The Green Mountain State, nicknamed for its verdant peaks, offers incredible natural beauty. But more lies within Vermont’s borders than hiking trails and ski slopes – a thriving medical community that provides care to residents and visitors. With 7,210 registered nurses currently employed throughout the state, earning an average salary of $75,160 per year, Vermont’s nursing schools play a vital role in healthcare.
Meeting the demand for more nurses poses a challenge, as projections estimate the need for 7,610 new registered nurses statewide by 2030. That’s an average of 450 additional nurses per year that must complete the rigorous training and education required for licensing. As you weigh your options, discovering the best nursing schools in Vermont can set you apart towards success in this growing field.
- There are 5 nursing schools in Vermont.
- The CCNE accredits 4 nursing school(s)
- The ACEN accredits 2 nursing school(s).
- The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in Vermont is between 66.39% and 92.92%.
- The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in Vermont is between 66.67% and 87.84%.
- RNs currently employed in Vermont are 7,210.
- RNs in Vermont earn an average of $75,160 per year or $36.13 per hour.
- Vermont needs 7,610 new RNs by 2030 or 450 new nurses per year.
Overview of Nursing Programs in Vermont
Vermont offers a variety of accredited nursing programs to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), or advance your nursing education and career. Nursing students can choose from certificate programs in practical nursing to a more advanced Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduate degree.
Nursing Schools in Vermont
Types of Nursing Degree Programs
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
- RN to BSN programs – For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
- Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
- DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
- PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.
When researching the nursing options, factors to consider are cost, accreditation status, National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam pass rates, and availability of financial assistance. The Vermont State Board of Nursing oversees licensing requirements to practice as an LPN or RN within the state.
What Are the Best Ranked Nursing Schools in Vermont?
#1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Vermont
85 S Prospect St, Burlington, VT - 05405-0160
(802) 656-3131
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
At the University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences, nursing education is both a holistic and humanistic discipline. The college is among the top 5 best nursing colleges in the state and high NCLEX-RN pass rates, job placement rates, and student retention rates are a testament to this ranking.
One of the best learning resources at the University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences is the brilliant clinical experience that students get as a part of their curriculum. The clinical rotations take place in the University of Vermont Health Network which is a six-hospital system that allows students to practice and learn in high-level healthcare facilities like a Level 1 Trauma Center, children’s hospital, cancer center, and other facilities. These rotations allow students to practice working in a hospital within teams that consist of medical, nursing, and other healthcare professionals. In addition to getting diverse and intensive clinical practice in healthcare settings, students also get the chance to immerse themselves in public health and domestic or international travel education.
Undergraduate Programs: The BSN degree at the University of Vermont has a rigorous curriculum that teaches students to promote care of ill individuals and also prevent disease with the promotion of health. Senior students are allowed to choose a 126-hour clinical practicum in their preferred area of interest and upon graduation, students are eligible to take their NCLEX-RN examination and practice as registered nurses.
Similarly, for working RNs who want to complete their BSN education, the university also offers a flexible and accessible RN to BS Alternate Track program.
Graduate Programs: The University of Vermont has multiple Masters in Science of Nursing options. The Clinical Nurse Leader features three tacks; a traditional 5-semester program, the direct entry program which is for students who have a bachelor’s or a higher degree in a non-nursing discipline, and the accelerated MS program that allows students to obtain both their bachelor’s and masters degree in six years of study.
The DNP program is also offered via three tracks; traditional, direct entry, and postgraduate tracks.
Additionally, there is a Postgraduate APRN Certificate program that is designed for nurses with a doctoral degree who want to obtain a nurse practitioner certificate.
Finally, the unique Interprofessional Health Sciences degree program is created to promote interprofessional research across the fields in the biomedical and psychological domains relevant to the health sciences.
#2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Vermont Technical College
- 124 Admin Drive, Randolph, VT - 05061
- (802) 728-1000
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Vermont Technical College School of Nursing and Health Professions houses a nursing program that is among the top in the state and the country. The school also has had a job placement rate of 100% in the past years. Additionally, Vermont Technical College also has a licensure exam pass rate higher than the national average.
Students at Vermont Technical College study nursing as a profession that is grounded in providing holistic care to the patient while treating them with respect and dignity ad also promoting the health of the society. The nursing education takes place via a hands-on curriculum that is based on a ladder model. Students are taught to be valuable members of the healthcare team who can keep in step with the fast pace of healthcare. It is done by giving them access to state-of-the-art simulation technology and clinical experience where they can practice their nursing skills to perfection before taking on the full responsibility of becoming a healthcare professional.
Undergraduate Programs: As mentioned earlier, Vermont Technical College School of Nursing and Health Professions employ a ladder model for their nursing education. As such students can choose to first complete their Practical Nursing program, followed by the Associate of Science in Nursing program which allows them to take their NCLEX-RN licensure examination, and finally complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Additionally, there are also LPN and RN re-entry programs that allow licensed RNs and LPN to come back to college and complete their associate or bachelor’s degree while also working at the same time as these re-entry programs can be taken via an online medium.
Accelerated ABSN Programs
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) faster through an online or campus-based accelerated BSN (ABSN) program.
ABSN programs take 12 to 18 months to complete and prepare graduates to take the NCLEX RN exam for registered nursing licensure.
Prerequisites and Admission Requirements
Applicants must normally complete prerequisite bachelor’s degree coursework with a strong science, math, English, and overall grade point average (GPA). Programs often require a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
Clinical Hour Requirements
You’ll need to arrange your schedule for approximately 30 hours per week to attend nursing classes and clinical rotations at affiliate hospitals and healthcare facilities supervised by nursing faculty.
Program Outcomes
Graduates must pass the NCLEX RN exam to receive RN licensure. Top Vermont (ABSN) programs boast NCLEX RN pass rates above the national average score.
RN to BSN Programs
Registered nurses holding an associate degree or nursing diploma can upgrade their education through an accredited online or in-person RN to BSN degree completion program offered statewide.
Best RN to BSN Schools in Vermont
Difference Between ADN and BSN for RNs
While ADN graduates acquire foundational nursing skills for patient care, the BSN curriculum expands critical thinking, leadership, research, community health nursing knowledge. A BSN degree prepares you for nursing management roles and graduate programs.
RN to Online BSN Program Formats
- Complete your courses in a flexible fully online RN to BSN format, attending classes from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Select a hybrid schedule blending online and limited on-campus sessions.
- Certain schools also offer an in-person evening/weekend RN to BSN program track.
Evaluate each Vermont nursing school’s requirements. Programs with generous transfer credit policies recognizing prior ADN or nursing diploma coursework can minimize repeats.
Program Cost and Financial Aid
Make sure to explore all possible financial assistance options including scholarships, loans, and reimbursement programs to finance further nursing education. The investment pays dividends in enhanced career advancement and salary potential.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a critical role in Vermont’s healthcare system by providing high-quality primary, acute, specialty, and long-term care. As Vermont faces nursing shortages and an aging population with more complex healthcare needs, the demand for NPs continues rising across the state. When considering NP programs in Vermont, prospective students must consider programs approved by the Vermont State Board of Nursing. Many nursing programs are offered in various locations across the state.
Primary Care vs Specialty Focus
NP programs in Vermont offer specialization tracks to align with your specific career interests within nursing practice:
Primary Care Focus
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – holistic care for patients of all ages
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) – adults & elderly
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP) – infants, children, teenagers
Specialty Focus
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) – acute/critical care
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) – mental health conditions
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) – reproductive care
When weighing NP specialization options, reflect deeply on which patient populations and health situations inspire your nursing passions to provide the best care. Primary care programs also prepare graduates for a wider scope of practice.
Academics Plus Clinical Hours
NP curriculums blend advanced classroom learning with hundreds of supervised clinical practicum hours across Vermont for invaluable real-world experience:
- Challenging advanced practitioner coursework
- 500-1,000 hours working directly with patients
- Rotations across care settings like hospitals, clinics, private practices
- Opportunities serving Vermont’s rural and underserved communities
- Clinical preceptor mentorship from seasoned NPs
This rigorous combination bricks critical thinking, diagnostic, and management competencies to prepare confident, skilled nursing leaders.
Program Formats
Vermont gives nurse practitioner candidates flexible schooling options to balance life responsibilities:
Full-Time
- Accelerated pace for dedicated students
- Full course loads and immersed clinicals
- Graduation in 5-7 consecutive semesters
Part-Time
- Reduced semester credit model
- Allows working while enrolled
- Graduation in 6-8 semesters
- Freedom to finish the program at a later time
Post-Master’s Certificates
- For nurses holding a Master’s in Nursing
- Accelerated specialty certificates
- Roughly 3-5 semesters duration
Compare on-campus versus online course delivery models – many offer hybrid programs. Determine the optimal study-life integration that removes barriers to accomplish your goals.
Typical Duration
Most nurse practitioner students graduate in 2-3 years:
- 5-7 semesters for full-time enrollment
- 6-8 semesters part-time
Factor in summer/winter intersessions to accelerate completion. Also, consider fast-track admission options for nurses holding previous degrees.
National Certification Exams
To acquire an NP license and credentials to practice in Vermont, graduates must pass national certification examinations through credentialing bodies:
- Family, adult-gerontology, etc. specialization exams
- Test advanced clinical knowledge for specialized patient populations
- Also confirm readiness for safe, ethical advanced practice
- Maintain certification through ongoing education
Attending an accredited nurse practitioner program ensures eligibility for vital certifications to launch your career.
Best Nurse Practitioner Schools in Vermont
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Expand your nursing expertise and job opportunities through a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN degree) with specializations for advanced careers.
MSN Specializations
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Work closely with patients as an expert primary and specialty care provider with prescriptive authority. Choose focuses like family, pediatric, psychiatric mental health, etc.
- Nurse Educator – Teach future generations of exceptional nurses. Blend caring nature with passion for sharing knowledge.
- Nursing and Health Care Leadership – Take initiative guiding policies, nursing units, institutions, and emerging trends from an evidence-based lens.
- Nursing Informatics – Lead the optimization of technology in patient care records, medical devices, analytics to enhance outcomes.
Program Delivery Formats
Vermont offers in-person or online MSN programs allowing employed nurses to complete coursework conveniently part or full-time. Programs range from 40 to 45 credit hours with roughly 500 clinical practice hours.
Stand Out as an MSN Applicant
High undergraduate nursing GPA and competitive GRE test scores make prospective students more attractive candidates for selective graduate programs. Obtaining medical or specialty nursing certifications or building RN experience through clinical jobs or internships will also strengthen your candidacy resume.
Required Undergraduate Statistics Coursework
MSN prerequisites oblige applicants to complete prior stats coursework critical for nursing research. Students lacking this prerequisite may need to enroll in additional math classes.
Timing of Licensing Exam Eligibility
Nurse practitioner MSN graduates qualify to sit for national certification as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) by specialty area near MSN program completion. This allows you to start practicing under your elevated license privileges.
DNP (DNP) Programs
Difference Between DNP and PhD Pathways
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares elite clinician-scholars as healthcare system change agents through rigorous immersion into evidence-based practice. The end goal is to utilize an analytical approach towards enhancing patient outcomes among a specific demographic.
Alternatively, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing pathway focuses foremost on academic research scholarship with less clinical hours. Those with a passion for theory testing, statistical analysis, publication aim for a PhD if seeking professor roles.
DNP Capstone Project vs. PhD Dissertation Requirements
DNP students demonstrate innovative practice improvements for a patient population through intensive capstone projects while PhD culminating projects involve primary research and defensible dissertations advancing nursing science and theory.
PhD Nursing Programs and Research Focus
A PhD in Nursing activities concentrates fully on nursing research methodology, statistical analysis, pathophysiology across the lifespan, ethical issues, grant writing, and immersive independent research towards publication.
Gaining entrance into these competitive Vermont doctoral programs requires very high GPAs, test scores, && solid nursing backgrounds. Applicants generally must hold BSN and Master’s degrees.
Residency and Practical Experience Opportunities
Doctorally prepared nurses obtain specialized tracks providing direct patient care hours through affiliations at premiere metro hospitals and health networks necessary before the highest level of APRN recognition.
Faculty Research Interests and Specialties
Vermont offers diverse faculty experts in niche realms of study like rural health, veteran care, chronic disease, substance abuse, global partnerships so graduates eagerly contribute through their capstone work.
Funding and Scholarships for PhD Programs
Investigate institutional funding opportunities through graduate research and teaching assistantships. Submit prolific grant applications and explore generous private scholarships and traineeship stipends via major nursing organizations to finance full or partial tuition.
Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in Vermont
High In-state RN Demand and Job Outlook
Amidst growing elderly populations and doctor shortages, become part of the solution through a meaningful nursing career improving community wellness. Nurses constitute Vermont’s largest healthcare profession with the Department of Labor projecting a 12.2% explosion in Registered Nursing jobs through 2026 – over 3 times the average for all occupations.
Competitive Nursing Salaries
Vermont features exceptional RN compensation rates surpassing national medians by roughly $10,000 per year. Expect entry-level nursing incomes averaging $63,000 and potential to earn over $100k as a seasoned nurse practitioner or leader.
Abundant Variety of Work Environments
Care for fellow residents across clinics, surgery centers, schools, home health agencies, mental health facilities and picturesque community hospitals nestled in the countryside or job-rich metropolitan medical institutions.
How to Earn you Vermont Nursing License?
With numerous competitive nursing programs in Vermont, focus your attention on institutions meeting your situation best academically and financially. Enrolling in a great nursing school is the first step towards earning your nursing license in Vermont.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Program
- Accreditation status
- Cost of attendance
- Program format/flexibility fitting your schedule
- Availability of financial assistance
- Faculty credentials and staff support resources
- Clinical rotation partners
- Student services
- Graduate outcomes like certification exam pass rates
- Potential for in-state employment pipeline
Finding the Right Nursing School in Vermont
With numerous competitive nursing programs in Vermont, focus attention on institutions meeting your situation best academically and financially.
When researching schools, begin by confirming proper accreditations demonstrating program quality and eligibility for federal financial aid for students. Then compare measures of admissions selectivity, cost factors, ranking metrics and special features.
Importance of Nursing Program Accreditation
Ensure any nursing schools under consideration hold approval by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) who thoroughly vett standards.
ACEN currently accredits Vermont Technical College’s ADN program while Castleton University, Norwich University, and the University of Vermont hold CCNE endorsements.
Checking Pass Rates When Selecting a Program
Compare cohorts’ passing percentages on the registered nurse (RN) licensure exam. The NCLEX-RN pass rate for Vermont Technical College students typically exceeds 95%,higher than both state & national averages.
Castleton University sees 85-90% of BSN graduates pass the NCLEX test on first attempts. UVM posts consistent 90-96% NCLEX rates.
Average Cost of Tuition
In-state costs of attendance for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing ranges roughly $35,000-$55,000 total. Graduate tuition for MSN or DNP programs generally ranges from $40,000-60,000 total.
Accelerated BSN and Master’s Entry Nursing options for non-nurses able to dedicate over 35 hours a week for around 12-18 months average from $60,000-$80,000 total to complete.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Compile FAFSA paperwork for federal loan access. Submit grant/scholarship applications through Vermont nursing organizations and explore hospital employee discounted tuition programs in exchange for future service commitments post-graduation.
Clinical Rotation Opportunities
All accredited BSN and MSN curricula require hundreds of hours of invaluable supervised clinical practicums through diverse urban and rural affiliate Vermont hospitals, community health centers, private practices and telehealth services exposing students to varied demographics and technologies.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio and Support Services
Stellar nursing schools limit class sizes for sufficient individualized concentration and nurturing. They provide academic advisors, mentors, tutors, career placement coordinators, counseling, foreign language services catering to minorities.
Find Nursing Schools
Join a Top-Ranked Nursing School for a Life-Changing Career!
Preparing for a Career as an RN in Vermont
Upon completing Vermont Board of Nursing-approved LPN or RN nursing programs, follow licensure and certification steps to begin professional nursing practice.
Vermont Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure Requirements
- Submit RN license application form with fee
- Complete criminal background check
- Send official final transcripts
- Pass NCLEX-RN exam
- Renew Vermont RN license requirements every 2 years
In-Demand Nursing Specializations
Independent, proactive nurses gain expertise through cardiology, emergency, pediatric trauma, or mental health certifications then provide exceptional community well-being education and interventions.
Nursing Job Growth and Salary Outlook in Vermont
Top-paying Registered Nursing roles like Nurse Practitioners should expect approximately 31% local job growth in Vermont through 2026. Average total NP compensation including bonuses exceeds $111,000 statewide. Clinical Nurse Specialists and Nurse Midwives also anticipate around 25% Vermont career growth with competitive $100,000+ salaries.
FAQ for Best Nursing Schools in Vermont
Q: How long does it take to get a BSN degree in Vermont?
A: Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs take 4 years. Accelerated BSN options for those having a prior bachelor’s degree take around 12-18 months total. Part-time RN to BSN bridge programs average 1-2 years.
Q: What is the total cost of MSN nursing tuition in Vermont?
A: Tuition and additional expenses for a Master of Science in Nursing degree in Vermont ranges roughly from $40,000-$65,000 total on average. Programs take around 2 academic years to complete full-time.
Q: Which Vermont nursing school offers an online nursing program?
A: Norwich University, Castleton University, and Northern Vermont University’s Lyndon and Johnson branches provide accredited online RN to BSN completion programs ideal for working nurses. Certain out-of-state universities also enroll Vermont online nursing students.
Q: Where do nursing clinicals take place in Vermont?
A: Nursing students obtain clinical experience across the state through rotations at UVM Medical Center and UVM Health Network affiliates, Rutland Regional Medical Center, Central Vermont Medical Center, Northwestern Medical Center, Grace Cottage Hospital, Brattleboro Memorial and others. Home care services also partner some schools.
Q: What is the average registered nursing salary for Vermont?
A: The mean annual wage for RNs in Vermont is $68,130 according to May 2021 statistics, over $9,000 more than the national average RN salary. Nurse practitioners earn around $111,680 on average in the state.
More of the Best Vermont Nursing Schools
|
Grade
|
University
|
Vermont Rank
|
Degree
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 78.65 | Castleton University | 2 | BSN |
Ranking Methodology and Data Sources
- Ranking Methodology
- University Webpages
- Vermont Board of Nursing
- Department of Education’s College Scorecard
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
- Department of Labor Projected Employment
- Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data
