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 CCNE-Accredited 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
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, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice 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.
Call for third-party comments regarding upcoming CCNE site visit
Announcement from Dr. Karen M. Daley, Dean, Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing at Sacred Heart University
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 is preparing for 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 will be reviewed for initial accreditation.
In accordance with CCNE accreditation procedures, we are providing the opportunity for you to submit in writing third-party comments concerning the post-graduate APRN certificate programs. Third-party comments must be received by CCNE no later than 21 days before the first day of the evaluation and therefore are due no later than October 13, 2025. All third-party comments must be written in English, consistent with CCNE’s policy on conducting business in English. Comments are shared only with the CCNE evaluation team appointed to review our programs.
Submit comments to CCNE at thirdpartycomments@ccneaccreditation.org. For additional information and to view the full announcement, see Announcement Third-Party Comments.
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.
Rebecca Witten Jones, Ph.D., 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.
Marguerite A. Lawrence, DNP, FNP-BC, PHCNS-BC, MA
Clinical Associate Professor
Marguerite Lawrence received a 2023 Excellence in Health Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award from her alma mater, East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. A family nurse practitioner since 2009, Dr. Lawrence spent 20 years in the US Army, including deployments to Iraq and working as chief of Walter Reed Medical Center’s Wounded Warrior Clinic. She joined SHU’s nursing faculty in 2023.
The Latest in Davis & Henley College of Nursing
View More News-
SHU Named a Top College by Princeton Review
Advancing SHU, Campus LifePublished:Sacred Heart earns seven national rankings based on student experience -
Exploring the Benefits of Studying Abroad While in College
Academics, Campus LifePublished:Opportunities abound for undergrads and grads across SHU’s academic programs -
Past, Presence and Future
Academics, Advancing SHU, Campus Life, FacilitiesPublished:After more than 20 years of history establishing its footing on the Emerald Isle, Sacred Heart's Dingle campus opens new doors to the future.
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.