Online Nursing Schools in CT: Guide to Finding Top Programs
Whether you’re just beginning your nursing journey or looking to move into a more advanced RN role, explore the education and career training you need to move forward. This EduMed guide showcases the top accredited online nursing programs in Connecticut, licensing requirements, salary and career prospects, and more.
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NursingNursing Ed.Types of Online Nursing Programs in CT
Nursing programs across Connecticut offer a wide range of credential options. Key certificate-level programs include certified nursing assistant (CNA) and licensed practical nurse (LPN). At the degree level, students can choose from associate (ADN), bachelor’s (BSN), master’s (MSN), and doctorate (DNP), depending on prior education and experience.
Many schools in the state also have bridge programs to help working nurses leverage their experience to earn their next degree quickly. These include LPN to BSN, RN to BSN, and RN to MSN.
To maximize flexibility, most Connecticut schools offer nursing programs online to balance their in-person clinicals. Here, coursework is fully or partially online, and communication takes place via email and specialized platforms.
Ready to see how it all works? Let’s review three of the most popular online nursing programs in Connecticut today.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Connecticut
Undergraduate nursing programs include CNA and LPN programs that provide a quick path into the nursing profession. ADNs, BSNs, and ABSNs are for those who want to become RNs. Students can find programs at nearly every level with online learning options.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNAs play an important role in healthcare by supporting RNs and LPNs. They dress, bathe, and transport patients, often serving as caring connections for both patients and their families. The path to becoming a CNA gives you the skills and state certification needed through virtual or in-person classroom learning and in-person clinicals.
Example: Northeast Medical Institute – Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Cost: $1,200 plus fees
- Length: 104 hours
- Mode: Hybrid self-paced online
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
In Connecticut, LPN programs must be state-approved and prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam, so they can work as LPNs in the state. Many LPN programs take almost two years to complete, and applicants can enroll in them right out of high school. It’s important to note, however, that no Connecticut schools currently offer an online or hybrid LPN program.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
The ADN (ASN, AASN) is for students with little or no college experience and offers a quick and affordable path to the NCLEX-RN and employment as an RN. Mostly through community colleges, ADN programs are either hybrid or fully in-person and take about two years of full-time study.
Example: CT State Community College – Associate Degree in Nursing
- Cost: $192 per credit
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: In-person, hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A traditional BSN program is a four-year, full-time program combining general education and lower-division math and science courses with upper-division nursing coursework and in-person clinicals.
The BSN degree is for students with little or no previous college or nursing experience, and qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN. Unfortunately, no Connecticut schools currently offer an online or hybrid traditional BSN program.
Expert Insight
“Traditional BSN programs include in-person hands-on training in the nursing lab, simulation lab, and off campus at health care sites. Clinical education is a significant part of BSN education, so these programs will always require you to come in person for training.”
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated (Second Degree) BSN programs allow students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees to apply previously earned general education and other lower-division credits to their BSN programs. ABSN programs can take as little as 18 months, lead to eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN, and often include online, hybrid, and in-person coursework.
Example: Central Connecticut State University – Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Cost: $6,525 per term
- Length: 15 months
- Mode: In-person, hybrid, and online
Graduate and Post-Graduate Programs: Advanced Nursing Degrees
Graduate and post-graduate nursing degree programs help nurses advance into specialized areas of healthcare. Degree options include MSNs, DNPs, and PhDs, and post-graduate options include Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Nurse Educator programs. Programs are offered in fully online, in-person, or hybrid formats.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
MSN programs are for nurses who want to advance into high-level, specialized positions. MSN programs in Connecticut typically require both a current RN license and a BSN for admission. They train nurses for positions like family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, critical care nurse specialist, and nurse midwife.
Expert Insight
I attended a traditional online MSN program to become a nurse educator but had to complete clinical hours in-person in order to graduate. I ended up completing my hours at a local university as a professor-in-training, however all but one of my courses were entirely online.
Example: Sacred Heart University – Clinical Nurse Leader Online Program
- Cost: $695 per credit
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Nursing doctoral degrees are for nurses interested in pursuing the highest leadership roles in the profession. Those seeking top-tier positions in advanced nursing practice and healthcare administration opt for a DNP degree while those interested in careers in advanced research and post-secondary education in nursing opt for a PhD in Nursing.
Example: Sacred Heart University – Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Cost: $1,015 per credit
- Length: 3 to 4 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-Master’s Certificate Nursing Programs
Post-graduate certificates in nursing offer master’s and doctoral degree holders a convenient way to enhance their careers by adding knowledge and skills in a specialized area of nursing. Common specializations include nursing leadership, nursing education, and family nurse practitioner. Nursing post-graduate certificate programs are often available 100% online.
Example: University of Saint Joseph – Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner Certificate
- Cost: $1,079 per credit
- Length: Varies
- Mode: Hybrid
Your Options for Nursing Bridge Programs
Nursing bridge degree programs are for working nurses, and most have online options with in-person clinical requirements. Bridge programs help LPNs earn their RN licenses and/or bachelor’s and RNs earn their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorates. There are even programs for those in other fields who want to switch to nursing.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
The CT Articulation Model for Nurse Educational Mobility Process allows LPNs in Connecticut to earn an ADN and then earn their RN licenses through an LPN to RN bridge program. LPN to BSN programs take this a step further by adding a bachelor’s degree. Both bridge programs have programs that are only in-person, while some have online and hybrid options.
Example: Albertus Magnus College – LPN to BSN Program
- Cost: $40,308 annually
- Length: 36 months
- Mode: Online, hybrid, and in-person
RN to BSN
RN to BSN degree programs are for current registered nurses with ADNs seeking to expand their career opportunities by gaining additional knowledge and skills. Some bridge programs are online and take a year of full-time study and two years of part-time study to complete.
Example: Goodwin University – RN-to-BSN Completion Program
- Cost: $5,242 per semester
- Length: 12 months
- Mode: Online or in person
RN to MSN
RN to MSN programs are for current RNs without BSNs interested in the quickest path to an MSN. These programs typically allow for specialization, and many are online. Admission requirements sometimes include non-nursing bachelor’s, and some also award BSN degrees. Cost and time depend significantly on undergraduate transfer credits.
Example: Sacred Heart University – RN to Bachelor to Master of Science in Nursing Online
- Cost: $28,380 to $65,565 total
- Length: 3.5 years
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
BSN to DNP bridge programs allow RNs with bachelor’s degrees to move into a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to gain advanced clinical expertise and leadership skills. These programs are often fully online, though not always. DNP programs usually focus on a nursing specialty, so choosing the right program is crucial.
Example: University of Connecticut – Bachelor’s to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Online Program
- Cost: $1,200 per credit
- Length: 3 to 4 years
- Mode: Online
Direct-Entry MSN
For those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees, direct-entry MSNs usually require some sort of on-campus attendance. Students typically need substantial clinical hours at health care facilities along with classroom instruction. These programs provide a direct path to becoming a professional nurse while at the same time earning an advanced degree.
Registered Nurses in CT: Licensing Information & Requirements
You need a registered nursing (RN) license issued by the Connecticut State Department of Public Health (DPH) to work as an RN in Connecticut. Nurses with current RN licenses from other states can use the Licensure by Endorsement process. You can become a registered nurse in CT using the Licensure by Examination method outlined below.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
To obtain your Connecticut RN license, you must take and pass the NCLEX-RN. Qualify to take the exam by first completing a nationally accredited and state-approved pre-licensure nursing degree or diploma program. For most Connecticut students, this is either an ADN or BSN degree. Since passing the NCLEX-RN is required for becoming an RN in CT, make sure the program you choose provides ample preparation and has a high NCLEX pass rate.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay a registration fee. See the information below on applying for state licensure since these steps overlap. You have one year to schedule your exam by signing into your Pearson VUE account. Your Authorization to Test (ATT) expires approximately 90 days after it’s issued, so be sure to schedule your exam ASAP. Prepare for the exam using various resources, such as our beginner’s guide to the NCLEX. You’ll sit for the exam at one of Pearson VUE’s test locations.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
Application for RN licensure is made with the Connecticut DPH via the State of Connecticut online portal. It’s important to remember that licensure requirements for RNs are different for each state. Complete the application and submit all required supporting documents, including an official transcript from your Connecticut ADN or BSN degree program. Once your application is approved, the DPH informs Pearson VUE who then emails you an ATT in two to three weeks. Exam results become official when received by the DPH.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
Pearson VUE sends test results to the DPH within hours of completion. You’ll receive your results and license notification by mail from the DPH in four to six weeks if you pass. All Connecticut RN licenses must be renewed annually. The DPH mails renewal information approximately 60 days before license expiration. License renewal happens online through the State of Connecticut’s eLicense website and requires a renewal fee of $110.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
Obtaining optional specialty certification in Connecticut typically happens by completing a graduate degree in your desired specialty. This usually happens through a post-master’s program. Specialties come in a range of topics, including mental health nursing, gerontological nursing, pediatric nursing, and oncology nursing. Some Connecticut nursing schools also offer non-degree courses in topics like healthcare innovation, holistic nursing, and pain management to give you specialization without being formally admitted to the school.
Connecticut’s Registered Nurse Salary Trends
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $78,660 | $101,590 | $132,840 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | $80,600 | $106,020 | $139,040 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $77,890 | $101,210 | $124,360 |
| New Haven, CT | $79,120 | $101,920 | $135,250 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT | $74,340 | $100,840 | $121,080 |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT | $79,400 | $100,310 | $130,620 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Connecticut | 35,420 | 38,310 | 2,890 | 8.20% | 2,270 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking Top Online Nursing Programs in Connecticut
Schools with the best online nursing programs in Connecticut feature accreditation, affordability, comprehensive curriculum, and access to academic counseling and career placement services. They also have a wide range of online programs, substantial financial aid options, and a low student-to-faculty ratio. For additional details on how schools are chosen and ranked, see the About the Rankings popup below.
