Rhode Island Nursing Programs and Degrees Guide
The following guide provides you with important information, including several profiles, on the nursing programs available at Rhode Island’s colleges and universities. Students pursuing an undergraduate or a graduate degree in nursing in Rhode Island can generally specialize their degrees, concentrating in such areas as family nurse practitioner, nursing education, adult gerontology nurse practitioner, and nursing administration. A popular alternative to earning a traditional nursing degree is to pursue a bachelor’s or a master’s in nursing degree through a partially- or fully-online program.
Quick Facts
- 5 schools with nursing programs in Rhode Island are in our database (see below).
- 2 colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees or certificates in nursing.1
- 4 colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing.1
- 3 colleges and universities offer master’s or advanced degrees in nursing.1
- No schools ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
- 1 school ranked in the Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors in 2018.3
- 1 school ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s programs.4
- 1 school ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.4
Top-Ranked Schools with Nursing Programs in Rhode Island
Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors 2018
- University of Rhode Island
US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s
- University of Rhode Island (#110 tie)
US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
- University of Rhode Island (#109 tie)
Below you will find more information about the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs offered in Rhode Island.
NCLEX Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Nursing Schools in Rhode Island
The following table allows you to easily compare not-for-profit Rhode Island nursing schools on a variety of factors. Click on the arrows in the top row to sort the table. In addition to seeking a program that leads to licensure in your desired area of nursing, it’s advisable to consider accreditation as a factor in your decision. If you are considering education beyond the associate’s level, know that a degree from a school that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a common requirement for admission to master’s degree, ADN/LVN and RN to BSN, and specialized certificate programs. You should also check to ensure that the school you are considering is approved or accepted by the Rhode Island Board of Registration and Nursing Education (https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=231).
| School | ADN or LVN Program | BSN Program | Graduate Nursing Program | ACEN/CCNE Accred.* | NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rate** | # Taking | NCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rate^ | # Taking | Net Price^^ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 92.31% | N/A | 86.18% | N/A | $6,169 |
| New England Institute of Technology | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 88% | N/A | $25,852 |
| Rhode Island College | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 93.2% | N/A | $8,632 |
| Salve Regina University | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 85.07% | N/A | $28,867 |
| University of Rhode Island | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 78.21% | N/A | $18,371 |
*The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits ADN/ASN/BSN programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits BSN/MSN/DNP programs.5,6
**NCLEX-PN pass rates are for first-time undergraduates testing between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^NCLEX-RN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^^The National Center for Education Statistics calculates net price from the total estimated cost of attendance, including includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses, for in-state students minus the average financial aid award (such as grants and scholarships).
Schools in Rhode Island with Nursing Degrees
Associate’s in Nursing Programs
Community College of Rhode Island
Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) maintains an associate degree nursing program that can be completed on the Warwick, Lincoln, Providence, or Newport campuses. The Lincoln program offers evening and weekend courses, while all other campuses offer daytime programs. Admission is competitive and requires students to complete prerequisite courses and pre-admissions testing. CCRI also offers a practical nursing program, the only such program offered in the state. Both the associate degree registered nursing program and practical nursing program at CCRI are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education.
New England Institute of Technology
The New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) offers an associate degree program that qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses in Rhode Island. The curriculum includes courses in Medical/Surgical Nursing, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, and Nursing Care of the Woman and Newborn. Clinical hours are completed as part of the program. NEIT also offers an RN to BSN program as well an associate degree program in surgical technology. The nursing program is approved by the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education and holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs
Salve Regina University
Salve Regina University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The four-year, 132 credit program includes field experience and clinical practicums totaling 850 hours. In addition to general college coursework, nursing majors will focus on a rigorous nursing curriculum that includes the completion of a senior thesis, a capstone project, and a course that prepares students to take the NCLEX. Nursing majors may also want to become involved on campus by joining the Student Nurse Organization (SNO) or Sigma Theta Tau, the honor society for nursing students.
New England Technical Institute
New England Technical Institute, or New England Tech, provides flexibility for current registered nurses, who already hold an associate’s degree in nursing, with the fully online RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program. Students fulfill degree requirements, which include seven general courses and nursing coursework, on a part-time basis and all coursework is completed online. A clinical practicum totaling 60 hours is also required. Classes span 10 weeks and are held in quarter sessions. Four quarters make up each year. Nursing majors will take such classes as health assessment across the lifespan, ethical issues in nursing, leadership and management, and applied research statistics.
Master’s in Nursing Programs
University of Rhode Island
Nursing students at the University of Rhode Island can pursue a Master of Science (MS) in one of several nursing concentrations, including nursing administration, nursing education, adult care nurse practitioner, adult gerontology nurse practitioner/clinical nurse leader, clinical specialist in psychiatric mental health, and family nurse practitioner. Programs require between 41 and 42 credits with all students required to complete 14 credits of core courses in nursing research, theories of practice for nursing, advanced leadership in the health policy process, and theoretical study of phenomena in nursing. A one-credit graduate study seminar is also mandatory. Students must also pass comprehensive exams to earn their degree.
Rhode Island College
Rhode Island College affords graduate students the opportunity to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in adult gerontology with an acute care emphasis and public health and community leadership. Both full-time and part-time study are permitted. Students in both tracks must complete two courses in advanced nursing research and healthcare systems. The adult gerontology track consists of 45 total credits while the public health and community leadership track comprises 42 credits to fulfill degree requirements. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a current registered nurse’s license and must provide official transcripts and three professional references. Candidates for the adult gerontology track must have a minimum of one year of experience in acute care.
Student Reviews
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Community College of Rhode Island
400 East Ave
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 825-1000
https://www.ccri.edu/
Student Review: “CCRI was a great way to start out in the field of Nursing. Their ADN (RN) program has the affordability of a community college, but most of the professors are truly outstanding. I had been out of school for a while and it felt easier to go back knowing that I could afford to do so. They also have a nights and weekends program, which I took advantage of, because it allowed me to progress through the entire program while still working full time and only missing a minimal amount of work when necessary. It was definitely a difficult program, especially combined with a busy life, but I felt like I had a university level education. I just finished my degree this week and I feel confident for taking the boards and starting a career as a nurse.” – Student at Community College of Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island
45 Upper College Rd
Kingston, RI 02881
(401) 874-1000
https://www.uri.edu/
Student Review: “I had a great experience [at University of Rhode Island]. I graduated in 2013. The main thing that stuck out were my professors. They were very knowledgeable and helpful. I was able to look at a few of them as mentors and gain a valuable relationship with them. I have had some helpful conversations about the field with them one on one, with advice that I will never forget. Someone of them were even on a first name basis. I had a great experience with the clinical portion. My only minor thing I disliked was how far one of them was compared to my others. The program was hard and there were definitely weeks where I felt like all I did was study. However overall I loved the experience, and I met some lifelong friends in the field.” – Student at University of Rhode Island
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/index.php#Tile
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2018 Edition. New York, Penguin Random House, 2018.
4. US News Top Graduate Nursing Schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
5. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
6. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp
7. Rhode Island Board of Registration and Nursing Education: https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=231