Nursing Schools in Rhode Island

Officially the State of Rhode Island, Rhode Island has a number of large bays and inlets that amount to about 14% of its total area. Bordered by Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York's Long Island, the state is the smallest in area and the eighth least populous U.S state. There are a number of colleges and university in the state that offer a variety of learning options to students with diverse educational and professional goals. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare fields such as nursing may also find relevant programs.

Nursing Schools in Rhode Island

Offering a range of learning opportunities in the field of nursing care, Rhode Island is home to a number nursing schools that prepare students for the growing challenges of the healthcare sector in the state. Students can pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in nursing or choose to earn certificates and nursing diplomas to learn about nursing practices and find out how to provide effective medical care to patients in diverse settings.

Undergraduate degree programs such as associate and bachelor’s degrees enable students to learn about the foundational nursing practices, while graduate programs are designed for those who want to explore nursing at an advanced level. Students who are interested in teaching, administrative positions, or research roles may pursue graduate degrees, while those who want entry level positions could enroll in undergraduate programs in nursing. Completing undergraduate degree programs enable students to sit for the registered nurse (RN) license exam. RNs provide nursing care to patients in hospitals and other settings along with other healthcare professionals. RNs in the state must obtain a license to practice in addition to completing an approved program.

In addition to degree programs, Rhode Island nursing schools offer LPN programs. Licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs are useful for students who want to work as practical nurses – the assistants who help registered nurses in providing basic medical care to the sick and injured.

Almost all nursing programs require students to complete a supervised clinical experience that enable them to gain hands-on experience in the field.

What course will I study?

Nursing programs in Rhode Island instruct students in a variety of topics that enable students to find out how to care for patients’ healthcare conditions, administrator medication, and record patient medical information. Some of the topics of study may include:

• Anatomy
• Physically
• Nutrition
• Family care

Am I eligible for financial aid?

Rhode Island nursing students who cannot afford to pay for their educational expenses need not worry as financial aid is available. Eligible students may benefit from funds in the form of student loans, grants, and scholarships such as:

• Lucy C. Ayers Foundation Scholarship
• Mary Brunel Scholarship
• Karla Carroll Memorial Nursing Scholarship
• Rhode Island Pell Grant

How much do Rhode Island nurses earn?

According to O*Net OnLine, the median annual wage of registered nurses (RN) in Rhode Island in 2013 was $74,300. However, factors such as experience and qualification may determine the exact income of RNs.