Thomas Reed, RN
June 19, 2025
The RN to BSN program allows Registered Nurses who have an associate degree or diploma to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The RN to BSN programs in Connecticut play a vital role in enhancing the quality of care delivered throughout the state’s healthcare system. BSN-prepared nurses serve important functions in hospitals and public health institutions as well as community-based settings because these settings require advanced skills in leadership, research, and evidence-based practice.
Danbury, CT - Public 4-Year - wcsu.edu
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Western Connecticut State University's online RN to BS program offers registered nurses a flexible path to earn their bachelor's degree, ideal for working professionals. It allows up to 28 transfer credits, minimizing completion time, and emphasizes nursing leadership, community health, research, and professional development. The program is CCNE accredited and does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, focusing on enhancing clinical expertise for career advancement.
Fairfield, CT - Private 4-year - sacredheart.edu
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Sacred Heart University's Online RN to BSN program provides a flexible, accelerated path for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree, with completion possible in just 10 months. This CCNE-accredited program allows transfer of up to 90 credits, reducing costs and time, and does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam. Designed for working professionals, it emphasizes human-centered care and leadership skills, with a curriculum that includes 72 clinical hours. Admission requires a minimum 2.5 GPA, and the program costs $390 per credit hour, offering six start dates annually for convenience.
New Britain, CT - Public 4-Year - ccsu.edu
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Central Connecticut State University's RN to BSN online program offers a flexible, CCNE-accredited pathway for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree in as little as one year. With 100% online classes, start dates in January and August, and options for full-time or part-time study, it caters to working professionals. The curriculum emphasizes advanced nursing skills, leadership, and evidence-based research, supported by faculty active in clinical practice. No ACT or SAT is required for admission. Highlights include community immersion experiences, financial aid, free on-campus childcare, and a complimentary Grammarly subscription.
New Britain, CT - Public 4-Year - charteroak.edu
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Charter Oak State College's RN/ADN to BSN online program offers a flexible, 100% online curriculum tailored for working registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and leadership skills without requiring entrance exams like ACT or SAT for admission. With six annual start dates and credit for prior nursing credentials, students can efficiently complete the 120-credit program, supported by expert faculty and opportunities for professional growth through organizations such as Sigma Nursing Honor Society.
Bridgeport, CT - Private 4-year - bridgeport.edu
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The University of Bridgeport's RN to BSN program is a fully online option tailored for registered nurses seeking to enhance their credentials. It can be completed in as little as one year, offering flexibility for working professionals. With a 2.5 GPA requirement and the ability to transfer up to 90 credits, the program includes clinical experiences and prepares graduates for advanced roles, potentially boosting earnings. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's level program.
Working nurses in Connecticut can choose from multiple online RN to BSN programs that offer flexible study options. Online programs provide the best solution for nurses who want to maintain their practice activities while earning their education. Students enrolled in fully online programs study from their home bases without requiring travel to campus. Students who enroll in hybrid programs participate in online learning alongside scheduled in-person meetings and nearby clinical placements. Students who need work schedule flexibility often choose evening and weekend courses that combine face-to-face interaction with their studies. Students can complete their program faster by taking accelerated online tracks that are part of various programs.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Sacred Heart University |
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| Central Connecticut State University |
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| Goodwin University |
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| Certifying Board | Connecticut State Department of Public Health Board of Examiners for Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | BSN from an approved program, submission of official transcripts, $180 online application, and NCLEX‑RN pass (CGFNS program for foreign‑trained applicants) |
| License Renewal Period | Annual renewal by birth month, with notices sent ~60 days before expiration and a 90‑day grace period |
| Continuing Education | Two contact hours on mental‑health screening and suicide prevention every six years |
| License Application Fee | $180 initial application |
| Clinical Hours | Completion of all required didactic and clinical practicum hours, verified via transcripts |
| Application Processing Time | Permanent license issued in ~4 weeks after all materials received, temporary permit for endorsement applicants in 15 business days |
| License by Endorsement | $180 fee, Nursys or written verification of active RN license, official transcripts, eligibility documentation, and a 120‑day temporary permit |
BSN-prepared nurses in Connecticut receive better compensation than associate-degree nurses do because they command higher salaries. BSN-prepared nurses in Connecticut receive salaries around $101,000 annually which is higher than the average RN salary yet they earn the highest amounts when holding leadership or specialized positions. The aging population of Connecticut and increased healthcare requirements create high demand for nurses throughout the state. The RN profession in Connecticut faces a promising future with predicted job growth at 8% throughout the next ten years. BSN-prepared nurses face high demand in acute care hospitals along with community health and public health services. Specialized nurses who work in oncology, pediatrics, and critical care departments tend to receive higher salary compensation. Leadership positions in hospital management or clinical coordination create substantial earning potential for nurses.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Connecticut | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $87,200 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $41.92 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$110,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $87,200 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$60,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 10% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~350 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Central Connecticut State University |
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| Goodwin University |
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| Sacred Heart University |
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Not only does becoming a BSN in Connecticut broaden one’s career prospects, the professional opportunities are numerous. BSN allows nurses to take leadership roles as nurse manager, clinical coordinator and supervisor. Graduates with the nursing degree can pursue careers as case managers, public health nurses, and school nurses. BSN-prepared nurses become eligible for higher certifications such as critical care, nursing leadership, and wound care. The BSN is the gateway to beginning graduate education in nursing, including both the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. One can go on to become a Nurse Practitioner or a Nurse Educator or a Nurse Anesthetist with advanced nursing degrees. The BSN gives nurses the skills and credentials to move into higher-level, leadership, and educational roles, which creates more options and earning potential.
Additional Nursing Programs in Connecticut
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