SB 396 An Act Permitting Ninety-Credit Degree Programs At Institutions Of Higher Education In The State

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 396, An Act Permitting Ninety-Credit Degree Programs At Institutions Of Higher Education In The State.  

Connecticut hospitals make our state stronger by delivering nationally recognized, world-class care, supporting jobs and economic growth, and serving communities across Connecticut.  Every day, hospitals improve access, affordability, and health equity — providing care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.  At the same time, hospitals invest in their workforce and local communities, even as they navigate significant financial and federal challenges.

CHA supports thoughtful innovation in educational pathways that responsibly accelerates entry into high-demand healthcare careers.  SB 396 contains a proposal to authorize the Office of Higher Education to permit institutions of higher education to propose new 90-credit degree programs.  This is a novel consideration for expanding healthcare degree pathways and other high demand programs.

As hospitals continue to work with state agencies, higher education partners, and workforce leaders to address critical shortages across the healthcare continuum, it is important that new educational pathways be designed with direct input from healthcare employers who will ultimately rely on this workforce.

Reducing total credit requirements could allow for a more rapid expansion of workforce development, potentially attracting adult learners, individuals pursuing second careers, first-generation college students, and working students seeking a more accessible pathway into healthcare professions.  A degree structure that reduces both cost and time to completion could also support the development of stackable credentials, allowing programs to be designed within a career-ladder framework that supports ongoing workforce advancement.

At the same time, CHA recognizes the intensity of training required and the need to maintain the highest standards in programs that prepare our clinical workforce.  Any new degree structure must align with accreditation standards, professional licensing requirements, and employer workforce needs.  Without careful oversight, there may be risks related to licensure eligibility, interstate portability of credentials, and perceptions regarding academic rigor.

Any pilot program exploring new healthcare workforce education models should be developed collaboratively with hospitals, higher education institutions, licensing boards, and workforce agencies to jointly evaluate the model.  Outcome tracking and workforce data should guide any long-term expansion or adoption of these programs by Connecticut’s higher education institutions.

Thank you for your consideration of our position.  For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.