BSN Programs in Connecticut

By EveryNurse Staff on June 14, 2021

Nursing as an occupation is becoming an increasingly attractive career to pursue, especially with many regions across the United States experiencing a shortage of nurses. Advanced medicine and a longer overall life expectancy have placed capable, well-educated nurses in high demand. In order to take advantage of the wide-ranging career opportunities, those who earn a nursing degree, such as completing a BSN program in Connecticut, find it much easier to break into the field.

Schools With BSN Programs in Connecticut

Boasting one of the highest pass rates for the NCLEX-RN in Connecticut, Western Connecticut State University offers smaller class sizes and increased interaction with faculty for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program requires the completion of a minimum of 125 semester hours, which includes general education courses, exercise science, and foundational sciences for nursing. The BSN program at the university is accredited by the Collegiate Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE).

Equipping students with a strong background in the sciences and humanities, the School of Nursing at the University of Connecticut prepares graduates for the advancements in technology associated with today’s healthcare system. With the help of simulated laboratories and multimedia labs, the majority of nursing courses are completed during the second half of the program. The last four semesters concentrate on boosting the clinical experiences of students regarding a range of settings, which includes local hospitals, community health agencies, clinics, and even daycare centers.

Students take classes to earn a BSN through the Department of Nursing at Southern Connecticut State University. The school provides undergraduate instruction through a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree program, an accelerated career entry program (known as ACE) for students with a BS or BA in a different field, as well as an online RN to BS program. The baccalaureate programs at the university are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Offering a fully CCNE-accredited program for undergraduate study in nursing, Central Connecticut State University offers two different approaches to earning a BSN. One route caters to registered nurses who will enter an RN/BSN program, while a four-year traditional BSN program accommodates students with no prior degree.

The School of Nursing at Fairfield University offers a traditional four-year BSN program among other options to obtain an undergraduate education. Students looking to concentrate on nursing to earn a second bachelor’s degree will enter an accelerated program at the school, which usually takes about 15 months to complete degree requirements. An RN-to-BSN program accommodates registered nurses seeking advanced placement. The school has several different partnerships with local community colleges that make the transition for students much easier. The University also offers study abroad opportunities in Nicaragua that take place during the Spring Break Immersion and Summer Session.

Students attending the School of Nursing at Quinnipiac University gain instruction and training that leads to obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Undergraduate curricula offered at the school include a BS in Nursing for high school grads, and Accelerated BSN for second-degree students, and an online BS in Nursing program for registered nurses that possess an Associate of Science in Nursing or a nursing diploma. Students following the accelerated BSN track already have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, which generally takes one calendar year to complete. The program begins in August and includes a 15-week intensive summer session.

The College of Health Professions at Sacred Heart University is where students interested in completing a BSN program in Connecticut may pursue one of two different options. With access to a state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab that provides real-life experiences, students may study on-campus, or choose the online RN-to-BSN program, which is designed for registered nurses returning to college to complete their undergraduate education.

Students in the BSN program at University of Saint Joseph will take classes through the Department of Nursing, which offers a few unique options. The school has an undergraduate curriculum for women only, as well as a multicultural RN to BS program (available through the Program for Adult Learners) for men and women who have an Associate Degree in Nursing from a Connecticut Community College Nursing Program. Men and women with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field can also pursue a degree through the University’s Accelerated Second Bachelor’s Degree program.

Connecticut BSN Checklist

Earn a BSN from an accredited program at a college or university. Depending on current credentials and part/full time study, this process can take between two and five years.
Upon graduation, pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam in Connecticut.
Gain licensure as a registered nurse; submit an application to the Connecticut Board of Nursing, and pay the ~$180 fee.
Registered nurses in Connecticut renew his or her RN license every year, and pay a renewal fee of ~$100. The state does not have any requirements for continuing education.

Connecticut Nurse Salary & Job Outlook

Nurses with a baccalaureate degree typically earn more money than a healthcare professional that has a nursing diploma or associate degree. Employees possessing a BSN also generally qualify for a greater range of job positions throughout the industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Connecticut with a BSN have the potential to earn a median annual salary of $75,660.

Getting an undergraduate education by taking classes within a campus setting doesn’t always meet the needs of every student. For aspiring healthcare professionals seeking a more flexible schedule of learning as they pursue a BSN degree in Connecticut.