Nursing Schools in Rhode Island: Campus & Online Programs (2026)

Compare 5 campus-based nursing schools in Rhode Island — plus accredited online programs open to Rhode Island residents. NCLEX pass rates, acceptance rates, and accreditation in one place.

Campus-Based Nursing Schools in Rhode Island

Accredited nursing schools with a campus in Rhode Island. Outcome data is added as state boards publish it.

Online Nursing Programs Available to Rhode Island Residents

These accredited schools are based outside Rhode Island but enroll Rhode Island residents online. Confirm clinical-placement and Rhode Island Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.

How We Evaluate Nursing Schools in Rhode Island

We separate schools with a physical campus in Rhode Island from accredited online programs that enroll Rhode Island residents, because the two answer different questions — one is about studying locally, the other about studying from Rhode Island. Within each group we weight NCLEX first-time pass rate most heavily; it is the strongest available predictor of how well a program prepares graduates for licensure.

Accreditation is non-negotiable: we only include schools accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or regionally accredited programs with state board approval. We also consider acceptance rate (program selectivity), program variety across degree levels (LPN through doctoral), and value relative to regional salary expectations. Where a school has not yet reported outcome data, we show it without inventing a number.

What to Look for in a Rhode Island Nursing School

The most important factor is NCLEX pass rate. The national average for first-time test-takers sits around 87–89% (NCSBN, 2023). Programs consistently above 90% have demonstrated they effectively prepare students for licensure. Ask schools for their three-year average pass rate — a single good year can be an anomaly.

Accreditation matters for several reasons beyond quality assurance. CCNE- or ACEN-accredited programs make you eligible for federal financial aid, qualify you for military service, and meet the requirements for most graduate nursing programs if you plan to advance your career later.

Consider clinical placement. Hospitals in Rhode Island often have affiliation agreements with specific nursing schools, giving graduates an inside track to jobs. If you are considering an online program based outside Rhode Island, confirm that it arranges clinical placements within Rhode Island and is approved by the Rhode Island Board of Nursing for pre-licensure study.

Nursing Career Outlook in Rhode Island

Registered nurses in Rhode Island earn an average of $99,770 annually. The BLS projects nursing employment to grow 6% nationally through 2032 — faster than the average for all occupations — driven by an aging population and expanded access to healthcare. Rhode Island is expected to see strong demand in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and home health settings.

BSN-prepared nurses command higher salaries and have access to broader roles. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that 80% of nursing positions now prefer or require a BSN. If you currently hold an ADN, many schools serving Rhode Islandoffer flexible RN-to-BSN completion programs you can complete while working.

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