Starting in April 2025, Hartford Healthcare is partnering with Quinnipiac University to launch the New Careers in Nursing Program.

This two year program hopes to provide Hartford Healthcare employees and aspiring healthcare professionals the opportunity to transition into the nursing field. Following the program, participants will secure a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.

“As a mother, I recognize the importance of financial stability, but most importantly, I needed job security,” said Hartford Healthcare colleague, Kenisha Messam. “Equity provided me this opportunity to advance my life and create a better future, not just for me, but for my children.”

After several months of preparation, the program will be available to prospective participants on Thursday, April 10. The NCN program initially began development after a grant provided by Connecticut Health Horizons was given to the State’s Office of Workforce Strategies.

Larry Slater shared his perspective on the NCN program and detailed some of his tasks as the dean of the School of Nursing at Quinnipiac. He explained how he contributes to all aspects of the academic side of the School of Nursing including faculty and staff management of all undergraduate and graduate programs. Additionally, he manages the financial resources that are necessary to run the programs.

“There was so much that really went into this is a very interesting program,” Slater said. “We had to go through a process to get this site where our students are taking their classes which is in Hartford, at a place called the Center for Education simulation and innovation. The other goal was to determine how Quinnipiac and Hartford healthcare could supply resources to make it less of a financial burden on the students for completing the program.”

Applicants are eligible to sign up as long as they acquire a bachelor’s degree as well as a minimum GPA of 3.0 and 60 transferable college credits. Costs such as textbooks, uniforms and lab supplies will be generously provided by Hartford Healthcare. Individuals will pay approximately $15,000 for the price of tuition.

“We can work with them to get a job within the Hartford healthcare system as long as they’re eligible, and they can serve in that job for the two years while they’re doing their nursing program.” Slater said.  “It’s really designed for those two populations, Hartford healthcare employees internally, but also those that are interested in just new careers in nursing and healthcare to get into the Hartford healthcare system and start this program.”

Slater continues discussing the importance of accessibility within the program.

“This program is designed for those that might not have had the financial resources or the time because, you know, they’re working and trying to raise families, but they’re interested in a new career in nursing.” Slater said.

With the current issue of a nationwide nursing shortage, this program aims to allow accessibility within the nursing field, and readily available resources.

“Nurses typically have 5 million strong across the US and are truly the backbone of the healthcare industry, without it we can’t run a lot of our hospitals and clinics. One of the burdens to getting students and education is the finances right.” Slaters adds. “For somebody shifting into a potential career in nursing, these accelerated options that cost a lot of money are problematic because it’s difficult to work full time and support families. So, this type of program opens the door for those that want to go into nursing. That’s one of the critical reasons why we wanted to put that program together.”

With Quinnipiac’s long standing collaboration with Hartford Healthcare and in the establishment of the NCN program, the university hopes to express their commitment and devotion to the growth of their colleagues. As well as allow for career growth that benefits both the greater Connecticut area, and participants’ professional lives.

Additionally, the collaborative efforts between Quinnipiac and Hartford Healthcare have the opportunity to pave the way for those in the future seeking a higher education that is both accessible and affordable.

“Today I can say that because I work in a psychological, safe environment, I am able to thrive in this company,” said Messam.