Program Overview
An affordable public route into nursing with flexible pacing — Rhode Island College’s second-degree BSN runs about $29,273 for in-state students and lets candidates petition to take five foundational nursing courses concurrently to accelerate their progress, paired with accessible admission and a writing- and research-integrated curriculum.
The Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Rhode Island College (RIC) is structured to be completed over five semesters, totaling approximately 20 months, combining classroom instruction and clinical practice. As a public college, RIC offers this pathway at notably affordable in-state tuition.
Students also have the option to petition to take five foundational nursing courses concurrently in one semester — potentially accelerating their progress — subject to space availability and completion of prerequisite courses.
The curriculum integrates writing and research throughout, beginning with NURS 225.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate nursing program at Rhode Island College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Rhode Island Board of Nursing. Rhode Island College is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue licensure in any U.S. state.
Admissions and Acceptance
Second-degree candidates must first be admitted to Rhode Island College before applying to the School of Nursing. Admission to the BSN program is competitive and not guaranteed.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Cognate GPA of at least 2.67
- Prerequisite coursework including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and human development
- Applicants may apply to the program up to three times
Curriculum
The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, patient care technology, health policy, and professional development. Writing is integrated across the program, beginning with NURS 225, which introduces APA formatting and nursing research.
NURS 220 Foundations of Therapeutic Interventions
Introduces core principles of nutrition, pharmacology, and pathophysiology to support therapeutic nursing actions.
NURS 222 Professional Nursing
Covers the history, values, and structure of the nursing profession, emphasizing the nursing process and healthcare system dynamics.
NURS 223 Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
Develops essential clinical skills through simulation and hands-on practice in structured healthcare environments.
NURS 224 Health Assessment
Teaches foundational health assessment techniques, focusing on identifying normal physical findings.
NURS 225 Intro to Writing and Research in Nursing
Explores nursing writing standards and the role of research in evidence-based care; fulfills the Writing in the Discipline requirement.
NURS 340 Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
Examines mental health conditions and treatment strategies with a focus on adult patients and the professional nursing role.
NURS 342 Adult Health Nursing I
Covers health promotion and illness management in adults, with clinical practice supporting skill and behavior development.
NURS 344 Maternal Newborn Nursing
Introduces nursing care for mothers and newborns, emphasizing comprehensive family-focused clinical practice.
NURS 346 Nursing of Children and Families
Focuses on pediatric nursing within family systems, applying developmental principles and therapeutic care strategies.
NURS 370 Public and Community Health Nursing
Applies public health theories to family and population care, integrating policy, epidemiology, and cultural analysis.
NURS 372 Adult Health Nursing II
Continues adult care instruction with advanced clinical applications and reinforcement of professional competencies.
NURS 374 Contemporary Professional Nursing
Analyzes leadership, policy, and emerging trends in nursing to prepare students for evolving professional roles.
NURS 375 Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
Supports the student-to-nurse transition through targeted seminars and a chosen practicum in a professional setting.
More detail is available in the RIC nursing course catalog.
Clinical Requirements
Students participate in supervised clinical placements that provide experience across a range of healthcare settings. Clinical assignments are coordinated by the School of Nursing and may vary by semester. Students are responsible for transportation and must meet all health and immunization requirements before participating; background checks and CPR certification are mandatory.
Tuition
For in-state full-time undergraduate students, tuition is approximately $5,854.50 per semester, so the five-semester program totals roughly $29,273 in-state. Out-of-state students can expect higher tuition rates, and additional fees may apply, including health services, technology, and specific nursing program resources.
Confirm current figures via the official tuition and fees page.
Transfer Credit and Other Programs
Transfer credits are accepted for prerequisite and general education courses. RIC also offers an RN-to-BSN track and graduate nursing programs. Second-degree RN students may apply for the RN-to-BSN program with proof of licensure and prior nursing education.
More ABSN Options
Check out the Johnson & Wales ABSN or view all ABSN Programs in New England.