HARTFORD, CT — Hartford HealthCare and Quinnipiac University have launched a two-year accelerated nursing program designed for mid-career professionals currently working in the healthcare system.
The goal is to increase the number of registered nurses in Connecticut and create a more accessible path for employees seeking a clinical career shift.
The program, titled New Careers in Nursing, is open to Hartford HealthCare employees who have either a bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits. Students in the program will continue working part-time while completing nursing coursework at the Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation (CESI).
Seventeen students are enrolled in the first cohort.
The program includes stipends of $5,000 per student to assist with textbook and supply costs. Annual tuition is set below $10,000 to reduce financial barriers. Graduates will be ready to serve at the bedside by May 2027.
According to federal data from the Health Resources and Services Administration, a 10% shortage of registered nurses is projected by 2027.
In Connecticut alone, over 1,000 nursing jobs go unfilled annually due to limited training slots.
This program was developed to provide an alternative route to licensure while retaining existing healthcare employees. It also allows working parents and adult learners to pursue clinical careers without exiting the workforce.
Officials confirmed that this initiative is part of a larger statewide effort to stabilize the healthcare labor force. The state has invested resources to make the program scalable and replicable for future cohorts.
