Online Nursing Schools in Vermont: Exploring Top Programs
Nurses remain in-demand across Vermont. Online nursing programs make it the process of becoming a nurse much more convenient. These programs combine online coursework with hands-on training to ensure you have what it takes to graduate and get hired. See how these hybrid/online nursing programs in Vermont work.
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In Focus: Nursing Programs in Vermont
Online nursing programs in Vermont span every level of practice and vary widely in admissions requirements, curriculum, cost, length, and format. To choose the right option, it’s important to understand how these programs are structured. As you explore your options, keep these points in mind:
- Program availability covers all nursing levels. Vermont offers online nursing programs for nearly every stage of nursing practice.
- Formats range from fully online to hybrid. Some programs deliver all coursework online, while others combine online classes with in-person clinical hours at approved medical facilities.
- Course delivery may be synchronous or asynchronous. Live, scheduled sessions are common in some programs, while others allow students to complete coursework on their own schedules.
- Purpose and format both matter. Understanding a program’s goals is just as important as knowing how its content is delivered.
Review these factors closely as you compare the online nursing program types available in Vermont.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Vermont
Undergraduate nursing programs are the starting point of all nursing careers. Online options range from CNA courses requiring only a few weeks of training to BSN degree programs that fully prepare students for licensing and practice as registered nurses.
Here’s a look at what’s available in online undergrad nursing programs in Vermont:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
The Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) is the Vermont equivalent to the Certified Nursing Assistant. LNAs are important members of healthcare teams, providing a variety of basic patient care tasks under the supervision of other team members.
Becoming an LNA in Vermont requires completion of an approved training program and passing both written and skills exams.
Example: Stafford Technical Center
- Cost: $2,495
- Length: 144 hours (over a 10 week period)
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work under the direct supervision of doctors and registered nurses providing provide basic care to patients that includes:
- Administering medications
- Changing dressings
- Helping patients with hygiene tasks
- Reporting on patient status
- Taking vital signs
Most LNA education programs in Vermont take the form of certificate programs that are typically completed in about one year of full-time training. Hybrid-formatted programs with online didactic coursework and in-person clinical experiences are available.
Example: Vermont State University Practical Nursing Certificate
- Cost: $21,747 (Vermont residents); $37,983 (out-of-state residents)
- Length: One year
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs prepare students for NCLEX-RN eligibility and becoming registered nurses.
ADN curriculums combine general education and nurse-specific coursework which, in many cases, can be accessed entirely or partially online. However, all ADN programs include hands-on clinical experiences attended in-person at local medical facilities.
Most ADN programs require a two-year full-time commitment.
Example: Vermont State University Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
- Cost: $15,816/year (Vermont residents); $27,624/year (out-of-state residents)
- Length: One year (plus one year of prerequisite coursework)
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are becoming increasingly popular in preparing students to sit for the NCLEX-RN and become RNs. That’s because BSN programs offer substantially greater depth and breadth of nursing education than that provided by ADN programs, something that does not go unnoticed by employers.
Like ADN programs, online BSN programs feature a mix of online didactic coursework and in-person components such as campus-based labs and in-person clinical practice hours. Most BSN programs require four-years of full time study.
Example: Vermont State University BSN
- Cost: $728/credit (Vermont residents); $1,220/credit (out-of-state residents)
- Length: Four years
- Mode: Hybrid
Graduate-Level Nursing Programs in Vermont
Graduate-level nursing credentials provide career advancement opportunities for RNs and other nursing professionals with only an undergraduate education. Options include:
- MSN degrees and post-grad certificates that prepare students for leadership and advanced clinical practice roles in specialized nursing fields.
- Doctorate degrees that prepare graduates for top-tier clinical practice and administration positions, and for terminal careers in research and postsecondary education.
As shown below, curriculums and delivery formats for online graduate nursing programs vary substantially depending on the specific credential.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
MSN degree programs are designed to provide current RNs with a nursing bachelor’s the advanced knowledge and training needed to move their careers into nursing leadership and advanced practice roles. Specialization is common in these programs in areas such as:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Administrator
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing Informatics
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program lengths vary by specialization and chosen study pace, but 18 months to two years is not uncommon.
Example: Norwich University Master of Science in Nursing: Healthcare Systems Leadership
- Cost: $825/credit
- Length: 18 months to two years (30 credits)
- Mode: Fully online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
DNP and PhD in Nursing programs prepare graduates for top-level positions in the nursing field. DNP degrees focus on preparing students for top administrative and advanced clinical practice roles, while nursing PhD programs prepare students for careers in postsecondary education and advanced scientific research.
There are currently no PhD in Nursing programs offered in Vermont and only a single DNP program available in the state, which is the campus-based program listed below.
Example: University of Vermont Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Cost: $678/credit
- Length: Two years (MSN to DNP); Three years (BSN to DNP)
- Mode: On campus
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-master’s certificate programs allow nurses with an MSN degree to gain knowledge and skills in a specialized area of nursing practice without taking on the time and cost of an entire new master’s program. Many of these certificate programs are available in fully-online formats.
Completion times vary by specialization and student’s chosen study pace.
Example: Norwich University Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing
- Cost: $825/credit
- Length: Approx. 8 to 15 months, depending on specific concentration and study pace
- Mode: Online
Nursing Bridge Programs in Vermont
Current practical and registered nurses looking toward moving up the career ladder will want to consider a nursing bridge degree program.
These programs allow students to build on their previous nursing education and professional practice experience, earning an advanced degree without having to “start from scratch” and complete an full degree course of study. That means big cost savings and significantly shorter completion times when compared to full degree programs.
Here’s a look at what’s available in terms of nursing bridge program options in Vermont:
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
Current practical nurses can use the credits earned in their LPN programs to get the education and training they need to become a registered nurse through an LPN to RN or LPN to BSN program. The benefit is not having to take on the time and cost of a full ADN or BSN course of study.
Most LPN to RN programs can be completed in one to two years while most LPN to BSN programs require two to four years, depending primarily on the student’s chosen study pace (full-time, part-time).
Example: University of Vermont Health Network LPN to RN Pathway
- Cost: $659/credit
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
Current registered nurses with a nursing diploma or ADN can apply the credits received in those programs toward earning their nursing bachelor’s in an RN to BSN bridge program.
These programs typically require students to complete an additional 30 or so credits in upper-level nursing courses to earn their BSN, resulting in program lengths of around one year full-time and two years part-time.
As a result of not including clinical experiences, many RN to BSN programs can be completed entirely online.
Example: Vermont State University Nursing Online Degree Completion (RN to BSN)
- Cost: $418/credit (tuition and fees)
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Online
Direct-Entry MSN
Direct-entry MSN programs are designed for non-nursing bachelor’s degree graduates who want to enter the nursing profession at the master’s level. Online programs include in-person clinical requirements as part of pre-licensure coursework, but often feature fully-online study for master’s-level courses.
Program lengths of two to three years are typical.
Example: University of Vermont Direct Entry to MSN
- Cost: $692/credit (Vermont residents); $1,200/credit (out-of-state residents)
- Length: Three years
- Mode: Hybrid
RN Licensing & Requirements in Vermont
To become a working registered nurse in Vermont, you must first obtain state licensure by meeting all requirements set by the Vermont Board of Nursing. Below is a step-by-step explanation of the process you’ll take in doing so.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
The first step to becoming an RN in Vermont is to complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Be sure to consider only those programs that are:
- Approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing
- Accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
2 – Apply for State Licensure
Once you’ve completed your RN degree program, you will apply for state licensure with the Vermont Board of Nursing. To do so, you will:
- Create an online account
- Fill out and submit the online application and pay the application fee
- Have your nursing school submit your official transcript to the BON
- Complete a fingerprint-supported criminal background check
Once the board determines your eligibility, it will issue you an Authorization to Test and inform Pearson VUE (the NCLEX-RN exam vendor.)
3 – Take and Pass the NCLEX-RN
After you earn your degree, it’s time to take and pass the NCLEX-RN, a requirement for obtaining RN licensure in Vermont and virtually every other jurisdiction in the United States. Registration for (including payment of the registration fee) and scheduling the exam is done online through through Pearson VUE.
Most test-takers will take advantage of the wide range of free and paid test prep services (including EduMed’s NCLEX for Beginners guide) to prepare for the NCLEX-RN.
You’ll sit for the NCLEX-RN at one of the dozens of Pearson VUE test centers located throughout the U.S. and beyond. You’ll be informed of your test results approximately ten days after completing the exam.
If you’ve passed the exam, the Vermont Board of Nursing will issue your RN license authorizing you to work as a registered nurse in the state.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
Vermont RN license holders must renew their licenses every two years. Renewal requirements include completion of 50 days of paid work as a registered nurse and 20 hours of continuing education during the two-year renewal period.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
Nursing specialty certifications offer nursing professionals the ability to demonstrate to employers and others that they have gained important knowledge and skills in any of a number of specialized areas of practice. Among the most popular certifications are:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP-BC)
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC)
- Informatics Nursing (NI-BC)
- Medical-Surgical Nursing (CMSRN)
- Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Earnings and Careers: Nurses in Vermont
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $70,840 | $85,150 | $117,310 |
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | $77,150 | $84,660 | $120,280 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Vermont | 7,030 | 7,650 | 620 | 8.80% | 460 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online Nursing Programs in Vermont
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $8,937 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Vermont State University
- Vermont State’s Nursing MSN program offers flexible online learning with eight-week modules and clinical placements tailored around students’ current jobs.
- The Nursing Online Degree Completion program provides reduced tuition, 100% job placement, and allows on-the-job clinical hours.
- Small class sizes foster strong faculty relationships and personalized support critical to student success in Vermont State’s nursing programs.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $8,937 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $17,822 Avg. Aid Amount
- 77% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Vermont
- Vermont State University's online RN to BSN program is ranked #5 nationally and offers 100% job placement after graduation, ensuring strong employment prospects.
- The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program provides flexible eight-week modules with local clinical hours, allowing students to continue working while earning their degree.
- State-of-the-art simulation nursing labs and diverse clinical experiences across long-term, acute, and critical care settings enhance hands-on learning and practical skills.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $17,822 Avg. Aid Amount
- 77% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $34,591 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Norwich University
- Norwich University’s RN to BS in Nursing program offers 100% online classes with multiple start dates per year, providing flexible scheduling for working nurses.
- The program allows students to fast-track directly into Norwich’s Master of Science in Nursing, accelerating their advancement in nursing leadership and specialized roles.
- Norwich integrates a strong military heritage with a commitment to community service and sustainability, cultivating globally minded nurse leaders prepared to impact healthcare worldwide.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $34,591 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
