Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Vermont
From increasing your paycheck to opening the door to leadership roles, a BSN is the first step in advancing your nursing career. Online RN to BSN programs let you earn your degree without giving up a paycheck or taking on unmanageable debt. Better yet, you can finish some programs in as little as one year. In this guide, we’ll share a look at some of Vermont’s best online RN to BSN programs and answer questions that many students ask about admissions, tuition, and timelines.
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School Spotlights: Inside Online RN to BSN Programs in Vermont
Not all RN to BSN programs are alike, and not every program is right for your career goals. You have options when it comes to
- How long it takes to finish your degree
- How quickly you want to take on new classes
- How much you want to spend
Keep in mind that even fully online programs still require a hands-on component to meet accreditation standards. In Vermont, that usually means you’ll complete a capstone project or community health practicum in your local area instead of traditional clinicals.
Comparing the three programs below is a good starting point. These options will give you a good idea of what you can expect before enrolling in an online RN to BSN track.
Norwich University
Norwich University’s online RN to BSN is delivered 100% online with no required in-person clinicals. The curriculum covers professional research, leadership, care models, and healthcare policy, preparing nurses for roles with greater responsibility.
Students can transfer up to 90 of the 120 required credits. While foundational and core courses must be completed through Norwich, the program is designed to meet the needs of working nurses with flexible scheduling. Most students finish their degree in 18 to 24 months.
An optional annual Residency Conference offers networking opportunities and educational programming for students who want it, but it isn’t required to graduate. Students can also fast-track directly into Norwich’s MSN program through a concurrent enrollment option.
Duration: 18 to 24 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $415 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed online application
- ADN or nursing diploma from an accredited institution
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- GPA minimum of 3.0
- Professional resume outlining professional nursing experience
Vermont State University
Vermont State University’s Nursing Online Degree Completion program is a two-year track designed to help RNs complete their BSN entirely online. All required clinicals can be completed at your current workplace rather than a new clinical site.
The program focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and global health, opening the door to roles in public health and nursing administration. Most students complete the program in 18 months, and both fall and spring start dates make it possible to start when it’s most convenient.
As the successor to the former Vermont Technical College program, Vermont State’s RN to BSN carries a strong reputation and consistently ranks among the best in the region. It also partners with several healthcare organizations in the area to help students with tuition reimbursement.
Duration: About 18 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $402 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed online application
- ADN or nursing diploma from an accredited institution
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- GPA minimum of 2.3
- Completion of all prerequisites
Herzing University
The RN to BSN program offered through Herzing University is open to Vermont residents and can be completed in as little as 12 months, making it one of the fastest options available. The 120-credit curriculum allows for up to 90 total transfer credits and enrolls students across six start dates per year.
The program also skips traditional clinicals entirely, instead replacing them with a 45-hour community health project completed near your home. As a CCNE-accredited national online university, Herzing brings a much larger scale than Vermont’s two in-state options. This means students gain access to virtual academic advising, tutoring, and lifelong career coaching even after graduation.
Duration: As little as 12 months
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $450 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed online application
- ADN or nursing diploma from an accredited institution
- Active, unencumbered RN license in Vermont
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
FAQs for Vermont RN to BSN Students
Are RN to BSN programs in Vermont available in a 100% online format?
Yes, Vermont has several RN to BSN programs that can be completed online. As with all accredited programs, a hands-on component is still required, but many programs consist of 100% online coursework.
How affordable are online RN to BSN programs in Vermont?
Costs for RN to BSN programs in Vermont vary, with per-credit rates falling in the $400 to $450 range. However, some programs come with more fees than others, so it’s important to speak with a tuition advisor to get a full picture of your total cost of attendance.
Many schools also offer tuition assistance through partnerships with local health systems. If you’re working as a nurse, consider asking your employer if they have an existing relationship with the school you want to attend before assuming you’ll have to cover the entire cost out of pocket.
How long will it take me to finish my online RN to BSN program in Vermont?
Completing an RN to BSN program in Vermont takes between 12 and 24 months for most students. The fastest options can be completed in about a year of full-time study. Students who enter their program with the maximum number of transfer credits can also complete their degree on a faster timeline.
Of course, fast isn’t the only option. If you’d rather take it slower and continue working full-time alongside your studies, most programs offer part-time enrollment. This path typically means you should budget about 24 months to complete the program.
What are the typical admissions requirements for Vermont online RN to BSN programs?
The baseline for RN to BSN program admissions is twofold. You’ll need either an ADN or a nursing diploma from an accredited institution, as well as an active, unencumbered RN license.
Beyond these minimums, some schools ask for a modest GPA requirement in the 2.5 to 3.0 range. It’s likely you’ll also need to complete a number of prerequisite courses before applying, though some schools allow you to take these alongside your nursing coursework after you’re admitted.
Note that application timelines also vary significantly by school, with some admitting students on a rolling basis throughout the year while others follow a more traditional academic calendar.
Is it worth pursuing a BSN in Vermont if I already have my ADN?
For most working RNs, yes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for RNs in the U.S. is $93,600 per year. However, BSN-prepared nurses often make between $10,000 to $20,000 more than their ADN counterparts.
Vermont’s rural hospitals and larger healthcare systems in its biggest cities are competing for a limited pool of nurses. Even so, a BSN is becoming an increasingly favored credential for nurses, especially for organizations seeking a Magnet designation. A BSN can open the door to leadership roles or high-paying specialty positions that aren’t available to ADN-level candidates.
Salary Outlook: RN vs. BSN in Vermont
Registered Nurses
| Area ↕︎ | 10th Percentile ↕︎ | Median ↕︎ | 90th Percentile ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $77,670 | $97,460 | $126,100 |
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | $80,200 | $98,330 | $126,100 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Ranking the Best RN to BSN Programs in Vermont
Norwich University
Program Details
- Location: Northfield, VT
- NECHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 90%Students W/ Aid
- $39,087Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Norwich University
- The program is 100% online with multiple start dates, offering flexible scheduling for working nurses.
- Graduates can fast-track directly into Norwich’s Master of Science in Nursing program after completing the BSN.
- The RN to BSN tuition is competitively priced at $415 per credit, supporting affordability for degree completion.
Program Details
- Location: Northfield, VT
- NECHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 90%Students W/ Aid
- $39,087Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Vermont State University
Program Details
- Location: Randolph, VT
- NECHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 76%Students W/ Aid
- $9,326Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Vermont State University
- The RN to BSN can be completed in as little as 18 months in a fully online, highly flexible format designed for working nurses.
- Required precepted clinical experiences can be completed at the student’s current workplace or in their own local community, integrating real-world practice with coursework.
- The program is competitively priced with per‑credit tuition around $388–$402, offers financial aid and employer tuition reimbursement support, and does not require ACT or SAT scores for admission.
Program Details
- Location: Randolph, VT
- NECHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 76%Students W/ Aid
- $9,326Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Vermont
Program Details
- Location: Burlington, VT
- NECHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 88%Students W/ Aid
- $18,487Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Vermont
- The RN to BSN Bridge program offers strong partnerships with healthcare organizations, supporting high-quality clinical placements and networking opportunities.
- The program’s flexible curriculum allows working RNs to finish at their own pace, from 12 months up to five years.
- Students can arrange personalized, faculty-supported clinical experiences tailored to their interests, enhancing targeted professional development.
Program Details
- Location: Burlington, VT
- NECHEAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 88%Students W/ Aid
- $18,487Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/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
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