Like the rest of the United States, the state of Connecticut is suffering from a shortage of nurses to address the healthcare needs of our population. As our national leaders struggle to address the healthcare needs of the people, this is an exciting opportunity for young men and women to pursue careers that will help with this massive undertaking. The serious need for registered nurses (RNs) means that there is currently an unusually high number of opportunities in a field with great job satisfaction and generous salaries.

Healthcare employers’ growing preference for well-trained staff means that there is higher demand for nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. The bachelor’s degree prepares nurses for a wide variety of professional roles and graduate study. Students receive a general education in math, humanities, and social sciences while completing coursework like nursing science, research, and leadership. As such, a registered nurse (RN) with a bachelor’s degree has more opportunities for career advancement and higher salary options than one who has only completed an ADN program.

The associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) program prepares students to become registered nurses in any medical facility of their choice. ADN programs equip students with skills to independently provide direct patient care through theoretical and applied instruction in classrooms, simulated laboratories, and clinical settings. These programs are offered in over 20 schools across Colorado, including Front Range Community College, Morgan Community College, and Pueblo Community College. Some campuses also offer evening classes to accommodate students’ busy schedules.