CCRI And URI Launched Online Nursing Program
The state institutions introduced a new path for nursing graduates to earn a Bachelor of Science degree.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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The Community College of Rhode Island and the University of Rhode Island have launched a new, fully online degree path. This program enables nursing alumni to transition directly into a Bachelor of Science curriculum while maintaining their professional roles.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to expand educational access for active professionals across the region. By streamlining the transfer process, the institutions seek to bolster the local healthcare workforce with more advanced-degree nurses.
The partnership creates a bridge between two public institutions, connecting CCRI's Associate Degree in Nursing with the URI Bachelor of Science degree track. This program serves a state-wide population of active nursing professionals.
The players
Community College of Rhode Island
This is a public community college that offers a variety of associate degree programs including an established nursing curriculum.
University of Rhode Island
This is a public research university that provides various undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
The details
The program is designed as a fully online curriculum that allows nurses to continue working in the field while advancing their education. Graduates of the associate program at CCRI can now seamlessly transfer their credits toward a bachelor level qualification at URI.
Timeline
The partnership between the two institutions was officially announced on October 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
This collaboration reflects a broader trend of public higher education systems consolidating resources to meet local labor demands. By creating a unified pipeline, these institutions strengthen their competitive position in the regional professional development market.
Active nursing professionals in the state can now pursue a bachelor degree without the logistical burden of attending in-person classes. This flexibility allows students to balance existing work obligations while enhancing their career credentials.
The takeaway
Nurses looking to advance their careers now have a structured, flexible pathway to obtain a four-year degree while remaining in the workforce. Students should evaluate their specific credit transfers to determine how this curriculum fits their current professional standing.
Further reading
For more information on employment trends and degree paths, visit the Nursing Jobs section.
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