Licensed Practical Nurse in Rhode Island

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

Median annual salary
$77,940
trending_up +25.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.

engineering
1,080

Jobs (RI)

monitoring Stable
+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$245

Licensing fees

schedule
1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Rhode Island

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Rhode Island, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Applicants must submit an online application to the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education, pay the associated fees, and undergo a criminal background check with fingerprints. Rhode Island is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing eligible LPNs to hold a multistate license.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $62,540
25th percentile $70,220
50th (median) $77,940
75th percentile $79,000
90th (experienced) $90,720

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

checklist Rhode Island requirements

Licensing bodyRhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education
State license Required
EducationCompletion of a state-approved practical nursing program
ExamNCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee$45
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education10.0 hours per cycle
NotesA criminal background check with fingerprints is required. CE must include 2 hours on substance use disorder and a one-time requirement of 1 hour on Alzheimer's disease. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Official transcripts from a board-approved practical nursing program are required.

Source: Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.6%
Average
Annual openings
54,400
Nationwide per year
Total employment
651,400
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.51/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleRhode Island license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a licensed practical nurse career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Rhode Island? expand_more
The path to licensed practical nurse licensure in Rhode Island: complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($45 fee).
Is a licensed practical nurse license required in Rhode Island? expand_more
You cannot practice as a licensed practical nurse in Rhode Island without a state license from Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education. The required exam is the NCLEX-PN.
What do licensed practical nurses earn in Rhode Island? expand_more
Rhode Island licensed practical nurses bring home a median salary of $77,940. — 25% higher than the $62,340 national figure. The range spans from $62,540 at the entry level to $90,720 for top earners.
How expensive is licensed practical nurse licensing in Rhode Island? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($200) and application fee ($45) and required training.
What's the timeline to become a licensed practical nurse in Rhode Island? expand_more
Expect to spend 1-2 years from start to finish in Rhode Island — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What's required to renew a licensed practical nurse license in Rhode Island? expand_more
Yes — licensed practical nurses in Rhode Island must complete 10.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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