Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and program lengths for accredited LPN schools near Lincoln
Rhode Island LPNs earn a median $55,860 per year, and the state employs over 1,500 licensed practical nurses, a number that regional healthcare employers are actively working to grow. A practical nursing diploma takes as little as 12 months to complete, making it one of the fastest routes into a clinical career with significant lpn benefits.
In Lincoln, Lincoln Tech operates a well-known practical nursing program, and several other accredited LPN schools sit within a 75-mile radius, including in Providence, Cranston, and nearby Massachusetts communities. NCLEX-PN first-time pass rates vary widely among these programs, so evaluating each school’s track record is essential before enrolling.
Our ranking of LPN programs near Lincoln, RI, considers schools within a 75-mile radius, evaluated on cost, student outcomes, and completion data. The following programs stand out for their quality, accessibility, and strong track records in preparing students for the NCLEX-PN and nursing careers.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | New England Institute of Technology | East Greenwich, RI | $36,000/yr | Career changers seeking seamless RN bridge | |
New England Institute of Technology's LPN Certificate program offers an ACEN-accredited, 15-month pathway to nursing licensure. The program features a state-of-the-art 50,000-square-foot simulation lab and 900 clinical hours at partner facilities across Rhode Island. With a career ladder into the ASN program, NEIT boasts a 100% licensure pass rate and job placement rate, and many students receive financial aid.
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| #2 | Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick, RI | $7,000/yr (net price) | Budget-conscious Rhode Island residents | |
Community College of Rhode Island's Practical Nursing Diploma is Rhode Island's only public LPN program, providing an affordable pathway to licensure. The three-semester, full-time curriculum at the Knight Campus includes extensive clinical experiences. Graduates benefit from a strong 94% job placement rate and seamless transition to CCRI's ADN program.
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What metrics really matter when you're comparing LPN programs?
The rankings on this page rely on a transparent, data-driven methodology that weighs several key outcomes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. We do not accept payment for placement: every school listed earns its position based on the numbers.
We evaluate each LPN program using four core metrics: net price (the actual cost after grants and scholarships), graduation rate (the share of students who complete their credential), median earnings of former students who received federal aid, and median debt at graduation. These are combined into a single score, with heavier weight given to affordability and earnings. Because program-level completion data is rarely available at the certificate level, we use each institution's overall graduation rate as a reliable proxy.
NCLEX-PN pass rates and clinical training quality are essential, but they come from state nursing board reports, not the federal data pipeline. We review them during school selection and highlight them in each program's profile, yet they do not factor into the weighted ranking algorithm. That keeps the ranking focused on consistent, verifiable outcomes while still giving you the board-performance context you need.
Affordability varies widely between the two LPN programs within 75 miles of Lincoln. At Community College of Rhode Island, 81.6% of students receive Pell Grants and the median graduate debt is $10,920, compared to 65.1% Pell recipients and median debt of $16,668 at New England Institute of Technology. Net price, which accounts for financial aid, is $6,513 at CCRI versus $36,483 at New England Tech.
Most LPN programs in Rhode Island take between 12 and 18 months to complete when enrolled full-time. The Practical Nursing Diploma at Lincoln Tech in Lincoln, for example, runs for 52 weeks (roughly one year) and includes 1,425 instructional hours.1 Programs at other nearby schools, such as the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT), typically follow a similar timeline, with full-time students finishing in about three semesters. Part-time and evening tracks add several months to the overall length, often stretching to 20 to 24 months depending on the pace and schedule.
Lincoln Tech in Lincoln offers both day and evening cohorts,1 making it easier for students who need to work or manage family obligations while in school. Day classes generally meet during standard business hours, while evening sessions are scheduled later in the day to accommodate employed students. CCRI and NEIT also provide some scheduling options, though availability varies by campus and enrollment period. Prospective students should confirm current cohort offerings directly with each school, as schedules can change based on demand and instructor availability.
All LPN programs in the state are campus-based. The Rhode Island Board of Nursing requires substantial hands-on clinical training, and no fully online LPN completion pathway is currently approved. Courses may include some online theory components, but lab skills and clinical rotations must be completed in person at assigned health care facilities. Lincoln Tech’s program, for instance, integrates clinical hours into its 52-week curriculum,1 with placements in hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings under supervision of licensed instructors. This in-person requirement is consistent across all approved LPN programs.
Graduating from a program approved by the Rhode Island Board of Nursing is mandatory to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, which is required for licensure. Many employers also prefer or require graduation from an ACEN-accredited program, though it is not always a licensing condition. Lincoln Tech’s Practical Nursing Diploma is state-approved but not ACEN accredited;1 CCRI and NEIT hold ACEN accreditation. NCLEX-PN pass rates for Rhode Island programs are reported by the Board of Nursing and tend to fluctuate year to year. The national average pass rate for first-time, U.S.-educated candidates historically ranges from 85% to 88%. While specific recent rates for Lincoln Tech are not publicly posted by the board, CCRI and NEIT typically outperform the national average, with their graduates achieving first-time pass rates in the high 80s to low 90s. Candidates should verify the most current pass rate data on the Rhode Island Department of Health or Board of Nursing website to make an informed choice.
While most Lincoln-area LPN programs share a common baseline of requirements, the specifics of entrance exams, prerequisite coursework, and application deadlines can shift your timeline and choice. Aligning your prior education and readiness with each program’s checklist avoids rushed applications and missed start dates.
Lincoln Tech operates on a rolling admissions basis, meaning you can submit an application anytime and receive a decision relatively quickly. In contrast, community college programs like CCRI often set fixed deadlines tied to semester starts – missing a window may push your enrollment back by months. NEIT similarly schedules specific cohort launches; contact the admissions office directly for the next available start. Confirm with each school whether program sessions begin in fall, spring, or summer, and how far in advance the application must be complete.
What can you expect to earn as an LPN after graduating from a program near Lincoln, RI? National figures provide a baseline: the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $55,860 for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in May 2024. However, earnings can vary by employer and experience, and program-level outcomes like median earnings one year after graduation are not yet available for the schools near Lincoln. Similarly, employment rates and the share of graduates earning above 150% of the poverty line are not reported for these specific programs.
Once you complete your LPN program, you’ll need to submit your NCLEX-PN results to the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education, along with a $45 application fee and a criminal background check.1 The process is handled online through the Rhode Island Department of Health portal and typically takes four to eight weeks.1 While you wait, you may be eligible to work as a Graduate Practical Nurse (GPN) for up to 90 days.2 The license must be renewed biennially by March 1 in odd-numbered years.4 Renewal requires 10 contact hours of continuing education, with at least two hours focused on substance use awareness,3 and a $45 renewal fee.4
In the Lincoln/Providence metro area, common employers include skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, physician offices, and hospitals.1 Many new LPNs start their careers in long-term care or assisted living settings.
Here are answers to common questions about pursuing a practical nursing license near Lincoln, Rhode Island. These FAQs cover program duration, online availability, NCLEX pass rates, tuition costs, and admission requirements.
