Online Nursing Degrees in VT: Top Schools, Tuition, and FAQs

Inside Different Types of Online Nursing Programs in Vermont

Online nursing programs in Vermont can take many different forms. Some programs, especially RN to BSN programs, are offered fully online. Another option is hybrid programs, which allow students to complete some coursework online and in person or complete all coursework online with in-person clinical hours.

Online degree programs can be the perfect compromise to meeting your career goals while fitting your studies into your busy life. However, even nursing programs that market themselves as 100% online often require some in-person requirements. Clinical hours are completed near campus or in your hometown, so choosing a program based in Vermont is desirable. A few exceptions exist, including RN to BSN bridge programs and some MSN programs.

Not all nursing schools in Vermont are equal, but there’s likely a program that meets your needs and preferences. Check out our list of Vermont’s different nursing programs and schools to gain insight into your options and carve a path forward.

Online Undergraduate Degree Programs

For high school or GED graduates, undergraduate programs are a great place to start. You have choices between becoming a nursing assistant in a matter of weeks and earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) over a few years. Each path carries different outcomes; read on to learn more.

Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs

Once you have earned a BSN, you may want to increase your expertise and qualify for top nursing careers. Enter an advanced degree in nursing: you can complete coursework online while working towards a specialty area of your choice, such as becoming a family nurse practitioner and preparing to provide primary care for communities in need.

Bridge Degree Programs

Those who have earned an LPN or become an RN may want to add a BSN or MSN degree to their resume. Bridge programs build on what you’ve already studied, learned, and mastered through earlier study by applying it to a higher degree or certification. They are a great way to work as a nurse at your current job while you complete more courses to further your education.

RN Licensing & Requirements 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 essential, but the steps to becoming licensed can be confusing. They are broken down below to help prepare you to become licensed upon graduation.

1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree

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). Institutions should proudly display their accreditation with organizations like the ACEN or CCNE.

2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

After you earn your degree, it’s time to register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE. The exam is offered through Pearson, a national organization, and they send your results to Vermont’s licensing board. The state requires no other exams. Take advantage of your program’s exam preparation resources; they want you to pass on your first attempt! Banding together with your classmates to study is excellent practice for working together on the floors.

3 – Apply for State Licensure

All nursing students and current nurses moving to Vermont from another state must submit an online application with a nonrefundable fee. There are two applications, one for nursing students and another for nurses moving from other states. However, as a first-time applicant, you will apply after you pass the NCLEX. Vermont has directions for nursing applications and renewals, and it’s always a good idea to check license requirements by the state as you set off on the process.

After completing the NCLEX, you must sign a release form so the state can conduct a criminal background check. 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.

4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure

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 and 20 hours of continuing education in the last two years. Continuing education is essential – it will help keep your skills sharp and allow you to explore new areas, like AI in nursing.

5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)

You might wonder what’s next, especially once you’ve earned a BSN. A specialty certification, often part of earning an MSN, allows you to focus on one aspect of nursing more closely, gaining valuable expertise and indispensable skills for that population. Think critical care, labor and delivery, pediatrics, and more. Not sure what you might like to do? Take our quiz or check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Vermont to see areas of highest demand!

Earnings and Careers: Nurses in Vermont

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.

Best Online Nursing Programs in Vermont