Rhode Island Nurse License Overview
Getting your Rhode Island nursing license can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you're applying for the first time, endorsing from another state, or renewing your license, this guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, fees, timelines, and continuing education.
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How long does it take to get a Rhode Island Nursing License?
Permanent License
RN (BRN): Approximately 10–12 weeks once all materials (transcripts, fingerprints, and verification) are received.
LVN (BVNPT): Currently faster, averaging 3–4 weeks for endorsement applications as of early 2026.
Temporary License
RN (BRN): Yes. Valid for 6 months. It takes approximately 2–3 weeks to issue, but only after your fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card) have been processed by the DOJ and FBI.
LVN (BVNPT): No. Unlike RNs, Rhode Island does not currently offer a temporary license for LVNs/LPNs coming from out of state. However, they do offer an Interim Permit ($50) for new graduates waiting to take the NCLEX-PN.
Board of Nursing
FEES
Fees Breakdown
Detailed overview of applicable fees and charges
| Item | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | $120.00 | $120.00 |
| Renewal | $100 | $100 |
| Temporary Permit | $30 | $30 |
| Background Check | ~$45–$60 | ~$45–$60 |
Key Sections:
Rhode Island License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Rhode Island RN or LPN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years. It will expire on the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date forward, the license expires every two years if renewed timely.
- RN Renewal fee: $190.00 Note: If you have prescriptive authority, an additional $30.00 CURES fee is assessed, bringing the total to $220.00.
- LPN Renewal fee: $305.00
- Late fee: If renewed after the expiration date, a delinquent fee is added (+$90 for RNs / +$150 for LPNs).
Required contact hours:
- Standard Requirement: 30 contact hours every two years.
- First-Time Renewal: While the 30-hour requirement is generally waived for your very first renewal, you are now required to complete 1 hour of Implicit Bias training within the first two years of licensure per California AB 1407.
Renewal Process:
- Renewal of your license is done exclusively online through the BreEZesystem. It is highly recommended to renew at least 4–8 weeks before your expiration date to ensure your "Active" status updates in the system.
Working Status:
- You may work while your license renewal is pending, provided that the renewal fee and all requirements (including the mandatory implicit bias hour for first-timers) were submitted on or before the expiration date.
- Important Note:Most employers verify status via the online DCA search. If your license reaches its expiration date without the Board processing the renewal, your status will show as "Delinquent," which may prevent you from being scheduled for shifts.
Important Things to Know: Rhode Island Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration & Nursing Education | Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration & Nursing Education |
| Compact Status | Yes (NLC) – effective 2026 | Yes (NLC) – effective 2026 |
| Background Check | Case-by-case (fingerprinting may be required) | Case-by-case (fingerprinting may be required) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | RI Health Department Online Portal | RI Health Department Online Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | 4–6 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
RI Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit through the RI Health Department portal
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Completed through Nursys
- Manual verification required if needed
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Graduation from an approved nursing program
- Transcripts (if required)
- Additional documents for foreign graduates
- 4.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Applicants must disclose any: prior disciplinary actions and criminal convictions
- Supporting documentation is required, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Fingerprint-based background check required
- May be required case-by-case
- Keep your fingerprint receipt until your license has been issued
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Available for endorsement applicants
- Issued case-by-case basis after application review
- Must have a pending permanent license application
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Valid 90 days
- Application submitted and pending review
- Usually issued within 2–3 weeks
Rhode Island Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Rhode Island
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 10 contact hours | CE may be waived for first renewal depending on timing of licensure | 1 hr Cultural Competency (each renewal); 1 hr Substance Use Disorder (each renewal) — CE must be approved and relevant to nursing practice; no additional special topics |
| LPN | 10 contact hours | CE may be waived for first renewal depending on timing of licensure | 1 hr Cultural Competency (each renewal); 1 hr Substance Use Disorder (each renewal) — CE must be approved and relevant to nursing practice; no additional special topics |
| APRN | 10 contact hours (minimum) + 30 additional for prescribers | Must maintain current national certification | Cultural Competency; Substance Use Disorder; opioid prescribing if applicable — prescribers require 2 hrs opioid prescribing CE |
Key Notes for Rhode Island
- CE requirements: 10 hours every 2 years (low among compact states)
- Mandatory: 1 hour Cultural Competency + 1 hour Substance Use Disorder each renewal
- APRNs with prescriptive authority need 2 additional hours of opioid prescribing CE
- First renewal may be exempt from CE requirements depending on license issue date
- All nurses must retain CE records for 4 years in case of audit
- Rhode Island recently joined the NLC (2025 legislation, effective 2026)
- You have 1 year from the date your application is received to complete the application process
- Each licensee is responsible for maintaining records of completion of continuing education for at least 4 years
- Rhode Island nursing licenses renew every 2 years — renewal deadlines fall on February 28 of odd-numbered years for both RNs and LPNs
- 30-day grace period with late fee — after grace period, license becomes inactive; must apply for reinstatement to return to practice
- Renewal processing is typically completed within 7–14 business days after submission
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How much does a Rhode Island nursing license cost?
Rhode Island nursing license renewal typically costs $100 every two years for both RNs and LPNs. Initial application fee is $120 for both RNs and LPNs.
How long does it take to get a Rhode Island nursing license?
Processing typically takes 4–6 weeks, depending on document submission and verification.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Rhode Island?
Nurses must complete 10 contact hours every two years (including 1 hour Cultural Competency and 1 hour Substance Use Disorder), with higher requirements for APRNs.