LPN Programs in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island has relatively few LPN programs, anchored by the Community College of Rhode Island, the state’s only public practical nursing program. To earn an LPN license in Rhode Island, students must complete a state-approved program and pass the NCLEX-PN. Most programs run 12 to 18 months and include both classroom instruction and clinical hours.
Sponsored School(s)
Rhode Island is a small state with a compact LPN program market. The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is the primary public option, operating practical nursing programs at multiple campuses. Private schools, including Lincoln Tech, also offer accredited LPN training in the state. For a broader look at the LPN role in the state, see our guide to becoming an LPN in Rhode Island. For students willing to cross state lines, additional options are available in nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut.
How to Become an LPN in Rhode Island
To practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Rhode Island, you must complete a practical nursing program approved by the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education, then pass the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. After passing the exam, you submit a licensure application to the Board along with a criminal background check and applicable fees. For full licensure requirements, see Rhode Island nursing license requirements.
Rhode Island participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means a Rhode Island LPN license can function as a multistate license, allowing practice in other NLC member states without a separate license. Confirm your license type with the Board when you apply.
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and What They Tell You
The NCLEX-PN is required for LPN licensure in Rhode Island and in every other state. Pass rates are public information and are frequently used to compare programs. A program’s pass rate can reflect admissions standards, student support, retention practices, and how well the curriculum prepares students for the exam.
Before enrolling, check the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education’s published pass rate data for the programs you’re considering. Consistent pass rates above the national benchmark are a meaningful signal of program quality.
State Approval and National Accreditation
Every LPN program you consider must be approved by the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education. State approval is the baseline requirement. Without it, graduates cannot sit for the NCLEX-PN in Rhode Island.
National accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is an additional credential some programs hold. ACEN accreditation signals that a program has met a rigorous external review process beyond what state approval requires. Lincoln Tech’s Rhode Island campus has held ACEN accreditation for its practical nursing program. Verify current status in ACEN’s program directory at acenursing.org before enrolling. CCRI is state-approved. Accreditation status can matter if you plan to pursue additional credentials later, since some RN bridge programs prefer or require applicants from accredited programs.
Admission Requirements
LPN programs in Rhode Island are selective. Common admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED, a passing score on an entrance exam such as the TEAS, completion of prerequisite coursework in subjects like medical calculations or biology, current CPR/BLS certification, a background check, and documentation of required immunizations. Some programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old.
Checking prerequisite requirements early matters. Some programs have waitlists, and meeting the minimum academic requirements doesn’t guarantee immediate admission.
Credit Transfer and Advancement to RN
Rhode Island doesn’t have a statewide articulation agreement between LPN and RN programs, but individual schools can establish their own transfer pathways. CCRI’s practical nursing program articulates directly into the school’s associate-level RN program for qualified graduates. For students who want a clear path from LPN to RN, see our overview of LPN-to-RN bridge programs. Choosing a school that offers both programs or has established partnerships can reduce the time and cost of the transition.
CCRI has noted that students who complete the first semester of the Practical Nursing program may be eligible to sit for the CNA certification exam. Confirm current policy with CCRI before relying on this pathway.
Program Length and Scheduling
Most LPN programs in Rhode Island run 12 to 18 months, though the total timeline can vary depending on whether a program is full-time or part-time. CCRI has historically offered the program at multiple campuses. Check directly with CCRI for current campus availability and program scheduling. Programs that accommodate evening or part-time schedules tend to take longer to complete, which matters if you have work or family commitments. Fully online LPN programs aren’t available in Rhode Island because the clinical component requires in-person training.
Program Costs
Tuition and fees vary by school type. CCRI, as a public community college, is one of the more affordable options in the state, and Rhode Island students who go straight from high school may qualify for the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship, which covers tuition costs at CCRI. Private programs like Lincoln Tech typically cost more. Contact each school directly for current tuition and fee figures, as these change regularly.
Financial aid is available through federal programs for students who complete the FAFSA. Schools are also required to publish gainful employment disclosures that include average graduate debt, which can help you compare the financial picture across programs.
LPN Salaries in Rhode Island
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Rhode Island earned a median annual salary of $80,090 as of May 2025, the most recent BLS data available. The mean annual wage was $80,120. Nationally, the median annual wage for LPNs was $64,400 during the same period, making Rhode Island one of the higher-paying states for this occupation.
| Location | Median Annual Wage | Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $80,090 | $80,120 |
| United States (national) | $64,400 | $67,050 |
LPNs in Rhode Island work in nursing facilities, assisted living, home health, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. Experience level, employer, and setting all affect earnings within the state.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many LPN programs are in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has relatively few state-approved LPN programs. The Community College of Rhode Island is the only public institution offering practical nursing education in the state and has historically operated at campuses in Warwick, Lincoln, Providence, and Newport. Lincoln Tech in Lincoln also offers a practical nursing program. Verify current ACEN accreditation status at acenursing.org. Check with the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education for a current list of all approved programs.
Does Rhode Island participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes. Rhode Island is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). LPNs licensed in Rhode Island may be eligible for a multistate license that allows practice in other NLC member states without obtaining a separate license in each state. Confirm your license type with the Rhode Island Board when you apply.
What entrance exam do LPN programs in Rhode Island require?
Many LPN programs in Rhode Island require applicants to pass the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or a similar basic skills assessment as part of the admissions process. Requirements vary by program. Check directly with each school for its specific entrance exam requirements, minimum scores, and deadlines.
Can an LPN in Rhode Island transition to an RN?
Yes. CCRI’s practical nursing program articulates directly into the school’s associate-level RN program for qualified graduates. Other LPN-to-RN bridge pathways may be available through programs in nearby states. Rhode Island does not have a statewide articulation model, so the specific options depend on which school you attend and what agreements it has in place.
What do LPNs earn in Rhode Island?
According to BLS data from May 2025, LPNs in Rhode Island earned a median annual wage of $80,090. That’s well above the national median of $64,400 for the same period. Actual earnings vary by employer, setting, and experience.
Key Takeaways
- CCRI is the only public option — The Community College of Rhode Island operates the state’s only public practical nursing program across four campuses.
- State board approval is required — All LPN programs must be approved by the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education before graduates can sit for the NCLEX-PN.
- Rhode Island is an NLC state — LPNs licensed in Rhode Island may be eligible for a multistate compact license, allowing practice in other NLC member states.
- RI LPN salaries are above the national median — Rhode Island LPNs earned a median of $80,090 as of May 2025, compared to the national median of $64,400, according to BLS data.
- LPN-to-RN pathways exist — CCRI graduates can articulate directly into the school’s ADN program, and completing the first semester qualifies students for CNA certification.
Compare approved LPN programs in Rhode Island and nearby states to find the right fit for your schedule and goals.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.