Nursing Programs in Providence, RI

Last Updated On Feb 19, 2026

Expert Verified: Melanie Shaw, MSN, RN, CCRN

3 Min Read

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Providence

Best Nursing Schools in Providence. Rankings help students identify quality programs by comparing key metrics. Registerednursing.org creates these rankings using NCLEX pass rates as the sole criteria, providing objective data to guide educational choices. For details on our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Providence area NCLEX pass rates have shown consistent improvement over recent years.

2022: 77.48% average pass rate
2023: 85.25% average pass rate
2024: 92.25% average pass rate

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

Both program types demonstrate strong performance with minimal difference in pass rates.

BSN programs: 92.94% average pass rate
ADN programs: 91.57% average pass rate

Biggest Improvements

Several schools have shown significant year-over-year pass rate increases.

University of Rhode Island: 15.75% improvement (81.41% to 97.16%)
New England Institute of Technology: 16.63% improvement (75.21% to 91.84%)
Salve Regina University: 19.09% improvement (69.62% to 88.71%)

Consistently High Performing Schools

Some institutions maintain excellent pass rates across multiple years.

University of Rhode Island: 90.52% average pass rate over 3 years

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI - Public 4-Year - web.uri.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Rhode Island's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides comprehensive campus-based education preparing students for RN licensure. This four-year, 120-credit curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care through hands-on clinical experiences across Rhode Island's diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires a strong science background with a GPA over 3.0 for readmission candidates, but does not mandate ACT or SAT entrance exams. The program's effectiveness is demonstrated by consistently strong NCLEX pass rates, reaching 97.16% in 2024. Students develop leadership skills through interdisciplinary practice under expert faculty guidance, graduating ready to deliver compassionate, evidence-based nursing care.

120 credits for graduation
Four-year program
Campus-based learning
Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure
Clinical experiences in Rhode Island
Strong science background required
GPA over 3.0 for readmission
Focuses on patient-centered care
Includes general education requirements
Hands-on clinical experiences

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI - Public 4-Year - ric.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Rhode Island College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides a comprehensive education with a rigorous academic curriculum and extensive clinical experiences. The program emphasizes health promotion, medical-surgical nursing, and pediatric nursing, preparing students for diverse healthcare roles through hands-on training at the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center. As a bachelor's-level program, it requires meeting academic standards for admission. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX performance, with pass rates of 90-92% from 2022-2024, indicating effective preparation for nursing licensure. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this program offers a solid foundation for nursing careers through its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Nationally recognized BSN program.
Hands-on clinical placements.
State-of-the-art learning facilities.
Covers diverse nursing topics.
Accredited by CCNE.
Prepares for high-demand careers.
Rigorous academic foundation.
Experiential learning opportunities.
Focus on health promotion.
Includes pediatric nursing.

New England Institute of Technology

East Greenwich, RI - Private 4-year - neit.edu

Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

New England Institute of Technology's Associate of Science in Nursing program offers an accelerated 18-month campus-based pathway into nursing, featuring hands-on clinical training that prepares graduates for healthcare careers. As an associate degree program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. The program has demonstrated strong NCLEX-RN performance, with pass rates improving from 75.21% in 2022 to 91.84% in 2024, indicating effective preparation for nursing licensure. This practical-focused curriculum is particularly suitable for career-changers seeking efficient entry into the nursing profession.

18-month program duration.
Campus-based learning.
Hands-on practical training.
Comprehensive nursing curriculum.
Prepares for healthcare careers.

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI - Private 4-year - salve.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Salve Regina University's Bachelor's Degree in Nursing offers two distinct tracks: a pre-licensure option for new students and a degree completion path for registered nurses. This campus-based program emphasizes patient-centered care through hands-on clinical experiences, covering essential areas like health assessment, pharmacology, and public health. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent pass rates improving from 69.62% in 2022 to 88.71% in 2024. As a bachelor's-level program, entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be required for admission, though specific requirements should be verified directly with the university.

Two study tracks available.
Accredited by CCNE.
Hands-on clinical placements.
Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
Focus on patient-centered care.
Covers health assessment.
Includes pharmacology studies.
Public health curriculum.
Opportunities for advanced degrees.
Personalized learning experience.

Bachelor's - RN to B.S. in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Salve Regina University's RN to B.S. in Nursing program provides licensed RNs with a fully online pathway to advance their education. This flexible program allows completion in as few as 12 months with six annual start dates, offering 58 credits for prior RN experience while requiring a minimum of 30 credits at Salve. Accredited by CCNE, it focuses on holistic patient-centered care, leadership development, and preparing nurses for diverse community health needs. As a bachelor's completion program for already-licensed nurses, entrance exams are typically not required. The program supports working professionals with dedicated advisors, success coaches, and financial aid options including preferred tuition rates.

Fully online program.
Accredited by CCNE.
Complete in 12 months.
Six start dates yearly.
Preferred tuition rates.
Financial aid available.
Focus on patient-centered care.
Holistic health approach.
Flexible for working nurses.
58 credits awarded for RN.

Show 1 More Programs ˅

Community College of Rhode Island

Warwick, RI - Public 2-Year - ccri.edu

Associate - Associate Degree Nurse Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Community College of Rhode Island's campus-based Associate Degree Nurse Program prepares students for RN licensure as generalist nurses, emphasizing leadership and direct care across healthcare settings. This affordable program is free for Rhode Island high school graduates and requires no entrance exams. With a strong NCLEX pass rate of 94% (2024 data shows 91.29%), graduates are well-positioned for employment. The program is ACEN-accredited and military-friendly, offering high job placement rates in diverse clinical environments.

94% NCLEX pass rate
Campus-based program
Affordable tuition options
Free for RI high school grads
Prepares for RN licensure
Direct care focus
Leadership and management training
Diverse healthcare settings
High job placement rates
Accredited by ACEN

Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

CCRI's fully online RN-to-BSN program provides registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their careers through a collaborative partnership with Rhode Island College. Designed for working professionals, this program requires no entrance exams and supports healthcare workforce development in Rhode Island. It enables nurses to earn a bachelor's degree conveniently while continuing employment, increasing job opportunities and meeting critical healthcare needs. The program is military-friendly and focuses on seamless career progression without interrupting work schedules.

Fully online program
Seamless pathway for nurses
Partnership between CCRI and RIC
Designed for working professionals
Supports healthcare workforce development

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Source: U.S. DOE National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024 collection.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Providence, RI

Beginning a new career can feel intimidating, but it helps when the new career you’re starting has long-term job stability, good pay from the start and is all about helping others. Nursing has a range of entry points including LPN to RN, ADN, and BSN to accommodate your circumstances and career objectives. Colleges in Providence, RI offer many ways to get admitted into the nursing profession.

LPN to RN Programs

Patients in nursing homes, assisted living centers, and other long-term care facilities rely on Licensed Practical Nurses to treat their basic medical needs. Though LPNs interact with patients all day, they are restricted in the level of care they can provide. The Community College of Rhode Island in Providence now offers a brand new LPN to RN option for working nurses looking to transition into the RN role. The bridge option, which recently gained accreditation, trains and preps LPNs for the NCLEX exam by teaching core nursing fundamentals, both theory-based and clinical.

ADN Programs

The most expedient way to obtain your nursing licensure is to complete a two-year Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) degree. The ADN allows you to experience what the nursing profession is truly like before committing yourself, financially and timewise, to a four-year degree. The Community College of Rhode Island in Providence offers an established ADN program that’s designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your nursing career. It focuses on patient-centered, evidence-based care as well as technology such as informatics. CCRI’s pass rate for the NCLEX exam is 89% with a 97% job placement rate.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

If you’ve known for a long time that caring for others is in your heart and your head, then entering the nursing profession with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing may be your best choice. RNs with BSNs can earn higher levels of compensation right from the start and can be more selective when choosing an employer. Salve Regina University located outside of Providence, Rhode Island, offers a well-respected BSN program that focuses on both clinical and classroom learning. Students complete their clinicals at area hospitals so they are best equipped to transition to the world of nursing upon graduation. The BSN sufficiently prepares graduates to pass the NCLEX exam.

Learn more about Rhode Island Accelerated BSN Programs

RN to BSN Programs in Providence, RI

Registered Nurses are being asked to take on more patient care responsibilities all the time. By earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, nurses are demonstrating their long-term commitment to the profession. Providence-area schools have made it easy and fast to complete the BSN with flexible distance learning programs.

RN to BSN Programs

Earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing can open up many doors. Whether you want to practice a specific area of study such as pediatrics, gerontology or OBGYN, a BSN will give you a competitive advantage to go after the position you want. To make this undertaking less stressful, Rhode Island College offers an RN to BSN program that grants students 37 credits for their prior nursing education and additional credit for other academic work.

Learn more about Rhode Island RN to BSN Programs

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

If you're a registered nurse looking to advance your career, RN to BSN or MSN programs can help you reach your goals. These programs build on your current skills and open doors to new opportunities. The table below lists schools across the country, showing their locations, key program features, and links to learn more. Explore your options to find a program that fits your needs and schedule.

Jump to City:

East Greenwich, RI

New England Institute of Technology

RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- 14-15 months completion time
- ACEN accredited program
- Flexible part-time schedule
- Capstone practicum experience
- Minimum 2.7 GPA requirement
- Seven liberal arts courses
- Advanced clinical knowledge