Connecticut RN to BSN Programs

To meet the demand for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, Connecticut schools have steadily increased their continuing education offerings for current registered nurses (RNs). Through an RN to BSN bridge program, RNs in the state have the opportunity to build upon the knowledge they gained via an Associate's Degree in Nursing or diploma program, and in turn provide greater patient care and achieve higher levels of career success.

Admissions Requirements for Connecticut RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs can be competitive, so you'll want to ensure that you meet or exceed all entrance requirements in order to be admitted into your school of choice. The below are examples of typical requirements:

• Current RN license
• Submission of a professional resume
• Official transcripts verifying completion of an undergraduate degree
• Two letters of recommendation

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

Most schools in the state that offer an RN to BSN program offer a mix of general core courses as well as upper-level nursing courses to build upon the education of the RNs that make up the student body. The program at Goodwin College offers the following nursing courses:

• NUR 300: Foundations of Professional Nursing
• NUR 351: Introduction to Nursing Research
• NUR 363: Clinical Nursing Leadership
• NUR 459: Introduction to Health Care Policy and Advocacy

Online RN to BSN Programs in Connecticut

Many states, Connecticut included, are encouraging their RNs to complete at least a BSN degree. That's why online options through Connecticut schools have become so popular. These RN to BSN programs offer maximum flexibility and usually allow both full-time and part-time attendance. Busy working RNs are able to complete the coursework online at their convenience.

Featured Online School

The University of Saint Joseph-Connecticut offers an online version of their acclaimed RN to BSN program. Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners in Nursing, this program takes roughly one year of full-time online attendance to complete. It focuses on preparing nurses to deliver effective healthcare to culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and teaches leadership skills to that promote quality improvement and patient safety.

Admissions and Program Length

Generally speaking, a total of 120 credit hours is needed to complete an RN to BSN program. These credits consist of a mix of general education courses and upper division nursing courses. The good news is that most students are able to transfer over a portion of their ADN credits in order to complete the program faster. Many programs can be completed in around 16 months with part-time study. Be sure to inquire with your school of choice on program start times, as they can vary. Most schools allow you to begin the program at the start of the Fall and Spring semesters, if not more often.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

A big factor in continuing your nursing education is cost. While you should feel free to compare RN to BSN program costs, affordable options in the state do exist. To provide an example, the total RN to BSN program expenses at the University of Hartford are estimated at $17,417, including tuition, all fees, and extras like parking and supplies.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

Aside from the higher paycheck, the main thing a completed BSN degree affords is security. With the push toward higher education for many nursing careers, it's wise to complete a bachelor's program to ensure you will have the right qualifications for the job you desire. Without it, you'll be missing out on potential earnings as well as advancement opportunities.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Connecticut

The salary outlook for experienced, educated nurses in the state is favorable. Payscale reports that the wage range for registered nurses in New Haven, Connecticut is between $26.56 and $46.38 an hour. Those wanting to reach the top of the pay range will need to hold a BSN or higher, making the decision to go back to school an easy one for ambitious registered nurses.

RN to BSN Programs

Connecticut is devoted to the healthcare field and seeing nurses rise to their potential. The state has started an initiative to help provide financial support for nurses to obtain a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) or greater. The qualifications and skills that all the state's more than 10 bridge programs can help you obtain when pursuing a BSN degree opens the doors to an array of different job opportunities, as well as puts nurses at an advantage to earn a higher salary. Connecticut BSN or higher nurses can earn approximately $8,000 more annually than ADN nurses. Higher education means higher salaries and the possibility of greater career success.