Jake Flannigan, NP
July 14, 2025
Rhode Island’s nurse practitioner programs equip registered nurses for advanced, autonomous practice in settings ranging from Providence’s academic centers to coastal community clinics. CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks, offered by the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College, focus on specialties such as family practice, adult‑gerontology, pediatrics, and psychiatric‑mental health. Graduates become eligible for national certification and Rhode Island APRN licensure with full prescriptive authority.
Newport, RI - Private 4-year - salve.edu
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Salve Regina University's online Master of Science in Nursing for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners prepares advanced practice nurses to address critical mental health challenges across patient lifespans. The rigorous 51-credit program combines comprehensive online coursework with 750 supervised clinical hours, empowering nurses to become compassionate healthcare leaders. Designed for working RNs with a bachelor's degree and minimum 3.0 GPA, the program offers flexible start dates and prepares graduates for national certification examinations.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Salve Regina University's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate addresses the growing mental health crisis by preparing advanced nursing professionals to provide comprehensive care across all life stages. The intensive 30-credit program equips registered nurses with advanced clinical skills, psychopharmacology knowledge, and diagnostic expertise. Designed for working professionals, the flexible online format includes live and self-paced courses, culminating in 750 clinical hours. Graduates are prepared for national certification and potential progression into a Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salve Regina University's BSN-DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers advanced nurses a comprehensive pathway to leadership in healthcare. This hybrid program prepares Family Nurse Practitioners to deliver evidence-based, high-quality patient care through a rigorous curriculum that combines clinical expertise with advanced research skills. Students develop organizational leadership capabilities, critical thinking, and complex health management strategies across diverse healthcare environments. With a focus on innovation and comprehensive patient care, graduates are equipped to transform healthcare delivery and pursue advanced practice roles.
Kingston, RI - Public 4-Year - web.uri.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Rhode Island's College of Nursing offers a comprehensive Master of Science degree with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. This advanced program prepares nurses to provide primary healthcare across diverse settings, equipping students with critical skills through a rigorous 42-credit curriculum. Graduates become eligible for national certification exams, with flexible part-time and full-time study options spanning two-and-a-half to five years. Admission requires a nursing baccalaureate degree, 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and clinical experience, making it an exceptional pathway for aspiring advanced practice nurses.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Rhode Island's Master of Science in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive healthcare for patients aged 14 and older. This rigorous 42-credit program equips students with advanced clinical skills across individual, organizational, and societal levels. Graduates become eligible for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam, with opportunities to work in diverse healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Rhode Island's Master of Science Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive mental health care across diverse healthcare settings. Designed for registered nurses seeking specialized expertise, the 48-49 credit program offers rigorous academic training and extensive clinical practice. Graduates become eligible for the ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification, enabling them to manage patient caseloads independently in hospital clinics, community health centers, and private practices.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Rhode Island offers comprehensive Post-Master's Certificates in advanced nursing specialties for experienced nurses seeking additional certification. Designed for master's-prepared nurses, these accelerated programs enable professionals to expand their clinical expertise across three specialized tracks: Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing. Requiring 18-20 credits, each program combines rigorous coursework with supervised clinical hours, preparing nurses to qualify for national certification examinations. Admission requires a nursing master's degree, strong academic performance, active RN licensure, and a compelling professional goal statement.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Rhode Island offers specialized Post-Master's Certificates for advanced practice nurses seeking to expand their clinical expertise. These targeted programs prepare experienced nurses to provide comprehensive healthcare across diverse populations. Designed for master's-prepared nurses, the certificates offer accelerated pathways to additional specializations in Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nursing, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing. Admission requires a master's degree from an accredited nursing program, a graduate GPA above 3.3, and valid RN licensure. Programs range from 18-20 credits and include intensive clinical practicums, preparing graduates for professional certification examinations.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) post-master's certificate at the University of Rhode Island prepares nurses with a master's degree in nursing to provide compassionate primary health care to adolescents, adults, and older adults. This program requires 18-19 credits, including courses like Adult-Gero Primary Care NP I and II, and supervised clinical hours. It's designed for nurses aiming to broaden their clinical abilities in advanced practice nursing roles. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing, a graduate GPA above 3.3, and eligibility for RN licensure in Rhode Island. The program emphasizes individualized study plans based on a gap analysis of completed coursework.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Rhode Island's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to excel in comprehensive healthcare roles. This rigorous 72-credit program offers specialized concentrations in adult-gerontology primary care, allowing students to become highly skilled nurse practitioners. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and preference for clinical nursing experience, students gain advanced clinical expertise, research skills, and the ability to transform healthcare systems. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams and can potentially influence healthcare policy at the highest levels.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Rhode Island's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to transform healthcare systems and influence policy. This comprehensive doctoral track offers specialized concentrations in adult-gerontology acute care, allowing students to develop high-level clinical expertise. Prospective students can expect a rigorous 72-credit program that combines advanced practice core courses with specialty-specific training. Admission requires a nursing baccalaureate degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, and professional nursing experience. Financial support options include traineeships and graduate assistantships, making this an accessible pathway for ambitious nursing professionals seeking to elevate their clinical capabilities.
Providence, RI - Public 4-Year - ric.edu
Concentration: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
Rhode Island College's Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver specialized care for complex adult and elderly patients. The program offers rigorous clinical training, enabling graduates to sit for prestigious certification exams and pursue leadership roles in acute healthcare settings. Students gain advanced skills in critical care, clinical assessment, and specialized patient management.
Concentration: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist - Campus Based - Visit Website
Rhode Island College's Master of Science in Nursing offers a specialized Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration for healthcare professionals seeking advanced clinical expertise. This rigorous program prepares nurses to provide high-level, specialized care in acute settings, with opportunities to pursue critical certification exams. Students gain comprehensive skills in complex patient management, leveraging advanced nursing knowledge and evidence-based practices to transform healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.
Concentration: Population/Public Health - Campus Based - Visit Website
Rhode Island College's Master of Science in Nursing with Population/Public Health concentration equips nurses to become transformative leaders in community health settings. This comprehensive graduate program prepares students for advanced practice roles, focusing on population-level healthcare strategies, community education, and public health leadership. Graduates develop critical skills in evidence-based practice, health promotion, and systemic healthcare improvement, positioning themselves as key professionals who can address complex community health challenges and drive meaningful population health outcomes.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Certificate of Graduate Studies (CGS) in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care for Nurse Practitioners at Rhode Island College is an 18-credit hybrid program tailored for nurses with a master’s degree aiming to specialize in acute care. This program prepares graduates for certification exams like the American Nurses Credentialing Center Adult Acute exam. Applicants need a master’s in nursing and must have completed prerequisites in Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Health Assessment. Certified APRNs may have these prerequisites waived. The program emphasizes expanding the role of nurse practitioners in acute care settings, offering flexibility with ongoing applications and no GRE requirement.
To accommodate working nurses and those in remote areas, many Rhode Island programs use a hybrid model with online lectures and live webinars supplemented by on‑campus intensives for simulation labs and skills workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally at approved healthcare sites, allowing students to fulfill practicum requirements close to home. A few schools offer fully online didactic phases with short, immersive campus visits for hands‑on assessments.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| Salve Regina University |
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University of Rhode Island
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| Rhode Island College |
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| Certifying Board | Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education – Advanced Practice Section |
|---|---|
| Certification | Completion of an accredited graduate NP program, an active Rhode Island RN license or compact privilege, and a current national APRN credential verified by the Board |
| License Renewal Period | Expires March 1 every two years, renewal notices issued about 60 days before expiration |
| Continuing Education | 10 contact hours every two years (2 on substance abuse, 1 on Alzheimer’s per career), prescriptive authority holders complete 30 pharmacology hours every six years |
| License Application Fee | $145 initial APRN application, $200 for Controlled Substances Registration |
| Clinical Hours | Official graduate transcripts documenting the required supervised practicum hours from an accredited NP program |
| Processing Time | Initial APRN applications typically take 7–10 weeks for review and issuance |
| Endorsement | Out-of-state APRNs must hold (or concurrently apply for) a Rhode Island RN license, complete an FBI fingerprint-based background check, and submit primary-source verifications of both RN and NP credentials |
Nurse practitioners in Rhode Island earn an average annual salary of about $125,000, with entry‑level positions starting near $100,000 and experienced practitioners, especially in the Providence metro, earning up to $140,000. Employers often offer sign‑on bonuses, loan repayment assistance, and comprehensive benefits packages to attract and retain qualified NPs. Advanced certifications and leadership or educator roles can further elevate compensation.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Rhode Island | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual NP Salary | $130,190 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $62.59 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$147,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $130,190 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$110,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~120 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island College |
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University of Rhode Island
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| Salve Regina University |
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Many graduates pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to deepen clinical expertise and qualify for leadership, academic, or executive roles. Post‑master’s certificate programs allow NPs to add new specialties, such as acute care or women’s health, without completing another full degree. Those interested in research may enroll in PhD programs, while others transition into roles in healthcare administration, informatics, policy development, or telehealth leadership.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Rhode Island
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Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Population/Public Health - Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
