ACNP Programs in Rhode Island (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Earning a degree from one of the ACNP programs in Rhode Island is an excellent way to distinguish yourself in the Ocean State's competitive healthcare employment market, so you can land top jobs! As an acute care NP, you'll be sought after by hospitals, clinics, emergency departments, and intensive care units across the state. The need for your services—already high—will increase by an additional 45 percent in the next decade, and you'll make $136,710 a year on average. If you're the type of nurse who can stay calm and cool in hectic situations, this is an ideal career track for you. The guide below to the best ACNP programs in Rhode Island has more info.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN RHODE ISLAND (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Rhode Island.)
1. Rhode Island College - Providence
Programs Offered: MSN and Certificate of Graduate Studies
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Certificate of Graduate Studies Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The MSN program features a Hyflex learning model, offering 100% of coursework online. This format makes the program an attractive option for nurses needing flexible scheduling while pursuing a higher degree. Admission occurs in the fall of each year. Part-time and full-time enrollment options are available.
The program is a 45-credit pathway that takes four semesters to complete. You will study in classes, including Adult Health & Illness for Nurse Practitioners, Evidence-Based Practice for Advanced Nursing, Research Methods for Advanced Nursing Practice, and Advanced Pathophysiology.
Three clinical courses are included in the program’s curriculum. You will complete a total of 750 clinical hours. Clinicals are collaboratively arranged among faculty, preceptors, and students and occur in various settings where acute care services are available to adult/gerontology clients.
MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP program at Rhode Island College is competitive. To be considered, you must hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited program and a current, unencumbered RN license, or eligibility for licensure, to practice in the state of Rhode Island, and at least one year of work experience in an adult acute care setting within the last three years is recommended.
You are required to submit official transcripts from all college coursework that reflects a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and completion of a statistics course with a minimum grade of “C.” Additionally, you must provide a professional resume, a brief Letter of Intent, and three professional references, with at least one from a clinical supervisor. An interview with program faculty may be required.
Certificate of Graduate Studies Program Details: The Certificate of Graduate Studies is another option for prospective students seeking an ACNP program in Rhode Island. The program is available to Registered Nurses who already hold a master’s degree in nursing and who wish to expand their scope of practice to include Adult Gerontology Acute Care. The program admits students in the spring and takes an average of three semesters to complete.
A GAP analysis of your master’s degree transcripts will be used to determine an individualized plan of study. You may need only 18 credits, which are earned through three clinical courses. However, if the GAP analysis determines you need the 3P’s (Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Health Assessment), those courses will be added to your study plan. 750 clinical hours are required to earn the Certificate of Graduate Studies and sit for the national certification exam.
Certificate of Graduate Studies Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program, you must possess a Master of Science in Nursing degree and have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Rhode Island. All candidates are required to submit three professional references, including one from a clinical supervisor; a professional resume; a Letter of Intent; and official transcripts. Transcripts must reflect a minimum MSN grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and show completion of the prerequisites of Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Health Assessment. If you are already a certified APRN in another specialty, the 3Ps requirement may be waived. At least one year of clinical experience working in an adult acute care setting is required. Additionally, you may be asked to participate in an interview with program faculty before receiving an admission offer.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I understand there is much to consider when searching for a nursing program. One main concern many prospective students express is the cost of a nurse practitioner program. I recommend researching programs carefully by asking questions and finding out what resources are available to students. For example, Rhode Island College is ranked by Money Magazine as one of the best grad schools for 2025 and for being one of the best MSN programs for your money. The program received four out of five stars when weighing cost against the quality.• ACNP programs are challenging, and whether you attend in person or use distance learning, having access to instructors is crucial to your success. One of the things I like about the programs offered at Rhode Island College is the low student-to-faculty ratio. With a maximum student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, you can experience more personalized attention, which leads to better student outcomes.
• Rhode Island College is known for its high-quality nursing programs. The school is ranked among the best public universities by U.S. News & World Report.
• Another way to determine the quality of an ACNP program is to assess how well graduates perform after completing the program. For example, Rhode Island College reports that its ACNP program graduates have an exceptionally high pass rate on national certification exams, with most succeeding on their first attempt.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN RHODE ISLAND?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN RHODE ISLAND EXPECT?
| Hourly | $48.36 |
| Weekly | $1,934 |
| Monthly | $8,380 |
| Annual | $100,580 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN RHODE ISLAND EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $48.36 | $1,934 | $8,380 | $100,580 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $54.71 | $2,188 | $9,480 | $113,800 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $64.59 | $2,583 | $11,200 | $134,340 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $71.93 | $2,877 | $12,470 | $149,610 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $85.95 | $3,438 | $14,900 | $178,780 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN RHODE ISLAND?
| Hourly | $65.73 |
| Weekly | $2,629 |
| Monthly | $11,390 |
| Annual | $136,710 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF RHODE ISLAND?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Providence-Warwick | $65.55 | $2,622 | $11,360 | $136,350 |
ACNP SALARY IN RHODE ISLAND VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN RHODE ISLAND VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Rhode Island ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $136,710 | $131,620 | +$5,090 | +3.87% |
ACNP SALARY IN RHODE ISLAND VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$28,770 | -17.39% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$15,580 | -10.23% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$12,230 | -8.21% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$11,850 | -7.98% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$11,770 | -7.93% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$10,810 | -7.33% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$9,600 | -6.56% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$3,610 | -2.57% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$3,390 | -2.42% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | -$1,590 | -1.15% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | -$1,420 | -1.03% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | +$870 | +0.64% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | +$920 | +0.68% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | +$2,410 | +1.79% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | +$2,700 | +2.01% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | +$2,790 | +2.08% |
| Texas | $133,180 | +$3,530 | +2.65% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | +$5,250 | +3.99% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | +$5,600 | +4.27% |
| Utah | $130,930 | +$5,780 | +4.41% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | +$5,840 | +4.46% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | +$6,160 | +4.72% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | +$6,720 | +5.17% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | +$7,470 | +5.78% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | +$7,540 | +5.84% |
| Montana | $127,680 | +$9,030 | +7.07% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | +$9,130 | +7.16% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | +$9,350 | +7.34% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | +$10,140 | +8.01% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | +$10,390 | +8.23% |
| Maine | $125,930 | +$10,780 | +8.56% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | +$10,850 | +8.62% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | +$11,750 | +9.40% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | +$12,070 | +9.68% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | +$12,160 | +9.76% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$12,610 | +10.16% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$12,780 | +10.31% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$12,900 | +10.42% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$13,090 | +10.59% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$14,080 | +11.48% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$14,530 | +11.89% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$15,150 | +12.46% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$16,360 | +13.59% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$16,920 | +14.12% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$17,190 | +14.38% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$20,500 | +17.64% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$20,540 | +17.68% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$23,650 | +20.92% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$24,010 | +21.30% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$30,460 | +28.67% |
ACNP SALARY IN RHODE ISLAND VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN RHODE ISLAND
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $136,710 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $125,820 | +$10,890 | +8.66% |
| Registered Nurse | $95,070 | +$41,640 | +43.80% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $82,820 | +$53,890 | +65.07% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $75,470 | +$61,240 | +81.14% |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,390 | +$93,320 | +215.07% |
ACNP SALARY IN RHODE ISLAND VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN RHODE ISLAND
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $196,540 | -$59,830 | -30.44% |
| Podiatrist | $190,020 | -$53,310 | -28.05% |
| Veterinarian | $148,920 | -$12,210 | -8.20% |
| Optometrist | $146,950 | -$10,240 | -6.97% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $136,710 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $131,460 | +$5,250 | +3.99% |
| Pharmacist | $113,110 | +$23,600 | +20.86% |
| Radiation Therapist | $104,230 | +$32,480 | +31.16% |
| Occupational Therapist | $95,660 | +$41,050 | +42.91% |
| Physical Therapist | $95,160 | +$41,550 | +43.66% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $91,310 | +$45,400 | +49.72% |
| Audiologist | $82,360 | +$54,350 | +65.99% |
| Dental Hygienist | $79,980 | +$56,730 | +70.93% |
| Chiropractor | $71,650 | +$65,060 | +90.80% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Rhode Island?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Rhode Island?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Rhode Island?
| $65.73 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Rhode Island?
| $2,629 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Rhode Island?
| $11,390 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Rhode Island?
| $136,710 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Rhode Island?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +45.14% |
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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