Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing
The world of nursing is fast-paced, hands-on, and personal—and so is the Sacred Heart University College of Nursing.
Pursue your degree on-campus or online, learn from practicing professionals in evidence-based programs, and hone your skills in our cutting-edge nursing simulation and critical skills labs. You’ll graduate with the confidence and the competence to make a real difference in patients’ lives.
Start up Your Career with Our Programs
Facts & Statistics
Meet the Dean & Faculty
Mission
The Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing (DHCON) endeavors to prepare nursing graduates who are knowledgeable of self, rooted in faith, educated in mind, compassionate in heart, responsive to social and civic obligations and able to respond to the ever-changing world.
Vision
DHCON aspires to achieve prominence through innovative teaching and learning within an environment recognized for its compassion and creativity.
CCNE Accredited
CCNE AccreditedThe baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master’s degree program in nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at Sacred Heart University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a nationally recognized accrediting agency for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs. The Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing at Sacred Heart University hosted an on-site evaluation by CCNE on November 5-7, 2025. The new post-graduate APRN certificate program with specialty tracks in family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental-health nurse practitioner has received notifications of full accreditation on May 15, 2026.
ACEN Accredited
ACEN AccreditedThe associate degree in nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000.
State of Connecticut Department of Higher Education Board of Governors Accreditation
All programs of study leading to undergraduate or graduate degrees (including online programs) are fully accredited and approved by the State of Connecticut Department of Higher Education Board of Governors.
I believe that the College of Nursing at Sacred Heart University is one of the best ones out there. What really caught my eye about this school was that clinical started in your sophomore year, rather than your junior year, which is what most universities do. The way classes and clinicals are structured prepares us really well. We have an amazing simulation lab that allows us to work on manikins that are able to act like real people. For example, they have real vital signs to assess, they are able to talk, blink, breathe and even give birth!
Faculty Spotlight
Sacred Heart University proudly recognizes our faculty for their scholarly achievement through their outstanding publishing efforts and industry experience.
LuAnn Etcher, Ph.D., GNP-BC, CPG
Associate Dean & Professor
LuAnn Etcher brings nationally recognized expertise in nursing research, evidence-based practice, and nursing education. Named a 2026 Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing—one of nursing's highest honors—she mentors faculty and students while advancing research that strengthens health care. Her leadership helps prepare future nurses to improve patient care through research, innovation, and compassionate practice.
Rebecca Witten Jones, Ph.D., MSN, ANP-C, CNL, PMHNP-BC
Assistant Clinical Professor, Graduate Nursing
Dr. Jones received the 2023 Rising Star Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Student Award from the University of Alabama, where she earned a post-master's certificate after 20 years as an adult nurse practitioner. A keynote speaker for the North Carolina Nurses Association, she integrates mental health and occupational health scholarship and presents on traumatic stress among nurses and preventing burnout through spiritual self-care.
Preceptor Links
The Latest in Davis & Henley College of Nursing
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SHU Earns National Recognition in Princeton Review's 2027 Rankings
Academics, Advancing SHU, Campus Life, Community Outreach, Facilities, SHU in the NewsPublished:Sacred Heart recognized among the nation's best residence halls, student support, community engagement, career services, and campus life -
Professor Named American Academy of Nursing Fellow
Academics, Faculty & Staff SpotlightPublished:National nursing honor recognizes leadership in research, education, and health care -
Davis & Henley College of Nursing and Northwell Health Co-Sponsor AI and Human Caring Conference
Academics, Speakers & EventsPublished:Third annual PIER Conference examines how artificial intelligence can strengthen, not replace, compassionate nursing practice
Davis & Henley College of Nursing on the Virtual Tour
College of Nursing
Home of the
Located at 4000 Park Avenue in Bridgeport, our new Center for Healthcare Education is designed to offer students with aspirations in any health-care profession the best possible learning environment to ensure that they are prepared to succeed in the booming health-care industry.