With the increasing demand for professionals in the field and higher annual salaries compared to the national average, becoming a licensed practical nurse in Rhode Island is a great career choice.
The first step towards achieving this is enrolling in an accredited LPN program.
Below are some of the LPN courses and programs accredited in Rhode Island.
Page Navigation
- 5 Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Rhode Island
- Salary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is LPN a good career choice in Rhode Island?
- How long is practical nurse licensure valid in Rhode Island?
- What is the cost of an LPN course in Rhode Island?
- What are the requirements for Rhode Island licensure by endorsement?
- Do I need additional licensure to work as an LPN if I’m from a different state?
5 Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Rhode Island
1. Community College of Rhode Island
This institution is the only public college offering a practical nursing program in Rhode Island.
The program has been accredited by ACEN and is provided on several Community College of Rhode Island campuses.
The course aims to impact the learner with the skills and understanding to deal with situations they may encounter in the workplace.
Graduates from the program can take the NCLEX-PN exam and apply for licensure after passing.
The program costs about $14,000 (including tuition and other fees).
Qualifying students can apply for financial aid since the college receives government grants for scholarships.
With a high NCLEX-PN pass, job placement rates, and lower costs, this is one LPN program any aspirant should check out.
2. New England Institute of Technology
The intuition offers LPN aspirants a certificate course in practical nursing.
The course prepares learners with the knowledge and skills required to practice LPN in the state.
It is also a great starting point for those seeking the foundational knowledge to progress in their studies and do an Associate of Science Degree for Nursing (offered by the institution) or Associate Degree in Practical Nursing from other colleges.
The entire course can take up to 15 months to complete.
After graduating from the program, the learners can register and sit for the NCLEX exam.
3. Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech offers a Practical Nursing Diploma course accredited by the ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing).
The institution provides full-time (day) and evening classes for the program.
Over 88% of the graduates from Lincoln Tech in 2021 found job placements.
The curriculum involves courses about various field-relevant aspects, such as IV and drug therapy, data collection, pharmacology, pediatric and maternity nursing, and so much more.
There are also hands-on sessions in simulated nursing and medical labs.
The course offers an excellent opportunity for learners to prepare for the NCLEX-PN examination.
4. Agape University
This university is based in Florida.
They offer different nursing programs, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing.
Both these two courses are available to learners from Rhode Island via online learning.
After taking the above courses for over a year, the learner can apply for the NCLEX-PN exam.
Given that Florida is also part of the eNLC member states, any students who graduate from the University after studying on their Florida campuses are eligible to be licensed in Rhode Island.
5. Bryant University
Despite being located in Rhode Island, Bryant University has no LPN programs.
However, the institution offers competitive courses, such as the Physician Assistant certificate program.
Upon completion, the learner can transfer credits when studying LPN from other institutions in Rhode Island or throughout the country.
Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Rhode Island – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Rhode Island
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island | 400 East Ave, Warwick, RI 02886 |
| New England Institute of Technology | 1 New England Tech Boulevard, East Greenwich, RI 02818 |
| Lincoln Tech | 622 George Washington Hwy, Lincoln, RI 02865 |
| Agape University | 400 Bald Hill Rd #506, Warwick, RI 02886 |
| Bryant University | 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917 |
Salary
The average annual salary for a licensed practical nurse in Rhode Island is $59,130, equating to about $28.43 for every hour of work.
LPNs in the state receive around $12,080 more annually than the average LPN in the country.
This makes working as an LPN in Rhode Island an excellent career opportunity.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s in Rhode Island
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Providence | $53,137 |
| Warwick | $53,137 |
| Cranston | $53,137 |
| Pawtucket | $53,137 |
| East Providence | $53,137 |
| Woonsocket | $53,086 |
| Coventry | $53,035 |
| North Providence | $53,137 |
| Cumberland | $53,137 |
| West Warwick | $53,137 |
Regional Salary in Rhode Island
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 1,420 | $65,060 | $31.28 | $79,040 | $54,570 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LPN a good career choice in Rhode Island?
Yes.
Despite it being a relatively small state, Rhode Island offers opportunities for people looking to become licensed practical nurses.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be 11% more demand for licensed practical nursing by 2028.
The increased demand for professionals in the field and salaries higher than the national average make LPN a good career choice for Rhode Islanders.
How long is practical nurse licensure valid in Rhode Island?
Like other states, a practical nurse license validity period is two years.
After this period, the holder has to renew it.
Before renewing their license, the holder has to ensure they complete 10 hours of continuing education.
The holder has to prove they have undertaken the ten continuing education hours and sign a statement to that effect.
Also, a fee of $45 is incurred.
What is the cost of an LPN course in Rhode Island?
The cost of an LPN program can range from about $14,000 at a government-funded college (there is only one in Rhode Island; i.e., Community College of Rhode Island) to $30,000 or more for a private institution such as Lincoln Tech.
What are the requirements for Rhode Island licensure by endorsement?
To gain licensure by endorsement in the state, the applicant must provide the following to the state’s nurse licensing board:
- A background check.
- Recent passport—style (headshot) photograph.
- A copy of your active license from the state you are from
- A transcript from your graduate school.
Do I need additional licensure to work as an LPN if I’m from a different state?
This depends on the state you are coming from ( where you are licensed).
If you have already obtained a license from any of the NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact) states, of which Rhode Island is part, then you do not need any additional licensure to start working there.
LPNs from any non-compact state will have to get licensure through endorsement.
