Best Rhode Island LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
Rhode Island offers bridge programs designed to guide practical nurses into RN roles. Students complete advanced coursework and participate in supervised clinical practice. Programs emphasize licensure readiness and the transition to registered nursing practice.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Rhode Island
Community College of Rhode Island
Warwick, RI - Public 2-Year - ccri.edu
Associate - LPN-to-RN Option
Campus Based - Visit Website
Community College of Rhode Island's LPN-to-RN Option offers a streamlined two-year campus program at the Knight Campus in Warwick, tailored for working LPNs with evening and weekend classes. The 65-credit curriculum includes 405 clinical hours, focusing on pharmacology and medical-surgical nursing to build on existing experience. Admission is competitive, requiring an active LPN license, a minimum 2.5 GPA, prerequisites in A&P and psychology, and the HESI entrance exam. With two annual application periods, this program prepares graduates for advanced nursing roles without a specific concentration.
- Total Program Credits: 65
- 405 Total Clinical Hours
- Evening/Weekend Classes
- Requires Active LPN License
- HESI Admission Exam Required
- Competitive Admissions Process
- Two Application Periods Annually
- Minimum 2.5 Program GPA
- Prerequisites Include A&P, Psychology
Rhode Island LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Rhode Island nursing programs set their own admission standards under state approval. In general, LPNs seeking advanced placement into an RN track in Rhode Island should expect requirements such as:
- Active, unencumbered LPN license eligible for practice in Rhode Island
- Graduation from a state-approved practical nursing program
- Minimum college GPA and completion of foundational coursework such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, English composition, psychology, and human development
- Evidence of current immunizations, CPR for healthcare providers, and required health clearances
- Criminal background check and drug screening as required by clinical partners
- Standardized testing or transition/bridge course(s) that validate prior LPN learning
Working LPNs often receive advanced standing that shortens the time to degree once prerequisites are met. Recent clinical experience can strengthen an application, and some programs may require or prefer documented work hours within the last one to two years. Because eligibility for RN licensure in Rhode Island depends on graduating from a state-approved program, applicants should verify approval status with the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN bridge programs in Rhode Island build on practical nursing experience to develop the broader RN scope of practice. You will study:
- Health assessment with emphasis on head-to-toe and system-focused exams
- Pathophysiology and advanced pharmacology with safe medication administration
- Adult medical-surgical nursing across acute and chronic conditions
- Mental health, maternal-newborn, and pediatric nursing
- Population and community health, leadership, and care coordination
- Professional standards, ethics, and preparation for the NCLEX-RN
Clinical learning occurs in Rhode Island healthcare settings and skills/simulation labs to apply concepts in real patient care. State approval ensures programs meet minimum standards for curriculum, clinical experiences, faculty, and outcomes so graduates are eligible for RN licensure in Rhode Island.
Accreditation matters for your future. In addition to state approval, many programs hold national nursing accreditation (for example, from ACEN or CCNE). Programmatic accreditation supports credit transfer, employer tuition benefits, and graduate school admission, while institutional accreditation is important for federal financial aid. Always confirm both state approval and accreditation status before enrolling.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
In Rhode Island, LPN to RN pathways are primarily offered through public community colleges, mainly as Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) bridge tracks with advanced placement for LPNs. While LPNs can pursue baccalaureate programs (BSN), these typically involve applying to a standard BSN program and transferring general education credits, rather than a specific LPN to BSN bridge pathway that grants significant advanced placement for LPN nursing coursework. Cohorts may be offered at main campuses and satellite locations, depending on clinical partnerships.
Coursework typically includes a transition course that bridges LPN competencies to RN-level decision making, followed by sequenced nursing courses in adult health, complex and critical care concepts, family health across the lifespan, mental health, and community health. Expect integrated clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care, ambulatory clinics, and community agencies. Advanced classes emphasize leadership, evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and managing multiple patients and higher-acuity care.
Career Outlook
Registered nurses in Rhode Island work in hospitals, ambulatory care centers, long-term care and rehabilitation, home health and hospice, public health, schools, and behavioral health settings. Shift options vary by employer and include days, evenings, nights, and weekends, which can support different work and family schedules. Demand is supported by an aging population, ongoing needs in acute and community care, and retirements within the RN workforce. State agencies and federal data sources consistently project steady RN employment, with broader role flexibility for RNs than LPNs.
Compared to the LPN role, RNs in Rhode Island perform comprehensive assessments, develop and manage nursing plans of care, provide patient and family education, coordinate care across teams, and have wider medication administration and delegation authority under the state nurse practice act. Many LPNs pursue the RN for expanded scope, more diverse clinical opportunities, and access to specialties and leadership roles.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full-time bridge (Associate level): commonly about 12 to 18 months of nursing coursework after completing prerequisites and transition requirements
- Part-time bridge: typically extends to 18 to 24 months or more, depending on course load and clinical schedules
- Evening/weekend cohorts: offered by some programs to accommodate working LPNs, with timelines often comparable to part-time pathways due to clinical availability
Actual time to completion depends on prior credits accepted, sequencing of clinical courses, and whether summer sessions are available.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Rhode Island
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island |
|
|
Tuition and Costs
Costs in Rhode Island vary by public versus private institution and by degree level. For LPN to RN bridges at public colleges, in-state tuition for the nursing sequence commonly totals in the low- to mid–five figures, depending on how many credits you need after advanced placement. Private programs tend to be higher. Beyond tuition, plan for:
- College and program fees, lab and simulation fees, and clinical placement costs
- Textbooks, electronic resources, and required testing or NCLEX preparation
- Uniforms, clinical supplies, immunizations, background checks, and health clearances
- Transportation and parking for clinical sites throughout Rhode Island
- Housing and living expenses; many students commute, while those near public universities may have on-campus or off-campus options subject to local market rents
- State licensure and NCLEX-RN examination fees after graduation
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Rhode Island
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island |
|
|
Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Rhode Island programs commonly use hybrid designs. Didactic coursework may be offered in person or partially online, while skills labs and direct patient care clinicals occur face to face at approved sites with qualified faculty. Fully online LPN to RN pathways are not feasible because hands-on clinical experiences in Rhode Island are required for graduation from a state-approved program and for RN licensure eligibility. If you need flexible scheduling, ask programs about hybrid options, evening or weekend labs, and clinical scheduling practices. Always confirm that any distance education components are part of a program approved by the Rhode Island nursing board.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Rhode Island
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of approved LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse in Rhode Island. Applicants typically complete two steps in parallel: submit an RN licensure by examination application to the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education and register for the NCLEX-RN through nclex.com. The Board must receive an official transcript that shows your RN degree awarded before it can authorize you to test. Once authorized, you will receive an Authorization to Test and can schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. If you do not pass on the first attempt, you may retest in accordance with NCLEX retake policies.
Rhode Island issues the RN license after the Board receives your passing result and all other licensing requirements are satisfied. Applicants should follow Board instructions for any required criminal background checks and use the state e-licensing portal to monitor application status.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Rhode Island licenses RNs by endorsement for those already licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction. Endorsement applicants generally must submit an application, verification of original RN licensure (via Nursys or official verification from the state of original licensure), an official transcript if requested, a background check as directed, evidence of lawful presence or Social Security number as applicable, and the required fee. Rhode Island does not maintain separate reciprocal agreements beyond standard endorsement; each endorsement application is reviewed under state law and regulations.
Rhode Island is not currently a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. RNs who hold multistate licenses from compact states cannot practice in Rhode Island on a compact privilege and must obtain a Rhode Island RN license. Likewise, a Rhode Island RN license is single state only. For current NLC membership and privileges, consult the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Licensure Requirements
The Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education regulates RN licensure. To obtain an RN license by examination after an LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN program, applicants typically must:
- Graduate from a state-approved RN program and have the program send an official transcript that shows the degree conferred directly to the Board
- Submit an online application for RN licensure by examination and pay the required fee
- Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN
- Complete state and national criminal background checks with fingerprints as instructed by the Board
- Provide a Social Security number or documentation as required by state law
- For internationally educated applicants, arrange for an approved credentials evaluation and meet English proficiency requirements as directed by the Board
The Board may issue a temporary permit to qualified endorsement applicants while a full license is processed, when all statutory conditions are met. Applicants should follow all Board instructions in the state e-licensing system and respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation.
License Renewal
Rhode Island RN licenses are renewed on a regular, biennial cycle. RNs must renew before expiration through the state’s e-licensing portal, attest to completion of required continuing education, and pay the renewal fee. If a license lapses, a separate reinstatement process and fee may apply.
- Continuing education: RNs must complete ten (10) hours of continuing nursing education each renewal cycle. Acceptable CE generally includes courses offered by accredited nursing programs, ANCC-accredited providers, and other Board-recognized sponsors. Keep documentation of completed CE in case of audit.
- Practice hours: The Board does not require a set number of clinical practice hours for renewal unless specified by regulation for a particular circumstance.
- Timing: Complete CE during the current two-year renewal period and submit the online renewal before the license expiration date to avoid a lapse in authorization to practice.
Always review current renewal instructions, CE requirements, accepted providers, and deadlines published by the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education, as administrative details and requirements can be updated.
Average LPN State Salary in Rhode Island
$77,240
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Average RN State Salary in Rhode Island
$99,770
2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 3 semesters.
Credential Awarded:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
This program builds upon the existing knowledge and skills of an LPN, focusing on core nursing concepts, patient care across the lifespan, and preparation for the RN role in various healthcare settings. The curriculum often includes topics like pharmacology and medical-surgical nursing.
Average In-State Tuition in Rhode Island:
Approximately $5,090 per year for tuition and fees at the Community College of Rhode Island. Additional costs for books, supplies, and other fees can be around $1,200.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the fastest route to becoming a registered nurse, those who want a more affordable educational option, and individuals who plan to enter the RN workforce quickly.
School Types:
Community colleges. The Community College of Rhode Island is the primary provider of this program in the state.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Generally 1 to 3 years of full-time study, depending on the program structure and the number of transferable credits from the LPN program and other college coursework.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
The curriculum is more comprehensive than an ADN program, with a greater emphasis on nursing theory, research, leadership, and public health. It aims to prepare nurses for a broader range of roles and responsibilities.
Average In-State Tuition in Rhode Island:
Varies by institution. For example, annual in-state tuition is approximately $10,260 at Rhode Island College and $15,004 at the University of Rhode Island.
Best For:
LPNs who aim for leadership positions, roles in specialized areas of nursing, or plan to pursue graduate-level nursing education in the future. It is also beneficial for those who want to enhance their critical thinking and research skills.
School Types:
Four-year colleges and universities. While dedicated LPN to BSN bridge programs are less common, many institutions offer RN to BSN programs that LPNs can pursue after completing an ADN.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- The shorter program length allows for a quicker transition to a registered nursing role.
- Community college tuition is significantly more affordable than that of a four-year university, making it a more financially accessible option.
- Graduates can work as RNs and gain valuable experience while having the option to pursue an RN to BSN bridge program later, often with employer tuition assistance.
- Obtaining an ADN and passing the NCLEX-RN leads to a significant increase in scope of practice and earning potential compared to an LPN.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- A BSN is often a minimum requirement for leadership, management, research, and specialized nursing roles.
- Nurses with a BSN generally have a higher earning potential over the course of their careers.
- A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree in nursing (DNP or PhD).
- The curriculum provides a deeper understanding of evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and public health, which can lead to improved patient outcomes.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Rhode Island
Warwick, RI
Community College of Rhode Island
- Associate - LPN-to-RN Option
Campus Based - Website
- Total Program Credits: 65
- 405 Total Clinical Hours
- Evening/Weekend Classes
- Requires Active LPN License
- HESI Admission Exam Required
- Competitive Admissions Process
- Two Application Periods Annually
- Minimum 2.5 Program GPA
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