Online Nursing Schools in CT: Guide to Finding Top Programs
This EduMed student guide showcases the top accredited online nursing schools and programs in Connecticut that can help you achieve your professional nursing goals. Whether you’re just beginning your RN journey or looking to move into advanced practitioner, educator, or research roles, learn about the diverse types of nursing programs in Connecticut, details about the RN licensing process, and income prospects.
Why Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
Looking at Connecticut’s Different Types of Online Nursing Programs
Nursing programs across Connecticut range from having no online component to fully online didactic coursework. Most also have clinical components for online students, which are always in-person. The field has endless possibilities from entry-level nursing as a nurse aide (CNA) or practical nurse (LPN), to associate (ADN) and bachelor’s (BSN) degrees that prepare you for registered nursing (RN) licensing, to advanced nursing degrees like a master’s (MSN) or doctorate (DNP or PhD). There are even programs that bridge between levels as well as accelerated programs for bachelor’s holders in non-nursing fields (ABSNs). Advanced specialty certificates are also available. Discovering your nursing niche begins with understanding the degree types available to you, which are detailed below along with an example of each.
Online Undergraduate Degree 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. CNA, ADN, and ABSN programs often offer online components, while LPN and traditional BSN programs are still mainly in-person programs.
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
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
In Connecticut, LPN programs are fully in-person since clinicals are a large part. They must be state-approved and prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam, so they can work as LPNs in the state. 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, is exclusively online in Connecticut, and qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN. Unfortunately, however, no Connecticut schools currently offer an online or hybrid traditional BSN program.
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 and are often online. They train nurses for positions like family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, critical care nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, and nurse midwife.
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 nursing 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 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 Bridge Degree 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. There are, of course, in-person clinical requirements.
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 on-campus attendance with few offering online study. 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, but no Connecticut schools currently offer an online or hybrid direct-entry MSN program.
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. There are no continuing education requirements for RNs in Connecticut.
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
For those considering a career in nursing in Connecticut, this data offers useful insights into potential earnings and job outlook. Connecticut RNs earn competitive salaries compared to the national average, with entry-level positions (10th percentile) making around $78,370 and the median salary at $100,620. Highly experienced nurses in the 90th percentile can earn up to $127,150 annually, with some areas paying even more. For example, in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk area, top earners make as much as $134,990 per year, while the median is $102,870.
Job growth for RNs in Connecticut is projected at 8.2%, adding 2,890 new positions over the next few years, which is above the national rate of 5.6%. Due to growth and turnover, this increase will result in around 2,270 job openings annually, providing ample opportunities in various healthcare settings. With solid earning potential and consistent job openings, nursing in Connecticut is a stable and financially rewarding career choice.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $78,370 | $100,620 | $127,150 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | $80,450 | $102,870 | $134,990 |
| Danbury, CT | $78,330 | $99,570 | $123,240 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $76,890 | $98,860 | $121,630 |
| New Haven, CT | $81,010 | $102,910 | $125,090 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | $73,570 | $101,800 | $128,330 |
| Waterbury, CT | $78,930 | $100,640 | $125,640 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, 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 ranked among the best online nursing programs in Connecticut feature accreditation, affordability, comprehensive curriculum, and access to academic counseling and career placement services. They also have significant online offerings, offer substantial financial aid options, and have a student-to-faculty ratio that optimizes learning. For additional details on how schools are chosen and ranked, see the About the Rankings popup below. Continue below that to see which schools set the standard for online nursing programs in CT.
Goodwin University
East Hartford, Connecticut
Why We Selected Goodwin University:
- The program offers a comprehensive curriculum integrating critical thinking and evidence-based practices.
- Goodwin University provides a supportive learning environment promoting cultural diversity and lifelong learning.
- The nursing program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam with a focus on holistic patient care.
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$19,988
- Average Institutional Aid$8,482
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course73%
- % of Students Receiving an Award44%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, Connecticut
Why We Selected Sacred Heart University:
- Sacred Heart University offers an accelerated RN-BSN pathway, allowing completion in as few as 10 months.
- The program features a unique "Human Journey" core curriculum, emphasizing holistic patient care through interdisciplinary studies.
- Students can participate in international study experiences, such as a two-week term in Dingle, Ireland.
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$44,960
- Average Institutional Aid$18,523
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course39%
- % of Students Receiving an Award73%
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
University of Saint Joseph
West Hartford, Connecticut
Why We Selected University of Saint Joseph:
- The program offers renowned faculty and acclaimed curriculum for comprehensive nursing education.
- The nursing program provides hands-on experience through clinical placements and simulation labs.
- The program is known for its combination of classroom instruction and practical training.
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$40,826
- Average Institutional Aid$24,021
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course46%
- % of Students Receiving an Award55%
- Student/Faculty Ratio8/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
