Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing Review

The Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing (BHSN) opened in 1884, and is the oldest nursing school in Connecticut. The original nursing school was located in Bridgeport Hospital. In 1915, Elizabeth Oliver Hall was constructed and the nursing program was moved there, and remains there today. Elizabeth Oliver Hall is connected to Bridgeport Hospital by a walkway tunnel that is used by the nursing students.

A small school, Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing admits just 125 students each year. Bridgeport has courses in Nursing, Surgical Technology, and Sterile Processing.

Nursing Programs

Diploma in Nursing

The Diploma in Nursing is an intensive two year program offered in conjunction with Bridgeport Hospital. The Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing only offers the nursing courses. The non-nursing courses may be taken at other colleges. Bridgeport has an agreement with Housatonic Community College, who offers all the pre- and co-requisite courses required to complete the Diploma in Nursing course.

To apply to the program, students will need to take English Composition and Chemistry (usually taken in high school).

Students are also encouraged to take their co-requisite courses prior to starting the nursing program. These are Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, Child Physiology and Development, Microbiology, Sociology, Public Speaking, and a 3 credit elective course.

Credit for all non-nursing pre- and co-requisite courses may be transferred as long as the course grade is a C or better.

Students will take forty nursing credits and thirty credits made up of behavioral, biological, and social sciences. After students finish the program, they will receive a Diploma in Nursing, and will be eligible to apply for the Registered Nurse (RN) state licensing exam (NCLEX-RN).

Partial Evening Program

The first year of the Diploma in Nursing program is offered as a partial evening to offer flexibility for students with other commitments. Lab and clinical hours are offered in the evening as an alternative to daytime slots. After the first year, however, students must attend all courses in the daytime.

Accelerated RN Program

The accelerated program allows students to graduate the program one semester early. They will take the same amount of courses, but will continue their studies through the summer between the first and second years of the program. To qualify for the accelerated program, students must have completed their first year studies, have taken all co-requisite classes, have a GPA of 3.0 or better in their nursing classes, and request admission into the program two months prior to the start.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN Articulation Bridge Program

The LPN to RN bridge program is designed to prepare LPNs for successful advanced placement entry to the Diploma in Nursing program. This is a 3 credit online course that students will take after being admitted into the Diploma program.

Students must first complete the pre- and co-requisite courses for the Diploma program. After completing the online Bridge course and the Transition for the LPN course, students will be admitted into the second year of the program, and be able to bypass the first year nursing courses.

Associates Degree Program

Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing has an agreement with Housatonic Community College to allow BHSN students to pursue an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing. Students are eligible for this program if they graduate from the BHSN Diploma program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam for licensing, complete a required English course, take another 16 credit hours and apply to the Housatonic nursing program.

Surgical Technology Program

This is a full time program that begins each Fall. This 10 month accredited program prepares students to be a member of the surgical team. Students will attend four 10 week terms with classes four days a week. They will also spend time in clinical situations and gain experience in a variety of surgical areas.

To apply, students must be a high school graduate or equivalent and must submit any school transcripts, their TEAS score, proof of citizenship, three references, and a 250-300 word essay.

Students will take the National Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists before they graduate, and will receive their Surgical Technology Certificate when they complete the program.

Sterile Processing Program

Students in this program will learn the guidelines set by the Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution. This course is for 10 days spread over a three to five week period, and covers both classroom and clinical education. Upon completion, students receive a Certificate and are allowed to take the certification exam for Sterile Processing Technician.

To apply, students must be a high school graduate or equivalent and must submit any school transcripts, their TEAS score, proof of citizenship, two references, and a paragraph on why they want to take the program.

Contact:
Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing
200 Mill Hill Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06610