Rhode Island Nurse Practitioner Licensure Steps - 2025

Nurse Practitioner Licensure Requirements in Rhode Island

With growing demand for advanced nursing care across New England, Rhode Island offers strong support for nurses looking to step into expanded roles. Whether you’re an RN aiming to level up or a new nurse entering the field, here’s how to become a licensed nurse practitioner (NP) in the Ocean State.

Obtain Your Registered Nurse (RN) License

Every nurse practitioner must first be a licensed RN. Rhode Island offers RN licensure by examination for first-time nurses and by endorsement for those already licensed in another state.

Apply Online

• Submit an application via the Rhode Island Department of Health Online Services.
• Pay the $135 application fee.
• Send required documents via email (Michele.monroe@health.ri.gov) or mail them to:
  Rhode Island Department of Health
  Three Capitol Hill – Room 103
  Providence, RI 02908-5097

RN License by Examination

For Rhode Island residents who are not yet licensed:

• Submit official transcripts from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
• Provide proof of residency (e.g., RI driver’s license, lease, or tax return).
• Complete a national criminal background check with fingerprints through the RI Department of Attorney General.
• Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam via the NCSBN and Pearson VUE.

RN License by Endorsement

For RNs already licensed in other states:

• Provide proof of residency if relocating to Rhode Island.
• Complete the fingerprint-based national background check.
• Submit license verification through Nursys or request manual verification for states like California or Pennsylvania.

Complete Advanced Education Requirements

To qualify for NP licensure, you must complete a board-approved graduate program such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), with a population focus.

• • Choose a population focus such as:
    • Family or Individual Across the Lifespan
    • Adult/Gerontology
    • Women’s Health
    • Pediatrics
    • Psychiatric/Mental Health
    • Neonatal
  • Programs should include at least 500 hours of supervised clinical practice.
  • Online programs may be accepted, but verify approval with the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education.

Go to the Rhode Island Nurse Practitioner/Nursing Degree Programs page. Then, choose the degree level and your population focus before conducting a search.

The search results will bring back accredited programs, and you’ll see information about distance learning. Thus, if you need to balance obtaining your master’s degree while working as an RN, you can find an online program to accommodate your needs.

Obtain National Certification

After graduating from your NP program, you’ll need to become nationally certified in your population focus. Certification verifies your advanced clinical knowledge and is a legal requirement for licensure.

Accepted Certification Bodies Include:

• American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
• Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
• National Certification Corporation (NCC)
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board
• Other board-approved certifying agencies

Have your certifying agency send a letter directly to the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education.

Apply for NP Licensure in Rhode Island

Once you’ve met the education and certification requirements, you’re ready to apply for licensure as a Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) in Rhode Island.

• Pay the $145 application fee and submit your license application.
• Request your graduate program to send official transcripts directly to the Board.
• Submit:
  • Copy of your active Rhode Island RN license
  • Certification letter from your national certifying agency
  • Fingerprint-based background check results
  • Verification of licensure if you’re licensed in another state

Prescriptive Authority Requirements

• Apply for a Rhode Island Controlled Substance Registration. Fee: $200
• Apply for a DEA number through the DEA website.