Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI)

The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), founded in 1960, began through an act of the Rhode Island General Assembly. On June 26, 1980, the Rhode Island Board of Regents for Education agreed to change the name of the college to Community College of Rhode Island to reflect the entire mission of the institution. It is a public entity.

Practical Nursing (LPN) Diploma

The Practical Nursing Diploma program at CCRI prepares the student for entry level nursing. The program is available at the Warwick, Lincoln, Providence, and Newport campuses.  After completing the program, a student is eligible to sit for the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and become licensed as an LPN in his or her individual state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do a Practical Nurse program on the weekends?  It is more convenient for me.

Yes. The Lincoln and Newport campuses offer weekend and evening nursing classes.

LPN-RN

Requirements (not all inclusive)

• Apply to general studies
• 'B-' in BIOL 1010 (Anatomy), B- in BIOL 1020 (Physiology), NOTE: BIOL 1020 must be completed within the last 5 years
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Must have graduated from an accredited School of Practical Nursing
• Must possess a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) state license
• Must take and achieve a 75% on LPN to RN HESI admission exam

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Those who complete the program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and become licensed as an RN in his or her state.

Four campuses offer the Nursing program: Knight (Warwick), Flanagan (Lincoln), Liston (Providence), and Newport County campuses. Beyond that, an evening/weekend program is available at the Flanagan and Newport County campuses. Students may apply for any program but cannot transfer between programs without approval.

RN-BSN Partnership

The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has a partnership with the University of Rhode Island (URI) to provide CCRI nursing students in their last semester, guaranteed admission into URI's Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. There are 75 courses for credit for transfer. Students are eligible for specific degree plans, potential scholarships, and other benefits beyond the academics.

Degree Completion Options

• Traditional classroom setting
• Online

Minimum requirements (not all inclusive)

• Official copy of a high school, GED or baccalaureate transcripts from an accredited institution
• ACCUPLACER test issued by CCRI Department of Advising and Counseling
• HESI A2 Test with 75 percent or better on each section
• Complete:  BIOL 1010: Human Anatomy with a grade of 'B-' or better, ENGL 1010: Composition I with a grade of "C" or better, PSYC 2010: General Psychology with a grade of 'C' or better
• Minimum overall cumulative grade point average 2.7
• Background check

Admission Guidelines

Students begin classes in fall, but must apply in February.  Those who would like to start the Nursing program in Spring must apply by August.

There is an offering between both day and evening classes on all four campuses.

In the fall, new students enter the program with day/afternoon classes at the Knight (Warwick) campus, day classes at the Liston (Providence) campus or evening/weekend classes in Flanagan (Lincoln) and Newport.

Accreditation

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited the Practical Nurse (LPN) program at the Community College of Rhode Island.

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited the Community College of Rhode Island's Associate Degree in Nursing program.

The Community College of Rhode Island is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master's degree in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at the University of Rhode Island are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The University of Rhode Island is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.