Jake Flannigan, NP
June 4, 2025
Rhode Island’s healthcare system depends heavily on Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who serve as crucial personnel. The nursing role of LPNs includes patient bedside care along with monitoring and assisting patients with their daily medical requirements under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. The elderly population and patients who need ongoing medical care find significant value in LPNs who work in long-term care facilities and rehabilitation centers as well as outpatient settings throughout Rhode Island.
East Greenwich, RI - Private 4-year - neit.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certificate Program at New England Institute of Technology prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing. This campus-based program focuses on essential nursing skills, patient care, and medical knowledge. Ideal for those seeking a fast track into the healthcare field, it offers hands-on training and real-world experience. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with a focus on science and math. While specific costs vary, financial aid options are available to eligible students. This program is perfect for individuals at various life stages looking to start or advance their nursing career.
Warwick, RI - Public 2-Year - ccri.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing Diploma at Community College of Rhode Island provides a comprehensive healthcare training program for aspiring nurses. Students gain essential skills through a rigorous curriculum combining theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience. Graduates receive a diploma and become eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure examination, launching their career as licensed practical nurses. The program requires a minimum 2.0 GPA, specific prerequisite courses like Human Biology, and maintains high academic standards. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, the program offers a strategic pathway into the nursing profession with flexible admission requirements.
Nursing education requires practical experience so Rhode Island does not provide fully online LPN programs. The needs of students who need to balance education with work or family responsibilities have led to the development of hybrid models. Students in these programs study nursing theory and pharmacology and health sciences through online courses but must attend classes in person for clinical laboratory work and direct patient care experience. Traditional in-person LPN programs function as the primary format for beginners because they gain valuable experience through direct contact with instructors and classmates.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| New England Institute of Technology |
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| Community College of Rhode Island |
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| Certifying Board | Rhode Island Department of Health – Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education |
|---|---|
| Certification | NCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a Board-approved practical nursing program with official transcript and School Certification Form |
| Application & Fees | $45 application fee, $200 NCLEX exam fee, fingerprint-based background check fee |
| Processing Time | Authorization to Test issued once all materials are received, license issued after passing NCLEX and background clearance |
| License Renewal | Biennial renewal every two years with notices sent 60 days before expiration |
| Continuing Education | 10 contact hours per renewal cycle, including 2 hours on substance abuse |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $45 endorsement fee, verification of current unrestricted license, official transcript, fingerprint-based background check. |
Rhode Island Licensed Practical Nurses receive salaries which fall between $60,000 to $70,000 annually. The starting salary for new LPN graduates is below the average but experienced nurses along with those working in specialized positions receive higher compensation. The nursing salary levels in Rhode Island stem from both the state’s living costs and the crucial healthcare roles LPNs perform at hospitals and nursing homes as well as clinics and home healthcare facilities. LPN employment remains favorable because the aging population drives continuous demand for both long-term care and outpatient care services.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Rhode Island | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $61,032 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $29.35 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$67,990 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $61,032 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$55,123 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~8% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~410 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| New England Institute of Technology |
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| Community College of Rhode Island |
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LPNs in Rhode Island possess multiple professional development pathways that enable them to assume expanded duties and receive higher compensation. The standard career path for LPNs involves entering an LPN-to-RN bridge program to utilize their current education and clinical experience before obtaining registered nursing licensure. Students who enter these programs receive priority placement that helps them complete their associate degree requirements in less time. The completion of RN licensure allows nurses to pursue BSN education or specialized certifications in wound care, gerontology, and IV therapy. The acquisition of specialized training enables nurses to move into leadership roles and case management or education positions within long-term care facilities. Experienced LPNs often transition into supervisory roles while guiding new nursing staff members. The state of Rhode Island maintains an encouraging environment for professional advancement and education which enables LPNs to build their careers within healthcare facilities while achieving professional objectives.
Additional Nursing Programs in Rhode Island
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