Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the country’s smallest state, but what it may lose to size, it makes up for it in career opportunities. This is especially true for nurses who are interested in enrolling in a nurse practitioner program which can help them enter a new and exciting career and specialize in an area of practice that interests them. Whether you’re based in Providence or Warwick or somewhere else entirely, you can find the perfect nurse practitioner program that meets your specific educational needs. Jump to program listings.

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Of course, no nurse wants to spend more money (or time) than they need to when enrolling in a nurse practitioner program. You may be surprised to learn that these programs can be available with cheap tuition and shorter timelines for graduation.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

The two main degrees that nurse practitioners can choose from are a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which takes between two and four years, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, which can take upwards of eight years. Therefore, the obvious choice for students looking to enroll and graduate as quickly as possible is an MSN. Still, some MSN degree programs are faster than others, especially if you’ve already graduated from a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. One great option to consider for a fast timeline to graduation is The University of Rhode Island which offers a graduation timeline as quick as 1.5 years.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

While going back to school can get pretty pricey, it is possible to find nurse practitioner programs that meet your financial needs. Again, MSN degree programs prove to be ideal as you will be enrolled for less time and will therefore be required to invest less money. You can unlock even more savings on your tuition if your school of choice has a more affordable tuition range for in-state students. One great example of a cheap nurse practitioner program located in Rhode Island is Rhode Island College which offers a tuition rate of $500 to $1,000 per credit.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Nurse practitioner specialties are a big draw for students looking to start this incredible career. Through specialized nurse practitioner degree programs, you can get certified in a practice area that interests you. These types of programs are offered at both the MSN and DNP levels. If you’re hoping to enter into a specialized nurse practitioner program located in Rhode Island, you may want to look at The University of Rhode Island which offers a variety of specializations including Family Nurse Practice.

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

A two-year MSN program will meet the time and financial needs of most students. But depending on your specific educational background and nursing experience, you may find that a different type of nurse practitioner program takes you even less time and requires less money. Here is a full list of nurse practitioner options and where you can find them in Rhode Island:

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

For just two to four years of full-time study, you can enroll in and graduate from a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program. Because of their short length and their cost, this is a very popular option for nurses. Here are a few you can find in Rhode Island:

• Rhode Island College – Providence, RI
• The University of Rhode Island – South Kingstown, RI

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs are typically geared toward licensed registered nurses who have an ADN or ASN. Also referred to as an RN to MSN program or an ADN/ASN to MSN program, nurses can achieve an MSN degree in as little as four years with the right number of credits. As of now, these programs aren’t available in the state, but you can find them in neighboring states at schools such as Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

If you’re okay with investing a little more time into your education, you may want to consider a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. DNP programs take between 6 and 8 years to complete and result in some of the highest paying career options in the medical field. You can find these types of programs offered at these schools in Rhode Island:

• Rhode Island College – Providence, RI
• University of Rhode Island – South Kingstown, RI

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are not actually a type of nurse practitioner degree, but if you already have a graduate degree in nursing, they allow you to receive certification in a different or additional nurse practitioner specialization without needing an additional degree. Here are a few you can find in Rhode Island:

• University of Rhode Island – South Kingstown, RI
• Rhode Island College – Providence, RI

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

If you’ve just decided to enter the medical field for the first time, but you’e already completed a different degree program, you may be interested in this type of accelerated program. Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, allow non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in any subject to enter directly into an MSN program. These programs essentially combine BSN and MSN coursework into one rigorous program. Here are a few examples in Rhode Island:

• University of Providence – Providence, RI

General Admissions Requirements

If you’re ready to start applying, take a look at the following admissions requirements. Keep in mind that these may not be representative of your particular schools requirements:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

Rhode Island NP License and Certification Requirements

To become a nurse practitioner in Rhode Island, you will need to get licensed and certified as a nurse practitioner. To do this, applicants will need an RN license, a graduate degree in nursing, and will need to submit various supporting documents, such as their RN license, transcripts from their NP program, and proof of clinical experience. Additionally, they are required to complete an official application and pay a processing fee, generally estimated at $135. Detailed instructions for applying for NP licensure/certification in Rhode Island can be found on the state's official health department website.

Nurse practitioners in Rhode Island must also obtain certification in their specialty area, with organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offering the relevant credentials. Certification typically requires an active RN license and completion of a graduate-level nursing program in the applicant's chosen specialty. Passing a certification exam is generally necessary to validate expertise.

As of 2024, Rhode Island NPs have full practice authority, allowing them to diagnose, manage patient care, and prescribe medications without requiring oversight from a physician. This independence enables NPs to serve a critical role in expanding access to healthcare. Additional support and professional development resources for Rhode Island nurse practitioners are available through organizations like the Rhode Island State Nurses Association (RISNA).

List of NP Programs in Rhode Island

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