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.
On this page
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 University of Saint Joseph's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers an exceptional pathway for aspiring nurses, blending comprehensive academic preparation with robust clinical training. Students experience a curriculum emphasizing holistic patient care, professional leadership, and ethical practice. With CCNE accreditation, the program ensures high-quality education preparing graduates for Registered Nurse licensure. Admission requires a competitive 2.8 GPA and strong performance in science courses. The program distinguishes itself through diverse population care focus, integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experiences. Prospective students should anticipate SAT or ACT entrance exam requirements and prepare for a rigorous, transformative nursing education.
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
Designed for career-changers, the University of Saint Joseph's Accelerated Second Degree Nursing program provides an intensive 15-month pathway to nursing licensure for bachelor's degree holders. This fast-track program prioritizes holistic care principles, professional leadership, and ethical practice. Admission demands a competitive 3.0 GPA, specific science prerequisites, and comprehensive health requirements. Students engage in foundational nursing courses and extensive clinical experiences, preparing comprehensively for the National Council licensing examination. The program's accelerated format offers a strategic route for motivated professionals seeking rapid entry into nursing, with a curriculum balancing theoretical instruction and practical skill development.
Western Connecticut State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers an exceptional pathway into professional nursing, strategically designed to cultivate comprehensive healthcare professionals. Students engage in a robust curriculum integrating critical thinking, leadership development, and ethical decision-making frameworks. The program's comprehensive approach blends theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experiences, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for dynamic healthcare environments. Prospective students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and successfully complete prerequisite courses with a minimum C+ grade. With high NCLEX pass rates and small class sizes, the program emphasizes personalized learning and professional skill development. Entrance requirements include SAT or ACT scores, reflecting the university's commitment to academic excellence and student potential in nursing education.
Southern Connecticut State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring nursing professionals. Students engage in a dynamic curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical practice across hospital and community settings. The program's rigorous academic framework emphasizes ethical leadership, diversity, and social justice principles. Students benefit from flexible full-time and part-time study options, enabling diverse learner schedules. Admission remains competitive, requiring strong academic performance and prerequisite coursework in liberal arts and sciences. Financial advantages include opportunities for early college credit, making nursing education more accessible. The program prepares students for diverse nursing roles through hands-on training and a robust academic foundation. Entrance exam requirements for admission are standard, focusing on comprehensive student evaluation.
Fairfield University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing stands out as an exceptional program preparing future healthcare professionals through an innovative, simulation-driven curriculum. With 546 clinical hours and strategic partnerships with prestigious healthcare facilities, students receive comprehensive training that ensures NCLEX-RN exam readiness. The program's nationally recognized standing in the top 3% of nursing education offers students small class sizes, personalized attention, and state-of-the-art simulation facilities. Graduates benefit from a 100% clinical placement rate and employment within six months, reflecting the program's commitment to producing highly skilled, compassionate nursing professionals. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation further validates the program's academic excellence.
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 offers a robust Bachelor of Science in Nursing that transforms aspiring healthcare professionals through a meticulously designed program. Located in New Britain, the campus-based curriculum delivers comprehensive training integrating advanced theoretical foundations with extensive clinical practice. Students navigate a competitive admission process requiring a 3.00 GPA, prerequisite course completion, and a TEAS test score of 70% or higher. The program strategically prepares graduates for diverse nursing roles, emphasizing hands-on learning experiences that directly translate to professional competency. With dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to student success, CCSU provides an exceptional pathway to nursing licensure and career advancement.
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.
Still available, but BSN strongly preferred by employers statewide
RN Diploma
2-3 years
High school diploma or GED
No longer offered in Connecticut
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
4 years (12-18 months accelerated)
High school diploma or ADN transfer
BSN-in-10 state, BSN-prepared nurses are highly preferred by major hospitals
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
2 years (post-BSN)
BSN + RN license
Prepares for advanced roles, NPs have full practice authority
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
3-6 years (post-BSN or post-MSN)
BSN or MSN + RN license
Highest degree, DNP-prepared NPs practice independently statewide
List of RN Programs in Connecticut
Connecticut offers a diverse range of nursing education opportunities for aspiring registered nurses. From urban centers to smaller communities, these programs provide high-quality pathways to enter the healthcare profession. Whether you're seeking an associate's or bachelor's degree, the following table highlights nursing programs across the state, featuring key details about location, program strengths, and direct links to explore each school's specific nursing curriculum.
