In a bold move to address Connecticut's growing demand for skilled nurses, Hartford HealthCare (HHC) has partnered with Quinnipiac University to introduce the New Careers in Nursing (NCN) Program. This innovative initiative aims to provide mid-career professionals with a unique opportunity to transition into the nursing field while continuing their professional careers. The NCN Program is set to offer a pathway for HHC employees and those interested in joining the organization to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Meeting the Demand for Skilled Nurses
The NCN Program, launching in April 2025, is designed for qualified Hartford HealthCare colleagues who hold a bachelor's degree or have at least 60 transferable college credits. It also welcomes individuals outside of HHC who are eager to pursue a career in nursing. Participants in this part-time, two-year program will have the flexibility to continue working at HHC while completing coursework, making it possible to balance education with career commitments.
This partnership was made possible by a Connecticut Health Horizon’s grant through the State’s Office of Workforce Strategies, which emphasizes addressing workforce shortages in critical sectors like healthcare.
A Collaborative Effort for Workforce Development
Jeffrey A. Flaks, President and CEO of Hartford HealthCare, expressed pride in the partnership with Quinnipiac University. "This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering growth and development among our colleagues. By providing flexible, innovative career pathways, we’re not only addressing the nursing shortage but also offering our employees opportunities to transform their professional lives while continuing to serve our community."
Judy Olian, President of Quinnipiac University, also shared enthusiasm for the program’s potential impact on Connecticut’s workforce. "We’re excited to help address the state’s nursing shortage by upskilling healthcare professionals already working in the field. This program combines Quinnipiac's top-tier BSN program with Hartford HealthCare’s outstanding experiential learning opportunities, creating a win-win for both the students and the healthcare system."
Affordable and Accessible Education
One of the most appealing aspects of the NCN Program is its affordability. Thanks to the investment from Hartford HealthCare and Quinnipiac University, participants will incur minimal costs. Hartford HealthCare will cover the full cost of the two-year program, including stipends for essential materials such as books, uniforms, and lab supplies. Quinnipiac University will significantly discount tuition, meaning that the total out-of-pocket cost per student will be approximately $15,000. This financial support, coupled with the students’ continued employment at HHC, helps make the program both affordable and accessible.
Program Structure and Details
1. Duration: The program spans approximately 24 months, with the first cohort expected to graduate in May 2027.
2. Schedule: Classes will be held two days per week, with one day dedicated to 8 hours of classroom learning and another for 12 hours of clinical rotations/labs.
3. Class Format: The program is part-time, with courses held at HHC’s Center for Education, Simulation, and Innovation (CESI), and some courses available in a hybrid format.
4. Clinical Rotations: Students will gain hands-on experience by completing clinical rotations within Hartford HealthCare facilities, including Hartford Hospital, ensuring real-world healthcare exposure.
5. Career Opportunity: Upon successful completion of the program and passing the NCLEX, graduates will be eligible for a full-time RN position at Hartford HealthCare, helping to address the critical need for registered nurses in the healthcare system.
Looking to the Future
The NCN Program is a significant step in addressing the nursing shortage while offering a supportive, flexible, and affordable pathway for mid-career professionals to transition into nursing. By partnering with Quinnipiac University, Hartford HealthCare is not only investing in the future of healthcare but also providing a transformative educational experience that benefits both participants and the communities they serve.
With the first cohort beginning in April 2025, this program marks an exciting new chapter in workforce development, nursing education, and career advancement at Hartford Healthcare.
