Rhode Island College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
The Zvart Onanian School of Nursing at Rhode Island College anchors pre-licensure BSN pathways, online RN-to-BSN completion, and CCNE-accredited graduate programs—including MSN-to-DNP and BSN-to-DNP nurse anesthesia (COA-accredited per RIC). This guide uses RIC’s Bursar rates (2026–27) and school-published NCLEX cohort tables; confirm every detail with RIC and Rhode Island Department of Health (nursing licensure).
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Rhode Island College shares the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center with URI (downtown Providence / South Street Landing), runs a Society for Simulation in Healthcare–accredited simulation program, and publishes transparent board-exam tables—including NCLEX-RN—that let you compare cohorts year over year.
Overview & Why Students Choose Rhode Island College
Providence’s public bachelor’s college combines a liberal-arts core with the Zvart Onanian School of Nursing, one of the state’s largest producers of practice-ready RNs and advanced-practice nurses. Students split time between the Mount Pleasant campus, the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center shared with the University of Rhode Island, and clinical sites across southeastern New England.
RIC markets itself as a value-oriented access institution—about half of undergraduates are first-generation—and pairs that mission with graduate-level depth (MSN, DNP, nurse anesthesia) that is less common at regional public colleges.
Rhode Island College reports a 86% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for calendar year 2025 (111 of 129 first-time candidates) under the NCSBN certifier on its outcomes page. Confirm the next reporting cycle with the School of Nursing and cross-check Rhode Island Department of Health (nursing licensure) materials for regulatory context.
Reasons students choose Rhode Island College
RINEC & Providence clinical corridor
Undergraduate and graduate instruction connects to the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center, placing learners minutes from major teaching hospitals, community clinics, and public-health field experiences.
Documented licensure outcomes
The school publishes multi-year NCLEX-RN pass rates plus advanced-practice certification outcomes, so prospective students can review trends before applying.
Full practice ladder
Pathways span Traditional BSN, online RN-to-BSN, MSN concentrations, MSN-to-DNP, and a BSN-to-DNP nurse anesthesia specialization—with CCNE accreditation across BSN/MSN/DNP and COA accreditation cited for nurse anesthesia.
Simulation endorsement
RIC highlights a Society for Simulation in Healthcare–accredited Nursing Simulation Program integrated throughout pre-licensure and graduate curricula.
Affordability mechanics
The Bursar posts detailed in-state, out-of-state, and Northeast Neighbor discounted rates, helping families model semester bills instead of guessing.
Nursing Programs Offered
Programs below mirror Rhode Island College’s official Zvart Onanian School of Nursing pages and graduate program comparison sheet. Always confirm titles, tracks, and delivery modes in the current catalog before applying.
Pre-licensure & undergraduate completion
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Four-year, 120-credit Basic BSN for high-school graduates and transfers. Students enter as intended nursing majors, complete science and general-education cognates, then apply to upper-division nursing. Graduates qualify to apply for NCLEX-RN.
Second bachelor’s BSN option
RIC publishes a dedicated accelerated-style sequence for applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. It awards the same BSN credential; review the second-degree checklist for prerequisite pacing.
RN-to-BSN
Fully online BSN completion described on the RN-to-BSN program page for working RNs who need schedule flexibility.
Graduate nursing
Master of Science in Nursing
BSN-prepared licensed RNs may pursue Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, or Population/Public Health Nursing. RIC notes many courses can be taken online (up to 100%).
MSN-to-DNP
Post-master’s DNP emphasizing translation of evidence into practice and leadership—targeted to nurses who already hold an MSN or related master’s, per RIC’s graduate nursing pages.
BSN-to-DNP Nurse Anesthesia
RIC’s nurse anesthesia track is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs (COA) in addition to CCNE oversight of the broader nursing unit. Expect intensive clinical and didactic sequencing distinct from the MSN-to-DNP path.
Certificates of Graduate Study
Rhode Island College advertises stackable Healthcare Quality & Patient Safety and Nursing Care Management Certificates of Graduate Study for nurses seeking focused graduate credentials without a full degree.
CCNE accreditation applies to the BSN, MSN, and DNP programs per RIC; the BSN-to-DNP nurse anesthesia specialization also cites COA accreditation. Confirm expiration dates and specialty approvals directly with CCNE, COA, and the School of Nursing.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to Rhode Island College’s Nursing Graduation Rates, Certification Rates, and Accomplishments page, the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate reported under the NCSBN certifier was 86% for calendar year 2025, with 111 of 129 first-time candidates passing. Prior cohorts on the same table include 89% (117/132) in 2024 and 92% (105/114) in 2023.
Rhode Island aggregates may be published through the Rhode Island Department of Health (nursing licensure); this page relies on the school’s downloadable/printable outcomes table so that year, numerator, and denominator stay aligned.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate | 86% (CY 2025; 111/129 first-time candidates, school-reported) |
| Recent prior years (context) | 2024: 89% (117/132); 2023: 92% (105/114)—same RIC source |
| Source | Rhode Island College — Nursing graduation & board exam rates. Confirm the latest cohort with RIC; for licensure rules see Rhode Island Department of Health — Nursing. |
NCLEX outcomes vary by cohort and testing year. Use RIC’s published tables for school-reported numerators/denominators, then confirm whether newer state-level summaries are available from Rhode Island Department of Health (nursing licensure).
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with Rhode Island College and the Rhode Island Department of Health (nursing licensure).
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for this school.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by the school.
- Rhode Island Department of Health (nursing licensure): For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with Rhode Island’s nurse registration office.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Rhode Island College’s international office and the Rhode Island Department of Health (nursing licensure).
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Rhode Island College admits first-year students as intended nursing majors. After completing introductory science and general-education requirements, students submit the Nursing Program Application Form for entry into upper-division nursing. The BSN FAQ emphasizes GPA checkpoints and cognate grades; once admitted to clinical nursing, students are expected to remain full-time.
Application timeline
| Entry point | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Upper-division nursing | Deadline printed on the Nursing Program Application Form | Form is due the semester before nursing courses begin; verify exact calendar dates with the Zvart Onanian School of Nursing. |
| Graduate nursing (MSN/DNP) | Set by Graduate Admissions / program | Use the ApplyWeb link on RIC’s graduate nursing pages and confirm term-specific instructions. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing major) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (BSN application) | Cumulative GPA ≥ 3.0 (including transfer work) and cognate GPA ≥ 2.67, per BSN FAQ; cognate courses require grades of C or better. |
| Repeat applicants | BSN FAQ states students may apply to the nursing major no more than three times. |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed on the BSN FAQ or overview pages reviewed here; confirm with the School of Nursing whether any pathway requires standardized entrance exams. |
| Health & immunization | BSN students must satisfy Office of Health Services requirements (PPD, MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, seasonal flu, COVID vaccination, etc.) before clinical practica; religious exemptions are not accepted for clinical agency compliance. |
Honest tips: Map cognate science courses early (Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Human Development) so you do not miss the application window. If you are a second-degree or transfer student, compare every course to the Smart Catalog equivalencies before assuming credits will count toward the nursing GPA thresholds.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come directly from Rhode Island College’s 2026–2027 Bursar tables (full-time undergraduate band 12–18 credits; graduate per-credit stack). Room, board, books, transportation, and personal expenses are not modeled here—use the financial aid cost-of-attendance worksheet for a full budget.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition + mandatory fees (in-state, per semester) | $6,061.50 for students taking 12–18 credits (Fall 2026 / Spring 2027 tables). |
| Undergraduate tuition + mandatory fees (out-of-state, per semester) | $14,630.50 in the same full-time band. |
| Approximate in-state academic-year total (two semesters) | $12,123.00 (tuition + mandatory fees only). |
| Part-time undergraduate (per credit, in-state total) | $456.35 per credit including stacked fees (Bursar “Total (per credit)” row). |
| Graduate nursing (per credit, in-state total) | $584.89 per credit (tuition $546 + fees). Out-of-state total per credit: $1,102.89. |
| Northeast Neighbors discount | Rhode Island College advertises a 40% discount off out-of-state tuition for new students from selected Northeast states; read the Northeast Neighbors policy for eligible counties and start terms. |
| Nurse anesthesia / doctoral program fees | Use the Bursar’s “Nursing BSN to DNP / DNP Tuition & Fees” and related doctoral fee pages for anesthesia-heavy programs. |
| Source | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2026–27); Graduate Tuition & Fees (2026–27); RIC Tuition hub. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Rhode Island College’s outcomes disclosure blends NCLEX-RN data with completion statistics and advanced-practice certification pass rates. Always read the footnotes on the official page because some rows include small denominators or program-specific cohort notes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate | 86% (CY 2025; 111/129) — Rhode Island College, NCSBN certifier column. |
| AGAC Nurse Practitioner cert (illustrative) | RIC reports 94% (15/16) for CY 2025 in the AACN/ANCC certifier column—useful for MSN applicants; confirm methodology on the same source page. |
| Job placement / employment | Not publicly disclosed on the pages reviewed for this guide. For employment outcomes, start with RIC Career services or program dashboards, if published. |
| Source | RIC Nursing graduation & board exam rates. |
Is Rhode Island College the Right Fit for You?
RIC rewards students who thrive in structured science sequences, can commute to Providence clinical sites, and want a public-college price point while still accessing a dedicated nursing center shared with URI.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a Traditional BSN with documented NCLEX trends and a simulation program accredited by SSH.
- Plan to work in Rhode Island or Massachusetts and value proximity to Lifespan, Care New England, and community partners.
- Need an online RN-to-BSN or an MSN with flexible online coursework while remaining affiliated with a brick-and-mortar institution.
- Are targeting nurse anesthesia or acute-care APRN training inside a CCNE-accredited unit.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect a highly select private-college cohort experience or guaranteed clinical placements without travel.
- Cannot meet strict immunization mandates required by partner hospitals.
- Want a fully online pre-licensure BSN (RIC’s Traditional BSN is campus/clinical-based).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Providence anchors Rhode Island’s referral network. Rhode Island College highlights rotations in nationally recognized hospitals alongside community agencies; exact contracts rotate, but students routinely encounter the systems below.
| Facility / system | Why it matters for RIC students |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (Rhode Island / Hasbro Children’s Hospital) | Large academic-employer footprint in Providence; common source of high-acuity med-surg, pediatric, and specialty experiences. |
| Care New England | Women’s & infants’ services, community hospitals, and behavioral health partners expand maternal–child and mental-health clinical diversity. |
| Providence VA Medical Center | RIC advertises a long-standing VA Nursing Academic Partnership, emphasizing veteran-centered education innovations. |
| Rhode Island Nursing Education Center | Shared RIC/URI instructional site near downtown hospitals—useful for skills labs, interprofessional learning, and simulation adjacent to practice settings. |
Regional demand: Southern New England remains supply-constrained for bedside RNs and APRNs; however, hiring and compensation shift with contract cycles. Pair clinical excellence with professional networking throughout the Providence–Boston corridor.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Undergraduate nursing offices and faculty are concentrated in Fogarty Life Science on the Mount Pleasant campus, while high-fidelity simulation and selected skills labs occur in the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center. Rhode Island College emphasizes SSH-accredited simulation scenarios that align with adult, pediatric, psychiatric, and community-health courses.
Campus life reflects a commuter-friendly public college: nursing cohorts often form study groups around challenging Pathopharmacology and Health Assessment courses, and students can tap undergraduate research symposia, honors nursing options (per the BSN FAQ), and student government. Providence’s food scene, gig economy, and healthcare employers also make part-time work feasible—but plan judiciously so clinical days stay protected.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Providence, RI
- Address
- 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908, US
- Telephone
- +1-401-456-8000
- School of Nursing phone
- 401-456-8013 (Zvart Onanian School of Nursing)
- Contact email
- NursingAdmissions@ric.edu
- Website
- ric.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Rhode Island College nursing website and download the current program brochure or student handbook if available.
- Review the prerequisite course list in the Smart Catalog — Nursing BSN and compare it to your transcripts.
- Confirm whether your pathway requires TEAS, HESI, or another exam; RIC’s published BSN FAQ does not list TEAS, but policies can change—verify with Nursing Admissions.
- Draft a list of questions for an admissions counselor or the nursing program advising office.
- Reach out to current nursing students or alumni (e.g. via LinkedIn) to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare interview talking points (pre-licensure applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rhode Island College a good school for nursing?
RIC’s Zvart Onanian School of Nursing carries CCNE accreditation for the BSN, MSN, and DNP programs and cites COA accreditation for the BSN-to-DNP nurse anesthesia track. On its outcomes page, RIC reports an 86% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2025 (111/129). Confirm current accreditation statuses and newer cohorts with the school and Rhode Island Department of Health (nursing licensure).
What nursing programs does Rhode Island College offer?
Traditional BSN, second bachelor’s BSN, online RN-to-BSN, MSN tracks (Adult/Gerontology Acute Care CNS, Adult/Gerontology Acute Care NP, Population/Public Health), MSN-to-DNP, BSN-to-DNP nurse anesthesia, plus Certificates of Graduate Study in healthcare quality and nursing care management—per the school’s graduate-nursing comparison page.
What GPA do you need for Rhode Island College’s BSN major?
The BSN FAQ specifies a 3.0 cumulative GPA, grades of C or better in cognates, and a 2.67 cognate GPA at the time of the Nursing Program Application. Students may apply up to three times.
Does Rhode Island College require the TEAS exam?
The BSN FAQ and marketing pages reviewed here do not list the TEAS. Always confirm with NursingAdmissions@ric.edu whether your entry term reinstated any standardized testing.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Rhode Island College?
RIC’s board-exam table lists a 86% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2025 under the NCSBN certifier (111 of 129). See the same page for 2023–2024 data. Confirm newer publications with the School of Nursing.
How much is in-state tuition at Rhode Island College for 2026–2027?
Full-time undergraduates (12–18 credits) pay $6,061.50 per semester in tuition + mandatory fees, or about $12,123 for two semesters. Graduate nursing stacks to roughly $584.89 per in-state credit including fees.
Where will I complete clinical rotations?
Rhode Island College references major Rhode Island hospitals, community agencies, the shared Rhode Island Nursing Education Center, and the VA Nursing Academic Partnership. Site lists evolve—ask the clinical placement office for the current map.
Is the nursing simulation lab accredited?
Yes—the school states its Nursing Simulation Program is accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) and woven through undergraduate and graduate courses.
How do I transfer into the Rhode Island College BSN?
Transfer students apply through the general admissions office, then follow the same intended-nursing and upper-division application process, meeting GPA and cognate rules. Compare every course to the Smart Catalog to avoid surprises at the nursing application gate.
References
- Rhode Island College — Zvart Onanian School of Nursingric.edu/zvart-onanian-school-nursing
- Rhode Island College — Nursing graduation & board exam pass ratesric.edu/nursing-outcomes
- Rhode Island College — Graduate nursing programs overviewric.edu/graduate-nursing-programs
- Rhode Island College — Undergraduate tuition & fees (2026–27)ric.edu/undergraduate-tuition
- Rhode Island College — Graduate tuition & fees (2026–27)ric.edu/graduate-tuition
- Rhode Island College — Nursing BSN (catalog)RIC Smart Catalog — Nursing BSN
- Rhode Island Department of Health — Nursing licensurehealth.ri.gov/licensing/nursing
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX data alignment with Rhode Island College’s outcomes tables, tuition figures against the Bursar’s 2026–27 schedules, and program-scope consistency with CCNE/COA statements on RIC’s site.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and Rhode Island Department of Health (nursing licensure) resources.
Published: 2026-03-31 · Last reviewed: March 31, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy