University of Connecticut Nursing School Review
The University of Connecticut (Uconn) was founded as the Storrs Agricultural School in 1881. It became the University of Connecticut in 1939, and now enrolls over 22,000 students each year. Uconn is among the top 20 public universities in the country, according to US News and World Report.
The Uconn School of Nursing has been named as a Center of Excellence by the National League of Nursing (NLN). The academic nursing programs at the school are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate College Nursing of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Commission (AACN).
Nursing Programs
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing
This program is for students wishing to enter the field of nursing. The first four semesters are spent building an educational foundation with general education and science courses. Most of the nursing courses will be taken during the last four semesters, along with the clinical coursework. To graduate, students must earn at least 127 credits and have a GPA of at least 2.5. Graduates of the program may sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensure exam.
Master of Science (MS) in Nursing
The MS program prepares nurses to become advanced practice specialists. Core classes of the MS program are offered either in classrooms or online. Students may complete the program full time or part time. Applying to UCONN Graduate School can all be accomplished online.
The MS program offers the following specialty tracks for the MS degree:
- Adult/Gero Acute Care – this 45 credit program prepares graduates to take the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification.
- Adult/Gero Primary Care – this program is 47 credits, and allows graduates to take the Adult Nurse Practitioner exam for certification.
- Clinical Nurse Leader – students will take a minimum of 34 credits to graduate, and be allowed to take national board certification.
- Family Nurse Practitioner – this program requires 47 credits and allows students to take the Family Nurse Practitioner certification.
- Neonatal Acute Care – after completing 43-45 credits, students may sit for the Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist exam.
Post-Master’s Certificates
RNs with MS degrees can pursue an area of clinical concentration with a Post-Master’s Certificate. To apply, students must have a 3.0 GPA from their MS program.
The three Post-Masters Certificates available at UConn are Adult Acute Care, Adult Primary Care, and Neonatal Acute Care.
RN to MS
Self-directed students with an associate degree or diploma in nursing and a current RN license may apply to the RN to MS program. Students will take a combination of General Education courses, Nursing courses, and RN to MS courses.
To be eligible, students must start the program within six years of graduating from their RN program. Students may transfer general education credits from their previous education provided they earned a C or higher. They will also earn at least 30 nursing credits and up to another 30 credits, per the state articulation agreement.
Masters Entry into Nursing (MEIN)
This is a three year program for students who hold a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The first year is devoted to learning basic nursing skills, and at that point students will be awarded a basic nursing certificate and be allowed to take the RN license exam. During the next two years, students will take the required nursing courses and earn both a bachelors and a masters degree.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
UConn has the first DNP program in Connecticut. This program supports nursing professionals that prefer a non-research based doctoral program. This program takes nine semesters to complete if taken full time.
The specialties available in the DNP program are:
- Adult-Gero Nurse Practitioner: Acute Care
- Adult-Gero Nurse Practitioner: Primary Care
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Acute Care: Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Neonatal Acute Care: Nurse Practitioner
BS to DNP
Students that hold a BS degree in nursing and want a career in advanced practice nursing (APRN), as a Nurse Executive, or as clinical faculty may apply to the DNP. This program has the same specialties available as the traditional program.
Post Master’s DNP
The Post Master’s DNP is the highest degree of professional expertise and allows students to specialize in an individual area. Students must have an MS degree in Nursing and certification in their specialty. This course of study is two years if taken full time.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The PhD program in nursing prepares nurse leaders to pursue quantitative and qualitative research methods and advance the scientific body of knowledge of nursing. To enter the program, students must have at least a bachelor’s degree and a 3.25 GPA.
This is a three year program if taken full time.
BS to PhD
Students with a BS in nursing can apply to the PhD in nursing program. This program is for nurses who wish to specialize in research, public policy, nursing philosophy, and theory. They must have a 3.25 GPA and be eligible for RN licensing in Connecticut.
Study Abroad
The School of Nursing has a Study Abroad program to allow students to immerse themselves in clinical experiences in another culture. Most programs require a GPA of 2.5 or higher to apply, and nearly all of them are open to juniors and seniors, with many open to sophomores. Students may apply for this program online.
Urban Service Track
The Urban Service Track is dedicated to training skilled health care workers to care for the underserved populations of Connecticut. Participants come from the School of Nursing, Pharmacy, Medicine, and Dental Medicine. Known as Urban Health Scholars, they are eligible for financial assistance and scholarships. Interested students may apply to the University of Connecticut Health Center.
Contact:
University of Connecticut
115 North Eagleville Road
Storrs-Mansfield, CT 06269
Tel: (860) 486-2000
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