University of Saint Joseph

The University of Saint Joseph is a private Roman Catholic university in West Hartford, Connecticut. It was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1932 on an 84-acre campus. Approximately 45% of undergrads live on campus. The University of Saint Joseph is a small college, with an enrollment of 2,467 students during the Fall 2016 semester. However, the smaller size allows for a smaller student to faculty ratio, allowing faculty to spend more one-on-one time with each student. Since its founding, the university has only admitted women. In 2016, the university voted to begin admitting male students starting with the Fall 2018 semester.

The University of Saint Joseph offers several options for students pursuing a career in nursing. The available nursing programs include BSN, RN to BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, and RN to MSN programs. These programs offer a low 8:1 student to faculty ratio. The school has a state-of-the-art simulation center and nursing laboratory, while clinical courses start with the sophomore year of the BNS program. Clinical experience is offered through partnerships with the Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford Hospital, and several other prominent healthcare facilities in the area. All programs are also accredited by the CCNE.

Updated on: 26 Oct, 2025

Program Length & Format

15-month , two summers and one full academic year (May through August)
Full-time
Graduates awarded Bachelor of Science in Nursing and eligible to sit for NCLEX-RN
Cohort start: May each year

Admission Requirements

Conferred bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university prior to program start
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate coursework
Grade of B- (B minus) or better in all science prerequisite courses
Science and non-science prerequisite courses must have been completed within the last five (5) years
Only one repeated science prerequisite course permitted
Criminal background check and drug screening required with acceptable outcome prior to first nursing course

Prerequisites

Anatomy and Physiology I
Anatomy and Physiology II
Microbiology
Statistics
Chemistry
Grade of B- or better required in science prerequisites

Deadlines

Application deadline: February 1 each year for May cohort
Program start: May each year

Application

Completed online application through University of Saint Joseph admissions portal
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (eTranscript accepted or mail to Office of Admissions, 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117-2791)
One letter of recommendation, academic or professional
Program essay, one to two pages, addressing decision to transition to nursing
Current resume
Midterm grades and proof of enrollment required for up to two prerequisite courses in progress at time of application; final official transcripts required for full admission

Selection Process

Admission decisions made by Director of the ASD Program in consultation with the Chair of Nursing; process centralized in the Office of Admissions
Placement competitive and based on space availability
Interviews may be granted for applicants who submit application and transcripts and meet minimum GPA

Cost & Financial Aid

Accelerated Nursing Program tuition (new cohort): $12,746 per term (2024–2025 rate)
Undergraduate nursing fee: $335 (per program fee listing)
Estimated annual additional expenses for full-time undergraduates: books and course materials $1,200; transportation $1,026; miscellaneous personal expenses $1,626

Clinical & Simulation Lab

Nursing Education and Simulation Center location: McDonough Hall, Room 211
Lab hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; appointments available upon request
Simulation technology includes METIman simulation manikin, Victoria birthing simulator, pediatric high-fidelity simulator, multiple task trainers, VitalSim
Students required to provide own uniforms, equipment, and transportation to clinical agencies
Criminal background investigation and drug testing required prior to first nursing course

Credit Transfer

Official transcripts required for transfer credit evaluation
Transfer course equivalency for biology and chemistry assessed by ASD program director in consultation with natural science faculty
eTranscript services accepted; physical transcripts may be mailed to Office of Admissions

International Students

Official international transcript evaluation from a recognized member organization required and must be submitted to the Office of Admissions

Contacts

Office of Admissions phone: 860.231.5216
Mailing address: University of Saint Joseph, Office of Admissions, 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117