How To Become a Nurse in Vermont 2025

Nurses play a fundamental role in American public health. Registered nurses (RNs) also make up the largest portion of its healthcare workforce. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), there are roughly 4.7 million RNs employed across the country.

This article discusses how to become a nurse and the necessary requirements in Vermont. We review the steps needed to earn your RN license, accredited nursing programs you can pursue, and nursing career outlooks. Read on to learn more about beginning your nursing education journey.

What Does an RN Do?

Certified registered nurses serve many duties in the healthcare industry. RNs work in hospitals, long-term facilities, rehabilitation centers, schools, and other clinical sites. Responsibilities of registered nurses include:

• assessing and recording patients' medical histories and symptoms
• delivering medicines and treatments
• arranging plans for patient care
• coordinating with doctors and other healthcare professionals
• performing diagnostic tests and operating medical equipment

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Vermont?

The exact timeline to become a nurse in Vermont depends on your chosen nursing program and whether you have any prior healthcare experience or higher education. An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program typically takes two years to complete. A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program takes four years to complete.

Accelerated nursing programs online are an option if you fulfill certain requirements. For example, if you are an active licensed practical nurse (LPN), you can enroll in an ADN advanced placement program and graduate in one year. If you already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can opt for an accelerated BSN program and finish within 12 to 16 months.

If you want to become a nurse practitioner, you will need to earn your doctorate or master's degree from an accredited nursing school. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) typically requires another two to three years of continuing education.

3 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Vermont

There are three general stages to become a registered nurse in Vermont. We outline the process below, from the educational requirements for nurses to applying for RN licensure through Vermont's Office of Professional Regulation (OPR).

Step 1: Enroll in a Nursing Program

Registered nurses must complete an accredited nursing degree program, like an ADN or BSN program. Both degree programs include nursing theory coursework, lab skills, and clinical experiences.

Programs must be approved by the state and an independent accrediting body. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) ensure nursing programs uphold quality curriculum standards.

Step 2: Pass the Nursing Exam

Once you graduate, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses, or NCLEX-RN. The NCLEX-RN exam assesses candidates' knowledge in areas such as care management, pharmacological therapies, psychosocial integrity, and safety and infection control.

The NCLEX-RN exam is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The Pearson VUE company administers the exam at test sites in Vermont.

Step 3: Apply for Licensure

You must apply for your nursing license through Vermont's Office of Professional Regulation. This process begins by creating an account through the OPR website, as all applications are managed online. Necessary items include your official school transcripts, passing NCLEX-RN results, and an application fee. You will also need to undergo a criminal background check.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Vermont

This list highlights the top degree programs at Vermont nursing schools. While all accredited degree programs must include in-person learning components, there are online nursing programs offering remote coursework.

1. Vermont State University

With its main campus in Randolph, VT, Vermont State University (VTSU) encompasses a network of schools across the state. VTSU offers a range of nursing degree options, including a traditional BSN, an MSN, and an RN-to-BSN online program.

VTSU's traditional BSN program is a four-year track taught at its Castleton campus. The curriculum consists of theory coursework and skills practice at its nursing simulation center. Clinical experiences take place in healthcare settings in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,704 per year (in-state); $21,408 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

2. University of Vermont

The University of Vermont is a mid-sized public school in Burlington, VT, offering a traditional BSN program. The 123-credit program is designed to be completed in four years; coursework is conducted on campus on a full-time basis.

Clinical experiences take place at local healthcare organizations and community agencies. Nursing students begin clinical rotations in the second semester of their sophomore year and continue until graduation. Seniors select a 126-hour clinical practicum in their spring semester and have the opportunity to serve domestically or on a faculty-led foreign travel experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,606 per year (in-state); $44,646 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. Norwich University

Norwich University in Northfield, VT, offers a traditional, four-year BSN program. Students begin nursing theory coursework in their first year and start clinical rotations in their second year. Norwich University features labs with state-of-the-art technology, including its Virtual Reality simulation tools, to hone nursing students' skills in increasingly technological work environments.

Norwich University encourages its students to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal and state financial aid is available via grants, scholarships, and loans. The university also offers a variety of institutional scholarships, like its Dean's Award, which provides up to $25,000 per year for four years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $48,730 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

Other Nursing Degree Programs

Neighboring states also offer accredited nursing degree programs. Here, we feature two Maine nursing programs: an ADN and a BSN option.

Southern Maine Community College

Located in South Portland, ME, Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) has an ADN program that can be completed in two years. The 69-credit curriculum is delivered over five semesters and is designed to be taken full-time. SMCC offers the program on its South Portland and Brunswick campuses; some coursework may be taken online.

Recent graduates of SMCC's ADN program achieved a 98% first-time pass rate for the NCLEX-RN exam. Eighty-seven percent of graduates were employed within six months after completing the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,880 per year (in-state); $5,760 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

The University of Maine

The University of Maine (UMaine) is a public school with its main campus nestled in Orono, ME. UMaine offers a traditional four-year BSN degree pathway. The program curriculum spans eight semesters. Courses cover a broad spectrum of nursing theory, including pharmacology, psychiatric mental health nursing, and socio-cultural issues in health.

UMaine offers financial aid through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. New England residents are eligible for a reduced tuition rate of $22,260 per year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,720 per year (in-state); $36,870 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Vermont

The national healthcare system has a growing need for registered nurses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that there will be an average of 194,500 new nursing jobs added to the economy each year through 2033.

The average median salary for registered nurses is $94,000. However, nursing salaries vary according to degree level, specialization, and experience. An entry-level nurse with an ADN, for example, will earn less than a nurse practitioner with an MSN.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Vermont

The following section answers commonly asked questions about becoming a nurse in Vermont. We address FAQs concerning nursing degree costs, education prerequisites, and more.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Vermont?

Nursing degree costs vary significantly, as your total education costs depend on your chosen school, degree program, transfer credits, and financial aid. ADNs tend to be the least expensive nursing degrees you can earn, averaging between $6,000 and $34,000 in tuition. BSNs can cost between $44,000 and upwards of $210,000 or more.

You can keep your education costs low by applying to online colleges that accept FAFSA. FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal and state aid, and online classes often cost less than in-person classes.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Certain education courses are required before you can begin your nursing degree program. These can include biology, chemistry, nutrition, and English composition. Prerequisites vary from school to school, so it's best to check with your particular program as to which classes you might need.

You can take many of these self-paced nursing prerequisites online. Ensure your distance learning process goes seamlessly by investing in one of the best laptops for nursing students.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse depends on career goals and any prior education or experience. For example, if you are an LPN or paramedic, you can enroll in an ADN bridge program and graduate in one year. If you are just beginning your education, a traditional two-year ADN program is the fastest pathway to becoming a registered nurse.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

Nursing is a challenging profession; as such, its degree pathways are relatively intensive. Coursework covers advanced chemistry and science classes and hands-on clinical rotations.

However, some nursing programs are less challenging than others. An ADN program is less intensive than an accelerated BSN program. What makes a particular pathway the easiest nursing degree depends on your personal motivations, career goals, and time capacity.

Find a Nursing Degree

There are many nursing degree programs available � in-person, online, or hybrid. Reach out to our partner schools on Learn.org and discover which can best support your professional goals.