Best Nursing Schools in Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island's BSN program offers a comprehensive nursing education with an impressive trajectory of NCLEX pass rates, rising from 81.41% in 2022 to a remarkable 97.16% in 2024. Located in Kingston, this four-year campus-based program equips students with robust clinical skills through diverse healthcare experiences across Rhode Island. Students complete 120 credits, combining rigorous theoretical coursework with hands-on training in hospitals and community agencies. The program emphasizes patient-centered care and collaborative interdisciplinary practice, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare. Admission requires a strong science background and a GPA over 3.0. Aspiring nurses benefit from expert faculty guidance and comprehensive preparation to excel in the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.

• 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's BSN program provides an exceptional nursing education with consistently strong NCLEX pass rates, ranging from 82.31% to 92% in recent years. Students undergo comprehensive training in health promotion, medical-surgical nursing, and pediatric care within state-of-the-art facilities like the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center. The program requires standard academic entrance requirements and SAT/ACT scores for admission. With CCNE accreditation, graduates are well-prepared for diverse healthcare roles, benefiting from hands-on clinical placements and a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning. The program's strategic partnership with URI and focus on meeting national education standards ensures students receive a high-quality nursing education positioned at the forefront of healthcare training.

• 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's Associate of Science in Nursing presents an accelerated pathway into healthcare, offering a robust 18-month campus-based program with exceptional NCLEX preparation. With a consistently improving NCLEX pass rate that has risen from 75.21% in 2022 to an impressive 91.84% in 2024, students can be confident in their educational trajectory. The program emphasizes hands-on practical training, strategically designed to equip students with comprehensive clinical skills. As a military-friendly institution, the program welcomes diverse student backgrounds and provides a structured curriculum that prepares graduates for immediate entry into nursing roles. The compact program duration makes it particularly attractive for students seeking rapid professional advancement in healthcare.

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

Salve Regina University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring nurses, offering two distinct tracks for students. The pre-licensure track serves high school graduates, while the degree completion track supports registered nurses. With consistently improving NCLEX pass rates ranging from 69.62% in 2022 to 88.71% in 2024, the program demonstrates strong academic preparation. Students engage in hands-on clinical experiences and explore critical healthcare domains like health assessment, pharmacology, and public health. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation ensures rigorous educational standards. Entrance exams are standard for admission, and the curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, preparing graduates for immediate professional practice and potential advanced academic pursuits.

• 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.

Salve Regina University's online RN to BSN program offers licensed registered nurses a flexible and accelerated pathway to advance their professional credentials. Designed with working professionals in mind, students can complete the program in as few as 12 months with six annual start dates. The curriculum focuses on holistic patient care, leadership development, and preparing nurses to address complex healthcare challenges. While maintaining the same strong NCLEX pass rates as their traditional program, this online track provides opportunities for professional growth. Financial aid and preferred tuition rates enhance accessibility. Graduates receive 58 transfer credits for their existing RN credentials, with a minimum of 30 credits completed at Salve Regina, positioning them for future advanced educational opportunities.

• 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.

Community College of Rhode Island's Associate Degree Nurse Program provides a comprehensive pathway to nursing licensure with exceptional educational value. With consistently strong NCLEX pass rates, ranging from 75% to 91.29% between 2023-2024, students receive robust clinical preparation for registered nursing roles. The program uniquely offers free tuition for Rhode Island high school graduates, making nursing education highly accessible. Students learn comprehensive patient care strategies across diverse healthcare environments, gaining skills in leadership, direct care management, and professional nursing practices. Military-friendly and accredited by ACEN, the campus-based program emphasizes practical training and career readiness, positioning graduates for immediate employment in regional healthcare systems.

• 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

CCRI's RN-to-BSN online program represents a strategic educational pathway for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. Collaboratively developed with Rhode Island College, this flexible program enables nurses to complete their bachelor's degree without disrupting professional commitments. The curriculum is strategically designed to enhance healthcare workforce capabilities, supporting Rhode Island's nursing infrastructure. Tailored for practicing professionals, the program offers a seamless educational transition that increases job marketability and provides comprehensive professional development opportunities. Ideal for nurses wanting to expand their clinical knowledge and leadership potential while maintaining current employment.

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