The Community College of Rhode Island and the University of Rhode Island have launched a fully online program allowing registered nurses with CCRI associate degrees to earn a bachelor of science at URI while continuing to work.
The schools announced the RN-to-BS program Thursday, saying it carries lower tuition than URI’s standard rate along with scholarship opportunities. It’s built around nurses already working in the field, with coursework designed to fit around employment and family.
“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 CCRI President Rosemary Costigan.
URI President Marc Parlange said the partnership expands pathways for working professionals and strengthens the state’s nursing pipeline.
Danny Willis, dean of URI’s College of Nursing, pointed to research linking higher shares of baccalaureate-prepared nurses to better patient outcomes, including lower mortality risk and fewer readmissions.
Gov. Dan McKee, Rep. Gabe Amo, Sen. Hanna Gallo and Rep. David Bennett attended the announcement. Bennett, a retired psychiatric nurse and CCRI graduate, said investing in nurses is a cost-effective way to improve care.
“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,” said Laura Breton, president of CCRI’s Student Nurses’ Organization.
