The Top Nursing Schools in Vermont
Nursing schools in Vermont exhibit above-average National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates, and the state mandates the public disclosure of nurse-staffing ratios. This comprehensive guide assists in the selection of the most suitable nursing school in Vermont aligned with your career aspirations. It elucidates the process of obtaining your nursing license and provides insights into salary expectations and job growth prospects. Read on to discover the optimal nursing program in Vermont tailored to your needs.
The Best Nursing Schools in Vermont
Being a smaller state, Vermont may not have an extensive array of nursing schools, but the selection process can still incorporate your preferences, background, and career goals. Associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs, with more lenient admission criteria, typically lead to graduation within two years. On the other hand, bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degrees, spanning four years, offer enhanced career opportunities, particularly for those considering further education.
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Our Methodology:
We employ a data-driven approach to rank the premier nursing schools in Vermont, facilitating the identification of programs that suit your needs. Our methodology relies on key metrics we consider most relevant to students, encompassing academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. We utilize publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) for the data presented here, and all information is current as of the publication date of this article. Please note that program-specific details may vary.
#1 University of Vermont
Burlington, VT
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Vermont, situated in Burlington, offers a 124-credit bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), ranking among the top accredited nursing programs in Vermont. The program places a significant emphasis on delivering nursing services to diverse populations and individuals with special needs.
Course completion mandates 594 hours of supervised clinical instruction, with clinical practicums commencing in the sophomore year and continuing throughout the program. Junior year involves clinical rotations in acute care settings, such as hospitals, while senior year allows students to choose a specialty for a 126-hour clinical practicum in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, or other fields of interest.
– Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
– Campus: Burlington, VT
– Type: Public
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $683 per credit hour for residents; $1,720 per credit for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: Official high school transcript (including one year of biology and chemistry and four years of math, such as trigonometry and pre-calculus), official ACT and SAT scores
– Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95% first-time pass rate
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,875 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $16,392
– Out-of-state: $41,280
– Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $12,294
– Out-of-state: $30,960
– Retention Rate: 87%
– Admission Rate: 67%
– Students Enrolled: 13,548
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 15%
– Accreditation: Yes, New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Castleton University
Castleton, VT
4 years
Campus
Castleton University, a public institution in Castleton, Vermont, provides a bachelor of science (BSN) in nursing program, structured either as a transition program or a four-year undergraduate program.
Admission is based on the satisfactory completion of prerequisites, with a minimum grade of “B-” required for transfer nursing courses. Students with over 30 transfer credits can complete the BSN track in three years. The pre-licensure track enables students to fulfill the requirements for RN licensure before completing BSN-level requirements.
– Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
– Campus: Castleton, VT
– Type: Public
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $493 per credit for residents; $1,200 per credit for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: High school transcript, a minimum 3.0 GPA and a “B-” or higher in science and math, SAT minimum score of 500, and 21 ACT minimum score
– Minimum Time Commitment: Four years (for students with less than 30 transfer credits)
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.3% first-time pass rate
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $63,855 for bachelor’s graduates, and $58,221 for associate degree graduates, according to College Scorecard
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $11,304
– Out-of-state: $27,984
– Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $11,574
– Out-of-state: $11,574
– Retention Rate: 66%
– Admission Rate: 84%
– Students Enrolled: 2,399
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 11%
– Accreditation: Yes, New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 Vermont Technical College
Location: Randolph, VT
Duration: 4 years
Offered Online and On Campus
Vermont Technical College, located in Randolph, provides a program where you can earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and become a registered nurse (RN). This school has one of the best nursing programs in Vermont, offering a way for students to progress step by step in their careers. The program follows a 1+1+2 format, allowing students to achieve three milestones: practical nursing, an associate degree in nursing leading to RN licensure, and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
Students can decide to complete their education at any of these points or continue to a higher degree. They can also re-enter the program at a later date.
– Program: Associate degree in nursing
– Campuses: Bennington, Brattleboro, Randolph Center, and Williston, VT
– Type: Public
– Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $596 per credit hour for residents; $1,139 per credit hour for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: Official transcripts of all college credits. Applicants with fewer than 18 college credits must submit a high school transcript with proof of algebra I, lab chemistry, and lab biology or college anatomy and physiology I.
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.7% first-time pass rate
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,544 for associate degree graduates, according to College Scorecard
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $14,040
– Out-of-state: $27,336
– Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $13,410
– Out-of-state: $25,650
– Retention Rate: 69%
– Admission Rate: 67%
– Students Enrolled: 1,704
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 21%
– Accreditation: Yes, New England Commission on Higher Education
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Vermont
When picking a nursing school in Vermont, look at the overall cost and financial aid, the NCLEX pass rate (showing how ready students are for nursing practice), and the program graduation rate. Also, consider admission requirements, program quality, reputation, and the practical aspects of attending.
If you’re planning to join an online nursing program in Vermont, check if you can secure local placement for clinical hours and what support the school provides for placement. Accreditation of nursing schools is crucial for quality and value, so this guide only includes accredited nursing programs in Vermont.
Why Become a Nurse in Vermont
Vermont stands out as one of the states requiring hospitals to disclose nurse-staffing ratios, aiding in choosing potential employers and helping the public make healthcare decisions. Moreover, Vermont is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing graduates from nursing schools in Vermont to apply for a multistate license. Unlike some states, Vermont doesn’t demand continuing education for nurses to renew their licenses, reducing paperwork.
Vermont offers a high quality of life, featuring beautiful scenery, year-round outdoor recreation, and famous products like Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and Cabot Creamery’s headquarters. Residents in Vermont are among the most satisfied with their safety and least likely to worry about violent crime in the country.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Vermont
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), argues that the average salary for registered nurses (RNs) in Vermont is $72,140, lower than the national average of $82,750. Nurse practitioners (NPs) in Vermont earn $108,280, also below the national average of $118,040. Vermont’s cost of living index is higher than the national index, standing at 117.
Job growth for nurses in Vermont is below national levels, with the RN job growth rate projected at 8% between 2018 and 2028, compared to 12.1% nationally. The NP job growth rate is 16.1%, higher than many jobs but lower than the national projected rate of 28.2%. However, a 2021 report predicts 2,610 new or replacement job openings for RNs and 115 NP jobs in Vermont by 2023, considering COVID-19 workforce departures.
Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Vermont
Burlington is Vermont’s primary metropolitan area, housing most of the state’s major employers. The median salary for RNs in Burlington is $72,360.
| Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | Median Salary for RNs |
|---|---|
| Burlington — South Burlington | $72,360 |
Source: BLS
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Vermont
To become an RN in Vermont, graduate from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and complete a criminal background check. If you didn’t attend nursing school in Vermont, have your school send your transcripts to the state board of nursing. The application fee is $60.
For an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license, earn a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice, pass the relevant board examination, and document a valid Vermont nursing license. You must send official transcripts and show completion of graduate coursework in advanced pathophysiology, advanced assessment, and pharmacotherapeutics. If you have less than 24 months and 2,400 hours of experience as an APRN, a collaborative provider agreement is required. Like RNs, active practice hours, not continuing education, are needed for renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Vermont
1. How much do nurses make in Vermont?
In Vermont, the average salary for RNs is $72,140, and NPs earn $108,280. RNs with over 10 years of experience average $146,680, while those with less than one year earn $112,230, according to Indeed.com as of April 2022.
2. Are nurses in demand in Vermont?
Yes, nurses are in demand in Vermont, with more than 2,600 new RNs and over 100 NPs anticipated to be needed from 2021-2023.
3. How long does it take to become an RN in Vermont?
It takes at least two years to earn an ADN degree and four years to earn a BSN. Once you graduate and apply for the NCLEX-RN, it takes about 3-5 business days to receive authorization and another 3-5 days to get the results after completing the exam.
4. How do I get a nursing license in Vermont?
You need an ADN or a BSN from an accredited nursing program in Vermont or another state. Pass the NCLEX-RN examination to get licensure and complete a criminal background check. If you have a multistate license, you can practice in Vermont, as it is an NLC state.
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