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 Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program empowers nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive healthcare across patient lifespans. Uniquely structured as a hybrid program, it combines flexible online learning with three strategic campus immersions, enabling students to advance their clinical expertise. The curriculum emphasizes diagnostic reasoning and patient management, requiring a competitive 3.0 GPA. Students gain 240 hours of direct patient care experience, preparing them for national certification. Military-friendly and designed for working nurses, the program offers part-time and full-time pathways to expand advanced practice nursing capabilities.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Quinnipiac University's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN offers a transformative educational experience for nurses specializing in adult and elderly healthcare. This hybrid program cultivates advanced clinical skills, critical thinking, and specialized knowledge for comprehensive patient management. Students learn to conduct sophisticated assessments, develop personalized treatment strategies, and address complex health challenges unique to adult and geriatric populations. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with practical clinical training, preparing nurses for leadership roles in primary care settings.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Quinnipiac's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN is meticulously designed for experienced nurses seeking advanced specialization in high-intensity medical environments. Requiring a minimum of one year acute care experience, this 48-credit online program with campus immersions develops sophisticated clinical expertise. Students master advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and specialized clinical interventions. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, interprofessional collaboration, and national certification preparation, positioning graduates for critical roles in acute and intensive care settings.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Quinnipiac's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN addresses emerging mental healthcare challenges through a comprehensive hybrid learning model. This innovative program equips nursing professionals with advanced skills in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Emphasizing evidence-based, patient-centered approaches, students develop holistic interventions for diverse mental health needs. The flexible curriculum combines online coursework with immersive clinical experiences, preparing graduates to provide compassionate, sophisticated mental healthcare across various clinical settings.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Quinnipiac's online Family Nurse Practitioner MSN transforms dedicated nurses into advanced healthcare professionals. Designed for working professionals, this program integrates evidence-based practice with comprehensive family healthcare strategies. Students explore health promotion, disease prevention, and patient-centered care across patient lifespans. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, clinical placement opportunities, and diverse population healthcare. With flexible learning, financial aid options, and a focus on impactful healthcare delivery, graduates emerge as skilled, compassionate family healthcare providers.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Quinnipiac's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN provides a strategic pathway for nurses seeking specialized mental health expertise. Tailored for working professionals, this program blends theoretical knowledge with practical clinical training. Admission requires a BSN and active RN license, ensuring a strong foundational skill set. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, preparing students for advanced practice roles and national certification. With competitive tuition and flexible online learning, graduates are equipped to address complex mental health challenges across diverse healthcare environments.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Quinnipiac's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides an innovative pathway for nurses seeking specialized mental health expertise. This hybrid online curriculum prepares advanced practitioners to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications across diverse patient populations. With rigorous admission standards requiring a 3.0 GPA and current RN licensure, students develop comprehensive psychotherapy and psychopharmacology skills. The program emphasizes evidence-based learning, clinical practica, and national certification preparation, positioning graduates as critical mental healthcare professionals.
Storrs, CT - Public 4-Year - uconn.edu
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Connecticut's online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program offers a transformative educational experience for registered nurses seeking advanced practice credentials. With a remarkable 100% first-attempt certification exam pass rate, this comprehensive program provides flexible 48-credit MS and 78-80-credit BS-DNP pathways. Designed for nurses passionate about primary care across patient lifespans, the program requires a bachelor's degree and offers annual summer semester entry. Students benefit from experienced faculty, rigorous coursework, and comprehensive preparation for national certification in family nursing practice.
Online Learning - Visit Website
UConn's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program offers a cutting-edge online pathway for licensed RNs with extensive acute care experience. This master's and doctoral degree track equips nurses with specialized clinical skills to manage critically ill adult and geriatric patients. Targeting professionals in one of the fastest-growing nursing roles, the program provides comprehensive curriculum focused on developing expert-level acute care competencies. Ideal for RNs seeking to elevate their practice in high-intensity medical environments.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Connecticut's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) program offers a specialized online pathway for experienced RNs with level three NICU expertise. Providing multiple educational options including a 44-credit Master's degree, 76-82 credit BS to DNP, and a 29-credit Post-Graduate Certificate, the program prepares nurses for advanced neonatal healthcare roles. With two on-campus simulation visits and a focus on national certification preparation, this fully accredited program leverages experienced faculty to develop expert neonatal care practitioners.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
UConn's Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program empowers advanced registered nurses to expand their clinical expertise through specialized pathways. Targeting professionals with existing master's degrees, the program offers concentrations in Adult Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Neonatal Nursing. Spanning 26-33 credits, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, comprehensive patient assessment, and specialized clinical practicums. Candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and are positioned to pursue national certification, making this program a strategic choice for nurses seeking advanced professional development.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program at UConn is strategically designed for experienced registered nurses with at least two years of acute care background. This fully online master's degree offers flexible full and part-time options, preparing nurses to manage complex care for adult and gerontology populations. With 500 clinical practice hours and two on-campus intensive sessions, the program provides comprehensive training for healthcare professionals. Graduates are well-positioned to pursue AACN/ANCC certification and advance their careers in acute care nursing.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Connecticut's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Family Nurse Practitioner program represents a comprehensive educational journey for advanced practice nurses. Offering flexible 48-credit Master of Science and 78-80 credit DNP options, the program prepares licensed RNs to deliver primary care across all life stages. With an impressive 100% first-attempt certification exam pass rate and experienced faculty, students receive rigorous training in comprehensive patient care. The program includes a post-graduate certificate option, making it adaptable to diverse professional development needs.
Online Learning - Visit Website
UConn's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is a dynamic online educational pathway for experienced registered nurses. Targeting licensed RNs with a minimum of two years acute care experience, this master's and doctoral degree provides comprehensive clinical skills for managing complex care in adult and elderly patient populations. The program offers a flexible, specialized approach to advanced practice nursing, enabling healthcare professionals to develop expertise in high-acuity clinical settings and advance their professional trajectories.
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 transforms advanced practice nurses into comprehensive pediatric healthcare providers. With an impressive 100% first-time certification exam pass rate, the program offers extensive clinical experiences across diverse pediatric settings. Students receive rigorous, evidence-based training preparing them to deliver holistic care in community health centers, private practices, and school-based clinics. Flexible full and part-time study options accommodate various student backgrounds, including RNs and Graduate Entry Pre-specialty students.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program develops advanced nursing professionals capable of delivering comprehensive healthcare across the entire adult lifespan. Nationally recognized and top-ranked, the curriculum integrates innovative age-friendly health system concepts with robust clinical training. Students gain expertise in preventive care and wellness, learning evidence-based practices to maintain patient health. Offering flexible full and part-time study options, the program prepares graduates for certification through leading nursing credentialing organizations.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale's Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program provides intensive training for healthcare professionals managing complex patient care in acute settings. The two-year curriculum combines advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and immersive clinical experiences to develop sophisticated diagnostic and treatment skills. Designed for ambitious nurses, the program prepares graduates for specialized certification through national credentialing bodies, emphasizing critical care techniques and advanced diagnostic reasoning.
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 hybrid program prepares registered nurses to diagnose, treat, and support patients across all age groups experiencing mental health challenges. Combining online coursework with immersive clinical training, students develop comprehensive skills to prescribe medication, deliver psychotherapy, and collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program cultivates advanced practice nurses specializing in comprehensive women's healthcare. With a 100% board certification pass rate, the curriculum covers essential topics like gynecological care, reproductive health, health maintenance, cancer screening, and complex gynecologic management. Students benefit from a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and extensive clinical training at top healthcare facilities, preparing them to deliver patient-centered care across women's lifespans in diverse healthcare settings.
Concentration: Acute Care - Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Acute Care master's program trains advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults with complex acute and chronic conditions. Emphasizing evidence-based practice, family-centered care, and cultural humility, the program prepares graduates for certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. Requiring a baccalaureate degree and 1-2 years of acute inpatient experience, this two-year on-campus program develops sophisticated pediatric healthcare expertise.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Yale University's online Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares registered nurses for advanced mental health care practice. This 51.5-credit hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person clinical training, offering flexibility for working professionals. Graduates are equipped to address mental health professional shortages by screening, diagnosing, and treating mental health and substance use disorders across all ages. Requiring RN licensure and advanced practice nursing experience, the three-year program emphasizes a human-forward care approach.
Concentration: Primary Care - Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale University's Post-Master's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Primary Care Certificate offers advanced clinical training for experienced nurses seeking specialized pediatric healthcare expertise. Tailored for nurses with graduate degrees in nursing, this program prepares professionals for certification and advanced practice licensure in pediatric primary care. With a curriculum emphasizing pediatric, family, and parent-child nursing, students can complete courses at Yale or through challenge exams. The program provides comprehensive clinical training, focusing on developing advanced skills in pediatric healthcare delivery across diverse settings.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale's Post-Master's Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides specialized advanced clinical training for experienced nurses. Designed to expand professional capabilities, this targeted program prepares nurses for certification and advanced practice licensure in adult-gerontology acute care. The comprehensive curriculum builds sophisticated skills for managing complex patient care in high-intensity medical environments, offering rigorous coursework and intensive clinical training for nurses seeking to enhance their acute care expertise.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yale School of Nursing's Post-Master's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care Certificate equips master's-prepared nurses with advanced pediatric healthcare competencies. Targeting professionals with pediatric or family nursing backgrounds, this program enables nurses to expand their credentials and become certified pediatric nurse practitioners. Graduates develop comprehensive skills in primary care pediatric health management, positioning them for advanced practice roles in diverse healthcare settings with enhanced clinical expertise.
Fairfield, CT - Private 4-year - sacredheart.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Sacred Heart University's online Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program offers a comprehensive pathway to advanced primary care practice. This CCNE-accredited 2.5-year curriculum spans 42 credit hours, providing flexible online learning with two local residencies. Students develop sophisticated diagnostic and treatment skills across patient age groups. The program requires a 3.0 GPA, active RN license, and one year of nursing experience, positioning graduates for a robust healthcare career with projected 40% job growth and potential median earnings exceeding $108,000. Clinical training emphasizes evidence-based practice and holistic patient care.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Sacred Heart University's RN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program provides an accelerated educational pathway for registered nurses. This innovative 3.5-year online program allows seamless progression from RN to MSN without GRE/GMAT requirements. Students can transfer up to 90 credits while benefiting from CCNE accreditation and flexible learning formats. The curriculum prepares graduates for high-demand nursing roles, with potential annual earnings around $104,000. Focusing on family healthcare, the program combines theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experiences.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Sacred Heart University's RN to MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a transformative educational journey for registered nurses. This 3.5-year online curriculum enables students to advance their careers without GRE/GMAT submissions. Designed for experienced RNs, the program provides competitive tuition ranging from $390-$955 per credit hour. Students complete 540 clinical hours, gaining expertise in mental health care across diverse populations. The flexible format supports working professionals, preparing them for roles with significant annual earning potential.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Sacred Heart University's online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program equips nurses with advanced primary care skills. This CCNE-accredited 42-credit curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and comprehensive patient management. Students develop diagnostic capabilities for treating patients across all life stages, preparing for ANCC or AANP certification exams. The program offers flexible online learning with two on-campus residencies, competitive $955 per credit tuition, and requires a BSN, active RN license, and 3.0 GPA for admission.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Sacred Heart University's Online MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides advanced mental health training for BSN-prepared nurses. This 42-credit curriculum focuses on equitable, high-quality care for diverse populations. Students complete 540 practicum hours and in-person residencies, preparing for the ANCC certification exam. With no GRE/GMAT requirement and part-time study options, the program offers flexibility at $955 per credit. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, and current RN license, emphasizing social justice and comprehensive mental healthcare.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Sacred Heart University's Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program delivers advanced nursing education for professionals seeking specialized primary care expertise. The rigorous 42-credit curriculum is designed for working nurses, offering flexible online learning and competitive tuition at $955 per credit. Students gain comprehensive clinical skills tailored to diverse healthcare environments. With military-friendly benefits and GI Bill approval, the program supports veterans transitioning into advanced practice nursing roles, emphasizing patient-centered care and professional development.
Fairfield, CT - Private 4-year - fairfield.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers a robust hybrid learning experience designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced practice skills. Over 36 months part-time, students engage in comprehensive coursework covering genetics, pharmacology, and holistic care strategies. The program combines online learning with on-campus sessions, providing flexibility and hands-on clinical experiences across diverse healthcare environments. Emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention, graduates emerge with advanced skills to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. Rooted in Fairfield's renowned nursing education tradition, the program prepares practitioners to excel in complex medical landscapes.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program is a comprehensive 73-credit hybrid pathway designed to cultivate advanced nursing leadership. Emphasizing population health and evidence-based practice, the program prepares nurses to deliver holistic care across diverse healthcare environments. With flexible full-time and part-time options, students can complete the program in 3-4 years. The curriculum integrates cutting-edge clinical training, leadership development, and practical simulations. Graduates emerge equipped to innovate and improve patient outcomes, supported by experienced faculty and small classroom settings. The program stands out as a top-tier nursing education experience, ranked in the top 5% of nursing schools nationally.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University offers a pioneering 78-credit DNP program for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, the first of its kind in Connecticut. This innovative curriculum provides trauma-informed, cross-lifespan mental health training, preparing advanced practice nurses to assess and treat complex psychiatric disorders. Students gain expertise through evidence-based practice, social justice principles, and leadership development. The program accommodates working professionals with full-time and part-time options, completing in 3-4 years. Graduates are positioned to work in hospitals, community health centers, and private practices, backed by CCNE accreditation and state-of-the-art simulation facilities.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's DNP Family Nurse Practitioner hybrid program represents a transformative educational experience for advanced practice nurses. Spanning 3-4 years, the program provides comprehensive training in health promotion, disease prevention, and population-level healthcare. Students benefit from flexible scheduling, accommodating both full-time and part-time learners. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, clinical scholarship, and holistic care approaches across patient lifespans. Rooted in Jesuit educational principles, the program prepares graduates for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings, offering financial aid and leveraging experienced faculty expertise.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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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
