A new nursing education opportunity is coming to CT. A health system and university partnered for it

Hartford Courant – Tuesday, April 1, 2025
By Staff Report

There’s a new nursing education opportunity coming to Connecticut.

Through a partnership between Hartford HealthCare and Quinnipiac University, an educational opportunity will be offered to health system professionals to transition into the nursing field, according to Hartford HealthCare.

The program, dubbed the New Careers in Nursing Program, or NCN, is designed to address the growing demand for highly skilled nurses, while also allowing Hartford HealthCare to give its mid-career professionals an opportunity to earn a bachelor of science degree in nursing, according to Hartford HealthCare.

The part-time, two-year program is to start this month and is “tailored for qualified Hartford HealthCare colleagues who hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field or have at least 60 transferable college credits,” according to the health system. Those who enroll will continue to work part-time while also attending classes.

“I am incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with Quinnipiac University,” said Jeffrey A. Flaks, president and CEO of Hartford HealthCare. “This latest collaboration demonstrates our commitment to further growth and development among our colleagues.

“This will undoubtedly create innovative pathways for career advancement, meet the growing demand for skilled nurses, and provide our colleagues with opportunities to transform their professional lives while continuing to serve the community,” he said.  “This partnership further solidifies our dedication to investing in the future and making higher education more accessible and affordable for all.”

Quinnipiac University President Judy Olian, said the university is glad it can help address state workforce needs and the nursing shortages across Connecticut.

“This is a novel approach — taking those already working in healthcare and then upskilling them through QU’s outstanding BSN program at an affordable cost, in partnership with Hartford Healthcare’s exceptional experiential learning opportunities.  It’s a win all around,” she said, in a statement.

Larry Slater, dean of the School of Nursing, Quinnipiac University, said, “The New Careers in Nursing Program is designed to empower individuals who are passionate about health care by providing them with the education and experience they need to thrive in the nursing profession.

“With the support of Hartford HealthCare and Quinnipiac’s School of Nursing, students will be well-prepared to meet the growing demand for compassionate and highly trained nurses,” Slater said, also in a statement.

Hartford HealthCare said:

• • It would subsidize the cost of the two-year program, bringing the total out-of-pocket expense to approximately $30,000 per student – which it said it “significantly lower than the traditional cost of a BSN program of $56,000.”
  • Eligible participants can receive up to $5,250 per year in tuition assistance from Hartford HealthCare, which can further reduce the total out-of-pocket cost to around $15,000 per student.
  • Quinnipiac University is providing $5,000 in financial support for out-of-pocket expenses such as books and lab supplies.
  • Graduation expected in May 2027.
  • Classes will be held on-site at Hartford Hospital and select hybrid courses.
  • Schedule will be two days per week – one day for classes (8 hours), and another for clinicals/labs (12 hours).
  • Clinical Rotations will be at Hartford Hospital and Connecticut Children’s
  • Graduates who pass the NCLEX and become registered nurses will be extended a conditional offer for full-time RN position at Hartford HealthCare
  • Eligibility and Application: To be eligible, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any field other than nursing or at least 60 transferable college credits.
  • Meet a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have completed all prerequisite courses with a grade of B- or better.

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