How To Become a Nurse in Rhode Island 2025

You can become a registered nurse (RN) in Rhode Island within one to two years, depending on your background. Many schools across the state offer RN preparation programs, providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to start your nursing career. Continue reading to find out how to become a nurse.

What Does an RN Do?

A certified registered nurse can work in various healthcare and private settings, and responsibilities can vary by the role. Some of the most common duties of RNs include:

• evaluating patients
• informing and educating patients
• administering medications
• overseeing licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
• working with other healthcare professionals

Your duties depend on where you work, but RNs are often the primary point of contact for patients in various settings. RNs may also work in specific types of facilities or specialized fields, such as veterans' healthcare or public health.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Rhode Island?

A nursing program can take from one to four years, depending on what degree you are pursuing and what your prior coursework includes. Some schools offer 12-month accelerated nursing programs and other alternative options.

RN programs include associate degree options as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If you want to become a nurse practitioner, you need to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

6 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in STATE

There are several steps that you need to complete to become a registered nurse, including nursing school and RN licensure. These requirements are set by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), which is the body that regulates and issues nursing licenses.

Step 1: Earn Your High School Diploma or GED

To start your nursing program, complete a high school diploma, GED, or an equivalent program. Your nursing program will build on what you learned in your diploma curriculum � and you will use some of what you learned previously while completing your nursing education. You may also need to have a certain GPA (e.g., 2.5 or higher) on your diploma coursework.

Step 2: Complete an Approved Nursing Program

To qualify for an RN license, you need to complete an accredited nursing program. Many schools in Rhode Island offer RN programs, and you can find a list of approved programs on the RIDOH website. Whether you complete a BSN program or an associate degree program, completing one approved by the RIDOH fulfills the educational requirements for nurses.

Step 3: Complete Practicum Requirements

Part of preparing for a nursing career is practicing patient care and other duties. You need to have completed a specific number of clinical practice hours to qualify for your nursing license. RN programs that are approved by the state board already have the clinical experience requirements built in, but you should check with your school to make sure you will be qualified for licensure at graduation.

Step 4: Pass the NCLEX-RN

As you finish your nursing program, you need to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) through the RIDOH. The NCLEX-RN exam assesses the ability to provide effective and safe patient care. Each type of nurse is required to pass an exam prior to licensure, including LPNs, RNs, and NPs.

Step 5: Apply for Your RN License

You can apply for your RN license through the RIDOH once you have completed your nursing program and NCLEX exam. You will submit verification of your state residency, fingerprints, transcripts, and a criminal background check. Rhode Island participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which means that your RN license is valid and reciprocated in other states that participate in it.

Step 6: Maintain Licensure

After obtaining your license, you must complete some continuing education requirements to maintain licensure. Nursing licenses are renewed every two years in Rhode Island. Renewals require at least 10 continuing education hours over the preceding license period, which helps to ensure that nurses stay up to date with best practices and methods.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Rhode Island

You can prepare for licensure as an RN through both traditional and online nursing programs. Next, we explore five of the best RN programs in Rhode Island.

1. Community College of Rhode Island

The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) that can be completed at any one of the school's four campuses. Students can complete the 66-credit program in four semesters of full-time study and include coursework in pharmacology and surgical nursing. LPNs can alternatively complete a three-semester track to the ADN that gives credit for prior nursing coursework.

• Estimated tuition cost: $149 to $211 per credit (in-state); $422 to $589 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. Rhode Island College

Rhode Island College (RIC) has an on-campus BSN program that includes coursework in maternal and newborn care, mental health nursing, and nursing leadership. RIC also offers a second-degree BSN track for students with a prior bachelor's degree, as well as a fully online RN to BSN program. Students can continue their studies at RIC through a master's degree or doctoral program as well, if interested in entering into advanced nursing practice.

• Estimated tuition cost: $281 to $421 per credit (in-state); $741 to $1,111 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NECHE, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

3. The University of Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island (URI) offers several nursing programs, including an MSN and two doctoral options. The school's on-campus bachelor's degree program consists of 120 credit hours and enables students to practice nursing in various healthcare facilities. Students can complete the program in eight semesters and take classes in maternity, mental health, and community health nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $457 to $610 per credit (in-state); $1,089 to $1,451 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NECHE, CCNE

4. New England Institute of Technology

New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) has an accelerated ADN program that can be completed in as few as 18 months. Students begin their clinical experiences in the first semester, unlike traditional programs, and benefit from smaller class sizes. NEIT also offers accelerated options for an LPN license, a hybrid MSN, and an online RN to BSN degree program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $725 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NECHE, ACEN

5. Johnson & Wales University

Johnson & Wales University (JWU) offers an accelerated second-degree track leading to a BSN and RN licensure. The program can be completed in four semesters of full-time study at the Providence campus. Students progress through the program in a cohort format and can practice their skills in surgical, pediatric, community health, and other types of healthcare settings across clinical experience components.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,219 to $1,828 per credit (in-state); $1,219 to $1,828 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NECHE, CCNE

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Rhode Island

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) compiles occupational data and projections, including information for RNs. BLS reports that RNs in Rhode Island made an average salary of $99,960 in 2024, which is almost 7% higher than the national average. Registered nursing jobs are also expected to grow more in the state, with an average of 12,700 new positions opening each year.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Rhode Island

As you review nursing programs that lead to RN licensure, create a list of criteria that matter most to you. The FAQs below should help you to determine some of the features that work best for you.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Rhode Island?

The cost of your program depends on a few factors, including the tuition rate and your background. You should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so that you can utilize financial aid and reduce your costs. Choosing from online colleges that accept FAFSA can cut the costs of your overall program.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Entry-level nursing programs may not have any prerequisites beyond a high school diploma or GED, but you may need to have completed some prerequisite coursework for certain nursing degrees. If the program that you're most interested in requires prior coursework that you have not yet completed, you can complete self-paced nursing prerequisites online to fulfill some (or all) of the requirements.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse and qualify for certified nursing jobs is to complete either an associate's degree or an accelerated BSN. Associate nursing programs are the fastest route for those without a previous bachelor's degree, while students who have already completed a degree will benefit most from an accelerated bachelor's program. Some schools offer accelerated associate programs as well.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

The easiest nursing degree is one that fits your schedule and allows you to complete it at the pace that fits your needs. If you are unavailable during the day, for example, a program with night classes is going to be the easiest. Getting yourself the best laptop for nursing students will also help in making your program easier.

Find a Nursing Degree

You can find more great nursing programs on Learn.org, including lists of the most affordable and the quickest. Contact schools that have programs you are interested in.