Nursing
BECOME A HEALTH CARE LEADER OF TOMORROWJoin USJ’s nationally recognized program in Nursing
The department of Nursing educates students for all levels of nursing practice by building on a firm foundation in the arts and sciences. The mission of the Department of Nursing is to provide a rigorous professional education to a diverse population, built on a firm foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, that prepares students for leadership roles at all levels of nursing practice. The Department is committed to supporting holistic growth, fostering strong ethical values, providing an environment of equity and inclusion, promoting personal integrity, and preparing students committed to social justice.

Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs (Hybrid)
- Family Nurse Practitioner M.S.
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post Graduate)
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner M.S.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner Certificate (Post-Master’s)
- Nursing, DNP, FNP or PMHNP (Post-Bachelor’s)
- Nursing, DNP (Post-Master’s)
- Nursing, DNP/Master of Public Health, MPH Dual Degree
USJ Nursing Chair on WTNH
May 8, 2024 — During National Nurses Week, USJ Nursing Program Chair Denise Puia was interviewed on WTNH, discussing USJ’s 100% NCLEX pass rate for both the traditional and ASD Nursing program 2023 cohorts and celebrated the important work that nurses do.
Student Life
Benefit from Our Acclaimed Curriculum
- Faculty-student clinical ratio of 1:6 provides the personal attention and guidance needed in today’s acute-care settings
- State-of-the-art technology supports learning in our fully operational Nursing Education and Simulation Center.
- Clinical courses begin in the sophomore year (spring semester)
Learn from Clinical Placements in Leading Health Care Agencies
- Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center
- CCMC Medical Center
- Hartford Hospital
- Hospital of Central Connecticut
- Middlesex Hospital
- Yale-New Haven Hospital
- Jefferson House
- McLean Senior Living
- Gaylord Specialty Healthcare
Learn from Renowned Nursing Professionals
Our Nursing faculty consists of renowned professionals involved in research, clinical practice, and professional scholarship both nationally and internationally.
Join a Winning Team of Nursing Graduates
- Many students who prepare with a USJ B.S. degree, with a concentration in Nursing, pursue a Master’s degree in Nursing.
- Graduates are employed in hospitals, schools, private corporations, and other health care organizations, such as:
- Pediatric Intensive Care
- Home Care
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Post-operative Cardiac Care
- Critical Care
- Hospice and Palliative Care
- Psychiatric Facilities
- Emergency Departments
Dottie Leighton, M’13 was nominated for her commitment to patient care and her ability to make a lasting impact on those she serves. “Anyone who has had the privilege of working alongside or even just being in the presence of Dottie, knows how incredible she is,” her nominator said. Her ability to remain calm and provide compassionate support during difficult times has made her a valued asset to both patients and staff.
Read moreCCNE Accredited
The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing/Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certification at the University of Saint Joseph are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE DISCLOSURE
In accordance with the U.S. Department of Education’s Regulation 34 CFR 688.43(a)(5)(v), please refer to The Board of Nursing Professional Licensure Requirement page here. Select Connecticut on the dropdown menu for full licensure requirements in Connecticut.
Questions?
Contact Us
Undergraduate Admissions
Phone: 860.231.5216
Email: [email protected]
Graduate Admissions
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 860.231.5216
Denise Puia, Ph.D., RN
Chair and Associate Professor of Nursing
Phone: 860.231.5249
Email: [email protected]

