Nursing school can be a stressful time for those who are just beginning their educational journey. Accelerated nursing programs in CT can alleviate this stress by offering hands-on experience through lab work and clinicals, having flexible schedules that will allow students to complete their degree online or in-person, and by preparing students for rewarding careers in the healthcare industry. These programs can also be completed in a shorter amount of time than it takes to complete a BSN or MSN.
Below is a list of institutions that offer accelerated nursing programs in CT. Hopefully, you will be able to find one that works with your schedule and budget.
Best 11 Accelerated Nursing Programs in Connecticut
1. University of Connecticut (24 Points)
The University of Connecticut is a large institution that has been ranked as one of the Top 25 Public Research Universities, with more than 32,000 students enrolled and almost 10,000 faculty and staff members. UConn’s one-year accelerated Certificate Entry into Nursing program will allow students to quickly go from having a bachelor’s degree to being a registered nurse in three semesters. This program is available at four campus locations: Avery Point, Stamford, Storrs, and Waterbury.
- Annual in-state tuition: $17,226
- Graduation rate: 84%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 16 to 1
2. Central Connecticut State University (21 Points)
Ranked as #12 for being a Best Value College in Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University offers small class sizes and has several accreditations under its belt, including from ATMAE, AACSB, and NCATE. The Department of Nursing will prepare students to become registered nurses through their BSN program. This institution has a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree program, but they also have an RN to BSN program for registered nurses who would like to complete their bachelor’s degree in a short amount of time.
- Annual in-state tuition: $11,068
- Graduation rate: 57%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 14 to 1
3. Western Connecticut State University (18 Points)
Western Connecticut State University contains four schools and two campuses for students to choose from: a 34-acre main campus in downtown Danbury and a 364-acre campus located three miles from the main campus. The RN to BS program is for Registered Nurses who have completed an associate degree or diploma. A combination of on-campus and online courses are required and can be completed in two years if enrolled as a part-time student. All RN credits should be transferred to obtain a bachelor’s degree quickly.
- Annual in-state tuition: $11,344
- Graduation rate: 52%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 12 to 1
4. Albertus Magnus College (17 Points)
Albertus Magnus College is a private, Catholic institution located in New Haven, Connecticut. This college provides traditional courses and learning opportunities, as well as providing time to pray throughout the day. A General Health Sciences degree can prepare students for a wide range of healthcare-related fields, including nursing. This program requires 50 credits to graduate and includes experiential, hands-on learning, collaborative opportunities, and active career counseling.
- Annual in-state tuition: $33,260
- Graduation rate: 61%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 14 to 1
5. Stone Academy (16 Points)
Founded in 1864, Stone Academy has one main campus and two branch campuses for added convenience to students throughout Connecticut. A Nurses Aide Certificate is available for those who would like to quickly enter the healthcare field, taking as little as four weeks to complete. The program requires 125 hours both on-campus and off-campus for clinical training, preparing students for careers at nursing homes, hospice, hospitals, and more. Day, evening and weekend classes are available.
- Annual in-state tuition: $30,600
- Graduation rate: 58%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 14 to 1
6. Southern Connecticut State University (15 Points)
Established in 1969, the Department of Nursing at Southern Connecticut State University is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. An accelerated career entry (ACE) program is available for those who have already earned a BS or BA and are interested in entering the nursing field. The program can be completed in 12 months and is based on the same curriculum used for traditional nursing degrees. A total of 55 nursing courses are required to earn this degree and students must take the Medication Test after being accepted into the program.
- Annual in-state tuition: $11,446
- Graduation rate: 52%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 13 to 1
7. Northwestern Connecticut Community College (14 Points)
Northwestern Connecticut Community College is a two-year institution that currently has less than 400 undergraduate students enrolled in one of their programs. One of the programs offered is an Associate in Science degree in Nursing that was labeled as a Best Ranked Nursing Program in 2019 by RNCareers.org and one of the Top U.S. Nursing Schools in 2020 by Nursing Schools Almanac. It is approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing and is a four-semester program that prepares registered nurses to use the latest nursing techniques. The program is an accelerated 18-month program that allows students to begin in January.
- Annual in-state tuition: $4,506
- Graduation rate: 21%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 15 to 1
8. Gateway Community College (13 Points)
Accredited by the Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, The Nursing program at Gateway Community College is a four-semester program that prepares registered nurses to use the best nursing practices in a healthcare setting. Students will learn to provide and manage care for patients with diverse backgrounds, as well as families and communities.
- Annual in-state tuition: $4,496
- Graduation rate: 12%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 15 to 1
9. Fairfield University (12 Points)
Ranked as the #3 Best College in the Northern Region, the #1 Best College for Nursing, and one of the Best Colleges for Your Money, Fairfield University has gained a reputation for being a top Connecticut institution. The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies offers an Accelerated Master’s Entry to Practice Nursing. This program can be completed in two years and requires 76 credits. It is a competitive program and is offered to those who have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.3 or better. Students will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam to become a registered nurse once the program is completed.
- Annual in-state tuition: $49,830
- Graduation rate: 83%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 12 to 1
10. Quinnipiac University (11 Points)
The Accelerated BSN from Quinnipiac University is a 12-month program that is designed for those who currently hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline but would also like to earn a second bachelor’s degree in nursing. This program has been ranked as #9 out of 518 schools nationwide by College Factual and has a 98% success rate, meaning that students were employed within six months after graduation. It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation.
- Annual in-state tuition: $49,280
- Graduation rate: 77%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 12 to 1
11. Sacred Heart University (10 Points)
Founded in 1963, Sacred Heart University is a private college that was the first Catholic university in America to be led and staffed by lay people. An accelerated BSN program is available and can be completed in 15 months. This program is a second degree program intended for students who already have a bachelor’s degree, but are interested in earning another bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students will have the opportunity to participate in clinical immersion and two-week intercessions.
- Annual in-state tuition: $43,070
- Graduation rate: 73%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 13 to 1
How the Accelerated Nursing Programs in CT Were Ranked
To determine which college to list first, we began by researching all the institutions in Connecticut that offer this program and listing them in a spreadsheet. We then researched the annual in-state tuition and graduation rates for each institution. Next, we gave between 1 and 15 points to each college, giving more points to the school with the lowest tuition cost. We also gave 1 to 15 points based on the graduation rate, giving more points to the highest graduation rate. The points given to the two columns were then added together.
These accelerated nursing programs in ct should give you an idea of which institution you would like to further your education at. We are here to help you find the perfect institution for your needs, but if you feel there was a mistake in any of the information given in this article, let us know. Also, contact us if there is a certain type of program or degree you are interested in.
