Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Rhode Island

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI

Median Salary
$77,940
Rhode Island (2024)
National Median
$62,340
All states
License Fees
$245
Exam + application
Time to Complete
1-2 years
From start to licensed

How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) 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.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Requirements in Rhode Island

DetailRhode Island
Licensing BodyRhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education
State License Required Yes
EducationCompletion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam NCLEX-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

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in Rhode Island

The median licensed practical nurse salary in Rhode Island is $77,940 per year, which is 25.0% above the national median of $62,340.

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

Rhode Island employs approximately 1,080 licensed practical nurses.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+2.6%
Average
Annual Openings
54.4
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
651.4
Nationwide

AI Impact on Licensed Practical Nurses

Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.

Is Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Rhode Island Worth It?

Factors to consider: Rhode Island's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Rhode Island?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Yes — licensed practical nurses in Rhode Island must complete 10.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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