Most Frequently Asked Questions

Are there pre-requisites that I need to take before applying/entering the program?
Basic chemistry (high school or college). Refer to the "Credit from Previous College Work" for information on where college courses in chemistry may be taken.

Successful completion of the Math, Reading and Writing Competency Test, (Accuplacer) at CCRI.

Many students in the program have taken anatomy, physiology and microbiology (4 credits each) prior to entering the program in order to lighten their course load. If these courses are taken at an accredited college/university, are less than 7 years old and have a grade of C+ or greater, they are transferable into our curriculum (refer to "Credit from Previous College Work").

What kind of a degree will I have upon graduation?
Because this program is a "hospital-based" diploma program in nursing, we are not a degree-granting institution. You will receive a diploma in nursing upon graduation, and are eligible to take the same licensing exam for your RN as every other nursing graduate.

You will receive 27 credits from the college(s) you attend within the curriculum, all of which are transferable into most bachelor of science in nursing programs.

What are the major differences in the nursing programs offering an associates degree, a bachelors degree and a diploma?
Refer to "Entry Into Practice as an RN" to see the comparisons.

The decision on which one of these programs to enter is purely individual based on what you need/want to meet your long-term nursing goal. It is wise to investigate all options prior to making your final decision on a program.

Will I have a lesser chance of employment following graduation if I do not have a degree in nursing?
Graduates of our school have consistently had a 100% employment rate within 3 months following graduation. Our graduates have sustained a long-standing reputation for excellence in the practice of nursing.

Competition for employment and, in most cases, starting salaries are the same for all levels of graduates from RN programs. The difference occurs a few years following graduation when the graduate with a BSN will climb the clinical ladder sooner because he/she holds that degree.

Is my nursing education complete following graduation from your school?
Nursing education is never complete. Professional nurses must constantly read and take continuing education courses because of the rapid changes in healthcare today.

We recommend that all of our graduates continue on for a minimum of a BSN following graduation. Credits are granted by local colleges for all courses taken at the school of nursing. At the same time you can be gainfully employed as an RN. Very often, employers will provide tuition reimbursement to RNs who decide to go on for a BS or MS in Nursing.

Are all college course credits transferable?
We will transfer in any physical or social science courses applicable to our curriculum. These courses must be less than 7years old, and hold a grade of C+ or greater. (Refer to "Credit from Previous College Work").

Will I need transportation?
Yes. There is a need for transportation to clinical agencies, college courses and observational experiences.

Do you have a part time and/or evening program?
NO.

Do I need to be a Roman Catholic to enter the program?
No. The school does not discriminate against students of other faiths. However, all of our formal ceremonies are held in a Catholic Chapel/Church. If a student feels uncomfortable taking part in a church ceremony, he/she is excused from attendance.

I already have a bachelors/masters degree in another field. How long will it take me to complete your nursing program?
You will still need to do six semesters of nursing over three years. The difference comes with the number of credits you have to transfer into the curriculum. (Refer to "Credit from Previous College Work").

If you are able to transfer in all of the college-based courses from our curriculum, you will only need to take the nursing theory and clinical courses.

I have recently completed 2 semesters of nursing in a BSN/Associate Degree program and wish to transfer to your program. Will I get credit for the nursing courses I have already completed?
No. Although the basic courses required in all professional nursing curriculums are the same, the method of teaching and placement of the courses differs.

Lateral transfers from another diploma program with a similar curriculum are accepted on an individual basis.

I presently am a certified nursing assistant and have been working for the last 5 years. Will I receive advanced placement in your program?
No. Advanced placement is only granted to LPNs who meet the specific criteria.

Can I CLEP (challenge) some college courses?
Yes. Refer to "Credit for Previous College Work" for information on courses that may be challenged.

Do you have advanced placement for someone who is an LPN and wants to become an RN?
YES.

Is financial aid available?
YES.

What is your pass rate on the national licensing exam for your graduates?
For the past 5 years the graduates have achieved a 99% pass rate on their first take of the exam.

The Board of Nursing for the State of Rhode Island requires all schools of nursing to achieve a minimum of an 80% pass rate on this exam annually.