What to Know: Online Nursing Programs in Vermont
Explore the top nursing schools in Vermont, discovering tips for choosing the best program for you and making the most out of your nursing education.
Vermont has been in a critical nursing shortage since 2020. Some predict a need for a 60% increase in nurses working in Vermont over the next five years to meet that demand. While the state does have a shortage of nurses, there are plenty of high-quality nursing programs in Vermont. Getting a nursing degree in Vermont will help overcome this shortage. It also presents the opportunity for higher earning potential and access to financial aid, specifically for nursing students. Discover the best nursing programs in Vermont and learn how to make the most out of your degree as a nurse in the state by reading on to see which schools made it onto our list.
Vermont Technical College
Randolph, Vermont
Public
Norwich University
Northfield, Vermont
Private
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Vermont
Not all nursing schools in Vermont are equal, but there’s likely a program that meets your needs and suits your preferences. Below is a list of the different program options and the nursing schools in Vermont that feature them.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Vermont
ADN Programs
Getting your ADN is a great way to kickstart your nursing career. In as little as two years, you’ll have the necessary coursework and clinical experience to apply for Vermont state licensure as an RN. These programs are almost always in person.
Example of Vermont Nursing School with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
Most nursing students get a traditional BSN. With this four-year degree, students take coursework and get the clinical hours necessary to apply for state licensure. Traditional programs can be fully in-person, online, or in a hybrid format.
Examples of Vermont Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Looking to get your BSN but don’t want to take four years? Consider an accelerated BSN program. You can get your degree in as little as two years, even if you don’t have any previous nursing coursework.
Example of Vermont Nursing School with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Vermont for Current Nurses
LVN to RN and LVN to BSN Programs
If you’re a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), getting your RN or BSN is one of the best ways to advance your career. An LVN to RN or LVN to BSN program makes that process easier. These programs allow your LVN coursework to count towards your degree, and you can easily fit classes around a work schedule.
Example of Vermont Nursing School with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
If you’re already a registered nurse but would like to get your BSN, an RN to BSN program is for you. These programs are usually faster than standard nursing programs, allowing you to count your full-time work experience as clinical hours.
Examples of Vermont Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
RNs who already have associate degrees in nursing should consider an RN to MSN program. These programs allow RNs to get their MSNs faster and often count their full-time job experience as their clinical hours. An RN to MSN program works best for nurses looking to develop expertise in a particular area (e.g., pediatrics) of nursing.
Examples of Vermont Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Vermont
MSN Programs
MSN programs are great for nurses looking to get an advanced degree in the field. There are two types of MSN degrees; standard programs are for current BSN nurses, and direct-entry MSN programs are for non-nurses looking to enter the field. For direct entry, students should already have a bachelor’s degree.
Examples of Vermont Nursing Schools with This Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
DNP and PhD nursing programs are great for nurses who want to become an expert in the field. Usually, students need a BSN or MSN before starting one of these programs. You’ll complete rigorous clinical hours for a DNP and an in-depth thesis for a nursing PhD.
Example of Vermont Nursing School with This Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
Consider a postgraduate certificate if you want to continue your nursing education but aren’t ready to commit to an NP, DNP, or MSN. These programs have you take a few graduate courses in a specialized field, such as psychiatric or geriatric nursing, and give you a certificate indicating your expertise in that area.
Example of Vermont Nursing School with This Program
Navigating Vermont Online Nursing
Online nursing programs in Vermont can take many different forms. Some programs, especially RN to BSN programs, are offered fully online. Many have live class sessions but allow students to complete assignments on their own time. Some nursing schools in Vermont offer hybrid programs with students either completing some coursework online and some in person or completing all coursework online but having clinical hours in person. Unless you’re already an RN looking to get your BSN or you’re applying for an MSN degree, expect to have some in-person requirements. Clinical hours are completed near campus or in your hometown. Online degree programs can be the perfect compromise to meeting your career goals while fitting in your studies to your busy life.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Vermont
While nursing school can be expensive, financial aid makes it more manageable. There are many different forms of financial aid, but the main ones are scholarships, loans, and grants. For residents of Vermont, there are also some university-funded scholarships and loans specifically for nursing students. Vermont Tech, for example, has a variety of nursing scholarships. Additionally, the state of Vermont also offers incentive grants open to all undergraduate students, not just nursing students. To learn about scholarships available nationally, check out this nursing scholarship guide.
Your Path to Becoming an RN in Vermont
To become a licensed RN in Vermont, you must pass the state licensure requirements set by the Vermont Board of Nursing. State licensure is important, but the steps to becoming licensed can be confusing. They are broken down below to help prepare you to become licensed upon graduation.
Step #1: Attend a State-Approved Program
The first step to becoming an RN in Vermont is to complete an approved associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. The Vermont Board of Nursing lists all the approved programs, though it’s important to note that some programs are only accredited for certain licensures, such as being an RN or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
Step #2: Submit Your Application
All nursing students and current nurses moving to Vermont from another state need to submit an online application with a nonrefundable fee. There are two separate applications, one for nursing students and another for nurses moving from other states.
Step #3: Pass the NCLEX-RN
After you submit your application, it’s time to register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE. You take the exam through Pearson, a national organization, and they send your results to Vermont. No other exams are required by the state.
Step #4: Complete a Background Check
After completing the NCLEX, you must sign a release form so the state can run a criminal background check on you. As part of the process, you must also have your fingerprints taken at a Vermont Identification Center. The background check is a new step, and it can take four to six weeks for the state to process the results.
Step #5: Renew Your License
Nurses must renew their licenses every two years. Vermont offers an online renewal application, and you must pay a processing fee. To be eligible, nurses must have completed 50 days of paid work as a nurse in the last two years.
Vermont RN Salary and Employment Trends
In Vermont, the job outlook for Registered Nurses (RNs) is promising. Employment is expected to grow by 8.8%, adding approximately 620 new jobs by 2030. This growth rate is higher than the national average of 5.6%, and the state will see an average of 460 annual job openings. These projections suggest a strong demand for RNs in Vermont, offering a good opportunity for those entering the field.
Regarding earnings, the median annual salary for RNs in Vermont is $81,900, with the 10th percentile earning around $65,390 and the 90th percentile earning $110,680. In Burlington-South Burlington, the median salary aligns with the statewide average, but salaries for top earners may be slightly lower, with the 90th percentile earning $105,650. This information is valuable for prospective nurses in Vermont to evaluate potential career prospects and understand the expected salary range based on experience and location.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $65,390 | $81,900 | $110,680 |
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | $65,760 | $81,900 | $105,650 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, 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.
