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Top Rhode Island RN to BSN Programs

In today's ever-changing and increasingly competitive nursing field, holding a BSN has become the industry standard for registered nurses. Nurses with ADN degrees from around the country who are looking to increase their salary, gain a competitive edge over their colleagues, enhance their career prospects, and set themselves up for a graduate degree down the road are enrolling in RN to BSN programs. Colleges and universities have responded by making it possible for working RNs to earn their BSN degrees in a short period of time, generally from the comfort of their home, and without having to take on massive student loan debt. With so many degree-granting institutions offering RN to BSN program, however, sifting through all of them to find the one that suits you best can be an arduous process. To assist you in your endeavor, we've listed the top RN to BSN programs in Rhode Island.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Rhode Island

To choose a great RN to BSN program, there are some key factors to take into consideration, including the following:

  • Enrollment availability/waitlists
  • Tuition and fees
  • Faculty reputation
  • Program accreditation and/or awards
  • Program philosophy
  • Employment data upon graduation
  • Program and class size
  • Internship/externship opportunities
  • Financial aid availability

Testing and Certification

RNs with ADN degrees must have already passed the NCLEX-RN licensing exam at the completion of their degree program. This means that RN to BSN students don't have to retake the licensing exam.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Rhode Island

1. Rhode Island College

First established in 1854, Rhode Island College is a public college in the city of Providence, and is the second oldest college in the state. RIC offers students a 37 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that can be completed in approximately one calendar year, depending on whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time. Once enrolled in the program, students can expect to tackle coursework which includes topics like Foundations of Therapeutic Interventions, Professional Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing, and more. New students are admitted into the program at the beginning of each fall and spring semester.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Rhode Island Hospital
  • Lifespan Health System

Tuition:

Students who attend Rhode Island College's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $10,360 plus additional fees.

2. Salve Regina University

Founded in 1934 by the Sisters of Mercy, Salve Regina University is a private university that's located in the city of Newport. SRU offers 30 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that can be completed in just twelve months. Courses are delivered in a hybrid/blended format with a combination of online and in-class meetings. In-class meetings are offered at the school's Center for Adult Education in Warwick. Courses students take while enrolled in SRU's RN to BSN program include Nursing Informatics, Transitioning into Professional Nursing, and Holistic Health Assessment and Promotion. New cohorts are admitted six times each year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Naval Health Clinic New England
  • Newport Hospital
  • Care New England Center

Tuition:

While RNs from non-partner institutions can expect to pay $9,000 to attend SRU's RN to BSN program, nurses from partner institutions can expect to pay $7,000.

3. University of Rhode Island

Originally established in 1892, the University of Rhode Island is a public research institution that has its main campus in the town of Kingston, but which also operates subsidiary campuses in Providence and Narragansett Bay. URI represents the state's flagship public research institution. URI offers an online, 24 credit hour RN to BSN program that most students tend to complete in 15 months. Courses are delivered in 7 weeks blocks, and emphasize nursing research, system leadership in healthcare, and community/public health nursing, among other things. New students can enter into the program at the beginning of each fall and spring semester.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • South County Hospital
  • Care New England Center

Tuition:

Students who attend the University of Rhode Island's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $12,248 plus additional fees.