Rhode Island RN Training

Rhode Island has a wide variety of registered nursing programs for applicants to choose from, ranging from 2 year programs to 4 year colleges and universities. For those who are interested in a stable and rewarding career in the healthcare industry, Rhode Island RN programs might be a great option. RNs encounter many challenges on a daily basis, and there are many opportunities to specialize or earn an advanced degree.

In Rhode Island, one can become licensed either by examination or by endorsement, depending upon whether or not the individual is already licensed in another jurisdiction. Rhode Island is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, meaning that those who reside in and are licensed in another compact state can practice in this state without additional licensure.

Becoming Licensed by Examination in Rhode Island

The test used to license RNs in Rhode Island is the NCLEX-RN. Along with registration for examination and $135 fee, applicants must submit official transcripts, a head and shoulder photo of the applicant, the non-refundable fee, and a criminal background check. Those who are licensed in a foreign country must also prove English proficiency and complete the requirements of the CGFNS.

Becoming Licensed by Endorsement in Rhode Island

Those who are licensed in another state can apply for licensure by endorsement, as long as the individual does not reside in another compact state. In order to become licensed by endorsement, the individual must submit the following items along with the licensure application:

• $135 fee
• Recent passport-type photo
• Official transcript
• Graduation from nursing program
• Photocopy of current out-of-state license
• Proof of residence
• Criminal background check and fingerprinting
• Foreign applicants: requirements of CGFNS

A 90 day temporary permit will automatically be issued to individuals applying for licensure by endorsement.

Renewing an RN License

In order to renew an RN license, one must complete 10 continuing education hours within each 2 year renewal cycle.

Additional Resources

• Rhode Island Department of Health

The Best RN Schools in Rhode Island

By offering the most complete directory of nursing schools, NurseGroups.com helps Rhode Island residents find the best local RN programs, as well as the best online RN schools whose accreditation is accepted by the Rhode Island Board of Nursing.

Why Online RN Classes?

Being a registered nurse is a great career. But many working adults who want to become an registered nurse have an extremely busy schedule - balancing a full-time job, family commitments and other personal responsibilities. The traditional classroom setting offered by most local nursing schools doesn't offer the same flexibility as taking their RN classes online.

Online nursing programs allow each student to fit their education into his or her already busy schedule. Online students can participate in discussion forums and take exams when it's convenient for them. RN nursing students can access their virtual classroom 24 hours per day / seven days per week.

Also, taking RN courses online saves students even more time, as online students don't need to commute to school. Online schools enable busy people to get an RN degree, without interfering with their current professional and personal life.

Rhode Island RN Resources

• Rhode Island Department of Health