Nursing Schools in New England with Program Descriptions

There are more than 90 nursing schools in New England. Students can enroll in associate's, bachelor's and graduate degree programs to become licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and nurse practitioners. The University of Massachusetts - Amherst and the University of Connecticut both offer nursing programs.

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University of Massachusetts - Amherst's Nursing Programs

The University of Massachusetts - Amherst is the flagship school of the UMass system. The public school offers more than 88 majors. The School of Nursing offers a variety of nursing degree programs.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

UMass Amherst offers three degree tracks for students in the BSN program. Students with no nursing experience can pursue a traditional BSN, while students with RN licensure can pursue an online RN-to-BSN degree. Students with a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field can enroll in the second degree BSN program.

Each program includes courses in psychology, life sciences, medical terminology, human growth development and professional nursing practices. Students participate in clinical internships to gain practical experience. After completing the BSN, students can seek licensure by taking the NCLEX-RN.

Master of Science in Nursing

Students in the MSN program can study clinical nursing practices through online courses. Through courses in research methodology, nursing informatics and clinical reasoning, students can train for advanced leadership positions in the health care field. Although the program is conducted online, students also develop their nursing skills through a 60-hour fieldwork course.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The DNP, which can also be completed primarily online, allows professional nurses to develop advanced leadership and management skills. The program is open to nurses and nurse practitioners with a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing. Courses include advanced pharmacology, mental health nursing, public health nursing and ethical issues in health care.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

Students in the nursing Ph.D. program focus on nursing research and theory, as opposed to the DNP, which focuses on clinical experience. This program is also open to nurses with a bachelor's or master's degree. In addition to courses in statistical methods, advanced nursing research and quantitative methods in health care research, students must complete a doctoral dissertation, which counts for 18 academic credits.

Contact Information

  • Address: Skinner Hall Building, 651 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01003-9299
  • Phone Number: (413) 545-5096

University of Connecticut's Nursing Programs

Located approximately 25 miles east of Hartford, the University of Connecticut is a public school that annually serves more than 25,000 students. The university's School of Nursing offers many academic options and resources for students seeking careers in nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Students seeking RN positions can enroll in the 4-year BSN program. Students develop an understanding of nursing and health care concepts through courses in life sciences, psychology, sociology, public health and nursing science. Students gain clinical experience through fieldwork opportunities with more than 50 medical agencies in the region, including hospitals, schools and nursing homes. After obtaining the BSN, students can take the NCLEX-RN to become licensed RNs.

Master of Science in Nursing

The master's degree program in nursing is designed for professionals seeking clinical leadership positions. Students may pursue a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) option that focuses on nursing management and medical policy evaluation. Specialty concentrations are also available for students interested adult, neonatal and acute care nursing. Students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree or associate's degree in nursing can enroll in an accelerated program that leads to graduate-level nursing coursework.

Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing

Students with a bachelor's and master's degree can enroll in a post-master's certificate program. Areas of study include acute care, adult primary care, neonatal care and patient care services. Each certificate requires 20-32 credits.

Teaching Nursing Certificate

Experienced nursing professionals who are interested in teaching nurse training programs can enroll in the teaching nursing certificate program. Students must have a bachelor's degree in nursing, though completion of graduate-level coursework is preferred. Students may complete courses online or in person. Courses address instructional methods for nursing students, curriculum development and educational trends in health care.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

UMass Amherst's DNP program was the first to be implemented in Connecticut. The DNP program focuses on clinical experiences for nurses seeking advanced leadership or supervisory positions. Courses include evidence-based nursing practices, health care informational systems and clinical prevention. The program requires completion of with 36 credits.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

The nursing Ph.D. program focuses on research topics within nursing and health care. Students complete courses in advanced statistical, quantitative and qualitative research methods. Each student receives a personalized curriculum based on their academic interests and professional background. Courses are offered in nursing philosophy, advanced nursing knowledge and experimental design and research. Students must complete a doctoral dissertation to complete the Ph.D. program in nursing.

Contact Information

  • Address: 231 Glenbrook Road, Augustus Storrs Hall, Storrs, CT 06269
  • Phone Number: (860) 486-3716
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