairfield, CT, offering flexibility for working professionals. With a curriculum covering genetics, pharmacology, and more, students gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings. Admission requires meeting specific academic standards, and the program spans 36 months part-time. Graduates emerge ready to excel in various healthcare environments, backed by Fairfield's reputation for excellence in nursing education.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner program equips advanced practice nurses with comprehensive skills to deliver holistic healthcare across diverse settings. Students gain expertise in population health, clinical leadership, and evidence-based practice, preparing them for impactful roles in healthcare organizations. The rigorous 73-credit program combines academic excellence with practical training, enabling graduates to lead, innovate, and improve patient outcomes in complex medical environments.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care across patient lifespans. This pioneering program offers holistic, trauma-informed training to assess, diagnose, and treat acute and chronic psychiatric disorders. Students gain cutting-edge skills through a rigorous 78-credit curriculum emphasizing evidence-based practice, social justice, and leadership. Graduates are equipped to work in diverse settings like hospitals, community health centers, and private practices. The program takes 3-4 years with an estimated total cost of $70-75,000, offering both full-time and part-time options for working professionals.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed for advanced practice nurses aiming to provide holistic care across all settings. This hybrid program focuses on health promotion and disease prevention for individuals of all ages. With a completion time of 3-4 years, it offers both full-time and part-time schedules to accommodate working professionals. The curriculum covers population-level healthcare, leadership, and clinical scholarship, preparing graduates for leadership roles in various healthcare settings. Admission requires meeting specific academic and professional criteria, with financial aid options available to eligible students.
To serve busy nurses and those in remote areas, Connecticut schools often deliver didactic content online through asynchronous lectures and live webinars, supplemented by on‑campus intensives for simulation labs and skills workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally at approved healthcare sites, allowing students to fulfill practicum requirements close to home. This hybrid model balances flexibility with in‑person training to ensure comprehensive skill development. A few programs even offer fully online didactic phases, though in‑person skill assessments remain mandatory.
School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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University of Connecticut |
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Fairfield University |
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Sacred Heart University |
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Certifying Board | Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing, under the Department of Public Health |
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Certification | Must hold a current national APRN credential (AANP, ANCC, PNCB, NCC, AANA, ONCC or AACN) with primary‐source verification sent to the Department |
License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal by the last day of your birth month in even‐numbered years, with a 90-day grace period |
Continuing Education | 50 contact hours every two years, including 5 in pharmacotherapeutics and 1 hour each in diseases, risk management, sexual assault, domestic violence, cultural competency and substance abuse |
License Application Fee | $200 initial application fee |
Clinical Hours | Official graduate transcripts documenting completion of the accredited NP program’s clinical practicum hours |
Application Processing Time | Allow approximately 4–6 weeks for review once all materials are received |
License by Endorsement | Out-of-state APRNs must hold (or concurrently apply for) a Connecticut RN license and submit direct verification of their national APRN certification |
Nurse practitioners in Connecticut earn among the highest NP salaries in the nation, with average annual wages around $136,000 to $140,000 and entry‑level positions starting near $120,000. Metropolitan areas such as Bridgeport‑Stamford and Hartford tend to offer the highest pay, often exceeding $140,000, while smaller regions average closer to $135,000. Employers commonly include sign‑on bonuses, loan repayment assistance, and robust benefits packages to attract and retain practitioners. Advanced certifications and leadership roles can further increase compensation.
Salary & Career Outlook | Connecticut | USA |
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Avg Nurse Practitioner Salary | $124,823 | $62,340 |
Avg Hourly Wage | $60.00 | $29.97 |
90th Percentile Salary | >$139,699 | $80,510 |
Median Salary | $124,823 | $62,340 |
10th Percentile Salary | <$109,433 | $47,960 |
Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | ~3% |
Annual Job Openings | ~2,790 | ~54,000 |
Data from Salary.com and CUEfast.com
School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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Quinnipiac University |
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Goodwin University |
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Fairfield University |
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Many NPs pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to deepen clinical expertise and qualify for leadership, faculty, or executive positions. Post‑master’s certificate programs enable practitioners to add specialties, such as acute care or women’s health, without completing another full degree. Those interested in research or academia may enroll in PhD programs, while others leverage their training in roles like nursing administration, informatics, or healthcare policy development. Connecticut’s emphasis on innovative care models also opens doors in telehealth and public health leadership.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Connecticut
Concentration: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Acute Care - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Primary Care - Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Primary Care - Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website