Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Rhode Island

Last Updated/Verified: Jul 31, 2025

Why Pursue an Online Nurse Practitioner Program in Rhode Island

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are beneficial in the healthcare world, particularly to their patients. NPs often serve as the primary caregivers for individuals residing in underserved or remote areas of Rhode Island, which may be understaffed in terms of physicians. Rhode Island is a top metropolitan area with a high level of employment for nurse practitioners, with an annual average salary of $133,460.

NPs can assist their patients with their health needs, with many patients needing fewer emergency treatments or hospital treatments. NPs are typically more cost-effective than doctors, which is why they are highly desired, especially in rural or remote areas with limited access to healthcare professionals.

NPs are always in high demand, and most can expect good annual wages, depending on where they live and their field of NP specialty—they can choose from different sub-specialties, including adult-gerontological health, neonatal health, and family care. 

Learn more about Nurse Practitioner degree levels:

2025 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Rhode Island

Nurse Practitioner Online presents the definitive rankings of the best online Nurse Practitioner programs in Rhode Island, providing comprehensive insights for aspiring healthcare professionals. These distance learning programs offer incredible flexibility for nurses seeking advanced education without disrupting their current work schedules. Rhode Island's top-tier online NP programs combine rigorous academic standards with cutting-edge virtual learning technologies, ensuring students receive high-quality education from respected institutions. By leveraging remote learning platforms, nurses can advance their careers, specialize in critical healthcare areas, and expand their professional opportunities without geographical constraints. These programs not only accommodate busy professionals but also maintain the same academic excellence as traditional on-campus programs. Our comprehensive ranking methodology ensures students have transparent, reliable information to make informed educational decisions.
#1

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI - Private 4-year - salve.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

Salve Regina University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration delivers advanced nursing education through a comprehensive 51-credit program. Designed for registered nurses with a bachelor's degree and minimum 3.0 GPA, the curriculum combines rigorous online coursework with 750 supervised clinical hours. Students develop specialized skills in mental health care, preparing for national certification examinations. The program offers multiple start dates, flexible learning formats, and CCNE accreditation. Graduates emerge as skilled practitioners equipped to address complex mental health challenges across diverse patient populations.

  • Online flexible format
  • 51 total credit hours
  • 750 clinical hours
  • RN license required
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Multiple start dates
  • National certification prep
  • CCNE accredited program

Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Salve Regina University's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate provides specialized training for registered nurses seeking advanced mental health expertise. This 30-credit program offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on mental health care across patient lifespans, with flexible online learning formats. Requiring a prior master's degree, the program includes 750 clinical hours and prepares students for national certification. The curriculum emphasizes psychopharmacology, diagnostic skills, and advanced clinical techniques, enabling graduates to address critical mental health challenges. Ideal for working professionals, the program supports career advancement and potential doctoral studies.

  • Online post-master's certificate program
  • 30 credits total program
  • 750 minimum clinical hours
  • Flexible eight-course sequence
  • 20-24 months average completion
  • Rolling admission available
  • National certification preparation
  • Courses across lifespan focus
  • Prerequisite: Master's in nursing
  • Psychopharmacology training included

Doctorate - BSN-DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Salve Regina University's BSN-DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides an advanced pathway for nurses seeking comprehensive healthcare leadership training. This hybrid program combines 48 master's and 30 doctoral credits, emphasizing evidence-based practice and innovative patient care strategies. Students develop critical organizational leadership skills and advanced clinical expertise. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and CCNE accreditation, the program prepares nurses for transformative roles in healthcare delivery. Evening format and advanced practice focus make this an attractive option for working healthcare professionals seeking doctoral-level preparation.

  • Hybrid evening program format
  • 48 credits Master's + 30 credits DNP
  • Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
  • 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • Advanced practice leadership focus
  • Evidence-based practice curriculum
  • Comprehensive clinical preparation
Show 2 More Programs ˅
*Original data: IPEDS 2023, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

List of Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Rhode Island

NPs who practice in Rhode Island enjoy traditional beauty and historical importance within this state. Registered nurses in Rhode Island interested in expanding their earning potential, advancing their training and skillset, and treating sick and ailing patients may be interested in the state’s only online nurse practitioner program. If another specialty or program pathway is desired, students can always enroll in an online NP program based outside of the state.

For some RNs, finding time to attend in-person classes can be challenging, making online nursing degree programs a valuable option. They offer greater flexibility than on-site courses, and NPs who graduate can expect the same salary and opportunities as on-campus programs. Students can often choose from the Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN), post-master’s certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program route, delivered either entirely online or in a hybrid online/campus-based format. These programs consist of core courses, advanced nursing courses in the specialization of choice, and hands-on clinical practice. 

To browse NP programs in Rhode Island, check out our listings below.

Jump to City:

Kingston, RI

University of Rhode Island

  • Master's - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • 42 semester credit hours
    • Clinical practice in diverse settings
    • 3.0 minimum GPA required
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Certification exam preparation
    • Urban and rural clinical experiences
    • Preceptorship with nurse practitioners
    • Post-masters certificate available
  • Master's - Master of Science degree with a family nurse practitioner concentration

    Campus Based - Website

    • 42 semester credit hours
    • Comprehensive certification exam preparation
    • Flexible part-time/full-time study
    • Multiple clinical practice settings
    • Application deadline: February 15
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • 750 clinical practice hours
    • One-to-one preceptorship model
  • Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • 48-49 semester credit hours
    • Clinical practice in diverse settings
    • ANCC certification preparation
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • One-to-one preceptorship
    • Post-masters certificate available
    • Comprehensive exam requirement
  • Graduate Certificate - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • 18-19 credits required.
    • Campus-based program.
    • Prepares for ANCC/AANP certification.
    • Individualized study plans.
    • Supervised clinical hours included.
    • Master's degree in nursing required.
    • Graduate GPA > 3.3 needed.
    • Eligibility for RN licensure in RI.
  • Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    Campus Based - Website

    • Post-Master's Certificate Options
    • 18-20 Credit Programs
    • Three Nursing Specialties
    • Graduate GPA > 3.3
    • National Certification Preparation
    • Individualized Study Plans
    • Clinical Hour Requirements
    • Advanced Practice Focus
  • Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate

    Campus Based - Website

    • Post-Master's Certificates Available
    • Three Nursing Specializations
    • 18-20 Credit Programs
    • Requires Master's Nursing Degree
    • Graduate GPA 3.3+ Required
    • Includes Clinical Practicums
    • Prepares for Certification Exams
    • Advanced Practice Nursing Focus
  • Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • 72-credit comprehensive DNP program
    • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care specialty
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Advanced practice nurse preparation
    • Multiple financial support options
  • Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • 72-credit comprehensive DNP program
    • Three nurse practitioner concentrations
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Focuses on advanced practice nursing
    • National certification exam eligibility
    • Clinical experience preferred
    • Multiple funding options available

Newport, RI

Salve Regina University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible format
    • 51 total credit hours
    • 750 clinical hours
    • RN license required
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA
    • Multiple start dates
    • National certification prep
    • CCNE accredited program
  • Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online post-master's certificate program
    • 30 credits total program
    • 750 minimum clinical hours
    • Flexible eight-course sequence
    • 20-24 months average completion
    • Rolling admission available
    • National certification preparation
    • Courses across lifespan focus
  • Doctorate - BSN-DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid evening program format
    • 48 credits Master's + 30 credits DNP
    • Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
    • 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Advanced practice leadership focus
    • Evidence-based practice curriculum
    • Comprehensive clinical preparation

Providence, RI

Rhode Island College

  • Graduate Certificate - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care for Nurse Practitioners

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 18-credit program.
    • Hybrid learning format.
    • No GRE required.
    • Prerequisites may be waived.
    • Prepares for certification exams.
    • Master’s in nursing required.
    • Focus on acute care.
    • Ongoing application process.
*IPEDS 2023 statistics, sourced from NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Jump to Program Specialty

Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Nurses who wish to focus on the care of adult patients from the teen years through the geriatric years, whether in a primary or acute care setting, can opt for the following online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program in Rhode Island.

MSN-AGNP Programs

Rhode Island College

Hybrid - Adult/Gerontology with an Acute Care Emphasis Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)

Providence, RI

Are we missing your school's nurse practitioner program or need to update any of the information listed? Please contact us.