Nurse, Registered License in Rhode Island
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in Rhode Island, you must graduate from an approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and meet CE requirements. Rhode Island is an NLC compact state. Estimated costs are approximately $375.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $375 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Nurse, Registered registration in Rhode Island
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $75
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $75
- Total Estimated Cost
- $375
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Nurse, Registered license in Rhode Island. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Rhode Island licensing board.
Nurse, Registered Salary in Rhode Island
Entry Level
$72,090
Median
$99,960
Experienced
$128,520
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Nurse, Registered in Rhode Island.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$75.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Nurse, Registered Licensing in Rhode Island: What to Know
Rhode Island requires a degree, NCLEX-RN, and CE for renewal. No blanket criminal record prohibitions are noted. Rhode Island is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The RI Department of Health oversees nursing licensure through the Health Professions Regulation division. Rhode Island's compact size means most healthcare is concentrated in the Providence metro area, with Lifespan Health, Care New England, and CharterCARE being major employers. The state's proximity to Boston and Connecticut creates cross-state employment opportunities enhanced by the NLC compact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Nurse, Registered license cost in Rhode Island?
- The estimated total cost is $375, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Nurse, Registered license in Rhode Island?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Nurse, Registered license in Rhode Island?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Nurse, Registered requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.