Nursing Programs in Hartford, CT

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Hartford, CT

Not sure where to start? If you are new to the nursing field, or if you are a practical nurse who would like to become a registered nurse, an entry-level nursing program is the place to begin. These programs, which include Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs and LPN to RN programs, prepare students to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and secure their first jobs as registered nurses.

LPN to RN Programs

Many licensed practical nurses consider going back to school to become RNs. Not only do RNs earn higher salaries than LPNs, they can also work in a larger variety of settings and take on more patient care responsibilities. These practical nurses may pursue an LPN to RN program, which is specially designed for LPNs to earn either their ADN or BSN and pass the NCLEX. Hartford's Capital Community College offers an LPN to RN pathway for interested students.

ADN Programs

ADN programs are designed for students with no prior nursing experience or training and are offered at many community colleges and technical schools. ADN programs generally last around two years, Naugatuck Valley Community College offers a four-semester ADN program that ranks among the best in Connecticut according to RegisteredNursing.org and prepares nurses for careers in acute care nursing, long-term care, and outpatient care.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Generally offered at four-year colleges and universities, BSN programs include additional liberal arts coursework as well as more advanced nursing courses in leadership, research, community nursing, and evidence-based care. The BSN program at Quinnipiac University offers clinical experience in a variety of settings as well as study abroad opportunities for students to learn about international health issues.

Find out more about Connecticut Accelerated BSN Programs.

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Hartford

Listed below are the top nursing schools in Hartford based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Connecticut out of 20 other accredited programs offered in the state:

• Central Connecticut State University - #4
• University of Connecticut - Waterbury - #2

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Hartford, CT

Experienced RNs in the Hartford area who have their ADN can choose to pursue a higher degree, either a BSN or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) via a specialized bridge program. RN to BSN and RN to MSN bridge programs take into account an RN’s previous coursework and clinical experience to provide an accelerated pathway to a BSN or MSN.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN bridge programs are often offered online or during night and weekend classes to allow students to continue working while they take courses. The RN to BSN program at The University of Hartford is a part-time program that offers classes one evening per week and structures clinical hours to accommodate working students. The program also allows for the transfer of credits from previous ADN coursework.

Find out more about Connecticut RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Less common than RN to BSN programs, RN to MSN programs allow students to move straight into master’s-level courses in nursing once they have completed BSN coursework, preparing students for advanced practice nursing careers upon graduation. The online RN to MSN program at Quinnipiac University has an emphasis on operational leadership and includes coursework in informatics, care coordination, and nursing leadership. The BSN portion of the program can be completed in one year, and the MSN portion in as little as one additional year.

Find out more about Connecticut RN to MSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Hartford, CT

Advanced practice nursing programs are designed for nurses with their bachelor’s degree who want to pursue leadership positions in nursing, become nurse practitioners or become nurse educators. In the Hartford area, APRN programs include traditional MSN programs, graduate certificate programs, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.

MSN Programs

Traditional MSN programs are designed for RNs with their BSN to help prepare them for careers in a number of advanced practice specialties. MSN programs are available in traditional classroom and online formats, which may be particularly helpful for students who plan to work full-time while they study. The MSN program at the University of Hartford is available online or on campus and prepares nurses for advanced roles as educators, nurse leaders in administration and population health experts in the community and public health settings.

Find out more about Connecticut Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Post-graduate certificate programs allow nurses to be certified in a particular practice area, such as a particular nurse practitioner specialty. Many of these programs are designed for nurses with their MSN, and prior relevant coursework is credited. The University of Connecticut offers several graduate certificate programs, including adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner, and neonatal acute care nurse practitioner.

Find out more about Connecticut Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are available at the University of Connecticut and the University of Saint Joseph Connecticut. These programs prepare nurses for leadership roles in patient care, to work with policymakers on public health programs, as managers in doctor’s offices or in independent practice as nurse practitioners.

Find out more about Connecticut DNP Programs.