Connecticut’s healthcare system benefits from a wide array of nursing education pathways designed for every career stage. Whether you’re laying the groundwork as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), moving from an RN to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), earning your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential, or advancing into an advanced practice role as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), the state’s colleges and universities blend rigorous academic coursework with hands‑on clinical experiences. From the renowned teaching hospitals around Hartford and New Haven to community health centers in outlying regions, these programs are tailored to address Connecticut’s diverse patient needs, preparing graduates to deliver compassionate, high‑quality care throughout the Constitution State.
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2026 Top Nursing Programs in Connecticut
Discovering the best nursing programs in Connecticut has never been easier with TopNursing.org's comprehensive rankings. Our expert team has carefully evaluated nursing schools across the state, considering factors like academic excellence, clinical training opportunities, faculty credentials, and student success rates. Connecticut offers exceptional educational pathways for aspiring nurses, with programs ranging from associate's degrees to advanced practice specialties. Whether you're looking to start your nursing career or advance your current credentials, these top-rated institutions provide world-class education and rigorous training that prepares students for dynamic healthcare environments. Our rankings highlight the most prestigious and competitive nursing programs that stand out for their commitment to academic quality and professional development. Learn more about our detailed ranking methodology.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) at the University of Saint Joseph prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing with a strong foundation in both the art and science of nursing. This program emphasizes holistic care, ethical practice, and professional leadership, ensuring graduates are ready to meet the healthcare needs of diverse populations. With a curriculum that integrates empirical and theoretical knowledge, students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements. Admission requires a GPA of 2.8 or higher and a grade of C or above in all science courses. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, offering a pathway to licensure as a Registered Nurse.
Accredited by CCNE.
Prepares for RN licensure.
Holistic care focus.
Clinical hands-on experience.
2.8 GPA requirement.
C in science courses.
Ethical practice emphasis.
Professional leadership training.
Diverse population care.
Integrates theory and practice.
Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree (ASD), Nursing
The Accelerated Second Degree (ASD) in Nursing at the University of Saint Joseph is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field, offering a fast-track to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This 15-month program prepares graduates for the National Council licensing examination for Registered Nurse licensure. With a focus on holistic care, ethical practice, and leadership, the program integrates empirical and theoretical knowledge. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, specific science prerequisites, and a commitment to health requirements. The curriculum includes foundational nursing courses, clinical experiences, and a comprehensive exam, ensuring readiness for professional practice.
Western Connecticut State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S) program prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing with a focus on critical thinking, leadership, and ethical decision-making. The program emphasizes a blend of arts, sciences, and humanities with nursing theory, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, completion of prerequisite courses with a C+ or better, and adherence to health policies. The program boasts small class sizes, accessible faculty, and high NCLEX pass rates, making it a top choice for aspiring nurses in Connecticut.
Southern Connecticut State University offers a BS in Nursing program designed for students seeking a comprehensive nursing education. The program blends rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical practice, preparing students for successful careers in nursing. With options for full-time and part-time study, it accommodates various life stages. Prerequisites include a strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences. The program emphasizes ethical leadership and diversity, aligning with SCSU's commitment to social justice and public service. Admission is competitive, with specific GPA and coursework requirements. Financial savings are possible through early college credit options.
Fairfield University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares students for a dynamic healthcare career through a comprehensive, simulation-focused curriculum. Located in Connecticut, this top-ranked program offers expert faculty, guaranteed clinical experiences, and partnerships with prestigious healthcare facilities. Students gain 546 clinical hours, develop professional skills, and qualify to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam upon graduation. The program combines rigorous academics with hands-on training, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to provide compassionate, professional care across diverse healthcare settings.
Top 3% Nursing Program Nationally
85 total credit nursing major
100% clinical placement rate
100% employment within 6 months
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education Accredited
Central Connecticut State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare. Located in New Britain, CT, this campus-based program offers a comprehensive curriculum blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Admission is competitive, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.00, completion of specific prerequisites with grades of C+ or better, and a TEAS test score of at least 70%. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, preparing graduates for licensure and diverse nursing roles. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to eligible students. Start your journey to becoming a skilled nurse at CCSU, where academic excellence meets real-world application.
Campus-based program
Competitive admission
Minimum GPA 3.00 required
TEAS test score 70%+
Hands-on learning focus
Prepares for licensure
Diverse nursing roles
Financial aid available
Scholarships for eligible
Comprehensive curriculum
*Source: IPEDS 2023 survey results, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.
Connecticut LPN Program Overview
Connecticut’s LPN programs equip students with the essential nursing knowledge and hands‑on skills needed to support patient care across the state’s urban hospitals, suburban clinics, and long‑term care facilities. Through targeted coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals alongside supervised clinical rotations, learners gain real‑world experience administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing patient education. After passing the NCLEX‑PN exam and earning licensure, graduates step into roles that relieve RN and physician workloads and enhance care delivery. By strengthening the practical nursing workforce, these programs help ensure communities throughout Connecticut have reliable access to quality healthcare.
Connecticut’s CNA programs typically span six to twelve weeks, fusing classroom study of patient safety, hygiene protocols, and vital‑sign monitoring with clinical practicums in diverse care environments. Students practice assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, while learning to observe and report changes in patient condition. Successful candidates earn state certification and immediately contribute to care teams in both institutional and home‑health settings. By providing essential bedside support, CNAs help maintain high standards of patient care across Connecticut.
Connecticut’s RN to BSN programs blend online coursework in areas like nursing leadership, population health, informatics and healthcare policy with supervised clinical experiences at major centers in Hartford and New Haven as well as smaller community clinics. Designed for working RNs, these bridge pathways offer part‑time and accelerated tracks so you can keep your job while advancing your education. Earning a BSN strengthens skills in evidence‑based practice and care coordination, aligns with employer expectations for baccalaureate‑prepared nurses, and unlocks opportunities in management, specialty certification and public health roles across the state.
Connecticut Nurse Practitioner (NP) Program Overview
Connecticut’s Nurse Practitioner programs build on a BSN by offering intensive graduate-level study and robust clinical immersions, usually spanning two to four years, in specialties like family practice, pediatrics, and psychiatric-mental health. Delivered through fully on-campus cohorts, hybrid models, and online formats, these MSN and DNP pathways guide nurses toward APRN certification and Connecticut licensure. Graduates step into roles as primary care providers, chronic illness coordinators, and telehealth practitioners in urban hospitals, suburban clinics, and underserved rural areas. By strengthening the pipeline of advanced-practice nurses and improving access to high-quality care, NP programs are key to enhancing health outcomes across Connecticut’s diverse communities.
