University of Hartford

The University of Hartford offers a premier nursing education centered in West Hartford, Connecticut. This private four-year institution features a direct-entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for first-year students, alongside a fully online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The BSN program consists of at least 121 credit hours, including 64 credits of professional nursing coursework and roughly 27 credits in the sciences. For those pursuing advanced roles, the online graduate programs offer concentrations in nursing education, management, and public health, designed specifically for working professionals.

Students engage in hands-on learning within modern simulation labs and clinical settings starting in their sophomore year. The curriculum prioritizes core competencies such as information technology, population health, and interprofessional collaboration. Clinical rotations are conducted at distinguished regional facilities, including Hartford Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital, and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. These experiences allow students to apply classroom theory to real-world patient care across various specialties, ensuring they meet the requirements for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program is noted for its high job placement rates and personalized faculty attention. Compared to larger public institutions in the state, UHart stands out for its "direct-entry" admission, which secures a student's spot in the nursing major from day one, and its unique three-semester academic year that can allow for an accelerated path to graduation.