Not only does the state have the highest per-capita income in the country, but it is rich in educational opportunities for accredited nursing degree programs in Connecticut. From its earliest days of settlement, Connecticut’s leaders played a major role in establishing a strong foundation for learning. Some of those institutions, steeped with historic significance, still guide students today in the pursuit of excellence in higher education. If your educational goals are aligned toward a career in nursing, these eight universities are considered among the top-tier institutions in the United States. Each offers superior undergraduate-level degree programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles in health care.
Central Connecticut State University
School of Education & Professional Studies/Department of Nursing
As a comprehensive public university, Central Connecticut State University is dedicated to scholarship and teaching. Five schools offer undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs in liberal arts and sciences as well as the professions. Ranked among “The Best Northeastern Colleges” and “America’s Best Value Colleges” by the prestigious Princeton Review, CCSU balances challenging academics with personal support for the continuing success of its students. The School of Education and Professional Studies is guided by the primary goal of preparing professionals for leadership roles in education and human services.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The CCSU Nursing Program offers two options leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The 4-year traditional curriculum focuses on preparing well-trained generalists in nursing for those without a degree. The RN/BSN series allows registered nurses to complete a baccalaureate. As a four-year program of study, students must complete pre-nursing coursework in their first year. While this is not an accelerated program, students are admitted to the nursing major in their first year. This fully accredited prospectus provides a meticulous structure to prepare professional nurses to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Graduates will emerge with sound critical thinking skills and experience working with state-of-the-art health care technologies.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
Barnard Hall 324.0000
1615 Stanley Street
New Britain, CT 06050
(860) 832-0032
Nursing@mail.ccsu.edu
http://web.ccsu.edu/nursing/
Fairfield University
School of Nursing
Fairfield University boasts a 200-acre tranquil campus located along the Connecticut coastline. It was founded over 70 years ago by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), this Catholic, liberal arts university is dedicated to fostering personal growth and a sense of community in each student. Student enrollment totals 5,000 and career opportunities abound with 41 majors, 16 interdisciplinary minors and 40 graduate programs. The School of Nursing at Fairfield has the prestigious honor of being listed among the “10 Best Colleges for a Degree in Nursing” by Bright Hub, an educational online resource.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The BSN traditional degree program at Fairfield University’s School of Nursing combines small class sizes with theory-based knowledge, real-life simulations and clinical practice to equip students with the skills needed to provide professional, ethical care in all settings. This four-year curriculum increases clinical work requirements as the program progresses the ensure that students receive real-world experiences. Partnerships with hospitals, rehabilitation and community health centers, long-term care facilities and health care clinics provide a well-rounded healthcare education. All graduates of the program are qualified to take the NCLEX-RN examination for licensure.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
Fairfield University School of Nursing
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 254-4150
nursing@fairfield.edu
http://www.fairfield.edu/academics/schoolscollegescenters/schoolofnursing/
Quinnipiac University
School of Nursing
At its origin in 1929, Quinnipiac was a small college with big ideals. While it has grown tenfold to over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, its core principals have not changed: to provide high-quality educational programs, in a student oriented setting and with a strong sense of community. This private university now comprises eight schools and colleges that offer programs in communications, engineering, business, education, law, nursing, medicine, and liberal arts and sciences. Ranked among the best for original and collaborative training, the Quinnipiac’s School of Nursing has established itself as a leading nursing educator.
BS in Nursing
Students of the BS in Nursing program are exposed to a curriculum based in holistic practice. This framework helps provide nursing students with a wide range of experiences needed for professional practice. Nursing theory and clinical rotations are offered in addition to NCLEX-RN prep work leading to licensure. In addition to meeting accreditation standards of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the degree syllabus is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses’ Certification Corporation. Strong professional affiliations with local health care providers will lead graduates to demonstrate these proficiencies:
• Organizational and leadership skills for quality care
• Information management and application
• Understanding of health care policy, regulations and ethical conduct
• Improving health outcomes through collaboration and communication
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
275 Mount Carmel Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
(203) 582-8200
1-800-462-1944
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/academics/colleges-schools-and-departments/school-of-nursing/
Sacred Heart University
School of Nursing
Sacred Heart University is an independent, Catholic University. It was established in 1963, is the second-largest of its kind in New England and the first to be use non-diocesan staff members. Its five individual colleges offer over 55 degree programs and four online degree programs. Its accolades include The Princeton Review’s recognition as “The Best 379 Colleges: 2015” plus U.S. News & World Report’s list for “Best Regional Universities.” Adding to its extensive credentials, SHU has been recognized and selected for the 2014-2015 College of Distinction membership. The School of Nursing strives to encourage nursing students to follow the Catholic traditions associated with the practice by embracing spirituality, diversity, ethics and community service.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This fully accredited nursing degree program in Connecticut focuses on providing personal attention and communication between students and professors. Small class sizes and flexible scheduling opportunities allow students to thrive in this rigorous academic environment. Most members of the Nursing faculty are active practitioners which allows them to mentor pre-nursing freshmen on the fundamental skills needed for a career in this field. This four-year course of study prepares students by developing professional knowledge, critical thinking skills and compassion for patients and their families. Graduates are eligible take the exam for licensure.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
Cambridge Building
7 Cambridge Drive
Trumbull, CT 06611
(203) 371-7844
farrellc36@sacredheart.edu
http://www.sacredheart.edu/academics/collegeofhealthprofessions/academicprograms/nursing/
Southern Connecticut State University
School of Health and Human Services
Located within a few miles of downtown New Haven and the eclectic Westville Village, Southern Connecticut State University enjoys a vibrant campus and community life. Evolving from a teachers college in 1893 to a comprehensive university has proven challenging but rewarding. Today, the wide range of graduate and undergraduate program offerings allow students to choose a career path that fulfills their passion and life-long educational goals. Along with an extensive expansion of campus facilities, Southern has assumed environmentally responsible methods for construction. Their efforts have been rewarded with recognition as one of the “332 Most Environmentally Responsible Colleges in the U.S. and Canada” by The Princeton Review.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The School of Health and Human Services at Southern has embraced research that shows patients are better served when a collaborative team of professionals work toward a common outcome. To better train their students in this theory, seven disciplines – including nursing – work under a single umbrella. The BSN curriculum is an upper-division major requiring prerequisite nursing course and a strong science and liberal arts base. Application is made during the sophomore or junior year and is generally completed in four or five years. Graduates are well-prepared to sit for the licensing exam.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
Lang House 103-107
501 Crescent Street
New Haven, CT 06515
(203) 392-8047
bulmers1@southernct.edu
http://www.southernct.edu/academics/schools/health/index.html
University of Connecticut
School of Nursing
What was originally an agricultural school in 1880, the University of Connecticut has now become a top-tier public, research university in the United States. Its 30,000 students explore their interests through a network of campuses across 14 schools and colleges. Academics in business, law, medicine, nursing, engineering, liberal arts, agriculture, pharmacy and social work are fostering a diverse group of life-long learners. UConn’s School of Nursing is providing exceptional training to promote exceptional leaders in the evolving profession of health care.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
UConn’s School of Nursing undergraduate degree program leans toward a liberal education in the humanities and sciences. The first four semesters of the curriculum establish the foundation for this concentration. Each student is assigned a mentor advisor to better understand the path of interest and design a course of study. Upon entering the second half of the program, students will work in laboratories and simulation labs to practice, learn technical skills and procedures, and learn nursing theory. Affiliations with close to 70 health care agencies gives students an excellent opportunity to gain clinical experience in a broad range of settings.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
Augustus Storrs Hall
231 Glenbrook Road
Storrs, CT 06269-4026
(860) 486-3716
http://nursing.uconn.edu/
University of Saint Joseph
School of Health and Natural Sciences
When the Sisters of Mercy founded the University of Saint Joseph in 1932, they likely knew it was destined for greatness. A beautiful campus location blended with a curriculum focused on service to others made for the perfect combination for learning. Today, the school that became the first women’s liberal arts college is now ranked as “A College of Distinction,” “One of the Best Colleges/Regional Universities North,” “Military Friendly,” and honored for exemplary community service four years in a row. Following its tradition of welcoming students from all walks of life, the University of Saint Joseph now offers coeducational programs for graduate level degree and certificate programs, Adult Learner undergraduate programs and doctoral degrees for professionals. Along with a broad-based women’s undergraduate offering, the School of Health and Natural Sciences prepares future nurses with personal attention through a clinical faculty-student ratios of 1:8. This close guidance helps students clearly understand the principals of the field and are better equipped for a career of service to others. &
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A traditional curriculum is utilized for USJ’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. It is designed for high school graduates and college transfer students with no previous nursing education. Formal admission occurs in the sophomore year after prerequisite nursing coursework is completed. Students will then begin hands-on training in state-of-the-art simulation labs and nursing practice at clinical sites. Anticipated program learning outcomes include:
• Provide holistic care through the integration of nursing theory and experience
• Demonstrate leadership skills through improved patient care and safety
• Utilize data through informatics knowledge for optimum outcomes
• Advocate for patient safety and high-quality care
• Provide competent, responsible, ethical nursing care to all patients
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
1678 Asylum Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117-2791
(860) 231-5247
http://www.usj.edu/academics/schools/school-of-health-natural-sciences/nursing/
Western Connecticut State University
School of Professional Studies
Western Connecticut State University is a public institution of higher learning with two campuses in Danbury. Offering a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs, Western’s five schools – The Ancell School of Business, The Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences, The School of Professional Studies, The School of Visual and Performing Arts and the Division of Graduate Studies – guide students to a career path that matches their interests. For two consecutive years, Western was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This prestigious award is given to those committed to civic engagement, service-learning and volunteering. The School of Professional Studies is a multidisciplinary school that contributes to improving the community through educational programs.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The BSN syllabus at Western’s nursing program begins in the sophomore year after completion of the nursing prerequisite courses. Small class sizes mean easier access to faculty and their experience in the field. Students will complete three full years of nursing courses, simulation lab experience and clinical rotations at several of Western’s nursing department affiliates. Upon earning their degree, graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. WCSC proudly boasts one of the highest pass rates in the state.
In addition, graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree will possess the following nursing skills:
• Make capable nursing decisions based on nursing theory and experiences
• Exercise critical thinking to assess, diagnose and plan care
• Apply the nursing process for preventative, curative, supportive and restorative care
• Utilize strong communication and collaborative skills – written and verbal
• Develop strategies to teach patients better health care
• Advocate for improved patient outcomes and facilities
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
181 White Street
Danbury, CT 06810
1-877-837-WCSU (9278)
http://www.wcsu.edu/nursing/undergraduate/
As with most areas of the United States, shortages of competent health care professionals are at an all-time high. Through improved programming and accredited nursing degree programs in Connecticut, these deficiencies can be addressed and provide improved services for all individuals.
