Best licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s shortage of nurses is driving increased demand for new licensed practical nurses (LPNs) throughout the state. Most LPN certificate programs have a short duration, ranging from 12-18 months in length. LPNs make up around 11% of Rhode Island’s nurses, and they earn an attractive median annual salary of $53,060. The profession has been ranked one of Rhode Island’s top 50 occupations with the potential for future growth.

A licensed practical nurse provides hands-on patient care, monitors the patient’s well-being, administers medications, and changes dressings. To gain LPN licensure in Rhode Island, one must complete a state-approved certificate program, apply for a license with the Rhode Island Board of Nursing, obtain the CPR card, and pass the NCLEX-PN national licensure examination.

Community College of Rhode Island is the state’s only institution of higher learning that offers an LPN certificate program. The program is offered at all four of the school’s campuses: Warwick, Lincoln, Providence, and Newport. The minimum requirements for applying to CCRI’s LPN program are strict. All interested students should score C or better on their standardized tests, and applicants must hold a grade point average above 2.7 in their prerequisite classes to be considered seriously. Upon graduation, newly minted LPNs can pursue employment with the state’s major healthcare providers, including Brookdale Senior Living, Life Care Centers of America, and Genesis Healthcare.

We’ve provided additional information below on Rhode Island’s LPN education, including the NCLEX test scores of recent program graduates.