Best Online MSN Programs in Connecticut

Post University's online Direct Entry MSN program provides a fast-track pathway for RNs seeking advanced nursing credentials without requiring an entrance exam. This CCNE-accredited program offers flexible monthly starts with 36-54 credit hours, available in 8-week terms or self-paced SIMPath options. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and patient safety while integrating practice experiences. Designed for working nurses, it requires RN licensure and offers multiple funding options including scholarships and tuition reductions.

• Online program delivery
• 36-54 credit hours
• Monthly start dates
• 8-week terms available
• Self-paced SIMPath option
• Practice experiences included
• RN licensure required
• Multiple specializations offered
• CCNE accredited program
• Flexible learning modalities

Post University's online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner specialization prepares BSN-holders for primary care roles across all age groups without requiring an entrance exam. This 28-month, 42-45 credit program features monthly start dates and individualized precepted clinicals. The CCNE-accredited curriculum focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute/chronic conditions, including maternal childcare topics. Admission requires one year of nursing experience, with comprehensive support from student success advisors and various financial aid options.

• 28-month program length.
• 42-45 credit hours.
• Fully online format.
• Monthly start dates.
• Individualized precepted clinicals.
• Requires BSN degree.
• One year nursing experience needed.
• CCNE accredited program.
• Focus on family primary care.
• Covers lifespan healthcare.

Post University's online MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to care for adults across the lifespan without requiring an entrance exam. This 28-month, 42-45 credit program offers flexible monthly starts and individualized clinical preceptorships. The CCNE-accredited curriculum covers advanced assessment, pharmacology, and aging concepts, focusing on chronic and acute condition management in primary care settings. Admission requires a BSN and one year of nursing experience, with tuition details available on the university website.

• Online program format.
• 28-month program length.
• 42-45 credit hours.
• Monthly start dates available.
• BSN degree required.
• One year work experience needed.
• Individualized clinical preceptorships.
• CCNE accreditation.
• Focuses on adult gerontology care.
• Covers advanced pathophysiology.

Post University's online MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares BSN-holders for advanced mental health practice without requiring an entrance exam. This 34-month, 51-54 credit program features monthly start dates and individualized clinical preceptorships. The CCNE-accredited curriculum focuses on assessment, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and lifespan care for diverse mental health settings. Admission requires one year of RN experience, with tuition details, scholarships, and military benefits available for this fully online program.

• Online program delivery.
• 34-month program length.
• 51-54 credit hours.
• Monthly start dates.
• Individualized clinical preceptorships.
• BSN degree required.
• One year RN experience needed.
• CCNE accreditation.
• Focus on psychiatric mental health.
• Covers assessment and diagnosis.

Post University's online MSN in Management and Organizational Leadership builds advanced leadership skills for nurses without requiring an entrance exam. This 36-credit program can be completed in 16-24 months with monthly start dates, offering both term-based and self-paced SIMPath options. The CCNE-accredited curriculum covers healthcare economics, strategic planning, and team building with individualized practice experiences. Designed for licensed nurses, it provides tuition details, financial aid options, and comprehensive student support services.

• Online program format.
• 36 credit hours required.
• 16-24 month duration.
• Monthly start dates.
• Flexible online classes.
• Individualized practice experiences.
• CCNE accredited program.
• Two learning modalities available.
• Term-based 8-week terms.
• SIMPath self-paced option.

• 60 credit hours.
• 42-month program length.
• Online program format.
• Flexible monthly start dates.
• Term Based and SIMPath options.
• 8-week terms for Term Based.
• Self-paced SIMPath modality.
• Designed for working professionals.
• RN licensure required.
• CCNE accredited program.

• Online program format.
• 36 credit hours.
• 16-24 month duration.
• Monthly start dates.
• CCNE accreditation.
• U.S. RN license required.
• Flexible scheduling available.
• Individualized practice experiences.
• Two track options.
• Term-based or SIMPath.

University of Connecticut's online Nurse Educator Master's program prepares advanced practice nurses for transformative educational roles. This 40-credit CCNE-accredited program offers flexible, largely asynchronous coursework with 560 practicum hours, ideal for working professionals. Graduates gain specialized knowledge to advocate for effective pedagogical approaches in diverse healthcare settings. The program has a 14% projected career growth with average salaries of $106,620. No entrance exam is required for this online master's program, which offers fall full-time and summer part-time start options with a December 15 application deadline.

• 40-credit Nursing Education MS
• Largely asynchronous courses
• 560 practicum hours
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Fall 2025 Full-Time Start
• Summer 2025 Part-Time Option
• Application Deadline: December 15
• Career Growth: 14% Projected
• Average Salary: $106,620
• Supportive Faculty Mentorship

University of Connecticut's online Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares registered nurses for advanced primary care practice across patient lifespans. This cutting-edge program offers 48-credit MS and 78-80-credit BS-DNP pathways with a remarkable 100% first-attempt certification exam pass rate. Designed for flexibility, the FNP concentration requires a bachelor's degree for admission with summer semester entry and January 31st application deadline. No entrance exam is required for this online program that prepares graduates for certification and post-graduate certificate options.

• Fully online FNP program
• 48-credit MS degree option
• 78-80 credit BS-DNP pathway
• Summer semester entry
• January 31st application deadline
• 100% certification exam pass rate
• Taught by experienced faculty
• Primary care certification preparation
• Lifespan patient care focus
• Post-graduate certificate available

UConn's online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares licensed RNs for advanced practice in complex acute care settings. Designed for professionals with at least two years of acute care experience, this 100% online program offers master's and DNP options focusing on critically ill adult and geriatric patient populations. The comprehensive curriculum develops expert-level acute care competencies for high-intensity medical environments. No entrance exam is required for this online program targeting one of nursing's fastest-growing roles.

• 100% Online Program
• Master's and DNP Options
• Advanced Acute Care Focus
• Requires 2+ Years Experience
• For Licensed RNs

UConn's online Nursing Administration and Leadership Master's program prepares advanced nursing professionals for high-demand healthcare leadership roles. This 39-credit CCNE-accredited program develops specialized skills in healthcare management, staff development, and quality improvement, preparing graduates for national certifications like Certified Nurse Manager & Leader. With median salaries of $104,830 and over 21% projected employment growth, this online program offers a DNP pathway with no entrance exam required.

• 39-credit online master's program
• CCNE accredited program
• Prepares for national certification
• Leadership and management focus
• Career growth over 21%
• Median salary $104,830
• DNP pathway available
• Faculty-driven curriculum

University of Connecticut's online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program provides advanced nursing professionals with specialization in critical neonatal care. Designed for experienced RNs with at least two years of level three NICU experience, this program offers flexible online learning with two on-campus simulation visits. Students can choose between 44-credit Master's, 76-82 credit BS to DNP, or 29-credit Post-Graduate Certificate options. Ranked #5 for Online Nursing Master's, this accredited program prepares graduates for national certification with no entrance exam required.

• Online with two campus visits
• Fully accredited nursing program
• Multiple degree options available
• Requires 2+ years NICU experience
• Part-time and full-time tracks
• National certification preparation
• Experienced faculty practitioners

Sacred Heart University's online Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares RNs for comprehensive primary care roles through a 42-credit, CCNE-accredited curriculum. This 2.5-year online program requires two local residencies and 540 clinical hours, with competitive tuition of $955 per credit. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, current RN license, and one year of nursing experience. No entrance exam is required. Graduates are positioned for high-demand careers with projected 40% job growth and potential median earnings over $108,000.

• 100% online coursework
• 42 total credit hours
• 2.5 year program length
• Cost per credit: $955
• 540 clinical hours
• Two on-campus residencies
• Prepares for ANCC/AANP exams
• 40% job growth projected
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• One year RN experience needed

Sacred Heart University's online MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program prepares nurses for leadership roles through a 39-credit, evidence-based curriculum completed in two years. This flexible online program features close-to-home clinical experiences and no BSN prerequisite, with tuition at $695 per credit. No entrance exam is required. The program focuses on improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs, preparing graduates for CNL certification in diverse healthcare settings.

• Online 39-credit MSN program
• Two-year completion time
• No BSN requirement
• Cost per credit: $695
• Six convenient start dates
• Eligible for CNL certification
• Close-to-home clinical experiences
• Evidence-based practice focus

Sacred Heart University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Management and Executive Leadership concentration prepares nurses for high-level administrative roles. This 36-credit program is delivered entirely online with no campus visits, featuring 120 clinical practicum hours and tuition of $695 per credit. No entrance exam is required. Graduates develop strategic planning and quality improvement skills for roles like Chief Nursing Officer, with potential salaries ranging from $103,000 to $135,000 annually.

• 100% online coursework
• 36 total credit hours
• Cost per credit: $695
• 2-year program duration
• No campus visits required
• 120 clinical practicum hours
• CCNE Accredited program
• International study option

Sacred Heart University's online RN to MSN program with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers an accelerated pathway to advanced practice. Students can earn both BSN and MSN degrees in 3.5 years through flexible online learning, with tuition ranging from $390-$955 per credit. No GRE/GMAT is required. The program prepares graduates for high-demand FNP roles with 40% projected job growth, with MSN-educated nurses averaging $104,000 annually.

• 3.5 year accelerated program
• Online flexible learning format
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Transfer up to 90 credits
• CCNE accredited program
• Five MSN specialization options
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Clinical opportunities nearby

Sacred Heart University's online RN to MSN program in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner provides an accelerated pathway for RNs to advance their careers. This 3.5-year online program allows students to earn both BSN and MSN degrees with tuition ranging from $390-$955 per credit and no GRE/GMAT requirement. The program requires 540 clinical hours and prepares graduates for high-demand PMHNP roles with average annual salaries of $104,000.

• 3.5-year accelerated program
• Online flexible learning format
• $390-$955 per credit hour
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Transfer up to 90 credits
• CCNE accredited program
• 540 clinical hours required
• Minimum 3.2 GPA for specialization
• 5 MSN specialization options

Quinnipiac University's online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to diagnose and manage patient illnesses across all ages through a hybrid format with three campus immersions. This master's-level program requires no entrance exam and offers flexible part-time or full-time options, maintaining a 3.0 GPA requirement. Graduates become eligible for national certification and can work in diverse healthcare settings, with the curriculum emphasizing diagnostic reasoning and comprehensive clinical practica including 240 hours of direct patient care.

• Online with 3 campus immersions
• Part-time and full-time options
• National certification eligibility
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Comprehensive clinical practica
• 240 hours direct patient care
• Multiple clinical seminars
• Diagnostic reasoning training
• Across lifespan patient care

Quinnipiac University's hybrid Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare to adult and elderly populations. This master's-level program requires no entrance exam and focuses on developing advanced clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and specialized knowledge for primary care settings. Graduates emerge as skilled practitioners capable of conducting patient assessments, diagnosing conditions, and developing personalized treatment plans for complex adult health challenges.

• Hybrid Program Delivery
• Advanced Nursing Practice
• Adult-Gerontology Specialization
• Clinical Skill Development
• Comprehensive Patient Care

Quinnipiac University's online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program prepares healthcare professionals for high-intensity medical environments through a hybrid format with three campus immersions. This 48-credit master's-level program requires no entrance exam but demands at least one year of acute care experience and a 3.0 GPA. Graduates become eligible for national certification for leadership roles in critical care settings, with curriculum covering advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and specialized clinical practica.

• Online with 3 campus immersions
• 48-credit comprehensive program
• Prepares for national certification
• Requires 1+ year acute care experience
• Hybrid learning format
• Advanced clinical skill development
• Specializes in acute care practice
• GPA requirement: 3.00
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Interprofessional team collaboration

Quinnipiac University's hybrid MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to address critical mental health needs through online coursework combined with clinical experiences. This master's-level program requires no entrance exam and emphasizes evidence-based practice and holistic patient-centered approaches. Students gain advanced skills in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to provide comprehensive mental healthcare across diverse settings, positioning graduates at the forefront of addressing growing community mental health challenges.

• Hybrid learning format
• Advanced psychiatric nursing skills
• Comprehensive mental health training
• Flexible clinical experiences
• Evidence-based psychiatric care

Yale University's online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program is a 51.5-credit master's degree designed to address critical shortages in mental healthcare. This innovative program prepares registered nurses to diagnose and treat patients across all age groups through a flexible three-year hybrid format that combines online coursework with immersive clinical training. Graduates gain comprehensive skills in medication prescription, psychotherapy delivery, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program does not require an entrance exam. Yale's online format provides advanced practice nursing preparation with the expertise of the Yale School of Nursing.

• 51.5-credit online MSN program
• Three-year flexible format
• Hybrid learning model
• Mental health professional shortage solution
• Advanced practice nursing preparation
• Diagnose and treat all ages
• Medication prescription training
• Psychotherapy skill development
• Yale School of Nursing expertise

Goodwin University's hybrid Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program combines online coursework with 600 hours of clinical experience, including two immersion weekend sessions. This CCNE-accredited program requires a BSN degree and has a Fall 2025 application deadline of July 18. Designed for working RNs, the patient-centered curriculum covers advanced nursing concepts without requiring entrance exams, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare roles across acute care, hospitals, and community settings.

• Online and flexible scheduling
• 600 hours clinical experience
• Fall 2025 application deadline: July 18
• Requires BSN degree
• Two immersion weekend sessions
• CCNE accredited program
• Patient-centered curriculum
• Multiple healthcare career paths
• Financial aid available
• Career-focused degree

Goodwin University's fully online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program offers working professionals a flexible pathway to complete their degree in as few as 20 months part-time. This program does not require entrance exams and provides convenient scheduling flexibility, preparing nurses to address critical mental healthcare needs through comprehensive online curriculum while balancing work and educational goals.

• Fully online MSN program
• Complete in 20 months part-time
• Designed for working professionals
• Two APRN program options
• Convenient scheduling flexibility

Goodwin University's fully online Master's in Nursing program prepares registered nurses for leadership roles in healthcare administration, with completion possible in 20 months part-time. This accredited graduate program does not require entrance exams and offers flexible scheduling for working professionals, focusing on developing critical skills in staff management, quality improvement, and healthcare operations to drive positive patient outcomes across diverse settings.

• Fully online program
• Completed in 20 months part-time
• Prepares for nursing leadership roles
• Advanced healthcare management skills
• Flexible for working professionals
• Accredited graduate nursing program
• Career-focused curriculum
• Graduate-level informatics course

Goodwin University's fully online RN to MSN program with a concentration in Public and Community Health prepares registered nurses for leadership roles focusing on community health, policy, and social justice. This program does not require entrance exams and includes a 90-hour capstone project, offering flexible scheduling for working nurses through courses like Health Assessment and Public and Community Health to make significant impacts in healthcare systems.

• Fully online program.
• Concentration in Public and Community Health.
• Includes 90-hour capstone project.
• Designed for working nurses.
• Focus on leadership and social justice.
• Courses like Health Assessment offered.
• Flexible schedule for professionals.
• Prepares for advanced nursing roles.
• Emphasizes community health impact.
• Tailored for diverse student needs.

Western Connecticut State University's online Master of Science in Nursing with an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses through a hybrid format. This 41-47 credit program requires no entrance exam and offers part-time study over approximately four years, with a maximum completion time of six years. Students complete 500+ clinical practicum hours while developing expertise in complex patient management. The CCNE-accredited program requires at least one year of nursing experience and prepares graduates for certification examinations in evidence-based healthcare delivery across diverse clinical settings.

• Hybrid part-time study format
• 500+ clinical practicum hours
• Multiple advanced practice roles
• CCNE accredited program
• Minimum 1-year nursing experience required
• Six-year maximum program completion
• Advanced practice certification preparation

Western Connecticut State University's online Master of Science in Nursing with an Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration provides advanced nursing professionals with specialized expertise through a hybrid program format. This program requires no entrance exam and emphasizes evidence-based research, healthcare policy, and professional role development. Students engage in comprehensive theoretical coursework including advanced pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology, and health assessment, preparing them for leadership roles in managing complex adult and gerontology populations. The program positions graduates as critical healthcare innovators in clinical settings.

• Hybrid program format
• Advanced clinical nursing specialization
• Comprehensive theoretical coursework
• Evidence-based research focus
• Professional role development

The University of Hartford's online MSN program with a Nursing Education concentration prepares nurses to become innovative educators through a rigorous 34-credit curriculum. This CCNE-accredited program emphasizes scholarly research and clinical expertise, requiring a bachelor's degree in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, and current RN licensure. Students complete practicum and seminar components while benefiting from flexible role focus options. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program, which offers fall and spring start dates.

• MSN with Nursing Education focus
• 34 total credit program
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Current RN licensure required
• Fall/Spring semester start
• CCNE accredited program
• Multiple role focus options
• Priority application deadlines
• Scholarly research component
• Practicum and seminar included

This online MSN program with a Public Health Nursing concentration prepares nurses for leadership roles in community health settings through a 31-credit curriculum. Featuring asynchronous courses in 7-week sessions, the program allows working professionals to balance studies with employment. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, and RN license, with no entrance exam needed. At $749 per credit, graduates gain skills to promote health in diverse populations through this flexible, rolling-admission program.

• 31-credit program.
• Online, asynchronous format.
• Public Health Nursing concentration.
• Rolling admission.
• Part-time study option.
• 7-week course sessions.
• Requires RN license.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• $749 per credit tuition.
• Prepares for leadership roles.

Designed for working nurses, this online MSN program with a Public Health Nursing concentration provides advanced training in population health, epidemiology, and healthcare informatics. The 31-credit curriculum includes a public health nursing practicum and emphasizes evidence-based practice and leadership development. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program, which accepts up to 6 transfer credits and allows students to maintain full-time employment while studying part-time.

• 31 total credits required
• Online program format
• Part-time study available
• Three focus areas offered
• Public Health Nursing concentration
• 22 core course credits
• 9 focus area credits
• Healthcare informatics course
• Advanced pathophysiology covered
• Epidemiology course included

Southern Connecticut State University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus prepares RNs for advanced primary care roles. This hybrid program delivers a comprehensive curriculum covering women's health, internal medicine, and pediatrics through synchronous Tuesday classes. Students complete 660 clinical hours over three semesters and 46 credit hours, with up to 9 transferable credits accepted. The program requires an active RN license, a 3.0 GPA, and prepares graduates for ANCC and AANP certification exams. Application deadlines are October 1st for spring and February 15th for fall. No entrance exam is required for admission.

• Fully online MSN program
• 46 total credit hours
• 660 total clinical hours
• Synchronous Tuesday classes
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• October 1st spring deadline
• February 15th fall deadline
• Up to 9 transferable credits
• Active RN license required
• ANCC and AANP exam preparation

University of Bridgeport's online MSN in Leadership and Education prepares nursing professionals for clinical and academic leadership roles through a comprehensive curriculum. This 30-credit program requires 120 practicum hours and a 3.0 GPA minimum, with a 5-year completion window. The program focuses on developing expertise in nursing education and leadership strategies without requiring entrance exams. The flexible online format accommodates working professionals who maintain active nursing licenses, offering pathways to both clinical and academic career advancement.

• Online MSN Leadership and Education
• 30 graduate level credits required
• 120 practicum hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 5-year completion window
• Dual focus: leadership, education
• Accredited program
• Active nursing license needed
• Clinical and academic career paths

University of Bridgeport's online MSN program emphasizes nursing leadership and education through evidence-based practice, curriculum design, and organizational leadership training. This program requires a 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN license, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay, but explicitly does not require the GRE. With 30-48 credit hours depending on track, the online format provides flexibility for working nurses seeking career advancement. The curriculum includes practicum components and prepares graduates for doctoral studies while offering accelerated options for qualified students.

• Online program format
• Focus on leadership and education
• No GRE required
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Unencumbered RN license needed
• Letters of recommendation required
• Personal essay submission
• 30 to 48 credit hours
• Multiple entry tracks available
• Curriculum includes practicum courses