13 Best MSN Programs in Connecticut – 2026

Writer: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA

MSN programs in Connecticut are the quickest route to executive nurse leadership roles. Many Master’s of Science in Nursing programs in the Constitution State can also prepare you for advanced practice nursing roles such as nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist. As an MSN-educated RN in Connecticut, you’ll see the number of job openings available to you shoot up: Within 10 years, present employment opportunities will increase by 45 percent. You can count on making an average salary of $133,490 annually. This could be the opportunity to fast-track your nursing career that you’ve been dreaming of. You’ll find lots more information below in our guide to the 13 best MSN programs in Connecticut.

WHAT ARE THE BEST MSN PROGRAMS IN CONNECTICUT(ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the 13 Best Master of Science in Nursing Programs in Connecticut (Online & Campus) for 2026.

1. Central Connecticut State University - New Britain

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Education and Hospice & Palliative Care

MSN Program Details: Nursing is a wonderful career path with endless opportunities to learn, grow, and build personal and professional relationships. In my nearly three decades as a nurse, I have worked in several specialty areas and had the privilege of teaching nursing and allied health. If you are a nurse interested in advancing your career to a graduate level, earning a Master of Science in Nursing is an excellent option. Many nursing programs that offer an MSN pathway also offer the option to choose a specialty concentration. For instance, Central Connecticut State University offers an MSN program with two specialty options: Nursing Education and Hospice & Palliative Care. This program is one of the best MSN programs in Connecticut.

The MSN program offers two pathways, each featuring a 40-credit curriculum plan. Students in both pathways begin by completing 30 credits of core MSN coursework. Some classes included in this component of the program include Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, & Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Emerging Best Practices & Research in Nursing Care & Education, and Comparative Domestic Delivery Systems & Informatics. After completing core coursework, you will complete 10 credits of concentration-specific coursework and clinicals. The Hospice and Palliative Care track includes 180 clinical hours, and the Nursing Education track includes 240 practicum hours.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• At Central Connecticut State University, you will learn from doctorally prepared faculty with real-world experience in nursing and nursing education. Their dedication to the nursing profession and commitment to the MSN program are part of the reason CCSU is considered home to one of the best MSN programs in Connecticut.
• All students admitted to the MSN program at Central Connecticut State University receive a scholarship. The amount is between $750 and $1,500 per semester and depends on whether you enroll part-time or full-time.

2. Fairfield University - Fairfield

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Leadership, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner

MSN Program Details: Fairfield University offers an excellent MSN program in Connecticut. At Fairfield, you can specialize in Nursing Leadership or one of two nurse practitioner pathways: Psychiatric Mental Health NP or Family Nurse Practitioner.

The MSN in Nursing Leadership program admits students three times each year in the fall, spring, and summer. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 12 months, while part-time students typically take 24 months. The program includes a 37-credit curriculum plan, with coursework delivered online. In this pathway, you will study Social & Behavioral Determinants of Health, Leadership & Interprofessional Collaboration, and Healthcare Reimbursement & Organizational Performance.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is a part-time option that takes an average of 36 months to complete. Students are admitted to this pathway each fall. The PMHNP program prepares students to provide advanced psychiatric care in a variety of settings, including private practice, intensive outpatient settings, extended care facilities, and substance abuse facilities. The program requires the completion of 59 credits of coursework and 750 practicum hours.

The Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you to provide care to patients from newborn to end of life across a broad array of healthcare settings. The program features a 51-credit curriculum and includes 750 practicum hours. The study plan includes classes such as Care of Children & Families, Adult Health, Care of At-Risk Populations, and Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice. This MSN pathway features online and hybrid coursework. It takes 36 months to complete on a part-time basis. Admission is in the fall semester each year.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• As you search for an MSN program, I recommend looking for one with high rankings from reputable sources. For example, U.S. News & World Report ranks Fairfield University's MSN program in its Best Grad Programs in the Nation and as a Top 2 Master of Science in Nursing program in Connecticut.
• As a nurse and healthcare educator, I believe in taking advantage of every opportunity possible to grow in knowledge and skill. Fairfield University offers motivated students interested in both a graduate nursing degree and business the opportunity to pursue a dual Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration degree. This program gives you the option to earn two master’s degrees while preparing for executive leadership positions in healthcare.

3. Quinnipiac University - Hamden

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MSN Program Details: If you are a registered nurse looking for the best MSN programs in Connecticut, Quinnipiac University has a master’s degree program worth considering. With four nurse practitioner specialties and two non-clinical specialties to choose from, you can pursue an MSN focused on the patient population or concentration that interests you most. The Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership programs take 15 months to complete full-time or 24 months part-time. You can complete the nurse practitioner pathways in as little as two years.

All didactic coursework is delivered online, making this an excellent option for students who need flexibility. The nurse practitioner specialties require 50-56 credit hours and at least 780 practicum hours, depending on the specialty you pursue. The Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership pathways require 34 and 35 credits, respectively. Nursing Education students complete 225 clinical hours, and Nursing Leadership students complete 345 clinical hours.

While coursework is online, students in the nurse practitioner specialties are required to attend campus-based intensive sessions throughout the program. The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP path requires four one-week immersions. All other NP paths require three one-week immersions.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• As an MSN student at Quinnipiac University, you will benefit from the university’s large clinical affiliation network. With more than 300 clinical sites, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and community health centers, you will have a broad range of opportunities to apply the nursing theory you learn in class to real patient care.
• As a nurse and healthcare educator, I cannot stress the importance of a strong professional network enough. One thing I like about the MSN program at Quinnipiac University is that you have access to a large, diverse network of alums, supportive mentors, advisors, and professors.

4. Sacred Heart University - Fairfield

Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and MSN

RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Clinical Nurse Leader, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, Nursing Management & Executive Leadership, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MSN Specialties Offered: Clinical Nurse Leader, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, Nursing Management & Executive Leadership, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

RN-to-MSN Program Details: If you are an RN with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing and you want to earn a master’s degree in nursing, the RN-to-MSN program at Sacred Heart University is a path worth considering. The program lets you complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in a streamlined program in as little as three and a half years.

The program begins with a core curriculum called “The Human Journey.” This part of the study plan explores literature, religion, sociology, and philosophy as they relate to humans. After completing the core curriculum, you will transition to bachelor’s- and master’s-level coursework that focuses heavily on evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and healthcare policy. You may choose to specialize in one of five concentrations.

Didactic coursework is online. Clinical and practicum experiences are arranged close to home, making this program a great option if you have a job or other responsibilities that limit travel or time away. Students in the Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program must also complete an on-campus residency. The RN-to-MSN program requires 51-153 credits. An analysis of your previous transcripts will be conducted upon admission to determine how many credits, up to 90 total, can be transferred to the program.

MSN Program Details: Baccalaureate-prepared nurses can earn a master’s degree in nursing at Sacred Heart University. This top MSN program in Connecticut features online coursework, clinicals in or near your hometown, and, for nurse practitioner specialties, an on-campus intensive session.

At SHU, you can choose a concentration in Nursing Education, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Management & Executive Leadership, or you may choose a nurse practitioner specialty in Family NP or Psychiatric Mental Health NP. Non-clinical pathways can be completed in just two years, while nurse practitioner pathways take an average of two and a half years to complete.

The Nursing Management & Executive Leadership and Nursing Education programs require the completion of 39 credits, and the Clinical Nurse Leader path requires 36 credits. Each nurse practitioner specialty features a 42-credit curriculum plan.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• At Sacred Heart University, you will learn from accomplished faculty with years of experience. Your instructors will be a valuable resource for personalized guidance and support as you progress through the program.
• If you want to pursue your degree through a program that supports Christian beliefs, Sacred Heart University is an excellent choice. SHU's MSN program offers a holistic educational path rooted in strong Catholic traditions.

5. Southern Connecticut State University - New Haven

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator

MSN Program Details: Southern Connecticut State University offers another excellent MSN program in Connecticut. The program offers two pathways: Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator. Both pathways are offered in the spring and fall semesters. The FNP program takes three years to complete. The Nurse Educator pathway is available with a 16-month accelerated study plan, or you may enroll part-time and complete the program in two or three years.

The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program features a hybrid learning format that combines synchronous and asynchronous online courses. FNP role courses require on-campus attendance two to three times per semester for simulated training activities. The program consists of a 40-credit curriculum with classes such as Legal & Ethical Issues in Healthcare, Evidence-Based Nursing, and Advanced Pathophysiology. The curriculum includes three FNP practicum courses, each requiring 220 clinical hours.

The Nurse Educator program is a 40-credit pathway featuring classes such as Advanced Practice in Nursing Education, Nursing Theories & Concept Modeling, Curriculum Design, and Role of the Academic Nurse Educator. This program includes 360 clinical hours spread across two clinical courses.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• As an MSN student at Southern Connecticut State University, you are encouraged to seek clinical placements early in your program. However, the School of Nursing offers a dynamic clinical coordination department that provides extensive support throughout the clinical placement process.
• Throughout my career in nursing education, I have come to believe that quality nursing programs must include simulated learning opportunities. In these sessions, an extension of didactic instruction, students challenge themselves in client care scenarios. Southern Connecticut State University MSN students have opportunities to participate in learning activities at the school’s state-of-the-art Interprofessional Healthcare Simulation Center. The center comprises simulated hospital rooms, outpatient clinic rooms, a simulated patient apartment, and debriefing classrooms. The center has video and audio technology that lets students observe peers and participate in reflective lectures after simulated learning experiences.

6. University of Hartford - West Hartford

Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and MSN

RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Public Health Nursing, Nursing Education, and Nursing Management

MSN Specialties Offered: Public Health Nursing, Nursing Education, and Nursing Management

RN-to-MSN Program Details: The University of Hartford offers RNs with an associate degree in nursing a pathway to earn a Master of Science in Nursing and specialize in Public Health Nursing, Nursing Education, or Nursing Management. The program is designed so students first complete the University of Hartford RN-to-BSN pathway and are then granted automatic admission to the MSN program.

Upon admission, with proof of a current RN license, students receive at least 60 transfer credits toward the total required for the degree. A review of your previous transcripts will be conducted to determine an individualized study plan to meet both the BSN and MSN requirements.

MSN Program Details: The University of Hartford's MSN program is one of the best online MSN programs in Connecticut. The program offers 100% online didactic instruction so that you can complete coursework on your own schedule. With start dates in the fall, spring, and summer, it is easier to begin studies at a time that is most convenient for you.

The MSN program focuses on clinical expertise, community service, scholarly expression, and service to the nursing profession. The program offers an advanced-practice curriculum with three specialty options: Community & Public Health Nursing, Nursing Management, and Nursing Education. The 31-credit curriculum includes core courses and focus-area courses, including a specialty-relevant practicum.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• As a nurse educator, I think potential students should consider nursing programs carefully and weigh all options before committing to one. While there are many factors to consider when choosing a school, I recommend checking whether the school/program is highly ranked. You should look for schools/programs that are ranked by reputable, independent sources. For instance, U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Hartford in its “Best Online Master’s in Nursing” category, which is an excellent indicator of the program's quality.
• At the University of Hartford, you will receive mentorship from dedicated faculty who are committed to your success. Faculty advisors will help tailor your MSN degree plan with a scholarly project and electives that reflect your academic and professional goals.

7. University of Saint Joseph - West Hartford

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MSN Program Details: If you are searching for an MSN program in Connecticut with the option to specialize in family or psychiatric mental health, the University of Saint Joseph is a great option. The program features a hybrid learning format with classes held one evening per week.

The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program is a part-time, seven-semester pathway. The program includes a 47-credit curriculum that prepares you to administer, educate, research, and consult in the FNP advanced practice role. Your classes include Advanced Practice in Gender-Related Health, Advanced Practice in Adult & Geriatric Primary Care, Advanced Practice in Pediatric Care, and FNP Skills/Differential Diagnosis. You will complete 750 direct patient care hours in a variety of settings, including public clinics, private practices, community health centers, and schools.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program is also a seven-semester, part-time pathway. The study plan includes 24 core course credits and 23 Psychiatric Mental Health NP course credits. The curriculum includes classes such as Assessment, Diagnosis, & Management of Mental Health Conditions, Advanced Practice in Applied Psychopharmacology, and Advanced Practice in Psychotherapy. 750 hours of direct patient care are required as the clinical component of this program. Clinical practicums include all patient populations, from children to geriatrics and marginalized populations. You will learn a variety of PMHNP skills, including psychotherapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, medication management, and medication-assisted treatment for substance abuse.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The University of Saint Joseph understands that cost is a major concern for prospective students considering earning a graduate degree. The school offers several options for MSN students to receive grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. For example, the Values & Vision scholarship awards up to $2,000 annually to qualifying students.
• The University of Saint Joseph is a participant in Sigma Theta Tau International, an international nursing honor society. MSN students who become Sigma Theta Tau pledges join a global professional organization with more than 100,000 members.

8. Western Connecticut State University - Danbury

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Advanced Practice (Clinical Nurse Specialist/Adult GerontologyNurse Practitioner Acute Care & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) and Clinical Practice (Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)

MSN Program Details: Western Connecticut State University offers a great option for nurses seeking MSN programs in Connecticut. The MSN program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared RNs who wish to earn a Master of Science in Nursing. The program offers six specialty concentrations in advanced practice and clinical practice roles, preparing students for leadership positions in nursing education, nursing practice, and nursing management.

As an MSN student, you will complete 41 to 47 credits, depending on the specialty you choose. The study plan includes three components: 1.) foundational common core courses, representing content associated with advanced nursing practice; 2.) a role component, consisting of content relevant to your chosen concentration; and 3.) a role support component, comprising practicum experiences. Each pathway also includes a minimum of 540 clinical hours.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Western Connecticut State University has an excellent record of success preparing highly qualified advanced practice nurses and nurse practitioners. Because of its track record, many employers seek MSN graduates for upper-level roles. Graduates can be found in many leadership and advanced practice positions throughout Connecticut and the Northeast United States.
• Graduates of the MSN program at Western Connecticut State University consistently exceed national averages for first-time pass rates on national certification examinations. This matters because the pass rate is a strong indicator of the program’s strength and the level of preparation students receive.

9. Yale University - Orange

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Adult/Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology - Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, and Dual Nurse-Midwifery / Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

MSN Program Details: Yale University’s School of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing is designed for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing who want to advance into an advanced practice nursing role. The university has organized the degree around specific advanced practice specialties, allowing you to choose from nine concentrations, including one dual nurse practitioner option.

The MSN program admits new students each fall. Full-time and part-time options are available, so you can choose a schedule that fits your goals and current obligations. You can complete the traditional full-time schedule in two years. However, schedules may vary from one student to the next based on course sequence, course load, and the specialty you choose to pursue.

Each pathway consists of classroom instruction, simulation lab experiences, procedural workshops, and in-person clinical practicums. Study plans require 49 to 62 credits, and clinical requirements range from 750 to 1,038 hours, depending on your chosen concentration.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• As a student in the Yale University MSN program, you will have simulated learning opportunities in the school’s 8,000-square-foot simulated learning center. With high-fidelity simulators, debriefing rooms, and state-of-the-art equipment, the learning center is one of the many features that make the program a top MSN program in Connecticut.
• Nursing is a wonderful career path with endless opportunities. As a nurse educator, I believe nurses must dedicate themselves to continuous learning and growth. One thing I like about Yale University’s School of Nursing is that you can add a sub-specialty concentration to your study plan. The school offers certification options in areas including diabetes, gender and sexuality health justice, diabetes, and research.

10. University of Connecticut - Storrs

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Administration & Leadership, Nurse Educator, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

MSN Program Details: If you are a registered nurse interested in pursuing a graduate degree in nursing, a world of opportunity awaits! For example, the University of Connecticut offers a post-baccalaureate Master of Science in Nursing program with five specialty options. Whether you see yourself working in nursing administration and leadership, as a nurse educator, or as a nurse practitioner, U-C offers some of the best MSN programs in Connecticut where you can achieve your goals.

The MSN program accepts applications on a rolling basis and admits new cohorts each fall semester. Applicants to the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Educator pathways must have at least 2,080 documented hours of clinical experience providing direct patient care as a Registered Nurse. To pursue the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program, you must have two years of full-time experience as an RN in a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Online didactic coursework makes this program easily accessible to working nurses. The nurse practitioner pathways require 44 and 48 credits. Students in the Nurse Educator and Nursing Administration & Leadership pathways require 39 and 38 credits, respectively. Clinical hours are incorporated in the curriculum plan. Clinical practicum experiences reflect the chosen specialty and occur in a variety of healthcare settings based on your chosen concentration. The Nurse Educator program includes 560 clinical hours. The Adult Gerontology ACNP pathway requires 720 clinical hours, and the FNP and Neonatal NP pathways each require 765 clinical hours. Students in the Nursing Administration & Leadership program complete a Healthcare Quality Improvement, Outcomes Management, Assessment & Planning for Nurse Leader Practicum, a Nursing Leadership Practicum, and an MSN Capstone Experience.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The University of Connecticut is an accredited R1 Research University, so you can feel confident your program features the latest research-informed, evidence-based content.
• The University of Connecticut has a history of excellence in nursing education. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings recognize the school as a Best Online Master’s in Nursing Program for Veterans and a Best Online Program for Graduate Nursing.
• As a nurse educator, I understand the importance of student support and faculty availability to promote student success. The U-C School of Nursing uses some of the most innovative course-delivery tools available today so that you can expect the same interactivity with course content, peers, and faculty as students in on-campus classes.

11. Goodwin University - East Hartford

Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and MSN

RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

RN-to-MSN Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and want to earn a master’s degree in nursing, Goodwin University offers an RN-to-MSN program worth considering. The program offers two nurse practitioner concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

The program begins with five flexible MSN bridge courses totaling 15 credits. If you have taken courses equivalent to the bridge courses, you may be eligible to have those classes waived, which could reduce the time it takes for you to earn your degree. Once you complete the bridge coursework (or receive a course waiver), you may choose which specialty you wish to pursue and transition to the MSN component of the program. Students in the FNP pathway complete a total of 62 credits, and PMHNP students complete 65 credits, including credits from the bridge coursework.

Both pathways include 600 hours of clinical practicum and two on-campus immersion weekends. Students in the RN-to-MSN pathway typically take 10 semesters to complete the program part-time. However, if you receive credit for previous coursework, this could reduce the time it takes you to complete the program.

MSN Program Details: The MSN program in Connecticut at Goodwin University offers RNs with a baccalaureate degree the chance to earn a master’s degree in nursing and specialize as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The program is a part-time option that can be completed in as few as 27 months.

The Family Nurse Practitioner program features a 47-credit curriculum, including 29 track-specific courses. In this program, you will study Advanced Practice Through the Lifespan-Primary Care of the Adult Client, Primary Care of the Complex Client, Advanced Reasoning & Differential Diagnosis for Advanced Nursing Practice, and Clinical Applications in Family Population Health.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program consists of a 50-credit study plan and can be completed in just seven semesters. The curriculum includes 18 credits of core MSN coursework, followed by 32 PMHNP track course credits. You will take classes such as Assessment, Diagnosis, & Treatment of Mental Health, Clinical Applications in Psychiatric Population Health, and Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Care of the Complex Patient.

While MSN coursework is primarily online, you must attend campus for orientation and two immersion weekends. You may complete clinical practicums near home if appropriate sites, preceptors, and contracts are available and the Program Director approves. Both FNP and PMHNP students complete 600 clinical hours.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Through my years as a nurse educator, I have seen students thrive when they build relationships with faculty and peers. One thing I like about the MSN program at Goodwin University is that it follows a cohort model, which lets you progress with the same group of students from admission through graduation. Although classes are primarily online, there are opportunities to collaborate through message boards and online group activities.
• If you want to earn your MSN but worry about the cost of school, Goodwin financial aid advisors may be able to help. Goodwin University has a variety of grants and scholarships available to help offset the cost of your degree.

12. University of Bridgeport - Bridgeport

Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and MSN

RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Leadership and Education

MSN Specialties Offered: Leadership and Education

RN-to-MSN Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with an associate degree or diploma in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you can earn an MSN in Leadership and Education through the University of Bridgeport's RN-to-MSN program. Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the program is one of the best MSN programs in Connecticut.

The RN-to-MSN program requires the completion of 48 credits, including bridge courses. Didactic coursework is delivered in a flexible, online format. The program culminates with an Advanced Practicum in Education and Leadership. The practicum is a 128-hour course that includes didactic sessions, hands-on field experience, and a professional portfolio presentation.

MSN Program Details: The University of Bridgeport offers an online Master of Science in Nursing program designed for RNs who want to move into advanced leadership and nursing education roles. The program is a dual-focused pathway designed to prepare you for career opportunities in clinical leadership, academic nursing environments, or in joint positions.

The program features a 42-credit curriculum. You will study in classes such as Organizational Leadership, Resource Management & Finance, and Teaching, Assessment, & Evaluation of Outcomes. Coursework is delivered entirely online, allowing you to study when and where it is most convenient for you. The program includes a 128-hour practicum experience. The practicum experience combines coursework into a capstone course. Through the clinical experience, you will participate in fieldwork with a preceptor to practice the roles of a nurse educator and leader.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The MSN program at the University of Bridgeport offers small, personalized classes. The low faculty-to-student ratio means more individualized attention from instructors who support your academic and professional goals.
• Student support services are a priority at the University of Bridgeport. As an MSN student, you will receive dedicated academic advising, one-on-one tutoring when needed, and career development services designed to help you transition in your career.

13. Post University - Waterbury

Programs Offered: RN-to-BSN/MSN and MSN

RN-to-BSN/MSN Specialties Offered: Management & Organizational Leadership, Nursing Education, Case Management, Infection Prevention & Control, and Nursing Informatics

MSN Specialties Offered: Infection Prevention & Control, Nursing Informatics, Case Management, Nursing Education, Nursing Management & Organizational Leadership, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

RN-to-BSN/MSN Program Details: Post University offers another featured MSN program in Connecticut designed for RNs with an associate degree. Instead of pursuing a bachelor’s degree and later a master’s degree, the RN-to-BSN/MSN program lets you work toward a baccalaureate degree in nursing and move directly into graduate studies.

The university offers two learning modalities for the RN-to-MSN program, giving you more flexibility. The Term-Based option is available for all MSN specialties. Classes are 100% online and feature eight-week terms, with new start dates each month. This option offers consistent due dates and lets you take one class at a time. The SIMPath for non-nurse practitioner specializations also features 100% online classes and monthly start dates. However, this path features 16-week semesters, a self-paced format, and the option to enroll in as many courses as your schedule allows.

MSN Program Details: Post University's online MSN program in Connecticut is available to baccalaureate-prepared nurses with an active, unrestricted RN license. The program offers several specializations, including three nurse practitioner specialties and five non-nurse practitioner specialties.

The school admits new students each month, so it is easy to choose a start date that works best for you. The traditional term-based learning modality is available for all of Post’s online MSN specialties. Students pursuing a non-nurse practitioner specialty may opt for the SIMPath learning modality.

The MSN curriculum requires the completion of 36-54 credits, depending on the concentration you pursue. Students in all specialties complete core coursework covering topics in contemporary healthcare issues, leadership, and improved healthcare practices to promote positive patient and organizational outcomes. Once you complete the core coursework, you will work with your academic advisor to customize the remainder of your degree plan that aligns with your career goals and specialization interests.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The MSN program at Post University is led by experienced faculty who have practical experience in their chosen specialties. Each faculty member brings personalized attention, mentorship, and insight to help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as an advanced practice nurse.
• At Post University, you will have individualized precepted clinical experiences. Each MSN pathway has a designated number of clinical hours and has practicum experiences designed to complement and prepare you for your chosen career path and specialty.


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1. Who Accredits MSN Programs In Connecticut?

2. How Many Schools Offer Accredited MSN Programs In Connecticut?

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3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Connecticut?

4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level MSN Graduates Make In Connecticut?

5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced MSN Graduates Make In Connecticut?

6. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Connecticut By Metro?

7. Average MSN Salary In Connecticut VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Connecticut

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