In May 2009, Rhode Island College in Providence became the state's newest nursing school when it received its accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It offers Bachelor of Nursing Science degrees in three tracks: standard baccalaureate, accelerated program for those who already have baccalaureates in other subjects and an RN diploma to BSN bridge program. A Master of Nursing Science program also is available. RIC offers steady support to students by pairing each class with an instructor who becomes their faculty adviser throughout their program. The school also encourages students to stay balanced by participating in sports and extracurricular activities.
The state's largest nursing program is also its most comprehensive. University of Rhode Island School of Nursing in Providence offers the Bachelor of Nursing Science, an RN diploma to BSN program, Master of Nursing Science, Ph.D. in Nursing Science and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees. It also offers post-master's specialty certificates and runs a provisionally accredited Advanced Nursing Practice program. URI boasts state-of-theart technology both in classrooms and in clinical training. The school strives for an ethnically diverse student population that includes a significant number of male students.
Saint Joseph's School of Nursing in North Providence got its start in 1899, making it the oldest nursing school in Rhode Island. It was founded as a three-year nursing diploma program and remains one today. Saint Joseph's is a Catholic school and includes addressing patients' spiritual needs as part of its course of study. The school partners with Our Lady of Fatima Hospital for its clinical work.
Salve Regina University in Newport takes the stance that Bachelor of Nursing Science students need a well-rounded college experience like students in all of its majors. That's why it encourages nursing students to study abroad and participate in campus organizations, activities and clubs. Salve Regina offers two tracks: pre-nursing for students becoming nurses and degree completion -- or what many schools call RN diploma to BSN programs -- for nurses who want to complete a BSN. The private Catholic school has operated its nursing program for more than 60 years.