Rhode Island has two types of bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs: prelicensure programs that prepare students for the NCLEX-RN national examination, and RN-to-BSN programs that enable existing registered nurses (RNs) to earn a bachelor’s degree. Baccalaureate programs have grown in prominence as nursing employers place more emphasis on BSN education. Indeed, while Rhode Island’s RNs earn a median annual salary of $74,280, those with BSN degrees typically earn top-quartile pay of $86,610 or more. We highlight below several of the state’s best BSN programs.
Rhode Island College
Rhode Island College is consistently a top choice for prospective nurses, thanks to its graduates’ excellent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam. The school also offers an RN-to-BSN program for existing nurses who possess either a hospital diploma or an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). Upon successful graduation, students can apply for jobs at healthcare facilities such as Lifespan and Kent Hospital.
Applicants to URI’s RN-to-BSN program must meet three important admissions requirements: a hospital diploma or ADN from an NLN-accredited program, a current Rhode Island RN license, and significant clinical practice experience. The College of Nursing also offers traditional and accelerated BSN programs that prepare students for initial RN licensure.
Salve Regina University
Salve Regina’s RN-to-BSN program is only open to current registered nurses who graduated from an accredited program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7. Students must complete a total of 132 credits to earn the BSN completion degree. Salve Regina also offers a traditional BSN program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam.
We have provided below additional information on Rhode Island’s BSN programs, including the NCLEX test performance of recent prelicensure students.