Zvart Onanian School of Nursing

Nursing students
What We Do

From the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to the Doctor of Nursing Practice, the Rhode Island College Zvart Onanian School of Nursing educates and prepares graduates for the challenges of today’s complex health care settings.

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A Reputation for Excellence and Accessibility

The Rhode Island College Zvart Onanian School of Nursing is consistently recognized for providing the highest quality undergraduate and graduate nursing education in Rhode Island at an affordable cost.

Forward-Thinking Programs and Faculty

Nursing faculty addressing students

Our highly competitive programs foster the finest in:

  • intellectual development
  • personal growth
  • professional collaboration

We educate our students using state-of-the-art technology and simulated clinical scenarios, and comprehensive clinical experience. Our faculty are committed to excellence in teaching both in the classroom and in the clinical setting.

High Success Rates

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Above State and National Averages

Our pass rate for B.S.N. students on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam has consistently remained above state and national averages, placing Rhode Island College as number one among BSN programs in the state since 2015.

Rooted in Equity

Three nursing students from different ethnic backgrounds

The Zvart Onanian School of Nursing recognizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as critical to nursing education, professional nursing practice, and the health of populations and communities. We are committed to a learning environment that embraces civility and respect, and values the sharing of differences among all students, faculty, and staff. We seek to prepare nurses who can spur system-level transformation, including addressing structural racism and systemic inequity, to promote improved health outcomes for all people. 

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Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Rhode Island College are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Zvart Onanian School of Nursing Faculty

Our Additional Valued Educators

Adjunct Faculty

  • Ashley Arnold, MSN, RNP
  • David Balbi, MS, CEM, MEP
  • James Beaulieu, Pharm.D.
  • Kathleen Bergeron, MS, RN, CNS, CEN
  • Robert Brunault, PharmD  
  • Kristen Burton Williams, MSN, CNS  
  • Nancy Bushy, MSN, CNS
  • Shelia Capasso, RN, MSN
  • Bradley Collins, MD
  • Ruth Dapaah-Afriyie, PharmD, DCACP
  • Suzanne Duni, Esq, BSN, RN
  • Katherine Duprey, PharmD
  • Rachel Fortin, PharmD, BCPS
  • Dawn Lewis, MBA, PhD, RN
  • JC, Liauw, PharmD
  • Karen Luther, MPH, RN 
  • Laura McAuliffe, PharmD
  • Debbie Mendelson, MSN, CNS  
  • Daniel Migliozzi, PharmD, BCPS
  • Nickie Piermont, RN, MS
  • Lauren Pilsbury, MSN, RNP
  • Martha Rounds, MS, RN-BC
  • Carla Salvadore, MSN, RNP
  • Karen Schaefer, MSN, CNS
  • Laura Varnum, PharmD 
  • Marion Winkler, PhD, RD, CNS
  • Alison Zeurn, PharmD 

Cooperating Instructors

  • Rhonda Brunero, BSN, RN
  • Anne Sliney, BS, RN, ACRN

Featured News & Stories

Related Events

In commemoration of Black History Month, the Onanian School of Nursing is delighted to unveil a captivating display developed in collaboration with Dr. Sherri Cummings and the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.

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  • place Fogarty Life Science

Come talk with others who share your dietary preference, find out more about plant-based diets, learn about protein sources other than meats and dairy, more about the health benefits of being plant-based and get a sample from one of our favorite plant-based restaurants.