2023 - Best Nursing Schools in Vermont

Overview of Nursing Schools in Vermont

About Nursing Schools in Vermont

It is predicted that the nursing industry in Vermont will grow rapidly between now and the year 2022. The state currently has nearly 7,000 registered nurses who make a mean annual wage of $63,260. In fact, 64% of the nurses in Vermont already hold a degree higher than an associate’s degree. Often times, nursing schools incorporate an online learning option to add a degree of flexibility.

Research key Vermont RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.

In the State of Vermont, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.

BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Nursing Programs Offered by Vermont Nursing Schools

• Registered Nursing: 5
• Family Nurse Practitioner: 2
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
• CNL: 1
• Nurse Educator: 1
• Nursing Leadership: 1

Vermont Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

• Norwich University: 4
• University of Vermont: 4
• Castleton University: 3
• Southern Vermont College: 1
• Vermont Technical College: 1

Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Vermont

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Vermont

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Vermont offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

Vermont  RN Licensing Requirements

RN Licensure by Exams

When candidates have completed an approved nursing program, they will be required to submit a verification of education. The candidate will also need to include a passport type photography with the application. There is an application fee of $90 that the candidate will be responsible for. There is an option of a temporary license if the candidate applies for the temporary permit within 30 days of graduation. Candidates working under a temporary permit are required to have an on-side registered nurse for supervision. When the requirements have been met, the candidate will be issued authorization to test and will be able to schedule the NCLEX exam. It costs $200 to register for this exam. Candidates who fail to pass the exam will submit a retake application and pay an additional $30 fee to the Vermont Board. If the candidate is unsuccessful in the second attempt, he/she will be required to take a NCLEX review course.

RN License by Endorsement

Nurses who have obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states and still have recent experience may obtain licensure by endorsement in the state of Vermont. There are strict regulations set by the state. The practice requirement is 50 days or 400 hours within the most recent two years and 120 days or 960 hours within the last five years. If these requirements cannot be met, the candidate will be required to complete a re-entry program. This program consists of 120 hours, at minimum, of nursing theory and clinical practice. The nurse must be supervised while working with patients. Candidates are required to submit verification of licensure from the most recent state and the state where the exam was first passed if the two are different. Walk-in applications are accepted during normal office hours.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

Nurses who obtained licensure in a country outside of the United States will be required to complete a separate application. Candidates will need a Vermont-specific credential report from an approved evaluation service such as CGGNS international. This applies to everyone who holds a VisaScreen. Nursing applicants who completed their education in a language other than English will be required to demonstrate English proficiency. Last, but not least, the candidate will need to obtain a social security number before submitting the application.

RN Salaries in Vermont

Less than half of the registered nurses in Vermont work in hospitals, and these numbers are continuing to decline. Other jobs that are not as common for registered nurses in Vermont include home services, nursing homes, and ambulatory care. All of these job options are available to nurses who have obtained a BSN degree. Now is a better time than ever to seek out higher education. There are more than 1,000 employees working in health care facilities across Vermont.

Vermont Registered Nursing Salaries

The Southern Vermont nonmetropolitan area has the highest number of registered nurses employed by a small margin. However, it is the Burlington metropolitan area that has the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage for registered nurses.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.