Nursing Programs in Providence, RI

The University of Rhode Island offers a campus-based Nursing B.S. program that immerses students in nursing sciences, simulation labs, and hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates are prepared for entry-level RN roles across diverse settings—including medical-surgical, geriatric, maternity, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health, community nursing, hospitals, clinics, home health, hospices, and the armed forces—and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. URI's BSN graduates achieved NCLEX pass rates of 81.41% (2022), 93% (2023), and a standout 97.16% (2024). Standardized entrance exam requirements like SAT/ACT are not specified in university materials, so applicants should confirm current admission policies directly.

• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Careers in multiple nursing specialties
• Work in hospitals, clinics, hospices, armed services

Rhode Island College's four-year BSN program blends rigorous academics with extensive clinical training. Core coursework covers health promotion, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, psychiatric nursing, and community health. Students practice in a state-of-the-art simulation center and complete clinical placements at leading healthcare facilities. The CCNE-accredited program, staffed by 30+ full-time nursing faculty, prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and careers in emergency, critical care, or pediatric nursing. Recent NCLEX pass rates reached 92% (2023) and 90% (2024), reflecting strong student outcomes. A second bachelor's option is available for those with prior degrees. Admission requirements regarding ACT/SAT are not specified in program materials; prospective students should contact the school directly.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 4-Year program
• 120 total credit hours
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Clinical placements at nationally recognized facilities
• State-of-the-art simulation center
• 100% benefit from simulated learning
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation
• CCNE accredited
• 30+ full-time nursing faculty

NEIT's ACEN-accredited Associate of Science in Nursing is an 18-month track that integrates simulation and real clinical experience from the first term. Curriculum covers medical-surgical nursing, mental health, pediatrics, and anatomy/physiology, supported by small classes and high-tech labs. Clinical rotations at partners like Rhode Island Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital enhance job readiness. An entrance exam is required for admission. NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates have improved markedly: 75.21% (2022), 85.00% (2023), and 91.84% (2024). The program prepares graduates for RN roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health, with a smooth pathway into NEIT's online RN-to-BSN program.

• ACEN accredited
• Entrance exam required
• 18-Month program
• 82% licensure pass rate
• 94% job placement rate
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Clinical experiences begin in first term
• Small class sizes

Salve Regina University, a Catholic institution in Newport, RI, offers a direct-admission Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This CCNE-accredited, four-year, 120-credit program covers acute and chronic illness care, mental health, childbearing families, and end-of-life nursing, using high-tech simulation labs and clinical placements in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. With an 8:1 clinical student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized mentorship. The program is test-optional—SAT/ACT scores are not required. Recent NCLEX-RN pass rates reached 88.71% in 2024. Graduates achieve a 100% job placement rate, with many hired before graduation. Additional opportunities include study abroad in Ireland and participation in the Student Nurse Organization.

• CCNE accredited
• Test optional
• 4-Year program
• 120 total credit hours
• 99% licensure pass rate
• 100% job placement rate
• Prepares for NCLEX
• 8:1 clinical student-faculty ratio
• 35% accept jobs before graduation
• Study abroad in Ireland

Salve Regina University's online RN-to-BSN program offers licensed RNs a CCNE-accredited bachelor's degree in as few as 12 months. With six annual start dates and asynchronous coursework, it fits a busy schedule. Since applicants already hold an RN license, SAT/ACT scores are not required. The curriculum emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care and leadership, preparing graduates for MSN or DNP programs. Tuition is $373 per credit, and up to 58 credits can be transferred, with a minimum of 30 credits taken at Salve. Military benefits and employer tuition reimbursement are supported. Rooted in Salve's mercy mission, this program cultivates compassionate, clinically skilled nurses for advanced roles.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• $373 per credit
• 12-Month program
• 125 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• 6 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring/summer
• Asynchronous online classes
• Military benefits accepted
• Employer reimbursement supported

Community College of Rhode Island's Associate Degree Nursing program stands as the state's sole public ADN option, offering an ACEN-accredited curriculum that blends rigorous theory with hands-on practice in advanced simulation labs. Students gain clinical experience across hospitals, clinics, and community settings, preparing them to deliver compassionate care as registered nurse generalists. The program supports multiple entry points, including CNA and LPN pathways, LPN-to-RN bridge, and CNA-to-LPN bridge, making it an accessible launchpad for diverse learners. With dedicated real-world faculty and one of the region's most affordable tuition rates, CCRI emphasizes student success. Recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates demonstrate strong outcomes: 83.68% (2022), 75.00% (2023), and an impressive 91.29% (2024).

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
• Cutting-edge simulation labs
• Only public ADN in Rhode Island
• Seamless CNA and LPN options
• LPN-to-RN bridge available
• CNA-to-LPN bridge option
• Dedicated faculty with real-world experience

The RN-to-BSN program at Community College of Rhode Island, offered fully online in partnership with Rhode Island College, provides a convenient path for registered nurses to elevate their practice. No ACT or SAT scores are needed for admission; instead, applicants must hold an active RN license. The flexible design fits work schedules, allowing nurses to keep their jobs while earning a bachelor's degree. This collaborative initiative addresses Rhode Island's pressing healthcare workforce needs by expanding career opportunities, leadership capacity, and earning potential for nurses. Military-friendly and mission-driven, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based care, professional development, and community health. For working RNs seeking a seamless upgrade from associate to baccalaureate nursing education, this program offers a practical, affordable solution.

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