6 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs in Connecticut (2024)

TCA Editorial Staff

With the increased demand for RNs in the Constitution State, it has never been a better time to consider accelerated nursing programs in Connecticut.

There’s an aging RN workforce in Connecticut that is retiring soon. To reduce the strain on the fewer nurses, more RNs are urgently needed.

Fortunately, even with a non-nursing background, you can become a registered nurse in as little as a year.

We’ve compiled a list of the best accelerated nursing programs in Connecticut (including 5 accelerated BSNs & 1 Direct Entry MSN), that will get you licensed and ready to practice.

Read: Guide to Accelerated Nursing Programs: What are they?

Here’s a list of the 6 best accelerated nursing programs in Connecticut.

Table of Contents

5 Best Accelerated BSN Programs in Connecticut

1. University of Connecticut Accelerated BSN Program

The UConn accelerated nursing program, also called UConn Certificate Entry into Nursing (CEIN), is a full-time, 1-year program specifically designed for students who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

Duration: 1 year

Format: In-person

Location: Storrs, CT

Choose from Four Convenient Locations

One of the highlights of UConn’s CEIN program is its multi-campus availability. You can choose to attend at any of the four UConn campuses — Avery Point, Stamford, Storrs, or Waterbury.

This flexibility allows you to select a location that suits your lifestyle and commitments best.

NCLEX Pass Rates

In 2022, a remarkable 94% of UConn CEIN graduates passed the NCLEX on their first attempt- which says a lot about this program’s effectiveness in preparing you.

Learning Environment

As part of UConn’s CEIN simulation experiences, you’ll interact with high-fidelity manikins, replicating real-life scenarios you might encounter as a nurse- to enhance your preparedness for real-world nursing scenarios.

Besides, being a research-intensive institution, UConn continually seeks to integrate the latest findings and techniques into their curriculum.

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2. Southern Connecticut State University Accelerated BSN Program

SCSU’s ACE (Accelerated Career Entry) Program is an accelerated BSN program ideal for those who already possess a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited institution.

This program lets you pivot your career into nursing, leveraging your previous academic experience, to complete your nursing coursework in a span of just 12 months.

Duration: 1 year

Format: In-person

Location: New Haven, CT

SCSU’s ABSN program adheres to the same curriculum as SCSU’s traditional BSN program. This means, even though your course is accelerated, you will still receive a comprehensive education,

Flexible Entry Terms

To cater to different schedules and timelines, the Accelerated BSN program at SCSU provides two entry terms – Summer and Winter.

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3. Fairfield University Accelerated BSN Program

The Fairfield University Accelerated BSN Program allows degree holders from other fields to earn a second bachelor’s degree in nursing within just 15 months.

Duration: 15 months

Format: In-person

Location: Fairfield, CT

The Accelerated BSN Program at Fairfield University is campus-based and full-time and with a curriculum consisting of 60 credits.

Fairfield University is rooted in Jesuit and Catholic values. These values emphasize the “care of the whole person”.

When you join the Accelerated BSN Program here, your nursing education will be underscored by these values, as you train into an empathetic & compassionate healthcare professional.

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4. Quinnipiac University Accelerated BSN Program

The Accelerated BSN Program at Quinnipiac University offers a fast-track route to a nursing career, enabling you to earn a nursing degree in just 12 months.

Duration: 12 months

Format: Hybrid

Location: Hamden, CT

This full-time program requires 61 nursing credits to complete and offers flexibility, with start dates in either January or August.

Quinnipiac University’s Accelerated BSN Program offers a balanced curriculum blending classroom instruction, online courses, and clinical experiences.

Based on their North Haven Campus, the program integrates theoretical learning with hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings throughout the state.

Partnerships

The university has nurtured strong partnerships with numerous healthcare systems and hospitals across the state- including a recent partnership with Hartford HealthCare.

These partnerships serve to enhance your clinical experiences and potentially facilitate job placements after graduation.

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5. University of Saint Joseph Accelerated BSN Program

The USJ’s Accelerated Second Degree (ASD) program is another efficient route to acquiring a nursing degree in Connecticut for individuals with an existing non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

The program has 53 credit hours and allows you to complete all nursing courses in 15 months- starting in May and concluding in the subsequent August.

Duration: 15 months

Format: In-person

Location: West Hartford, CT

Outcomes

With the USJ ASD program, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of patient care. You’ll be educated on how to incorporate knowledge from various fields to provide holistic care to patients.

Also, you’ll gain invaluable leadership skills to equip you enough to effectively improve safety and quality in patient care.

Finally, the USJ ASD program helps you learn how to apply proven nursing methods while integrating data and tech tools to enhance patient outcomes.

This ensures that you are not just a skilled nurse, but one equipped with the knowledge to leverage modern technology for better patient care.

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Best Accelerated (Direct-Entry) MSN Programs in Connecticut

1. Yale University Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing (GEPN) Program

Yale’s GEPN program is an accelerated 3-year course that combines foundational nursing education with advanced training.

During the initial ‘prespecialty’ year, you’ll earn 41.5 credits and complete 520 clinical hours. This initial phase equips you with the core nursing competencies needed to move forward in your journey.

Duration: 3 years

Format: In-person

Location: West Haven, CT

After the prespecialty year, you’ll move on to your graduate studies where you’ll delve into your chosen specialty. The program goes beyond clinical practice to include theory and research- to equip you with a well-rounded knowledge base in your designated specialty.

The Yale GEPN program will not only prepare you for clinical work; it also aims to mold you into a leader in the field of nursing. Upon graduating, you’ll be well-prepared for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles.

Further, the program sets a solid groundwork should you wish to further your education with post-masters certificates or doctorates.

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Admission Requirements for Accelerated Nursing Programs in Connecticut

The general admission requirements for accelerated nursing programs (also known as second-degree or direct-entry nursing programs) in Connecticut typically include the following:

Bachelor’s Degree: You must have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited institution.
Minimum GPA: Most programs require a minimum GPA (usually around 3.0, but it varies) in your previous degree.
Prerequisite Courses: You’ll need to have completed certain prerequisite courses, often including Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, Chemistry, Nutrition, and sometimes courses in social and behavioral sciences or humanities.
Application: A completed application form, typically submitted online.
Nursing Personal Statement or Essay: This will detail your interest in nursing and why you are applying to the program.
Letters of Recommendation: Programs usually require several letters of recommendation from professional or academic references.
Resume or CV: This should include any relevant work or volunteer experience.
Interview: Some programs require an in-person or virtual interview as part of the admission process.
Test Scores: Some programs may require standardized test scores, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
Criminal Background Check: Most nursing schools in Connecticut require a criminal background check due to clinical placement requirements.

These are general requirements, which can vary based on the individual school or program. Check with the specific institution for their most up-to-date admission requirements.

Wrapping Up

According to a Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce report, 52% of the RNs in Connecticut are over 50 years old. Therefore, the state will likely lose almost half of its current RN workforce to retirement in the coming years.

This disheartening fact underscores the need for more people to join the nursing profession and minimize the interruption of healthcare services.

Fortunately, with accelerated nursing programs in Connecticut, you can earn an RN license and make your entry into nursing- in as few as 12 months!

Disclaimer:

Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.