An optical fiber connector includes a longitudinally extending ferrule having fusion access means defined therein such that an optical fiber stub and a second optical fiber can be fused in the field during installation of the optical fiber connector. In one embodiment, the fusion access means includes a fusion access slot which extends transversely across the ferrule from a first side of the ferrule to a bottom portion of the fusion access slot such that a bore defined longitudinally through the ferrule opens into the fusion access slot. In this embodiment, the radial distance between the bottom portion of the fusion access slot and the second side of the ferrule, opposite the first side, is greater than a predetermined radial distance such that the fusion access slot does not significantly weaken the ferrule so that the ferrule remains structurally intact during use. In another embodiment, the fusion access means includes a fusion access port defined transversely through the ferrule such that the fusion access port is in communication with the longitudinal bore and thereby defines an internal splice cavity in which the end portions of the optical fiber stub and the second optical fiber can also be fused to form an integral optical fiber. By carefully defining the fusion access means within the ferrule, however, the structural integrity of the ferrule can be maintained such that the resulting optical fiber connector is durable and strong.