Certified Nursing Assistant in Rhode Island

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$44,160
trending_up +11.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.

engineering
8,450

Jobs (RI)

monitoring Stable
+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments
$200

Licensing fees

schedule
5-12 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Rhode Island

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Rhode Island, you must complete a state-approved training program of 120 hours, including 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training. After completing the program, you need to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, administered by Credentia, which costs $165. The Rhode Island Department of Health is the licensing body, and there is a $35 application fee. Rhode Island offers reciprocity for CNAs licensed in other states, requiring an application, fee, and verification of an active, in-good-standing license.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,190
25th percentile $39,070
50th (median) $44,160
75th percentile $46,790
90th (experienced) $49,950

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Rhode Island. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Rhode Island requirements

Licensing bodyRhode Island Department of Health
State license Required
Education120 hours, including 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training in a state-approved program.
Experience40.0 hours
ExamNational Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia ($165)
Application fee$35
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMinimum age not specified, but most programs require 18. Requires a criminal background check (BCI from RI Attorney General's Office) issued within 4 months of application. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Health

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.3%
Average
Annual openings
204,100
Nationwide per year
Total employment
1,441,500
Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleRhode Island license required — clearer credential signal to employers
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Rhode Island? expand_more
To become a certified nursing assistant in Rhode Island, you need to complete the required education (120 hours, including 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training in a state-approved program.), gain 40.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia, and submit your application ($35 fee).
Does Rhode Island require certified nursing assistant licensure? expand_more
Rhode Island mandates state licensure for certified nursing assistants. Rhode Island Department of Health oversees the process, which includes passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia.
What do certified nursing assistants earn in Rhode Island? expand_more
certified nursing assistants in Rhode Island earn a median of $44,160 annually. This exceeds the $39,530 national median by 12%. New certified nursing assistants start around $38,190; seasoned professionals can reach $49,950.
What's the total cost to get certified nursing assistant certified in Rhode Island? expand_more
Between exam fee ($165) and application fee ($35), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How many months or years does certified nursing assistant certification take in Rhode Island? expand_more
The typical timeline in Rhode Island is 5-12 weeks. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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