Rhode Island Nursing Schools
- Number of nursing schools in Rhode Island is 5
- Average NCLEX passing rate for Rhode Island ADN programs is 85.41%.
- Average NCLEX passing rate for Rhode Island BSN programs is 83.63%.
- Find the best ranked Rhode Island nursing schools, RN to BSN programs, ABSN programs and Nurse Practitioner programs.
Rhode Island Nursing Licenses at A Glance
| Type | Status |
|---|---|
| eNLC | No |
| Walk-Through | No |
| Temp License | No |
| Nursys | Yes |
| BON Website | Rhode Island Board of Nursing |
| Contact Phone | (401) 222-5960 |
| Full Address | Department of Health, Three Capitol Hill – Room 103, Providence, RI 02908-5097 |
Fees
Endorsement Application:
- RN: $135.00
- LPN: $45.00
Temporary Permit:
- Not Applicable
Timing
Permanent License:
- The BON does not commit to a timeframe for permanent licensure.
Temporary License:
- Not Applicable
License Renewal
Renewal Cadence:
- Every 2 years for both RNs and LPNs.
Renewal Fee:
- RN: $135.00
- LPN: $45.00
Required Contact Hours:
- 10 contact hours per 2-year renewal period.
- 2 hours must be related to substance abuse.
- 1 hour of CEU training regarding Alzheimer’s disease required once per career.
Rhode Island Nursing Licenses
Rhode Island APRN Nursing License
APRN Data: Full Practice
- Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing
- Education Requirements: Must complete a graduate-level education program in an APRN role.
- Certification: Obtain national certification in the chosen APRN role from an approved certifying body.
- State Licensure: Regulated by the Rhode Island Board of Nursing. Licensure requirements vary but generally include an application, fees, education, and certification proof.
- Prescriptive Authority: Varies by state; may require additional certification or a collaborative agreement in Rhode Island.
- Renewal and Continuing Education: Periodic license renewal and continuing education or practice hours are required.
- Full Practice Authority: Rhode Island offers full practice authority, allowing APRNs to practice independently.
- eNLC Participation: Rhode Island is not a member of the eNLC.
- Scope of Practice: Includes comprehensive patient care such as assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Role-Specific Requirements: Additional specific requirements may apply depending on the APRN role.
- Transition to Practice: Supervised practice hours may be required before full practice authority is granted.
- Insurance and Liability: Malpractice insurance requirements depend on employment and state regulations.
Important Things to Know:
- Official transcripts are not required for licensure by endorsement.
- Documentation can be emailed or mailed to the Rhode Island Department of Health.
- Application status can be checked online via the applicant portal.
- Expedited licensure may be available for military personnel and their spouses.
Licensure by Endorsement:
- Submit an online application and pay the fee.
- Provide proof of Rhode Island Residency if applicable.
- Undergo a background check with fingerprints.
- Request licensure verification from the original state of licensure.
Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) Definitions:
- Full Practice: State practice laws permit all NPs to evaluate, diagnose, and manage patient care, including prescriptions, independently.
- Reduced Practice: State law reduces the ability of NPs to engage in at least one element of NP practice, requiring a regulated collaborative agreement for patient care.
- Restricted Practice: State law restricts the ability of NPs to engage in at least one element of NP practice, requiring career-long supervision or delegation.
License by Examination
Obtaining initial RN licensure is an important foundation for beginning your nursing career in Rhode Island. Meeting the State Board of Nursing’s qualification standards demonstrates your commitment to providing safe, competent care as you Become an RN.
- Education: You must graduate from an approved nursing program, like an ADN or BSN. Many quality schools across Rhode Island offer this training.
- Examination: Passing the NCLEX national licensing exam is mandatory, showing your clinical knowledge.
- Application: Submit an application with fee to the Rhode Island Board of Nursing to officially enter the licensure process.
- Background Check: Undergo fingerprinting and criminal background checks to verify your suitability for licensure.
License by Endorsement
Seeking licensure by endorsement is essential for nurses licensed in other states who want to expand their practice options in Rhode Island without repeating schooling or exams.
- Verification: Provide proof of an active license from your original state, like through Nursys verification.
- Application: Complete Rhode Island’s endorsement application requirements and submit with licensing fee.
- Background Check: New fingerprinting and checks may be required even with an out-of-state license.
Maintaining Your Rhode Island License
Meeting renewal standards ensures you continue practicing legally according to Rhode Island statutes and regulations.
License Renewal
- Continuing Education: 10 contact hours per renewal period are required, with specifics on substance use disorders and Alzheimer’s.
- Renewal Application: Licenses expire every 2 years. Submit a renewal application with any updates.
- Renewal Fee: The fee is currently $135 for RNs and $45 for LPNs.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Ongoing competence development allows nurses to provide up-to-date, high quality care aligned with best practices.
- CE Requirements: Acceptable education includes academic courses, certifications, independent studies, and more.
- Practice Hours: Practice hours are not an explicit requirement for license renewal.
Licensing Fees
While the upfront costs of licensure may seem high, they represent an investment into access to rewarding nursing career paths.
Fee Breakdown:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Application Fee | $135 RN / $45 LPN |
| Renewal Fee | $135 RN / $45 LPN |
| Other Fees | Varies |
Continuing Education Requirements (CEUs)
Lifelong learning empowers nurses to elevate their expertise over decades-long careers. Rhode Island’s requirements guide professional growth.
Education Details
- Mandatory Courses: Provide examples of 7 common required courses.
- General CEUs: Provide examples of 5 common optional CEUs.
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
While not yet an NLC member, Rhode Island could expand job mobility for its nurses by joining the 34 other compact states.
NLC Benefits:
- Multi-State License: Simple license for practice across state lines.
- Increased Access: Meet needs through telehealth and volunteer efforts.
- Application: State Board of Nursing handles license authorization.
- Primary Residence: RN’s primary state governs their single license.
