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HHC and Quinnipiac University Launch Innovative Mid-Career Nursing Program 

April 01, 2025

Hartford HealthCare and Quinnipiac University are pleased to announce the launch of the New Careers in Nursing (NCN) Program, an innovative educational opportunity designed to help mid-career professionals transition into the nursing field. This strategic partnership addresses the growing demand for highly skilled nurses while offering HHC colleagues and those wanting to join HHC a supportive pathway to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Starting in April 2025, this part-time, two-year program is tailored for qualified Hartford HealthCare colleagues who hold a bachelor’s degree and want a pathway into nursing or have at least 60 transferable college credits. Participants will continue their employment part-time while attending classes at HHC’s Hartford facility, balancing work and education to advance their careers.

The program’s development was catalyzed by a Connecticut Health Horizon’s grant through the State’s Office of Workforce Strategies.

“I am incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with Quinnipiac University,” said Jeffrey A. Flaks, president and CEO of Hartford HealthCare. “This latest collaboration demonstrates our commitment to further growth and development among our colleagues. This will undoubtedly create flexible and innovative pathways for career advancement, meet the growing demand for skilled nurses, and provide our colleagues with opportunities to transform their professional lives while continuing to serve the community.  This partnership further solidifies our dedication to investing in the future and opens doors to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all.”

“We’re gratified that we can help address the state’s workforce needs — in this case dire nursing shortages across Connecticut,” said Judy Olian, President Quinnipiac University. “This is a novel approach — taking those already working in healthcare and then upskilling them through QU’s outstanding BSN program, in partnership with Hartford HealthCare’s exceptional experiential learning opportunities.  It’s a win all around.”

Affordable and Accessible Education

Hartford HealthCare and Quinnipiac University are making a significant investment so the cost to individual students will be minimal. Hartford HealthCare will support the cost of the two-year program, including providing stipends for expenses such as books, uniforms and lab supplies, and Quinnipiac University will substantially discount the tuition. The total out-of-pocket costs per student will be approximately $15,000. The program is designed so that students will work at HHC further offsetting the cost of participation.

Program Highlights

  • Duration: Approximately 24 months, with graduation of the first cohort expected in May 2027.
  • Schedule: Two days per week – one day for classes (8 hours) and another for clinicals/labs (12 hours).
  • Class Format: Part-time, with classes held on-site at Hartford HealthCare’s Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation (CESI), with some select hybrid courses.
  • Clinical Rotations: Conducted within Hartford HealthCare’s footprint, including at Hartford Hospital, ensuring hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings.
  • Career Opportunity: Eligible graduates who pass the NCLEX and become registered nurses will be extended an offer for a full-time RN position at Hartford HealthCare, fulfilling a vital role in patient care.

Building the Future of Healthcare

The NCN program demonstrates Hartford HealthCare’s commitment to career advancement and workforce development while addressing the growing shortages of qualified nurses. It also highlights Quinnipiac University’s leadership in innovative nursing education. To learn more about the program or express your interest in joining the next cohort, please visit New Careers in Nursing program or contact SNURDeans@qu.edu.

Eligibility and Application

To be eligible for future cohorts, applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree in any field other than nursing or at least 60 transferable college credits that meet QU’s general education requirements.
  • Meet a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have completed all prerequisite courses with a grade of B- or better.

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