WARWICK, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and the University of Rhode Island (URI) proudly announce a new, fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science (RN-to-BS) program. This collaboration provides CCRI nursing alumni with an accessible and adaptable route to achieve their Bachor of Science degree at URI, all while maintaining the high academic standards and clinical focus required by Rhode Island's medical facilities.

This new initiative underscores a mutual commitment between CCRI and URI to broaden educational opportunity, bolster the local healthcare pipeline, and address the state's shifting medical demands. Tailored specifically for active nursing professionals, the RN-to-BS curriculum merges top-tier academics with the practical flexibility needed to juggle employment, family life, and career growth. With new lower tuition for the RN-to-BS program and significant scholarship opportunities, the program makes earning a bachelor’s degree more accessible, seamless, and affordable for Rhode Island’s future nurses.

"CCRI is proud to give our nursing alumni a direct, practical path to a bachelor's degree without asking them to step away from the patients and communities they already serve," said Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN, President of CCRI. "Partnering with URI on this RN-to-BS program reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Rhode Island's healthcare workforce and to meeting our graduates where they are — in their careers, their families, and their lives."

“URI is proud to partner with CCRI to strengthen the pipeline of highly trained nurses who care for Rhode Islanders and to expand pathways for working professionals to advance their education and careers. As Rhode Island’s public research university, URI is committed to leading efforts that strengthen workforce development across the state while advancing the health, wellness, and prosperity of the people and communities we serve. This partnership is a powerful example of how our institutions can work together to meet the evolving needs of Rhode Island’s healthcare workforce,” said Marc Parlange, President of URI.

 

“Creating a flexible pathway for CCRI-educated RNs to earn Bachelor of Science degrees at URI allows nurses to keep working while learning,” said Governor Dan McKee. “That new degree will not only expand their skills, but also open doors to even higher paying careers in healthcare.”

Alumni from CCRI’s esteemed Associate Degree in Nursing program can now seamlessly advance into URI’s BS curriculum without putting their current careers on hold. This streamlined transition not only fosters personal career development but also serves the wider healthcare community, mirroring both state and national campaigns to boost the number of nurses holding a Bachelor of Science.

"The University of Rhode Island College of Nursing is excited to partner with CCRI in this endeavor to increase the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses, which will impact the nursing workforce in Rhode Island. Research has shown that hospitals and healthcare organizations with more baccalaureate-prepared nurses have better quality and safety outcomes, including reduced risk for mortality and reduced 7-day and 30-day readmission rates,” said Danny G. Willis, Ph.D., RN, Dean of URI’s College of Nursing.

"Our nursing graduates are leading contributors to the state’s healthcare workforce, bringing a strong clinical and academic foundation to Rhode Island’s communities,” said Suzanne Carr, Ph.D., RN, CCRI’s Dean of Health and Rehabilitative Sciences. “This collaboration between CCRI and URI reflects our shared commitment to advancing nursing education. By supporting the path to a baccalaureate degree, we are building a highly prepared workforce to serve our state."

 

“Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, and investing in their success is a smart and cost-effective way to improve the quality of care for all Rhode Islanders,” said Rep. David A. Bennett (D-Dist. 20, Warwick, Cranston), a retired psychiatric nurse and graduate of CCRI. “By making it easier for nurses to take the next step in their education and career right here in Rhode Island, this program will help meet the needs of our patients, strengthen our healthcare system and support the nurses who show up every day to care for our state.”

Senator Hanna Gallo (District 27 – Cranston/’Warwick) added, “I am fortunate to be one of the thousands of Rhode Islanders whose experience at CCRI and URI paved the way for successful and rewarding career. The exciting RN-to-BS partnership between these institutions will open new avenues of opportunity for so many dedicated professionals while strengthening our state’s healthcare workforce. On behalf of the Rhode Island Senate, I am grateful to everyone whose vision and hard work has made this possible.”

“The launch of this new RN-to-BS pathway with the University of Rhode Island is a game-changer for students like me,” said Laura Breton, President of the CCRI Student Nurses’ Organization. “It provides a direct, accessible, and affordable route for those of us earning our associate degrees to seamlessly transition into a bachelor’s program — all while staying right here in Rhode Island and without having to sideline our current careers.”