Principles of Statistics
Self-paced online Principles of Statistics course (Statistics 101). ACE and NCCRS recommend 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Rhode IslandNursing
RN to BSN in Rhode Island: the general education credits you can finish online
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
RN to BSN Rhode Island general education usually covers composition, statistics, social sciences and humanities that an associate degree did not finish. Under 216-RICR-40-05-3, associate programmes must have an articulation agreement with a Rhode Island BSN programme, so start with that agreement, then ask the BSN college in writing which remaining courses you can finish online.
What the state requires of programmes
Rhode Island's nursing regulation, 216-RICR-40-05-3, says approved programmes include general education in English communication and interpersonal relations, humanities, cross-cultural competence, mathematics, natural sciences and social sciences. It also requires diploma and associate degree RN programmes to have an articulation agreement with a Rhode Island-approved baccalaureate nursing programme.
That agreement is your first document to find. It usually shows which associate courses carry into the BSN and what remains.
Courses RNs often still need
Every BSN programme sets its own list, so treat this as a starting point to compare against your college's plan.
| Area | Example course | Ask the BSN college |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Principles of Statistics | Does statistics need to be recent? |
| English | English Composition 2 | Is a second writing course required? |
| Social sciences | Introduction to Sociology | Which social science counts? |
| Humanities | Principles of Philosophy or Ethics | Is an ethics course required? |
| Cross-cultural | Psychology of Diversity | Does it meet a diversity requirement? |
Why general education is the easier part
Nursing courses in an RN to BSN must come from the BSN college. General-education courses are different: they are standard across colleges, and colleges are more likely to review outside credit for them than for sciences. That is where ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit is most often considered.
Most RN to BSN programmes also set a residency rule, a minimum number of credits you must take with them. Ask how many general-education credits you can bring in, and from which sources, before you start.
- Ask: which general-education courses remain after my associate degree?
- Ask: will you review credit from an ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended course posted via a college transcript?
- Ask: how many credits must I take with you?
A sample plan for a working RN
Say the BSN college confirms you need Statistics, Composition 2, Sociology and Ethics, and that it will review outside credit for them. Two courses a month fits around shifts. Finish the general education first, so your BSN nursing terms are not slowed by a missing requirement.
Keep a record of each course, the date finished, and the date the credit was posted. Send official transcripts in one batch to save the registrar time.
- Month 1: Principles of Statistics and English Composition 2.
- Month 2: Introduction to Sociology and an ethics or philosophy course.
Where UPI Study fits
UPI Study offers Principles of Statistics, English Composition 2, Introduction to Sociology, Principles of Philosophy and Psychology of Diversity on PRO at $99 a month. They are ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended. We are not a college and not accredited, so the credit reaches a BSN programme only via a college transcript, and only counts if the programme agrees. Partner colleges such as Thomas Edison State University, University of the People and Newlane University consider such credit. Ask your BSN college in writing first.
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Before you enrol, email the nursing programme and ask in writing whether it will count the named course and lab, posted via a college transcript, toward its prerequisites, and keep the reply.
UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited. ACE and NCCRS review our courses and recommend credit; a college decides whether to give that credit and records it on its own transcript.
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Questions people ask
Do I need a BSN to work as an RN in Rhode Island?
The regulation asks RN applicants to complete a Board-approved basic nursing programme and pass the NCLEX; it does not require a bachelor's. Many employers prefer or ask for a BSN, so check job postings and your employer.
Can statistics be old for RN to BSN?
Some programmes set a time limit on statistics, and some do not. Ask the BSN college in writing whether an older statistics course still counts before you retake it.
Will my associate nursing courses transfer to a Rhode Island BSN?
Rhode Island associate RN programmes must have an articulation agreement with a Rhode Island BSN programme. Ask your college for that agreement, which shows how your courses carry over.
Courses that fit
ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, studied online at your own pace.
English Composition 2
Self-paced online English Composition 2 course (ENG 102). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →
Introduction to Sociology
Self-paced online Introduction to Sociology course (Sociology 110). ACE and NCCRS recommend 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Start when you have it in writing
Ask your nursing programme in writing first whether it will count the course and lab.
Sources
- Rhode Island Code of Regulations: 216-RICR-40-05-3, Licensing of Nurses and Standards for the Approval of Basic Nursing Education Programs (official)Active, effective 4 Jan 2022. RN applicants complete a Board-approved programme and pass the NCLEX; official transcripts sent from the school; Board acts within 90 days; approved programmes include general education in English communication, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences and social sciences; associate and diploma programmes need an articulation agreement with a Rhode Island baccalaureate nursing programme. No programme prerequisites or transfer rules set at state level. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.