MSN Programs in Rhode Island – 2026
Writer: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
When you enroll in one of the MSN programs in Rhode Island, you’ll have the opportunity to become a nurse executive, a nurse educator, or an advanced clinical practitioner. These specialties are in high demand throughout the Ocean State; MSN-educated RNs here earn $130,060 annually on average, and their employment opportunities are poised to soar by 45 percent within the next decade. Many Master’s of Science in Nursing programs in Rhode Island are offered online, allowing you to learn at your own pace and strike a sustainable balance between your educational goals and your other responsibilities. The guide below will give you more information about the best MSN programs in Rhode Island.
WHAT ARE THE MSN PROGRAMS IN RHODE ISLAND (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Master of Science in Nursing Programs in Rhode Island (Online & Campus) for 2026.1. University of Rhode Island - Kingston
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: Are you an RN interested in earning a master's degree and becoming a nurse practitioner? If so, finding a high-quality program with a proven track record is crucial. For example, the University of Rhode Island is home to an MSN program in Rhode Island with three nurse practitioner specialty options. Admission occurs in the fall semester each year. The program accommodates both part-time and full-time students.
The Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP pathways require 42 credits. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program requires 47 credits. The curriculum is structured to include core master's nursing courses, advanced practice nursing courses, and concentration courses. Each pathway includes a minimum of 750 hours of practicum. Practicum experiences are planned collaboratively between students, faculty, and available preceptors.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at the University of Rhode Island, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, be eligible for RN licensure in Rhode Island, and have at least one year of clinical work experience as a Registered Nurse. (Candidates with two years of work experience are preferred.)
You are required to submit an online Graduate School application, three letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae or resume, a one-to-two-page Goals Statement, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. While applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are considered, those with a GPA of 3.3 or higher are preferred.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Clinical experiences are a vital part of nursing programs. As a nurse educator, one appealing aspect of the MSN program at the University of Rhode Island is that preceptorships are one-to-one with nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists.• The University of Rhode Island is a research university known for having a strong emphasis on evidence-based, research-driven nursing practice. Faculty for this MSN program in Rhode Island are actively involved in scientific and clinical research. As a student in one of these MSN pathways, you will learn to evaluate and apply evidence, not just memorize protocols, which means you will be trained to think like a leader and innovator.
• At the University of Rhode Island, you will learn from faculty who are leaders in their fields. Faculty of the MSN program includes nurse scientists, advanced practice clinicians, public health experts, policy advocates, and nurse educators with decades of combined experience. These faculty do not simply teach from textbooks. They bring real-world experience and insight to the classroom and clinical settings, helping to shape your outlook and further the nursing profession.
2. New England Institute of Technology - East Greenwich
Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and MSN
RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-MSN Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse with an associate degree ready to take your career to the next level as a Family Nurse Practitioner, New England Institute of Technology has a program worth considering. The RN-to-MSN program offers a pathway for you to transition seamlessly from an associate-level RN to earning your master's degree and becoming an FNP. Admission occurs in the Winter term each year. The first three terms of the program are the Bridge portion, and they are followed by eight terms in the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program.
Coursework is primarily online. However, some classes are delivered via hybrid sessions. One weekend immersion requires hands-on training in simulation laboratories/classrooms with an instructor or clinical preceptor.
The RN-to-MSN program requires the completion of 107 total quarter credits. The curriculum includes classes such as Primary Care of the Infant, Child, & Adolescent; Primary Care of the Adult; Women's Health; and Public Health for Advanced Clinical Practice. You will complete 30 laboratory hours and 720 clinical hours.
RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the RN-to-MSN program must possess an associate degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE-, NLN-, or NLNCC-accredited nursing program and hold an unencumbered RN license, or be academically eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. (Proof of RN licensure is required before beginning the third term of the program.
You must complete and submit an online application. Additionally, you need to provide a Personal Statement, a professional resume or curriculum vitae, a copy of your current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers card, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
MSN Program Details: The Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared nurses seeking to achieve preparation as Family Nurse Practitioners. The eight-term program admits new cohorts in the winter of each year. The program is an excellent choice for prospective students seeking flexibility, combining online and/or hybrid classes with one campus-based intensive and in-person clinical practicums.
As a student in this MSN program in Rhode Island, you will learn to implement safety and quality measures through professional, ethical, and legal standards and role-specific competencies relevant to the Family Nurse Practitioner. The curriculum will prepare you to apply evidence-based practice not only in clinical practice, but in professional development, higher education, and administrative settings. The MSN program is a 66-quarter credit pathway. It includes 750 hours of lab and clinical work.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at the New England Institute of Technology, you need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program, a current, unrestricted RN license, and at least one year of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse within the past two years. You must submit an online application, a Personal Statement, and official transcripts from your BSN program reflecting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The New England Institute of Technology partners with respected healthcare organizations to provide you with some of the best clinical placement opportunities. You will gain clinical experience in leading hospitals and clinics, ensuring exposure to diverse patient populations and practice settings. These placements are designed to help expand your professional network and prepare you to transition smoothly into the Family Nurse Practitioner role following graduation.• The MSN program at the New England Institute of Technology goes beyond preparing you with clinical skills. You will learn to plan, evaluate, oversee, and improve health programs. The MSN program's curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, which means you will be prepared to lead teams and influence patient outcomes. This is an especially important factor if you hope to move into a leadership or educator role in addition to your clinical practice role.
• One of the greatest advantages of the MSN program at the New England Institute of Technology is its emphasis on experiential learning. During campus immersions, you will train in advanced simulation labs that mirror real clinical environments. These learning opportunities help build confidence and clinical decision-making skills before you enter practicum settings.
3. Rhode Island College - Providence
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Population/Public Health Nursing
MSN Program Details: If you are searching for online MSN programs in Rhode Island, Rhode Island could be the perfect place for you. The school offers three MSN specialties: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Population/Public Health Nursing. With 100% of courses offered online, this program is an excellent choice for working professionals needing flexibility.
The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner pathways each require the completion of 45 credits. The Population/Public Health Nursing specialty is a 42-credit pathway. Students in each pathway complete a minimum of 700 clinical hours. The Graduate Nursing Office works directly with hospitals, community health agencies, public health departments, specialty clinics, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation facilities to secure clinical placements and identify qualified preceptors for your practicum experiences.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at Rhode Island College, you must possess a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited nursing program, have a current RN license, and be eligible for RN licensure in Rhode Island. All candidates are required to submit official transcripts of all college coursework, which should reflect completion of a Statistics course with a grade of "C" or better and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. You also need to submit a professional resume, three professional references, and a brief letter of intent. An interview with program faculty may be required. Additionally, candidates for the Adult Gerontology ACNP program are recommended to have at least one year of RN experience in an adult acute care setting within the last three years.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Rhode Island College offers a high-quality education without a high price tag. In fact, tuition at RIC is significantly lower than at most private colleges in New England. Affordability means the dream of earning your dream can become a reality. Financial aid counselors are available to assist you in identifying resources that may help offset some of the costs associated with your program and help you get on track to begin your program.• Rhode Island College is committed to offering MSN concentrations that align with in-demand roles aligned with real patient and workforce needs. The MSN specialties offered are not just niche specialties. They are areas of concentration where community health agencies, public health systems, and hospitals are actively hiring. As a student in one of these programs, you will be on a path to immediate career mobility.
• As a nurse educator, I cannot stress enough how important it is to find a program that offers a strong student support system, and Rhode Island College does not disappoint! In fact, RIC's School of Nursing is known for its low faculty-to-student ratio and accessible professors, which make it easy to receive individualized attention when you need it. You will also receive personalized advising in a collaborative, non-competitive culture of learning designed to promote both your academic and professional success.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits MSN 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 Schools Offer Accredited MSN Programs In Rhode Island?
| 3 |
3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Rhode Island?
| Hourly | $62.53 |
| Weekly | $2,501 |
| Monthly | $10,840 |
| Annual | $130,060 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level MSN Graduates Make In Rhode Island?
| Hourly | $46.00 |
| Weekly | $1,840 |
| Monthly | $7,970 |
| Annual | $95,690 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced MSN Graduates Make In Rhode Island?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $52.05 | $2,082 | $9,020 | $108,270 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $61.44 | $2,458 | $10,650 | $127,800 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $68.43 | $2,737 | $11,860 | $142,330 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $81.77 | $3,271 | $14,170 | $170,080 |
6. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Rhode Island By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Providence-Warwick | $62.37 | $2,495 | $10,810 | $129,720 |
7. Average MSN Salary In Rhode Island VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Rhode Island
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $196,540 | -$66,480 | -33.83% |
| Podiatrist | $190,020 | -$59,960 | -31.55% |
| Veterinarian | $148,920 | -$18,860 | -12.66% |
| Optometrist | $146,950 | -$16,890 | -11.49% |
| Physician Assistant | $131,460 | -$1,400 | -1.06% |
| Nurse With MSN | $130,060 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $113,110 | +$16,950 | +14.99% |
| Radiation Therapist | $104,230 | +$25,830 | +24.78% |
| Occupational Therapist | $95,660 | +$34,400 | +35.96% |
| Physical Therapist | $95,160 | +$34,900 | +36.68% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $91,310 | +$38,750 | +42.44% |
| Audiologist | $82,360 | +$47,700 | +57.92% |
| Dental Hygienist | $79,980 | +$50,080 | +62.62% |
| Chiropractor | $71,650 | +$58,410 | +81.52% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a seasoned nurse, educator, and healthcare writer whose career spans nearly three decades of clinical practice, academic instruction, curriculum development, and student mentorship. Based in Louisiana, Darby has always sought to bring the warmth, resilience, and cultural richness of her home state into every aspect of her work—whether teaching future nurses, supporting families through vulnerable moments, guiding students toward success on the NCLEX, or providing insight about top nursing programs and tips for success.
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