Best 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.

2019 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Connecticut

With so many hospitals starting to require BSN degrees as a term of employment, many Connecticut RNs are looking to advance their education. Online RN to BSN programs are ideal for those who want to earn their bachelor's degree in a flexible and convenient format. We have ranked Connecticut's top online RN to BSN programs to help you find the right program to propel your career to the next level. Check out our rankings below and take the first step today!

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

^#1

Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, CT

Western Connecticut State University offers its RN to BSN program in both an online and hybrid format to give students the flexibility they need to succeed. This program is generally completed in around 2 years, and students take a mix of nursing transition courses, core courses, and electives. Throughout the program, students have access to experienced and supportive faculty from WCSU's nursing department, who are available for advising year-round.

• RN to BSN Online Campus

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• A few grad programs offered online
• RNs may be eligible for up to 28 transfer credits

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Southern Connecticut State University

New Haven, CT

Southern Connecticut State University offers a respected online RN to BSN program for those who hold an ADN or diploma in nursing. Most of the curriculum is offered in an 8-week format, with classes such as Advanced Concepts in Nursing, Health Assessment, and Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses included. 22 credits of prerequisites along with 27 credits of nursing requirements must be completed to earn the BSN degree.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• A few grad programs offered online
• SCSU's nursing department has been around for 50 years

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Goodwin College

East Hartford, CT

Goodwin College offers an RN to BSN completion program to help RNs reach their career goals. With busy working RNs in mind, Goodwin College's program can be completed in just 16 months of part-time study in an online/hybrid format. Enrolled students can take general ed courses concurrently with their nursing courses, and classes are offered in 15-week formats. Clinical experiences are arranged in collaboration with the student, faculty, and clinical site to ensure the right fit.

• RN to BSN Online Campus

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Private Non-Profit 4-Year
• Many grad programs offered online
• Students are assigned a nursing advisor upon receipt of their application

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.

2020 List of RN to BSN Programs in Connecticut

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.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Hartford RN to BSN Programs

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