Nursing is one of the most vital pillars of the healthcare system. Nurses are often the first point of contact for patients, the steady hands during emergencies, and the compassionate presence that brings comfort and hope.
Because of the critical role they play, nurses must have more than just a caring heart; they need strong clinical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to adapt in fast-paced environments.
But those kinds of skills don’t just happen by chance. They are built through rigorous training, hands-on experience, and mentorship in institutions that take nursing education seriously. The quality of your program can shape the kind of nurse you become.
Connecticut, known for its well-structured healthcare network and academic excellence, offers some of the best nursing programs in the country. If you are aiming to become a Registered Nurse (RN), earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or advance to graduate-level studies, you will find plenty of respected options in the state.
In putting together this list, we carefully reviewed all the nursing schools in Connecticut, considering important factors such as each school’s accreditation status, NCLEX pass rates, range of nursing programs, learning environment, and reputation for producing competent, job-ready nurses. After comparing these key details, we narrowed it down to the institutions that truly stand out for their quality, commitment, and results. Explore the list below.
Best Nursing Schools in Connecticut
Residents and prospective nursing students in Connecticut are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to quality education. Take a closer look at some of the very best nursing schools in Connecticut below.
1. Yale School of Nursing (Yale University)
Yale School of Nursing is one of the most respected nursing schools in the United States and a true leader in advanced nursing education. Instead of the traditional four-year BSN, Yale focuses on graduate-level programs designed for nurses who want to reach the highest levels of practice, leadership, and research. The school offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhD programs, along with post-master’s certificates in several advanced practice specialties.
Classes are held at Yale’s beautiful West Campus in Orange, Connecticut, and students get access to modern clinical simulation facilities and partnerships with top hospitals across the region. The programs combine classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and leadership training, giving graduates a solid foundation for advanced roles such as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and clinical researchers.
Yale’s programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and graduates consistently perform well on national certification exams.
2. University of Connecticut (Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing)
The University of Connecticut (UConn) offers one of the most comprehensive nursing programs in the state, serving students at every stage of their nursing journey, from undergraduate to doctoral level.
The school provides several pathways, including the traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). There is an accelerated second-degree program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, an RN-to-BSN option for working nurses, and a range of graduate programs like the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhD.
UConn’s programs are designed to blend rigorous academics with experience. Students learn in state-of-the-art simulation labs, take part in clinical placements across Connecticut’s leading hospitals, and benefit from strong research opportunities led by expert faculty. Many of UConn’s graduate and online nursing programs have earned national recognition for their quality and innovation.
The nursing school is accredited by the CCNE and fully approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing.
3. Quinnipiac University (School of Nursing)
Quinnipiac University’s School of Nursing has built a strong reputation for producing confident, well-prepared nurses who thrive in clinical practice and leadership roles. The school offers a range of nursing programs to fit different career stages.
They offer a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an accelerated second-degree BSN for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, an RN-to-BSN pathway, and advanced degrees such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Classes combine theory, research, and evidence-based practice with plenty of hands-on learning. Quinnipiac’s nursing students gain clinical experience through partnerships with leading hospitals and healthcare organizations throughout Connecticut and beyond. The university’s simulation labs are modern and immersive, helping students build confidence before stepping into real hospital settings.
The School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and graduates have consistently high first-time NCLEX pass rates.
4. Fairfield University (Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies)
Fairfield University’s Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies is another school that offers the best bursing program in Connecticut. It offers a traditional BSN, an accelerated second-degree nursing program, and a variety of graduate options, including MSN and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees.
Students here don’t just learn from textbooks; they spend extensive time in clinical settings and simulation labs that mirror real hospital environments. Fairfield’s partnerships with major healthcare facilities give students opportunities to gain practical experience in different medical fields, from pediatrics to critical care.
The Egan School is fully accredited by the CCNE and holds a strong track record of preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam.
5. Sacred Heart University (Davis & Henley College of Nursing)
Sacred Heart University’s Davis & Henley College of Nursing is one of the best nursing schools in Connecticut. It is known for its modern facilities, strong clinical partnerships, and impressive NCLEX pass rates.
The university offers several nursing pathways, including a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an accelerated second-degree BSN (for those who already hold a bachelor’s in another field), and graduate programs such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
The school’s state-of-the-art Center for Healthcare Education features simulation labs that replicate real hospital environments, helping students develop essential skills before entering clinical rotations.
Graduates of Sacred Heart’s nursing programs consistently achieve excellent NCLEX pass rates, often among the highest in the state.
6. Western Connecticut State University (Department of Nursing)
Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) offers one of the most affordable and reputable public nursing programs in the state.
The university provides a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an RN-to-BSN completion option, giving both new students and working nurses the chance to advance their education.
At WCSU, nursing students receive a well-rounded education that combines classroom learning, simulation training, and diverse clinical experiences. The school partners with local hospitals and healthcare centers, ensuring that students gain exposure to different patient populations and care settings.
WCSU has an impressive record of NCLEX success, with first-time pass rates that often reach or approach 100%.
7. University of Saint Joseph (School of Interdisciplinary Health and Science)
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) in West Hartford offers a well-rounded nursing program. The school provides several nursing options, including the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an accelerated second-degree program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, and pathways for licensed registered nurses to further their education.
At USJ, students learn in small, supportive classes and get plenty of experience through clinical placements at hospitals and healthcare centers across Connecticut. The university’s modern simulation laboratories allow students to practice critical nursing skills in a realistic environment before entering actual clinical settings.
The nursing programs at USJ are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The university is especially proud of its consistently strong NCLEX pass rates, with some recent cohorts achieving a perfect 100% first-time pass rate.
8. Southern Connecticut State University (School of Nursing)
Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) has one of the oldest and most established nursing programs in the state. The school offers a range of options, including the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) program for students with previous degrees, an RN-to-BSN program, and graduate options like the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
The university has partnerships with major hospitals and community health organizations, ensuring students gain exposure to a range of healthcare settings. Its modern simulation labs help bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving students the confidence to handle real-world challenges.
The nursing programs at SCSU are fully accredited and highly regarded for their NCLEX performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Connecticut a good place to study nursing?
Yes, absolutely. Connecticut has a strong healthcare system and several top-ranked universities that offer quality nursing programs.
The state’s hospitals, clinics, and community health centers provide excellent opportunities for clinical experience and job placements, making it a great place to study and practice nursing.
2. How long does it take to complete a nursing program in Connecticut?
It depends on the type of program you choose. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) usually takes about two years, while a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) takes around four years to complete.
If you already have a degree in another field, you can go for an accelerated BSN, which can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months.
3. Are nursing programs in Connecticut accredited?
Yes, the top nursing schools in Connecticut are accredited by respected organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Accreditation ensures the program meets national standards and that graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
4. What is the job outlook for nurses in Connecticut?
Nurses are in high demand across the state. With an aging population and expanding healthcare services, hospitals and clinics are always looking for qualified nurses.
According to recent labor data, registered nurses in Connecticut earn an average annual salary of around $90,000, and the demand is expected to keep growing.
5. Can I work while studying nursing in Connecticut?
Many students balance part-time jobs with their studies, especially those enrolled in flexible or evening programs. However, nursing programs are demanding, so it’s important to plan your schedule carefully.
Some schools also offer work-study opportunities or on-campus jobs to help students earn while they learn.
Conclusion
Nursing is a calling, and if you’re in Connecticut, you’re in one of the best places to answer that call. The state doesn’t just have good nursing schools; it has institutions that truly shape compassionate, skilled professionals who make a difference every day.
If you want to start with an associate degree, aim straight for a BSN, or move into advanced practice and leadership roles, you can find a nursing school in Connecticut that gives you the foundation and experience you need to grow.