Healthcare Career Guide
LPN to RN Programs Rhode Island
CCRI's bridge program, step-by-step requirements, HESI prep, tuition, financial aid — and what the salary jump actually looks like in year one.
Quick Answer
How do Rhode Island LPNs become RNs?
The primary path is CCRI's LPN-to-RN bridge program at the Warwick campus. You need a 2.7 GPA, 1,000 documented LPN clinical hours, an HESI entrance exam score of 850 or higher, and completed prerequisite courses in Anatomy & Physiology and Psychology. The evening/weekend program takes approximately 3–4 semesters. After graduation, you pass the NCLEX-RN to earn your Rhode Island RN license. The salary jump is roughly $19,790 per year — from an LPN average of ~$58k to an RN average of ~$78k in Rhode Island.
Why upgrade
The $19,790 Reason to Bridge
Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Rhode Island shows a consistent salary gap between LPNs and RNs. Here's what the numbers look like:
LPN (Rhode Island)
$55,000 – $62,000
BLS 2024
RN (Rhode Island)
$74,000 – $92,000
BLS 2024
Year-1 Salary Bump
~$19,790
BLS RI data
* Salary ranges are approximate. Actual pay depends on employer, shift, specialty, and years of experience. Verify current figures at bls.gov.
The program
CCRI's LPN-to-RN Bridge Program
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) offers the state's primary LPN-to-RN bridge pathway. The program is designed for working LPNs — classes run evenings and weekends at the Warwick campus to accommodate full-time schedules.
Location
CCRI Warwick Campus, Knight Campus — 400 East Ave, Warwick, RI 02886
Schedule
Evening and weekend courses designed for working LPNs. Clinical rotations scheduled at approved RI healthcare facilities.
Program Length
Approximately 3–4 semesters (varies by prior credit and prerequisite completion).
Credential
Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) — qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for RI RN licensure.
Official Admissions Info
ccri.edu — LPN to RN Admissions → (always verify current requirements directly with CCRI before applying)
What you need
CCRI LPN-to-RN Admission Requirements
Minimum GPA
2.7
On all prerequisite courses
LPN Clinical Hours
1,000+
Must be documented work experience
HESI Entrance Exam
850+
Score required for admission
Prerequisites
A&P + Psych
Anatomy & Physiology and Psychology
What "1,000 LPN clinical hours" means in practice
These are documented hours of actual LPN work experience — not school clinicals. You'll typically need pay stubs, employer verification letters, or equivalent documentation. If you're currently working as an LPN, 1,000 hours is roughly 25 weeks of full-time work. Part-time LPNs may need 12–18 months to accumulate qualifying hours.
Test prep
How to Prepare for the HESI Entrance Exam
The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems Inc.) entrance exam tests math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and basic science. CCRI requires a composite score of 850 or higher. Here's how to prepare:
Know what's tested
HESI A2 covers: Math (percentages, conversions, dosage calculations), Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary & General Knowledge, Grammar, and Biology/Anatomy basics. Check CCRI's specific requirements — not all sections may be required.
Use official HESI prep materials
Elsevier publishes the official HESI study guide ("HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review"). This is the best single resource. Available at most bookstores and Amazon.
Focus on math
Math is where most nursing students lose points. Practice dosage calculations, unit conversions (mg to mcg, lbs to kg), and basic algebra. Khan Academy's nursing math playlist is free and effective.
Plan 4–8 weeks of prep
Most LPN-to-RN candidates who score 850+ study consistently for 4–8 weeks before testing. Don't rush this step — a low HESI score can delay your application by a full admission cycle.
Your roadmap
LPN-to-RN Timeline in Rhode Island
Complete Prerequisites
1–2 semestersAnatomy & Physiology (if not completed) and Psychology. Both available at CCRI.
Prepare for HESI
4–8 weeksStudy for the HESI entrance exam. Target 850+ composite. Focus on math, reading comprehension, and anatomy.
Apply to CCRI LPN-to-RN
Application windowSubmit your transcripts, HESI scores, proof of LPN license, and 1,000-hour documentation to CCRI admissions.
Complete Bridge Program
3–4 semestersEvening/weekend cohort at the Warwick campus. Clinical rotations are part of the program.
Pass NCLEX-RN
2–4 weeks after graduationApply for your Rhode Island RN license through RIDOH. Pass NCLEX-RN to activate.
Cost & funding
Tuition, Financial Aid & Grants
CCRI is one of the most affordable nursing education options in Rhode Island. In-state tuition is approximately $190–$210 per credit hour. The bridge program typically runs 30–40 credits, putting tuition at roughly $5,700–$8,400 before fees, books, and supplies.
Federal Pell Grant
If you qualify (based on income), the Pell Grant can cover a significant portion of CCRI tuition. Apply at studentaid.gov using the FAFSA. Many working LPNs still qualify.
RI Office of Postsecondary Commissioner Grants
Rhode Island offers workforce development grants specifically for healthcare training. Contact CCRI's Financial Aid office — they'll know which RI-specific grants you qualify for based on your program.
SkillsRI
Rhode Island's SkillsRI program may fund nursing education for eligible workers. Visit skillsri.com or call the RI Department of Labor and Training for current program availability.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Many Rhode Island hospitals and nursing homes (Brown Health, Care New England, CharterCARE) offer tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness for LPNs who commit to staying with the organization after graduation. Ask your HR department before you apply.
SNAP-Funded Training (RISNAPET)
If you receive SNAP benefits, the RISNAPET program may fund nursing school costs. Contact RI Department of Human Services for eligibility.
Not quite ready?
What to Do If You Don't Meet CCRI Requirements Yet
GPA below 2.7?
Retake prerequisite courses at CCRI. A better grade in A&P or Psychology can lift your qualifying GPA. One or two courses can make the difference.
HESI below 850?
You can retake the HESI A2. Study for 4–8 more weeks focusing on your weakest sections. Most students improve significantly on a second attempt with targeted prep.
Less than 1,000 LPN hours?
Keep working. Pick up extra shifts if possible. You may be able to begin prerequisite courses and HESI prep while accumulating hours so you're ready to apply the moment you hit 1,000.
Missing prerequisites?
CCRI offers Anatomy & Physiology and Psychology on a rolling basis. Both courses are available in-person and online. Complete them while you build your clinical hours and HESI score.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CCRI the only LPN-to-RN bridge program in Rhode Island?
CCRI's program at the Warwick campus is the primary in-state bridge option. Some Rhode Island LPNs also enroll in accredited online LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN programs from out-of-state schools that accept RI students, but you'll want to confirm NCLEX-RN eligibility in RI before enrolling.
Can I do the LPN-to-RN program fully online?
No. CCRI's bridge program requires in-person clinical rotations and some campus attendance. Fully online programs that include clinical components are not available entirely remotely — clinicals must be done in person at approved facilities.
What if I don't meet the 2.7 GPA requirement?
You have a few options: retake prerequisite courses to raise your GPA, or enroll in CCRI's Academic Foundations program designed to help students strengthen core skills before applying. Contact the CCRI Health Sciences division for guidance specific to your transcript.
Can I do LPN-to-BSN instead of LPN-to-RN?
Yes, though you'd typically need to complete an LPN-to-RN program first and then bridge to a BSN, or enroll in a direct LPN-to-BSN pathway offered by some four-year schools. Rhode Island College (RIC) and URI both offer RN-to-BSN completion programs once you have your RN.
How much does CCRI's LPN-to-RN program cost?
Tuition at CCRI for in-state students runs approximately $190–$210 per credit hour. The bridge program is typically 30–40 credits, putting total tuition at roughly $5,700–$8,400. Fees, books, and clinical supplies add additional costs. Financial aid, Pell Grants, and RI workforce development grants can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Does Rhode Island have financial aid specifically for LPN-to-RN students?
Yes. The Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner offers workforce development grants. SkillsRI and SNAP-funded training (RISNAPET) may also cover costs for eligible LPNs. Contact CCRI's Financial Aid office directly to find all programs you qualify for.
Related guides
More Rhode Island Healthcare Career Resources
Free Tool
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