Many factors are impacting the current nursing shortage in Connecticut, one of which is a shortage of nursing instructors. In this state, nursing programs can only accept a quarter of applicants due to a lack of instructors. Connecticut recently adopted the CT Health Horizons initiative, a $30.5 million dollar investment to expand nursing faculty and provide tuition support for students.
Pursuing a doctorate of nursing or DNP can be a way for experienced nurses to help bridge this gap. Regardless of your area of specialization, most colleges and universities allow DNPs to teach. Plus, if you’re not interested in teaching, a DNP can allow you to assume leadership positions at the bedside and in management, supporting the next generation of nurses.
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DNP Programs in Connecticut
Connecticut offers multiple DNP programs, and while most of them are for post-master’s students, there is an option for BSN-prepared nurses, too. All of them have some online component, but the amount of in-person requirements varies. Here, we cover the DNP programs in Connecticut to help you find the one that fits your schedule.
All DNP programs have a 1,000 post-BSN clinical or practicum hours, a standard set by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The clinical hours listed in the summaries below include the number of credits each DNP program has built into the curriculum to help satisfy the 1,000 hour requirement.
Connecticut MSN to DNP Programs
If you’re interested in spending some time on campus, the following five DNP tracks have in-person requirements, though they vary depending on the program.
Fairfield University
- Fairfield, Connecticut
- Online + Hybrid
Modality: Online or hybrid
Credit Hours: 30 to 32 credits
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $1,175 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP at Fairfield University offers rolling admission with two start dates a year. Students can choose from a hybrid program or one that is entirely online with synchronous courses. This program can be completed in 18 to 24 months, depending on whether the student attends full or part-time.
Sacred Heart University
- Fairfield, Connecticut
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 34
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $1,000 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Sacred Heart University has two MSN to DNP tracks: MSN to DNP Executive Leadership and MSN to DNP Education. Both are 34 credits and self-paced so students can complete their work around their schedule. Most coursework is online, but both tracks have on-campus meetings once per term.
University of Saint Joseph
- West Hartford, Connecticut
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 45 to 46 credits
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $1,079 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The University of Saint Joseph’s MSN to DNP Clinical Leadership is 4 to 46 credits and offered in a hybrid format. Some courses may require students to meet on campus or participate in live online classes. Students can choose to complete the clinical leadership program or add a family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specialization.
Yale University
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 36
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $33,188 per year + fees
Program Overview:
Yale offers two post-MSN options. The MSN to DNP Healthcare Leadership, Systems, and Policy track is a 36-credit program that takes three years to complete. This is a part-time hybrid program with all didactic coursework taking place in the first two years, while the last year is dedicated to the DNP project. The school’s MSN to DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice Program is also a 36-credit hybrid program, but the structure is slightly different. Students in this track are required to come to class a few times every semester, and 500 practicum hours are included in the program.
Online DNP Programs in Connecticut
Connecticut also has several programs that are primarily online. While the MSN to DNP programs do not require any campus visits, the BSN to DNP option at UConn completes in-person requirements while completing the MSN portion of the program.
Connecticut Online BSN to DNP Programs
UConn offers a BSN to DNP and an MSN to DNP in Nursing Administration and Leadership with doctorate-level courses offered online.
University of Connecticut
- Storrs, Connecticut
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1200 comprehensive fee per credit
Program Overview:
UConn offers a 64-credit BSN to DNP in Nursing Administration & Leadership that takes over four years to complete. In this program, BSN-prepared nurses complete an MSN in administration and leadership and then move on to complete the doctorate level courses. Most of the classwork is online, but the program has multiple on-campus intensives. There is also a 24-credit MSN to DNP Nursing Administration & Leadership track for nurses who have already obtained an MSN. It takes two years to complete.
Connecticut Online MSN to DNP Programs
If you’re interested in an online MSN to DNP program with no in-person requirements, there are eight options to choose from in Connecticut.
Post University
- Waterbury, Connecticut
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 42 credits
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $808.50 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Post University offers four post-master’s DNP programs, all of which are 42 credits and take between 28 and 36 months to complete. These programs have no residency requirements and feature eight-week courses. Students can choose from the MSN to DNP Educational Leadership, MSN to DNP Executive Leadership, MSN to DNP Professional Leadership, and MSN to DNP Informatics Leadership tracks, each of which has six start dates a year.
Quinnipiac University
- Hamden, Connecticut
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $1,125 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
At Quinnipiac University, there are two online post-master’s options. Both the MSN to DNP Care of Populations and MSN to DNP Nursing Leadership are 30 to 34 credits and can be completed in two years. These programs were designed for working nurses and have no in-person requirements. Courses are asynchronous, so students can complete their work at a time that suits their schedule.
University of Hartford
- West Hartford, Connecticut
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 30
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $1,061 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The 30-credit MSN to DNP track at the University of Hartford is a fully online program. Classes are offered in seven-week sessions during 14-week semesters so students can continue to work full-time. Most students complete the program in five semesters or around two years. This program includes 500 practicum hours integrating classroom learning and a scholarly project.
Western Connecticut State University
- Danbury, Connecticut
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus residency
Credit Hours: 40
Clinical Hours: 505
Tuition: $954 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Western Connecticut State University’s MSN to DNP program is 40 credits and takes about two years to complete. Classes are offered mostly online, but there is one on-campus residency requirement throughout the program.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Connecticut
The length of these programs varies, but if you’re looking to complete your degree in as short a time as possible, consider the programs below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The BSN to DNP in Nursing Administration & Leadership at the University of Connecticut is the online BSN to DNP track available and takes about four years to complete.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The MSN to DNP at Fairfield University is one of the shortest programs and can be completed in 18 months. Most of the other programs take about two years to complete.
Best DNP Programs in Connecticut
What is best for you depends on the area you want to specialize in, but there are some unique specializations to consider. Some of these include the MSN to DNP Healthcare Leadership, Systems, and Policy track at Yale University; the MSN to DNP Informatics Leadership at Post University; and the MSN to DNP Care of Populations at Quinnipiac University.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Connecticut
The cost of these programs vary significantly, and it can be difficult to determine the overall price because every school charges varying fees. That said, some of the most affordable programs in Connecticut are Post University at $808.50 per credit plus fees, Western Connecticut State University at $954 per credit plus fees, Sacred Heart University at $1,000 per credit plus fees, and University of Hartford at $1,061 per credit plus fees.