NP Advanced Practice

Rhode Island Nurse Practitioner License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Rhode Island

Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Initial Cost
$135
Renewal Period
2 years
Practice Authority
full
Full Practice Authority

Full practice authority without physician oversight

Prescriptive Authority: Full independent authority

1 Education Requirements

Degree Required

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program Requirements

  • Complete accredited Nurse Practitioner program
  • Hold active RN license in the state
  • Clinical hours as specified by program

2 National Certification

Certification Body

ANCC or AANPCB

Required

Yes

American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board

3 Background Check

Fingerprint-based criminal background check
FBI and state background check required

4 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee $135
Total $135

CNMs regulated separately by Advisory Committee on Midwifery

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years) $135

Continuing Education Requirements

20
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle

2 substance abuse; 1 hr Alzheimer's one-time

Prerequisites

To become a Nurse Practitioner in Rhode Island, you must first hold an active RN license. Rhode Island is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you may hold a multistate RN license.

State Board of Nursing

Official Name
Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration
Phone
401-222-5960

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NLC Compact Member

Rhode Island is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact for RN/LPN licenses.

Learn about NLC benefits →

Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team

Based on 1 official sources Last verified: January 2026