Looking for a quick and easy way to kick-start a career in the exciting field of nursing? If you live in Rhode Island, you should think about becoming a licensed practical nurse. Compared with becoming a registered nurse, becoming an LPN is remarkably fast, easy and affordable. In just 12 to 18 months, you can complete your training and be ready to sit for the licensing exam. From there, it's just a short hop to becoming licensed.
Although the process behind becoming an LPN is fairly simple, much of it depends on the first, crucial step: selecting an LPN program. In Rhode Island, you can take your pick from dozens of options. In fact, it can be difficult to narrow things down. Below, find recommendations for LPN programs in Rhode Island that are approved by the Board of Nursing and that otherwise meet the most important requirements.
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Top LPN Programs in Rhode Island
Finding the right LPN training program in Rhode Island doesn't have to be difficult. However, you should take your time and consider lots of options before enrolling. Always confirm that any program that you are considering is officially approved by the Board of Nursing. Check NCLEX-PN pass rates to confirm that the program adequately prepares students for the licensing exam. Stick with programs with pass rates of 95 percent or higher.
Get your search going by checking out these recommendations for LPN programs in Rhode Island:
Community College of Rhode Island
400 East Ave, Warwick, RI 02886 (401) 825-1000Lincoln Technical Institute
622 George Washington Hwy, Lincoln, RI 02865 (401) 334-2430
LPN Programs in Neighboring States:
LPN Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island
To become an LPN in Rhode Island as quickly as possible, start by educating yourself about the general process as well as current licensing requirements. These are established and enforced by the Rhode Island Board of Nursing, and it is wise to double-check with this agency before officially enrolling in an LPN training program.
The most important LPN licensing requirements in Rhode Island include:
- Completing an LPN training program that is approved by the Rhode Island Board of Nursing. You can expect your training to take between 12 and 18 months to complete.
- Sending an application for licensure by examination to the Rhode Island Board of Nursing. With it, include official transcripts from your training program; complete criminal background check; and provide a recent headshot or passport photo.
- Registering for, taking and passing the LPN licensing examination, the NCLEX-PN. It's administered on dates throughout the year at testing locations around the state, so you can schedule to sit for it with ease.
Because Rhode Island belongs to the Nurse Licensure Compact, or NLC, LPNs who possess valid multistate LPN licenses from other NLC states can just begin practicing as LPNs here. Otherwise, out-of-state licenses may be transferred via endorsement; contact the Rhode Island Board of Nursing for more info.
In Rhode Island, LPN licenses expire every two years. You must complete 10 continuing education hours to be able to renew your license, with two of those hours being about substance abuse.
Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education
When you apply for an LPN license in Rhode Island, you will submit your application to the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education. Later, when renewing it or when dealing with other licensing-related issues, you will turn to this agency. Keep its contact info nearby:
Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education
3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 222-5700
Fax: (401) 222-3352
Website: health.ri.gov
LPN Salary & Employment Outlook in Rhode Island
If you're going to invest money, effort and time into becoming an LPN, shouldn't you confirm that you will emerge with credentials that allow you to easily find a good paying job? You can get a feel for what to expect in this regard by considering current statistics for LPN salaries in Rhode Island.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Rhode Island earn an average salary of $76,840 per year, which is equal to $36.94 per hour. This is significantly higher than the nationwide average pay for LPNs, which is $59,730, or $28.72 per hour, so it is safe to say that LPNs have it quite good in Rhode Island.
Similarly, LPN jobs are readily available in Rhode Island. Per the BLS, the field is expected to grow in the state by around 7 percent from 2014 to 2024. This is much slower than the national growth rate, 16 percent, but it still means that around 40 new LPN jobs will be added every year during that 10-year period.
LPN Salaries in Rhode Island by Area
The amount that you can expect to be paid as an LPN in Rhode Island depends on numerous factors, including the quality of your education and your overall level of experience. Additionally, where you are located in the state impacts job prospects and pay, as you can see:
| Area | Total Employments | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick | 1,600 | $34.61 | $71,990 |
Are you ready to launch what is sure to be an exciting and rewarding career in the field of nursing? Becoming an LPN in Rhode Island is easier than you think, so find a program and enroll today!
