Last Updated/Verified: September 15th, 2023

Many nursing students choose the profession because of its flexibility and a comfortable salary.

For students who are in a hurry to start their careers, an LPN program offers the training and credentials needed in a much shorter timeframe than traditional degree nursing programs. LPN licensure doesn’t require a four-year degree, and most programs only take one or two years to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. After you start your LPN career, you can return to school (while working) to complete your registered nursing degree if you like. Some LPNs choose a specialty, which usually offers better compensation with just a bit more schooling. Rhode Island has a number of opportunities for new LPNs, and job growth rates are high over the next decade. The best LPN programs in Rhode Island help students start their careers with ample training and coursework that helps bolster a future of success.

• Most LPN programs in Rhode Island take 1 to 2 years to complete.
• LPNs in Rhode Island average $31.28 per hour and an additional $7,750 in overtime each year.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth rate is much higher than average at 9% for LPNs in Rhode Island.
• According to Indeed, Rhode Island is the highest paying state for LPNs, and nurses in Coventry, RI, typically earn the highest salary in the country at $44.32 per hour.
• Providence offers the most educational opportunities and job opportunities for LPNs in RI.

Overview of LPN Schools in Rhode Island

There are two schools with approved LPN courses in Rhode Island. Both schools offer comparable coursework and training, so research the options to find which program better meets your needs.

The curriculum for each school is similar and includes both in-class studies as well as practical application in labs and clinical settings.

LPN program topics include:

• Nursing Fundamentals
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Nursing Clinicals
• Specialized Nursing Courses (mental health, pediatric, geriatric, etc.)
• Nursing Ethics

LPN Accreditation

When you apply for an LPN license, you must submit proof that you completed an accredited LPN program. The national nursing organization for accreditation is the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and the regional organization for accreditation is the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE). You may choose a school with either accreditation (or both), and the ideal program is also approved by the Rhode Island Board of Examiners for Nursing.

LPN Admissions Requirements

The admissions requirements vary for each program, so contact the school for essential details. However, the minimum requirements are almost always the same:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Entrance examination
• Interview
• Background check

LPN Tuition & Costs

The cost of schooling also varies but is an important consideration. Each school has different tuition rates and other fees, so check with your school for more information. For example, Lincoln Tech – Lincoln estimates $29,625 in total tuition for its LPN program. Fees, books, and other supplies are an additional $3,026.21. Room and board are an additional expense. If you’re concerned about financial expenses, however, many schools offer financial aid. You may qualify for a federal grant, student loan, or scholarship, depending on your personal history.

LPN Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island

If you want to become a nurse in Rhode Island, a practical nursing program offers the fastest, most direct route to your future career. Most LPNs complete their training within 1 to 2 years and obtain their licensure just after course completion.

Checklist to become a Rhode Island LPN:

1. Choose and complete an LPN program in Rhode Island that includes both classroom instruction and practical experience.
2. Apply for licensure with the Rhode Island Board of Examiners for Nursing. Include all the necessary documents.
3. Attend CPR training and receive your CPR certification card.
4. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

You must renew your license every two years after completing 10 hours of continuing education. Two of those hours must be about substance abuse.

NCLEX-PN Exam

Every LPN in Rhode Island must pass the NCLEX-PN Exam, which you can schedule through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). There are four main sections on the exam:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity

LPN Reciprocity

If you’re moving to Rhode Island from another U.S. state and want to obtain LPN licensure, you must submit an Interstate Verification Form (if licensed in Alabama, California, or Pennsylvania) or complete verification online (if licensed in any other state), completed by your prior educational institution.

If you’re moving to Rhode Island from another country, you must submit a Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report and pass the NCLEX exam.

LPN Salaries in Rhode Island

Rhode Island LPNs earn an average of $31.28 per hour, which is significantly higher than the national average salary of $20.17 per hour. It’s the highest average LPN salary in the country.

These are the major metropolitan areas in Rhode Island and the average salaries of LPNs in these areas:

• Providence-Warwick, RI-MA ($59,100)
• Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($56,200)

Source: https://www.bls.gov/

As you can see, your location may affect your potential salary as an LPN, but there are other considerations, too. First, nurses who work in surgical or hospital settings usually command a higher salary than nurses who work in a physician’s office or clinic. If you have a certain nursing specialty, you may earn a higher salary than more generalized LPNs. Popular specialties include geriatric nursing and pediatric nursing. You will likely earn entry-level rates when you first start your career, but more experienced nurses typically earn higher salaries. Many nurses opt for night or weekend shifts, which sometimes pay more than day shifts.

Job Outlook for LPNs in Rhode Island

LPNs in Rhode Island have a bright future. The BLS anticipates job growth rates of 9 percent over the next decade. The U.S. population continues to age, and the older generations have higher healthcare needs than most. Experts expect demand for LPNs to increase well into the future. Many employers provide excellent benefits as incentives for new, qualified LPNs. These may include flexibility with scheduling, higher salaries, sign-on and performance bonuses, educational opportunities, and more.

If you decide to pursue additional schooling, you can usually continue to work while also attending school. You may opt for a registered nursing program or specialized training, which both offer higher salaries.

Nursing offers a wealth of benefits for those who pursue the career long-term. If you’re looking for stability and job opportunities, an LPN career is an excellent choice.

Top LPN Schools in Rhode Island

Community College of Rhode Island
400 East Avenue
Warwick, RI 02886-1807
(401) 333-7130

The Community College of Rhode Island is the largest community college in New England. Founded in 1964, the school currently has over 18,000 students. Programs are available for recent high school graduates, adult students, and transfer students. Many students choose to transfer to a four-year college after completing coursework at CCRI.

Lincoln Technical Institute – Rhode Island
622 George Washington Highway
Lincoln, RI 02865
(401) 334-2430 ext. 43407

Lincoln Technical Institute is an accredited school that provides training for LPNs. The school is near Providence, Pawtucket, and Warwick, and is located in the Lincoln Mall. Students experience classroom instruction as well as hands-on instruction in the school’s clinical nursing training facilities.

Additional Resources

State of Rhode Island Department of Health

The State of Rhode Island Department of Public Health is Rhode Island’s leading government authority for nurses and all other healthcare professions. Its primary goal is to protect the citizens of Rhode Island through effective public safety measures. The Department of Public Health provides LPN licensure and additional resources. You can also find the latest updates about the nursing profession on the Department of Health’s website.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a not-for-profit, independent organization. It includes nursing boards from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. This organization is responsible for creating, maintaining, and administering the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN examinations.