How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Rhode Island (2026)
Rhode Island employs about 1,290 licensed vocational nurses earning a median $80,090 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Licensed Vocational Nurse here means completing a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Confirm credential rules with the program and employer.
Compare Licensed Vocational Nurse Schools in Rhode Island
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tri County Regional Vocational Technical High School | 67.8 | Contact school for pricing | $64,044 | 70% | — | 21 mi |
| 2 | New England Institute of Technology | 62.3 | $37,275 | $62,151 | 60% | Yes* | 10 mi |
| 3 | Massachusetts Bay Community College | 58.1 | $5,856 in-state / $10,800 out-of-state | $56,076 | 17% | Yes* | 37 mi |
| 4 | Quinsigamond Community College | 58.1 | $6,262 in-state / $11,206 out-of-state | $55,076 | 22% | Yes* | 41 mi |
| 5 | Southeastern Technical Institute | 54.0 | Contact school for pricing | $48,037 | 74% | — | 24 mi |
| 6 | Community College of Rhode Island | 51.2 | $5,550 in-state / $14,834 out-of-state | $51,971 | 26% | Yes* | 6 mi |
| 7 | Quincy College | 49.7 | $8,938 | $59,190 | 15% | Yes* | 39 mi |
| 8 | Diman Regional Technical Institute | 38.1 | Contact school for pricing | Not reported | 75% | — | 16 mi |
| 9 | Lincoln Technical Institute-Lincoln | 34.9 | Contact school for pricing | $42,316 | 63% | — | 11 mi |
| 10 | Assabet Valley Regional Technical School | 24.6 | Contact school for pricing | $76,487 | 50% | — | 41 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Rhode Island employs approximately 1,290 licensed vocational nurses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $80,090 1. Nationally, licensed vocational nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 54,400 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Rhode Island, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: state-approved practical or vocational nursing program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure
- Exam: NCLEX-PN
- Median wage (Rhode Island): $80,090 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Rhode Island
How to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Rhode Island? Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Confirm credential rules with the program and employer.
How long does it take? Most people finish a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the program and employer.
Do I need a license in Rhode Island? Licensing varies. Confirm with the program and employer. See the licensing section below.
What do licensed vocational nurses earn in Rhode Island? The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses in Rhode Island is $80,090 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $65,650 and experienced professionals can earn $94,540 or more 1.
How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Rhode Island
- Meet program entry rules. Approved practical or vocational nursing programs in Rhode Island typically require a high school diploma or GED. Confirm current age and prerequisite rules with the program and the employer.
- Complete a state-approved PN or VN program. Finish a board-approved practical or vocational nursing program in Rhode Island. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Apply to the employer for authorization to test, then pass the NCLEX-PN. An RN exam does not substitute.
- Apply for LPN or LVN licensure. Obtain the practical or vocational nursing license from the employer before practicing. Confirm reciprocity with the board.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Licensed Vocational Nurse License Requirements in Rhode Island
Rhode Island licenses practical and vocational nurses through the employer. The path is an approved PN or VN program, the NCLEX-PN, and a state LPN or LVN license. Some states use the LVN title; others use LPN.
Typical path
Meet the program’s entry rules.
Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program.
Pass the NCLEX-PN.
Apply to the employer for LPN or LVN licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the employer before you enroll.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Wages by Metro Area in Rhode Island
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Wages by Metro Area in Rhode Island
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses wages in Rhode Island vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick | 2,540 | $78,990 | $76,870 | $63,010 | $90,530 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for licensed vocational nurses in Rhode Island? Rhode Island currently employs approximately 1,290 licensed vocational nurses 1. Nationally, licensed vocational nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a licensed vocational nurse in Rhode Island with an out-of-state license? Confirm reciprocity rules with the program and employer.
What training programs are available in Rhode Island? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Rhode Island.
How much do licensed vocational nurses earn in Rhode Island compared to the national average? The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses in Rhode Island is $80,090, which is $17,750 above the national median of $62,340 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |