Best RN to BSN Online Programs in Connecticut
1. Sacred Heart University
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30
- Length: 18 Months/1.5 Years (Part-Time)
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
SHU’s College of Nursing has come up with a 100% Online RN to BSN that’s backed by the College’s strong local reputation and shaped by its religious roots—SHU is the second-largest Catholic university in New England. So you’ll notice that the curriculum includes courses like “The Human Journey in Nursing” and discussions of spirituality, ethics, and diversity. Thanks to a special tuition rate, SHU’s part-time program is more affordable than QU; SHU also offers a modest discount to employees of local partners & hospitals. Making post-graduation plans? Check out the the College’s useful clinical affiliations and its Online RN to BSN to MSN pathway.
Cheapest RN to BSN Online Programs in Connecticut
Connecticut Online RN to BSN programs aren’t particularly cheap. Even options at state universities tend to exceed $10,000 in total tuition costs. For our Cheapest CT rankings, we’ve only included programs that are under $8,500, but these aren’t your only choices. You could also consider schools in our rankings of the Most Affordable RN to BSN Programs in the country.
1. American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30
- Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: Yes
- Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
ASU’s 100% Online RN to BSN is offered through the self-paced SIMPath® curriculum. If you can fit your coursework into 2 semesters, tuition is going to be pretty darn cheap. Bear in mind that there are additional one-off fees (e.g. graduation fee). ASU at Post is regionally accredited and CCNE-accredited, but it’s also a for-profit school. So we recommend you compare it with non-profit options before you make your decision.
2. Charter Oak State College
- Program: Online RN/ADN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 26+ Credits
- Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: No
- Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
If cost is on your mind, Charter Oak State College’s 100% Online RN/ADN to BSN is well-worth a look. In-state tuition is pretty reasonable for a CCNE-accredited program with 26 baseline credits; out-of-state tuition exceeds $10,000. Better yet, NY, MA, and RI residents automatically qualify for in-state rates. Just watch out for the per semester technology and student services fees.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs in Connecticut
To appear in our Fastest CT rankings, schools had to offer Online RN to BSN programs that were less than 1 year/3 semesters on a full-time schedule. Although many CT programs are set up on fixed, part-time schedule, we did find one speedy option. Feel free to compare it with schools in our rankings of the Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs in the country.
1. American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30
- Length: Self-Paced
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
ASU’s fastest 100% Online RN to BSN is based on its SIMPath® curriculum. This accelerated program is designed to let you complete 10 courses at your own pace. The shortest time to completion in the SIMPath is 2 semesters, but the average length for students is 3 semesters (i.e. 12 months). If you’re able to commit to 8 months, with 5 courses per 16-week semester, you’ll end up paying a cheaper price. There are start dates once a month.
RN to BSN Scholarships in Connecticut
Statewide Scholarships for Connecticut RN to BSN Students
Connecticut Nursing Organization Scholarships
On the hunt for statewide funding? Start by applying for Connecticut Nurses Foundation (CNF) Scholarships. There aren’t many, but CNF does pride itself on assisting non-traditional students and candidates with limited resources.
You may also be eligible for regional opportunities such as:
- New England Regional Black Nurses Association (NERBNA) Scholarships
- United Nurses & Allied Professionals (UNAP) Scholarships
Connecticut Community Foundation Scholarships
When you have a moment to spare, contact your local community foundation in CT. Although foundation awards are often reserved for recent high school graduates, there are opportunities for non-traditional learners. For examples, check out:
- Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut (CFECT) Scholarships
- Connecticut Community Foundation (CCF) Scholarships
Connecticut Healthcare System & University Partnerships
Do you work for a Connecticut healthcare system or hospital? Chat to your HR representative about your education plans. You may be eligible for all kinds of benefits, including tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, discounts, and more. For instance:
- Sacred Heart University offers a Partners Tuition Discount to hospitals, schools, employers, organizations, and the like.
- ASU has special Tuition Discounts for Education Partners.
Connecticut Hospital Scholarships
Better yet, CT hospitals often offer scholarships to healthcare employees & families. Examples include:
- Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) Scholarships
- Saint Mary’s Hospital Foundation Scholarships
- Saint Francis Foundation Scholarships
University Scholarships for Connecticut RN to BSN Students
Institutional aid will depend on the school. Connecticut universities with deep pockets may be able to offer a lot of scholarships. Other schools won’t have much besides conventional financial aid. If you’re interested in general university awards, be sure you’re eligible to apply. Some scholarships will be reserved for “traditional” 4-year undergraduates.
American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University
Central Connecticut State University
Charter Oak State College
Goodwin University
Sacred Heart University
Southern Connecticut State University
Western Connecticut State University
University of Bridgeport
University of Hartford
RN to BSN Requirements in Connecticut
RN Licensure: Online RN to BSN degrees are classified as “post-licensure” programs. That means Connecticut universities will want you to have—or be in the process of earning—an RN license. If you haven’t sat the NCLEX exam, talk to the RN to BSN program coordinator. Schools like SCSU, Charter Oak, and the University of Bridgeport will grant you conditional acceptance until your results are known.
- The Department of Public Health and Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing can assist with state-specific questions on RN licensure.
- The Board also publishes NCLEX Pass Rates. You may want to take a quick look at them to get a sense of the overall quality of a School of Nursing.
State Authorization: Do you live in a neighboring state? Before you settle on a Connecticut Online RN to BSN program, make sure you’re eligible to apply. For example:
- CCSU’s Online RN to BSN and WCSU’s Online RN to BS are designed for RNs who have Connecticut licensure.
- Charter Oak’s Online RN/ADN to BSN is open to out-of-state RNs, but there may be state exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 100% Online RN to BSN Programs in Connecticut Available?
Yes. The vast majority of Online RN to BSN programs in our Connecticut listings are 100% online, with no campus visits required. You’ll still be participating in BSN-level fieldwork experiences, but these can usually be completed in your local community and/or place of employment.
Can I Choose a “No Clinicals” Connecticut Online RN to BSN?
Not really. Because of accreditation regulations, BSN programs almost always contain practicums and fieldwork. Fortunately, BSN-level clinicals have a different feel to associate & diploma-level clinicals. They are much more focused on giving you experiences in community health and leadership. Look out for practicums in courses such as Population/Community Health, Leadership & Management in Nursing, and the Capstone.
Do I Need Statistics to Apply for Online RN to BSN Programs in Connecticut?
Probably. We saw it listed as a prerequisite for a number of schools, including public options (e.g. CCSU) and private ones (e.g. University of Bridgeport). At Goodwin, students must have completed Principles of Statistics or Mathematics for the Health Professions. Check with the RN to BSN program coordinator if you’re in any doubt.
Can I Choose an Online RN to BSN to MSN Program in Connecticut?
Yes. Your choices include:
- Sacred Heart University’s Online RN to BSN to MSN is available in 3 specializations (Nursing Education, Nursing Management & Executive Leadership, and CNL).
- American Sentinel’s Online RN to BSN to MSN is available in 5 non-NP specializations.
Connecticut RN to BSN Online Schools
10 Schools Found
Central Connecticut State University
Nursing Department
New Britain, Connecticut
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Charter Oak State College
Nursing Department
New Britain, Connecticut
RN/ADN to BSN
Offered Online
Goodwin University
School of Nursing
East Hartford, Connecticut
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Post University
Nursing Program
Waterbury, Connecticut
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Quinnipiac University
School of Nursing
Hamden, Connecticut
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Sacred Heart University
Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN and Richard J. Henley College of Nursing
Fairfield, Connecticut
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Southern Connecticut State University
Department of Nursing
New Haven, Connecticut
RN to BSN
Offered Online
University of Bridgeport
School fo Nursing
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Rn to BSN
Offered Online
University of Hartford
College of Education; Nursing and Health Professions
West Hartford, Connecticut
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Western Connecticut State University
Nursing Department
Danbury, Connecticut
RN to BS in Nursing
Offered Online