For those seeking to become a nurse in Connecticut, you must attend nursing school.
However, that means you shouldn’t just attend any old nursing school.
Instead, you want to find an accredited institution with an excellent reputation for the craft.
When reviewing different schools, you must determine the degree you wish to pursue; DSN (Doctor of Science in Nursing), MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), or an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing).
Each of these degrees has different time commitments, costs, and entry requirements, but all meet the requirement for a nursing license.
Keep reading to learn more about the different nursing school options in Connecticut!
5 Registered Nurse Schools in Connecticut
If you’re looking to become a nurse in Connecticut, there are numerous excellent schools you can attend to learn and fulfill your education requirements.
Several of the top schools include:
Fairfield University
Fairfield University is another top nursing school in the state with an incredible NCLEX national licensure exam passing rate of 96%.
However, since it’s a private university, expect to pay a hefty annual tuition price tag of over $53,000.
Located across the Sound from Long Island, Fairfield University boasts a 200-acre campus, one of the East Coast’s largest coastline campuses.
In addition to the excellent NCLEX passing rate, students can take a credit-based internship to gain experience while completing their degree.
Quinnipiac University
Although Quinnipiac University comes with a high price tag of almost $50,000 per year, admitted students have the opportunity to study at one of the top universities in the U.S.
While nursing school offers numerous options, the traditional BSN is the most popular.
As proof of the school’s quality, the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation endorse them, have over 300 clinical affiliations, and 97.5% of graduates in 2021 were enrolled in a graduate program or employed within six months of graduation.
Furthermore, Quinnipiac boasts a high NCLEX passing rate of 91%, which further proves its educational excellence.
Sacred Heart University
Also located in Fairfield, Sacred Heart University opened its doors in 1963.
Today, the school has developed an impressive nursing school with ten options and three certification choices, including BSN, accelerated BSN as a second degree, RN-to-BSN, RN-BSN-MSN, family nurse practitioner, nursing education, nursing executive leadership and management, clinical nurse leader, and family nurse practitioner.
The school also offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
Annual tuition for the traditional BSN is $46,000, and the school boasts an impressive NCLEX passing rate of 99%.
University of Hartford
The University of Hartford is considered the top nursing school in the state.
Since it’s a private school, there is no in-state tuition, so the annual tuition for all students is $42,800.
One of the greatest benefits of attending this school is the incredibly low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1.
While the traditional BSN is the most popular educational path, other options, like the direct-entry BSN program, allow high school students to get accepted before starting college.
In addition, in the Fall of 2021, the University of Hartford opened a state-of-the-art simulation lab.
Western Connecticut State University
Western Connecticut State University hosts 4,641 full-time students with two locations in Danbury.
The nursing department offers four-degree choices: doctoral, MSN, RN-BSN, and traditional BSN.
The traditional BSN program is the primary route most students take.
Still, the online RN-BSN option is a terrific opportunity for those who need flexibility and are looking to take their education to the next level.
In-state tuition is 12,351, and the NCLEX has a passing rate of 91%.
Registered Nurse Schools in Connecticut – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Connecticut
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Fairfield University | 1073 N Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824 |
| Quinnipiac University | 275 Mt Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT 06518 |
| Sacred Heart University | 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield, CT 06825 |
| University of Hartford | 200 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117 |
| Western Connecticut State University | 181 White St, Danbury, CT 06810 |
Salary
The national annual median salary for an R.N. is around $83,000.
In Connecticut, the median wage is a bit higher at $89,000.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in Connecticut
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $75,440 |
| New Haven | $71,970 |
| Hartford | $71,380 |
| Stamford | $76,420 |
| Waterbury | $71,590 |
| West Hartford | $71,380 |
| Norwalk | $76,420 |
| Danbury | $73,720 |
| New Britain | $71,720 |
| Greenwich | $76,420 |
Regional Salary in Connecticut
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | 7,270 | $108,670 | $52.24 | $134,990 | $80,450 |
| Danbury, CT | 1,770 | $98,400 | $47.31 | $123,240 | $78,330 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 13,250 | $99,200 | $47.69 | $121,630 | $76,890 |
| New Haven, CT | 8,540 | $102,780 | $49.41 | $125,090 | $81,010 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 2,280 | $100,010 | $48.08 | $128,330 | $73,570 |
| Waterbury, CT | 1,650 | $102,590 | $49.32 | $125,640 | $78,930 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is one of the most essential skills a Connecticut nursing student can possess?
The best nursing students boast excellent time management skills.
They create a class schedule that keeps studying and personal time in balance.
These time management skills are also necessary within the professional workplace.
What is the licensure process in Connecticut?
Connecticut has a streamlined process to become a registered nurse, with all information clearly stated online.
To earn a license in Connecticut, you must complete a state-approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply through the State Department of Public Health.
There is an application fee, and you must submit the final transcripts from your accredited nursing school.
Is it possible to go to nursing school part-time?
Yes, colleges and universities recognize students’ financial and personal challenges, so they have become more flexible.
This means the nursing school can be taken at night, and some programs are partially online.
Many ADN graduates pursue their BSN at night while working full-time during the day.
What is the fastest path to becoming a nurse?
The fastest path toward becoming a registered nurse is completing an ADN degree, which can be finished in as little as two years.
This qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed and any other state requirements.
Is nursing school in Connecticut difficult?
Yes, and the difficulty begins with applying to nursing school.
Competition is intense, so you must have excellent high school grades and prerequisites to be accepted into a top-notch program.
Once accepted into a program, there are challenging exams to take, complex lab skills to master, and pressing deadlines to meet.
However, the nursing school should be challenging since medical professionals need a wide range of skills.
