Nursing School Requirements in Rhode Island (2026)

A complete guide to nursing school admission requirements in Rhode Island: GPA, prerequisite courses, application steps, and what to expect after graduation — including NCLEX and RN licensure.

Rhode Island: admissions context

Rhode Island programs vary on science-GPA weighting, prerequisite recency, and cohort-seat competition. Treat published minimums as baseline filters, then compare repeat-course policy, entrance exams, and clinical-placement support.

Rhode Island is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (174 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. Tables on this page preview up to 50 rows at a time — verify each school's current handbook before applying.

What our Rhode Island program sample looks like

By degree type in the first 50 programs we show: DNP 48%; MSN 24%; BSN 22%; ADN 6%.

By delivery in that same sample: 80% online, 8% hybrid, 12% on-campus.

LPN Programs

ADN Programs

BSN Programs

RN-to-BSN

MSN / DNP

RNs in Rhode Island earn $99,770/year on average with 4.3% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS).

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Nursing School Requirements in Rhode Island: The Basics

Nursing school admission requirements in Rhode Island vary by degree level, but all accredited programs share a common foundation: prerequisite science courses, a competitive GPA, and a clean background check. After graduation from any pre-licensure program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain a license from the Rhode Island Board of Nursing before practicing.

The most important lever applicants control is their prerequisite GPA. Science courses — particularly Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology — are heavily weighted by admissions committees. Retaking a course to improve a C to a B or higher can make the difference in competitive programs.

Admission Requirements by Degree Level

LPN

Typical GPA

2.5–3.0

Program Length

9–18 months

Key Prerequisites

High school diploma or GED
English
Basic math
Biology (some programs)

The fastest entry point into nursing. Many programs accept students directly from high school.

ADN

Typical GPA

2.7–3.2

Program Length

18–24 months

Key Prerequisites

Anatomy & Physiology I & II
Microbiology
English Composition
Psychology
Statistics or Math

Community college programs. Many have waitlists — applying early and maintaining a high GPA is critical.

BSN

Typical GPA

3.0–3.5

Program Length

3–4 years (direct-entry) or 2 years (RN-to-BSN)

Key Prerequisites

Anatomy & Physiology I & II
Microbiology
Chemistry
Statistics
Psychology
Sociology
English Composition

University programs. Highly competitive — top programs often require 3.5+ GPA and healthcare experience.

RN-BSN

Typical GPA

2.5–3.0

Program Length

12–18 months (online)

Key Prerequisites

Active, unencumbered RN license
ADN or diploma in nursing

Designed for working RNs. No additional clinical hours required. Most programs are fully online.

MSN

Typical GPA

3.0–3.5

Program Length

2–3 years

Key Prerequisites

BSN from an accredited program
Active RN license
Statistics course
Professional letters of recommendation

Graduate-level admission. Many programs require 1–2 years of clinical RN experience.

Which prerequisites do you still need?

Use the prerequisite finder to compare your completed courses with typical Rhode Island nursing program requirements, then see course options if you have gaps.

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How to Get Into Nursing School in Rhode Island: Step by Step

1
Research program types and choose a degree level
Decide whether you are pursuing an LPN certificate, ADN, BSN, or RN-to-BSN. Each has different admission requirements, costs, and career outcomes. Rhode Island has 50 accredited programs across all degree levels.
2
Complete prerequisite courses
Most nursing programs require Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and English Composition at a minimum. Complete these at a community college if needed before applying.
3
Maintain a competitive GPA
ADN programs typically require a 2.7+ GPA; BSN programs require 3.0–3.5. Retaking a science prerequisite to improve your grade can significantly strengthen your application.
4
Prepare application materials
Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of healthcare experience (CNA, medical scribe, EMT, etc.). Many programs weigh clinical experience heavily.
5
Submit your application
Apply to 3–5 programs. ADN programs at community colleges often use a points-based ranking system. BSN programs use holistic review. Apply as early as possible — many programs have rolling admissions.
6
Complete the program and pass the NCLEX
After graduation, apply for RN licensure through the Rhode Island Board of Nursing (https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=231). Pass the NCLEX-RN to receive your license and begin practicing.

After Graduation: NCLEX and Rhode Island RN Licensing

Completing an accredited nursing program is only the first step. To practice as an RN in Rhode Island, you must:

Apply for licensure with the Rhode Island Board of Nursing
Register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE
Pass the NCLEX-RN (national first-time U.S.-educated rate 86.7% in 2025; 91.2% in 2024, NCSBN)
Receive your Rhode Island RN license and begin practicing

Rhode Island License Details

License Renewal

2 years

CE Hours

10 hours per renewal

NLC Compact

No — single-state license

Accredited Programs in Rhode Island

Programs in Rhode Island start as low as $14,560 in total tuition (ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)).

See all 174 nursing programs in Rhode Island →

What GPA do you need for nursing school in Rhode Island?

GPA requirements vary by degree level. LPN programs typically require a 2.5 minimum; ADN programs at community colleges require 2.7–3.2; BSN programs at universities usually require 3.0–3.5, with competitive programs often accepting students with 3.5+. Rhode Island has programs across all levels — higher-demand programs tend to have higher effective GPAs due to waitlists and competitive applicant pools.

What prerequisites do you need for nursing school in Rhode Island?

For most ADN and BSN programs in Rhode Island, you will need Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, English Composition, and introductory Psychology or Sociology. Many BSN programs also require Chemistry and Statistics. Complete these at an accredited community college if you haven't already — grades matter, so retake a course if you scored below a B.

How long does it take to become a nurse in Rhode Island?

The fastest path is an LPN certificate (9–18 months). An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes 18–24 months. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) takes 3–4 years (or 12–18 months if you're already an RN pursuing the RN-to-BSN). Time-to-degree depends on prerequisite completion, part-time vs. full-time enrollment, and whether the program has a waitlist.

Do you need healthcare experience to get into nursing school in Rhode Island?

Most nursing programs prefer but don't require prior healthcare experience for ADN admission. BSN programs at competitive universities often weigh healthcare experience (CNA, medical scribe, EMT, hospital volunteering) heavily in holistic review. LPN programs typically accept applicants directly from high school. Graduate programs (MSN, DNP) usually require 1–2 years of clinical RN experience.

How do you apply to nursing school in Rhode Island?

For community college ADN programs: submit a general college application, complete required prerequisites, and submit the nursing program-specific application (usually a separate form with GPA ranking or points system). For university BSN programs: apply through the university admissions process, then apply separately to the College of Nursing. Apply early — many Rhode Island programs have rolling admissions and fill quickly.

What is the NCLEX exam for nursing in Rhode Island?

The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is the standardized exam all RN graduates must pass to receive a license in Rhode Island. After graduating from an accredited nursing program, you apply to the Rhode Island Board of Nursing (https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=231) for licensure, register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE, and pass the exam. The national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates was 86.7% in 2025 (NCSBN), down from 91.2% in 2024.

Is nursing school hard to get into in Rhode Island?

Competitiveness varies significantly by program type. LPN programs are generally accessible for prepared students. ADN programs at community colleges often have waitlists — your GPA and prerequisites determine your place in the ranking. BSN programs at major universities are the most competitive. The key levers: maintain a 3.0+ GPA in prerequisites, gain clinical experience, and apply to multiple programs at different selectivity levels.

Compare nursing programs in Rhode Island

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