Best Nursing Schools in Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an on-campus program that integrates nursing sciences, simulation labs, and diverse clinical placements to prepare students for registered nurse licensure. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and pursue entry-level careers in medical-surgical, geriatric, maternity, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health, and community nursing within hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, hospices, or the armed services. URI's BSN has demonstrated a strong upward trend in NCLEX pass rates: 81.4% in 2022, 93.0% in 2023, and 97.2% in 2024. Featuring expert faculty and a supportive learning environment, this degree provides a solid foundation for various nursing specialties and career advancement.

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

Rhode Island College offers a four-year, CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing that integrates academic rigor with clinical practice across medical-surgical, pediatric, psychiatric, and community health nursing. Students train in a state-of-the-art simulation center and complete clinical placements at leading regional healthcare facilities. The program’s recent NCLEX-RN pass rates were 82.31% (2022), 92% (2023), and 90% (2024), reflecting strong preparation for licensure. With more than 30 full-time faculty and options for second-degree students, the BSN supports career pathways in high-demand specialties such as emergency, critical care, and pediatrics. Ranked #15 in New England among public universities for nursing, RIC emphasizes evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.

• 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

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) at New England Institute of Technology is an ACEN-accredited, 18-month program designed for fast-track entry into registered nursing. Admission requires an entrance examination, reflecting the program's rigorous standards. Students begin clinical experiences in their first term, supplemented by state-of-the-art simulation labs and small class sizes. The curriculum covers medical-surgical nursing, mental health, pediatrics, and anatomy/physiology. NEIT's partnerships with major hospitals such as Rhode Island Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital enhance employment prospects. NCLEX-RN pass rates have improved dramatically: 75.2% in 2022, 85.0% in 2023, and 91.8% in 2024. Graduates can seamlessly transition to NEIT's RN-to-BSN online 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's CCNE-accredited, direct-admission Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in Newport, RI, is a four-year, 120-credit program spanning acute/chronic illness care, mental health, childbearing families, and end-of-life care. Students train in high-tech simulation labs and secure clinical placements at top regional hospitals, with a supportive 8:1 clinical student-faculty ratio. Study-abroad opportunities in Ireland and involvement in the Student Nurse Organization enrich the experience. Admission is test-optional, meaning no SAT or ACT is required. Rhode Island state board data show first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates of 88.71% (2024), 88% (2023), and 69.62% (2022). The program reports 100% job placement, preparing graduates for diverse nursing careers or MSN/DNP pathways.

• 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 fully online RN to BSN program is crafted for licensed RNs aiming to advance. This CCNE-accredited track can be completed in as little as 12 months, offering six start dates yearly and asynchronous coursework to fit your schedule. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, holistic nursing, and leadership, building a bridge to MSN/DNP study. Tuition is a competitive $373 per credit, and up to 58 credits from prior nursing education transfer, with at least 30 credits earned at Salve. Students may tap into military benefits, employer tuition reimbursement, or financial aid. Rooted in the university's mercy mission, this program cultivates compassionate, clinically competent nurses ready for broader roles in healthcare.

• 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 (CCRI) offers the state's only public Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The rigorous curriculum combines nursing theory with hands-on clinical training in advanced simulation labs, preparing graduates to deliver evidence-based care as registered nurse generalists across diverse healthcare settings. CCRI provides seamless pathways for CNAs and LPNs, including LPN-to-RN and CNA-to-LPN bridge options, with dedicated faculty and affordable tuition. The program's NCLEX-RN pass rates demonstrate strong preparation: 91.29% in 2024, following 83.68% in 2022 and 75.00% in 2023. Graduates are equipped for careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health, helping meet Rhode Island's workforce needs.

• 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 in partnership with Rhode Island College, provides registered nurses a fully online and flexible path to earn a bachelor's degree without pausing work. This bachelor's-level program does not require SAT or ACT scores; admissions are based on active RN licensure, prior college coursework, and professional experience. The curriculum enhances skills in leadership, evidence-based practice, and community health, opening doors to advanced career opportunities and addressing critical healthcare workforce shortages across Rhode Island. Designed for working professionals, it features seamless transfer of credits and collaborative instruction, ensuring a supportive and convenient route to a BSN. Graduates emerge prepared for expanded roles in hospitals, public health, and beyond.

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