ACNP Programs in Connecticut (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
As a graduate of one of the ACNP programs in Connecticut, you'll have the knowledge and skills you need to deliver potentially life-saving nursing care to patients affected by sudden injuries and illnesses. The market for acute care nurse practitioners' expertise is expected to rise by 45 percent over the coming decade, and you'll be compensated accordingly with an average salary of $140,320 a year. Employment opportunities will abound in hospitals and medical centers throughout the Nutmeg State. This could be the career opportunity you've been dreaming about. Get started by reading through our guide below to the best ACNP programs in Connecticut.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN CONNECTICUT (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Connecticut.)
1. Yale University - Orange
Programs Offered: GEPN, MSN, and Post-Master’s Certificate
GEPN Specialties Offered: Adult/Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult/Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care
The Graduate Entry Pre-Specialty in Nursing (GEPN) program is a three-year accelerated program. The first year of the program, the pre-specialty year, combines instruction in basic nursing with a foundation for pursuing advanced specialty training. In the pre-specialty year, you will complete 45 credits and 357 clinical hours. Upon completion of the pre-specialty year, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and become licensed as a registered nurse. At that time, you will continue with graduate studies, following the traditional MSN curriculum plan for your chosen specialty.
GEPN Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the GEPN program must submit an online application and the corresponding application fee. Candidates are required to submit a current resume or curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, a personal essay, a synchronous video, a timed writing assessment, and official transcripts from any post-secondary institutions previously attended. Four prerequisite courses are required prior to the program's start: Human Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab (4 credits), Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab (4 credits), General Chemistry (4 credits), and Microbiology (4 credits). Candidates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher are preferred.
MSN Program Details: The MSN ACNP program at Yale University is designed for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses who wish to pursue a master’s degree in nursing and specialize in providing acute care to adults and gerontological patients, or pediatric patients. The program admits students in the fall semester and is completed in two years.
The MSN program features coursework that is primarily in person. However, some online assignments and class meetings may be incorporated. The program also includes campus-based intensives and face-to-face clinical practicums at various healthcare facilities. The Adult Gerontology ACNP pathway features a 52.6-credit curriculum and includes 968 clinical hours. The Pediatric Acute Care NP program is a 50-credit pathway that includes 665 hours of practicum experience.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and have a current, unrestricted RN license. Candidates must submit a personal essay, a CV or resume, three letters of reference, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. A cumulative college GPA of at least 3.0 is preferred. However, if your average is less than 3.0, you may be considered with satisfactory GRE scores. If your GPA is 3.0 or higher, GRE scores are not required. Additionally, applicants must complete an asynchronous video and a timed writing assessment.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you are a Certified Nurse Midwife or Advanced Practice Nurse and you want to pursue training and certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, the Post-Master’s Certificate program at Yale University is an excellent option. Acute Care NP pathways are available for Adult Gerontology and Pediatrics.
The Post-Master’s Certificate program is in-person. Part-time and full-time options are available. Students typically complete the program in one or two years, depending on the number of credits and clinical hours they need. A review of your previous academic transcripts will be used to determine a personalized study plan that meets the requirements for completing the certificate program. Clinical practicums are arranged collaboratively with the Clinical Support Unit.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: Candidates for the Post-Master’s Certificate program must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited institution and hold an unrestricted APRN or CNM license. In addition to submitting an online NursingCAS application, applicants must provide three letters of recommendation, a personal statement/essay, a current CV or resume, evidence of current RN license, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended, even if a degree was not earned. All candidates are required to participate in a virtual interview. Candidates with at least one year of post-master’s clinical nursing experience are preferred.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• When you pursue your degree at Yale University, you will become part of a tradition of excellence in nursing. The university has offered nursing education programs for over 100 years! It was the first school to offer a university-based model for nursing education, is the home of the first Graduate Entry Nursing Program, and supported the first randomized trial conducted by a nursing professional! No wonder Yale University is considered home to the best ACNP programs in Connecticut!!• As an ACNP student, one of the most crucial components of your training program is clinical practicums. Many nursing programs require students to identify their own clinical sites and preceptors. At Yale, the Clinical Support Unit will help you in this process by leveraging the school’s network of clinical partners. With guidance from the Clinical Support Team, you can be assured of an excellent clinical experience.
• As a nurse educator, I find that simulated learning provides excellent opportunities for students to grow and develop essential skills that are relevant to their practice. As a student at Yale University's School of Nursing, you will have access to state-of-the-art simulated learning experiences. The school boasts an impressive 8,000 square feet simulated learning center equipped with cutting-edge artificial reality technology, where you will be equipped with the knowledge you need to succeed in the role of an Acute Care Adult-Gerontology or Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
• As clinicians with active practices, program faculty bring expert insight and a real-world approach to classrooms and labs. When you pursue your degree at Yale University’s School of Nursing, you will benefit from its up-to-date training and clinical skills.
• One of the things I love about nursing is that opportunities to broaden your knowledge and scope of practice are literally endless, and Yale University makes it even easier for its students. As a student in the ACNP programs, you have the option of adding a specialty concentration to your plan of study. Some of the concentration tracks available include Diabetes Care Coordination, Gender and Sexuality Health Justice, and Oncology.
2. University of Connecticut - Storrs
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The MSN AGACNP program features online coursework, two on-campus intensives, and 720 hours of clinical experience. The 45-credit curriculum features classes, including Advanced Pharmacodynamics & Implications for Nursing Actions in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Populations, Complex & Comorbid Health Problems in AGNP Acute Care Practice, and Evidence-Based Practice to Advanced Clinical Scholarship.
MSN Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the MSN program at the University of Connecticut must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program, an unrestricted RN license, and at least two years of full-time RN-level work experience in an acute care setting. Candidates must complete an online application and provide three letters of reference (one academic and two professional), a current resume, answers to essay questions, a work experience verification form, and transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The post-baccalaureate DNP for Adult Gerontology Acute Care NPs is designed to prepare students for the highest level of clinical practice. The BSN-to-DNP program features fully online, asynchronous course offerings. Two multi-day, campus-based intensives are incorporated into the curriculum, providing opportunities for hands-on acute care simulations.
Through this ACNP program in Connecticut, you will work to obtain your master’s degree and complete specialty track coursework and then progress toward the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Therefore, at completion of the program, both an MSN and a DNP degree will be conferred.
The curriculum is divided into a post-bachelor's MSN component and a post-master's DNP component. You will collaborate with the Track Coordinator to develop a personalized plan of study. A minimum of 77 credits is required to earn the DNP degree (45 credits from the MSN component and at least 32 from the post-master’s DNP component of the program). All DNP students are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. The program culminates with the completion and presentation of a DNP Scholarly Project.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates for the BSN-to-DNP program must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing earned from an accredited nursing program and must hold a current, unrestricted RN license. A minimum of two years of work experience as a registered nurse in an acute care setting is required. Applicants must provide transcripts from all post-secondary schools previously attended reflecting a 3.0 or higher GPA, an uploaded verification of RN direct patient care hours form, three letters of recommendation, written responses to application questions, and a current resume.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate Certificate program is designed for students holding a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing who wish to pursue training and certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Coursework is delivered in an asynchronous, online format. Depending on your previous education and certification, you will attend one or two in-person, four-day intensive sessions on campus. Students who are already certified nurse practitioners typically complete the program in two semesters. Plans of study are developed on an individual basis according to your previous academic experience. A minimum of 500 clinical hours is required for completion of this program.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Registered nurses with a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing are eligible to apply for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of Connecticut. Candidates are required to submit a written response to essay questions, three letters of reference, a current professional resume, a verification of RN work experience form, and transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. A minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of Connecticut is well-known for providing high-quality nursing education. The school is ranked among the Best Online Programs: Graduate Nursing and Best Online Master’s Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report!• The UConn School of Nursing has a network of more than 300 clinical training partners throughout Connecticut and other areas in the country, which means you will have access to exceptional learning opportunities. Clinical practicum assignments are planned collaboratively between students, clinical coordinators, and clinical sites to ensure you get the best experiences!
• Graduates of the University of Connecticut's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program have consistently achieved excellent pass rates on national certification exams. As a nurse educator, I believe a program’s record of how well graduates perform on national exams is something all prospective students should consider, as this can give you an idea about the quality of the program and how well you will be prepared for the role you are pursuing.
• Just because you pursue an online degree, that does not mean you must give up the right to personalized attention and guidance from faculty and staff. The University of Connecticut School of Nursing has 60 full-time faculty and 27 full-time staff members. Each member of the faculty and staff team is committed to your success in the program and your future career.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN CONNECTICUT?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN CONNECTICUT EXPECT?
| Hourly | $49.63 |
| Weekly | $1,985 |
| Monthly | $8,600 |
| Annual | $103,230 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN CONNECTICUT EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $49.63 | $1,985 | $8,600 | $103,230 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $56.16 | $2,246 | $9,730 | $116,810 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $66.29 | $2,652 | $11,490 | $137,880 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $73.83 | $2,953 | $12,800 | $153,560 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $88.22 | $3,529 | $15,290 | $183,500 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN CONNECTICUT?
| Hourly | $67.46 |
| Weekly | $2,698 |
| Monthly | $11,690 |
| Annual | $140,320 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF CONNECTICUT?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk | $69.44 | $2,778 | $12,040 | $144,440 |
| Danbury | $69.55 | $2,782 | $12,060 | $144,670 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford | $67.63 | $2,705 | $11,720 | $140,680 |
| New Haven | $66.60 | $2,664 | $11,540 | $138,530 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly | $66.34 | $2,654 | $11,500 | $137,990 |
| Waterbury | $68.01 | $2,721 | $11,790 | $141,470 |
ACNP SALARY IN CONNECTICUT VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN CONNECTICUT VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Connecticut ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $140,320 | $131,620 | +$8,700 | +6.61% |
ACNP SALARY IN CONNECTICUT VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$25,160 | -15.20% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$11,970 | -7.86% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$8,620 | -5.79% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$8,240 | -5.55% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$8,160 | -5.50% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$7,200 | -4.88% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$5,990 | -4.09% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | $0 | 0.00% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | +$220 | +0.16% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | +$2,020 | +1.46% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | +$2,190 | +1.59% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | +$3,610 | +2.64% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | +$4,480 | +3.30% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | +$4,530 | +3.34% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | +$6,020 | +4.48% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | +$6,310 | +4.71% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | +$6,400 | +4.78% |
| Texas | $133,180 | +$7,140 | +5.36% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | +$8,860 | +6.74% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | +$9,210 | +7.02% |
| Utah | $130,930 | +$9,390 | +7.17% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | +$9,450 | +7.22% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | +$9,770 | +7.48% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | +$10,330 | +7.95% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | +$11,080 | +8.57% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | +$11,150 | +8.63% |
| Montana | $127,680 | +$12,640 | +9.90% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | +$12,740 | +9.99% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | +$12,960 | +10.18% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | +$13,750 | +10.86% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | +$14,000 | +11.08% |
| Maine | $125,930 | +$14,390 | +11.43% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | +$14,460 | +11.49% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | +$15,360 | +12.29% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | +$15,680 | +12.58% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | +$15,770 | +12.66% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$16,220 | +13.07% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$16,390 | +13.23% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$16,510 | +13.33% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$16,700 | +13.51% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$17,690 | +14.43% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$18,140 | +14.85% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$18,760 | +15.43% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$19,970 | +16.59% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$20,530 | +17.14% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$20,800 | +17.40% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$24,110 | +20.75% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$24,150 | +20.79% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$27,260 | +24.11% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$27,620 | +24.51% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$34,070 | +32.07% |
ACNP SALARY IN CONNECTICUT VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN CONNECTICUT
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $247,740 | -$107,420 | -43.36% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $140,320 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $122,530 | +$17,790 | +14.52% |
| Registered Nurse | $101,840 | +$38,480 | +37.78% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $97,050 | +$43,270 | +44.59% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $68,150 | +$72,170 | +105.90% |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,050 | +$97,270 | +225.95% |
ACNP SALARY IN CONNECTICUT VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN CONNECTICUT
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $215,340 | -$75,020 | -34.84% |
| Podiatrist | $177,240 | -$36,920 | -20.83% |
| Optometrist | $151,270 | -$10,950 | -7.24% |
| Physician Assistant | $149,300 | -$8,980 | -6.01% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $140,320 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $139,230 | +$1,090 | +0.78% |
| Pharmacist | $133,490 | +$6,830 | +5.12% |
| Radiation Therapist | $106,920 | +$33,400 | +31.24% |
| Physical Therapist | $103,870 | +$36,450 | +35.09% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Connecticut?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Connecticut?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Connecticut?
| $67.46 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Connecticut?
| $2,698 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Connecticut?
| $11,690 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Connecticut?
| $140,320 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Connecticut?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +44.76% |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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