Maria Delgado, RN
June 19, 2025
Nurses registered in Rhode Island seek Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees to fulfill the state’s developing healthcare requirements. A BSN education delivers broader clinical competencies and provides access to different healthcare institutions including hospitals, clinics, and community health services. BSN-prepared nurses remain the first choice of numerous employers who operate within local areas for advanced nursing positions.
Newport, RI - Private 4-year - salve.edu
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Salve Regina University's online RN to B.S. in Nursing program is designed for licensed registered nurses seeking to advance their education without a specific concentration. This CCNE-accredited program offers a flexible, fully online format with six annual start dates, allowing completion in as few as 12 months. It emphasizes patient-centered care and leadership skills, preparing graduates for complex healthcare challenges. No ACT or SAT is required for this bachelor's level program, and students can transfer up to 58 credits, benefiting from mentorship and competitive tuition rates.
Kingston, RI - Public 4-Year - web.uri.edu
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The University of Rhode Island's online RN to BS program offers registered nurses a flexible path to advance their education while working. Emphasizing research-based and compassionate nursing, it enhances clinical skills and career opportunities without requiring an ACT or SAT entrance exam, as it's designed for practicing nurses. This program is delivered by a respected New England institution, focusing on professional development in a supportive online environment.
East Greenwich, RI - Private 4-year - neit.edu
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New England Institute of Technology's online RN to BSN program is ACEN-accredited and tailored for working registered nurses, offering a flexible part-time schedule that can be completed in 14-15 months. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and leadership, with a capstone practicum to enhance skills in quality improvement and patient advocacy. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required for this bachelor's-level program; admission is based on an active RN license, prior nursing credentials, a minimum 2.7 GPA, and completion of prerequisite courses, including seven liberal arts courses.
RN to BSN programs in Rhode Island operate with complete online delivery options alongside various other learning approaches. Public institutions operate online programs that let nurses study independently at their preferred times. Working professionals find success through online learning platforms that use asynchronous methods and flexible deadline structures. The educational programs exist in hybrid formats which blend online study with sporadic classroom attendance while some educational institutions offer classes during evenings and weekends. The adaptable nature of these programs helps students from all corners of Rhode Island reach their educational goals no matter where they reside. Nurses who work can pursue their education advancement through various learning opportunities which support different professional schedules.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Salve Regina University |
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| New England Institute of Technology |
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| University of Rhode Island |
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| Certifying Board | Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate of a board‑approved BSN program, pass NCLEX‑RN, complete fingerprint‑based background check |
| License Renewal Period | Licenses expire March 1 every two years and must be renewed biennially |
| Continuing Education | 10 contact hours each two‑year cycle, including 2 hours substance abuse and 1 hour Alzheimer’s disease training |
| License Application Fee | $135 application fee, $200 NCLEX exam fee, and $35 background check fee |
| Clinical Hours | Completion of supervised clinical practice across core nursing specialties as required by state‑approved BSN programs |
| Application Processing Time | Authorization to Test issued upon approval (typically 7–10 business days), full license issued several weeks after NCLEX pass and background clearance |
| License by Endorsement | Online application with $135 endorsement fee, license verification via NURSYS, fingerprint check, and proof of Rhode Island residency (transcripts not required) |
Rhode Island nurses with BSN degrees receive attractive compensation together with promising employment prospects. The yearly salary range for registered nurses throughout Rhode Island spans between $85,000 to $90,000 because of the state’s high workforce needs and expensive living costs. Entry-level nurses holding either an ADN or BSN degree typically receive comparable starting salaries but BSN holders tend to access positions with increased duties. Leadership roles together with specialized nursing positions need candidates to hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Most RN jobs in Rhode Island exist in the Providence area yet there are positions available throughout the entire state. The employment prospects for RNs continue to grow steadily because of both demographic changes and shifting healthcare requirements.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Rhode Island | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $81,300 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $39.10 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$92,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $70,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$54,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 8% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~400 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Salve Regina University |
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| University of Rhode Island |
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| New England Institute of Technology |
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A BSN degree creates multiple professional advancement opportunities for nurses in their careers. The BSN qualification enables nurses to become charge nurses, nurse managers, or take specialized clinical positions. After completing their BSN degree nurses become eligible to enroll in graduate programs that lead to nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse anesthetist advanced practice roles. The BSN qualification serves as the minimum requirement for community-based positions in public health nursing and school nursing roles. Professional certifications in leadership, critical care, and education typically need a BSN as the minimum educational requirement. Nurses who earn this degree gain the ability to move into expanded roles throughout clinical facilities as well as administrative offices.
Additional Nursing Programs in Rhode Island
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