We've organized a comprehensive list of Rhode Island nursing schools. Below you'll find information on specific nursing programs such as LPN certificates and ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees. You'll also find a profile of nursing education and careers in each major Rhode Island city.
Rhode Island is home to several accredited nursing schools, including four campuses of the Community College of Rhode Island system. These schools offer a broad range of nursing programs, from brief certificate courses to bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral degrees. We profile below the three key nursing roles in Rhode Island: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and registered nurse (RN).
Certified nursing assistant
Rhode Island is expected to face a significant nursing shortage over the next ten to fifteen years. Students can address this gap and launch their nursing careers by enrolling in a certified nursing assistant (CNA) certificate program. CNAs assist patients with daily needs like eating, bathing, and using the restroom. They are also equipped with essential life skills like CPR. A CNA therefore plays a crucial and important role on every healthcare team.
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 registered nurse (RN) often directs a team of more junior licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, and orderlies. The RN thus plays a vital role in directing patient care. There are three types of RN prelicensure programs available in Rhode Island: hospital diploma, associate's degree in nursing (ADN), and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Across all pathways, the median annual salary for Rhode Island’s RNs is just under $75,000. Below we’ve profiled several of the state’s top RN programs.
Rhode Island College
To select the right nursing program, it is critical first to understand the different nursing career pathways available. We profile below the three most popular nursing roles in Providence, Rhode Island.
Certified nursing assistant
While public institutions of higher education can offer low tuition costs, private colleges also boast several benefits. Many carry the prestige of a rich academic history, and most offer smaller class sizes than their public counterparts. Take a look at some of the best private nursing schools in Rhode Island below.
New England Institute of Technology
If the financial cost may deter you from attending nursing school, you should consider a public college or university. These institutions are funded by the state government and thus have lower tuition for in-state residents. Below we’ve profiled several of Rhode Island’s best public nursing schools.
Community College of Rhode Island
A vocational, career, or community college is a two-year higher education institution that usually offers technical degrees. Due to the relatively short period of study, these schools offer a rapid path to nursing employment. Licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs usually require 12-18 months of fulltime study, while registered nursing (RN) programs take two to three years of enrollment. Below are some of the largest Rhode Island community colleges and vocational schools with nursing programs.
Community College of Rhode Island
Four-year colleges and universities are typically large institutions that offer intensive undergraduate programs of study. Many of these schools also offer graduate degrees. A number of Rhode Island’s major nursing employers, like Genesis Healthcare, prefer to hire nurses with a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university. Some employers nationwide, like the U.S. Army and Navy, have gone one step further by mandating that all nurses have baccalaureate education.
Career paths
Rhode Island is home to several accredited nursing schools, including four campuses of the Community College of Rhode Island system. These schools offer a broad range of nursing programs, from brief certificate courses to bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral degrees. We profile below the three key nursing roles in Rhode Island: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and registered nurse (RN).
Certified nursing assistant