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by
Erin Lee, BSN, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) in Connecticut involves exploring several educational pathways. Among them, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is considered one of the best launching points.
Considering this, we've provided everything you need to know to apply for a BSN in Connecticut, along with salary expectations after graduation and recommendations for the best programs in the state.
Table of Contents
Best BSN Programs in Connecticut
The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools with the addition of NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rate of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.
1. University of Saint Joseph
The University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford offers a BSN program with an estimated annual tuition of $24,776. This program boasts an impressive NCLEX pass rate of 97%. Additionally, it holds both ACEN and CCNE accreditations, guaranteeing a top-notch nursing education and bright career opportunities for those who complete the program.
2. Central Connecticut State University
Central Connecticut State University in New Britain offers aspiring nurses an affordable opportunity to pursue a BSN degree, with an estimated annual tuition of $13,434. While not ACEN accredited, the program proudly holds accreditation from CCNE, and its outstanding NCLEX pass rate of 97% speaks to its commitment to producing highly skilled and successful nursing professionals.
3. Fairfield University
Situated in Fairfield, Fairfield University offers a BSN program with an estimated annual tuition of $43,569. Noteworthy for its commendable NCLEX pass rate of 95%, this program is further distinguished by its dual accreditations from ACEN and CCNE, guaranteeing a comprehensive and top-tier nursing education for aspiring students.
4. Western Connecticut State University
Western Connecticut State University in Danbury provides a BSN program at an estimated annual tuition of $16,154. With a solid NCLEX pass rate of 92%, the program is CCNE accredited, assuring students of a well-rounded nursing education that opens doors to a fulfilling nursing career.
5. University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport's BSN program in Bridgeport offers an estimated annual tuition of $24,416. While the NCLEX pass rate is 80%, students can still benefit from the program's dual accreditation from ACEN and CCNE, which provides a strong foundation for nursing practice and future professional growth
| Score | School | Program | City |
Estimated Cost(Annual)* |
NCLEX Pass Rates (Avg. 2018-2022) |
Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99.90 | University of Saint Joseph | BSN | West Hartford | $25,776 | 97% | Yes |
| 95.00 | Central Connecticut State University | BSN | New Britain | $13,434 | 97% | Yes |
| 92.82 | Fairfield University | BSN | Fairfield | $43,569 | 95% | Yes |
| 91.16 | Western Connecticut State University | BSN | Danbury | $16,154 | 92% | Yes |
| 90.36 | University of Bridgeport | BSN | Bridgeport | $24,416 | 80% | Yes |
*Costs as reported by Department of Education unless otherwise noted. Actual costs will vary based on scholarship, coursework, and other factors.
What Is a BSN?
A BSN is a step up from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). BSNs typically include more extensive study and coursework and offer a broader range of clinical experiences. Earning a BSN can provide nurses with more career opportunities beyond basic clinical care, including roles in:
- Administration
- Research
- Teaching
- Consulting
Many healthcare institutions today prefer BSN-prepared nurses to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements.
Related: 10 Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023
BSN Coursework
Typical BSN coursework includes:
- Biology, including a lab and lecture course
- Chemistry, incorporating a lab and lecture course
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology, with a lab and lecture course
- Nutrition
- Pathophysiology
- Sociology
- Genetics and Genomics
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Pharmacology
- Mathematics, often statistics or at least an algebra course
- General Psychology
Can BSNs Be Taken Entirely Online?
Acquiring nursing skills requires hands-on learning and real-life practice, which can't be fully replicated in an entirely online environment for an initial nursing degree. Because of this, Pre-licensure BSN programs aren't entirely online, as in-person skills training and direct patent care experiences in healthcare facilities are needed. However, many BSN programs offer online coursework options, providing a hybrid environment for working students or those requiring more flexible schedules.
Where Do BSN-Prepared Nurses Work?
Nurses with a BSN have many career options and opportunities and can practice in most care settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Home Care Agencies
- Physician Office
- Educational Services
- Government Agencies
- Schools
- Community Centers
- Hospices
- Dialysis Centers
- Telephonic and Virtual Care Settings
BSN Prerequisites and Requirements
BSN programs generally require:
- Proof of Prior Education: Verification of high school diploma or GED.
- Prerequisite studies: Research your program for the exact courses needed.
- Pre-Entrance Exam: Tests like the TEAS or HESI.
- CPR Certification: Varying depending on the program.
- Criminal Background Check: To ensure patient safety.
BSN Salary Expectations in Connecticut
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs in Connecticut in 2022 earned:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $45.32
- Annual Mean Wage: $94,260
Unfortunately, the BLS does not specify whether this is an ADN-prepared RN or BSN-prepared RNs; however, given that a BSN is likely to increase earning potential, this is likely to be representative of slightly lower than the average BSN-RN salary.
RN salary in Connecticut is 6% higher than the national estimates for 2022, as the BLS reports RNs across the U.S. earning:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $42.80
- Annual Mean Wage: $89,010
With the highest-paying states being:
- California: $133,340
- Hawaii: $113,220
- Oregon: $106,610
- Massachusetts: $104,150
- Alaska: $103,310
The BLS collected the Connecticut RN wage data from over 34,290 nurses.
How to Choose a Nursing School
Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of education, while others may place greater emphasis on NCLEX pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.
Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:
- Cost
- High NCLEX Pass Rate
- Location
- Academic Reputation
- Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Length of Time to Obtain Degree
- Flexibility of Schedule
- Curriculum
- Campus and Surroundings
- Nursing Clinicals Location
- Availability of Online Courses
Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that best fit them.
FAQ and Additional Readings
Q: How do I transfer my nursing license to Connecticut?
Connecticut is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you'll be required to apply for licensure with the Connecticut Board of Nursing.
Q: Are there specialization programs for nurses in Connecticut?
Many schools in Connecticut offer advanced nursing degrees, allowing RNs to specialize in pediatric, geriatric, family nurse practitioner, acute care, and more.
Q: Is it better to have an ADN or a BSN?
While obtaining an RN license after completing an ADN is possible, the opportunities after graduation and beyond are more significant with a BSN degree. BSNs focus more on research, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice, whereas an ADN primarily focuses on clinical skills.
Additionally, many healthcare institutions require BSN-prepared RNs to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements and achieve Magnet status prestige.
