LPN Programs in Rhode Island: Schools, Requirements & Salary (2026)
Rhode Island LPN programs prepare students for a practical nursing career in the nation’s smallest state, which punches well above its weight in healthcare employment density. With approximately 2,660 LPNs employed and a median salary of $62,710, Rhode Island offers competitive wages for practical nurses in the Providence metro area and beyond. LPN schools in Rhode Island are anchored by the Community College of Rhode Island, which operates multiple campuses and serves as the primary pipeline for new LPNs entering the state workforce. The RI Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education oversees all LPN licensure requirements. If you are searching for LPN classes in Rhode Island, this guide covers the available programs, licensure requirements, salary data, and the steps to launch your nursing career in the Ocean State.
LPN Salary in Rhode Island
The median annual salary for LPNs in Rhode Island is $62,710, which is $2,980 above the national median of $59,730. The state employs approximately 2,660 LPNs, with projected job growth of 5% through 2032.
Top-Paying Cities in Rhode Island
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Providence | $63,200 |
| Warwick | $62,500 |
| Cranston | $62,100 |
For detailed salary percentiles and metro-area data, see our complete LPN salary guide.
How to Become an LPN in Rhode Island
To practice as an LPN in Rhode Island, you must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Here's the process:
Complete prerequisites
High school diploma or GED, CPR/BLS certification, passing TEAS or HESI entrance exam score, background check, and current immunizations.
Enroll in an approved LPN program
Choose a program approved by the RI Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education. Rhode Island LPN programs typically require 600+ clinical hours across acute care, long-term care, and community health settings.
Complete coursework and clinical rotations
Programs cover nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, anatomy, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and mental health. Clinical rotations take place at hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics across Rhode Island.
Pass the NCLEX-PN
After graduating, register with the RI Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education and pass the NCLEX-PN exam to earn your LPN license.
Apply for Rhode Island licensure
Submit your license application through the RI Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education. Processing typically takes 2 to 6 weeks. Many Rhode Island employers hire pending license verification.
Top LPN Programs in Rhode Island
The following accredited programs are among the most established LPN schools in Rhode Island:
| School | City | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick/Lincoln | 12 months | In-person |
| Salve Regina University | Newport | 12 months | In-person |
Program details are subject to change. Verify current offerings directly with each school.
Browse LPN programs in all 50 states
Career Pathways for Rhode Island LPNs
Your LPN license in Rhode Island opens several advancement routes:
MA to LPN
Already a medical assistant? Bridge programs can fast-track your LPN in 6–12 months.
CNA to LPN
CNAs can earn advanced standing and complete LPN programs faster.
LPN to RN
Advance to Registered Nurse and boost your salary to $86K+ median.
LPN to BSN
Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing for the widest career options.
Exploring options in nearby states? Check out LPN programs in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.
Frequently Asked Questions: LPN Programs in Rhode Island
How much do LPNs make in Rhode Island?
The median LPN salary in Rhode Island is $62,710 per year, one of the higher figures in New England. LPNs in Providence earn approximately $63,200, with Warwick and Cranston close behind. The state's concentration of hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient facilities creates consistent demand for licensed practical nurses throughout the Providence metro area.
How long does it take to become an LPN in Rhode Island?
Most Rhode Island LPN programs take 12 months to complete as a full-time student. After finishing the program, you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam and submit a licensure application to the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education, a process that typically takes 2 to 6 additional weeks.
What are the best LPN programs in Rhode Island?
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is the state's largest and most accessible LPN program, with campuses in Warwick and Lincoln serving students from across the state. Salve Regina University in Newport offers another accredited nursing education option for students in the southern part of the state.
Does Rhode Island have online LPN programs?
Some Rhode Island LPN programs may incorporate hybrid formats with online lecture content paired with required in-person clinical rotations. Fully online LPN programs are not available in Rhode Island because clinical training must be completed at approved healthcare facilities under direct supervision from licensed nursing staff.
What does the Rhode Island Board of Nursing require for LPN licensure?
The Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education requires completion of an approved practical nursing program, a passing score on the NCLEX-PN exam, a criminal background check, and a completed licensure application with fees. Rhode Island participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing licensed LPNs to practice in other compact member states with a single multistate license.
Find LPN Programs in Rhode Island
Compare accredited LPN programs near you. Search by location, schedule, and cost to find the right fit.
Last updated: 2026-03-03. Salary data: BLS May 2024 OES, SOC 29-2061.