RN Programs in Vermont 2026
Vermont has three Board-approved pre-licensure BSN programs and one ADN program, all operated through the University of Vermont, Vermont State University, or Norwich University. Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN and apply to the Vermont Board of Nursing for licensure. Vermont is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so your license is valid across all compact states.
Sponsored School(s)
Vermont’s prelicensure nursing landscape is compact by design. Three universities offer Board-approved programs, and each one feeds directly into Vermont’s healthcare workforce, shaped by rural community health, long-term care, and regional hospital networks. Whether you choose an ADN or BSN program, the end goal is the same: to qualify for the NCLEX-RN and earn your Vermont RN license.
Use the links below to jump to program types, approved schools, accreditation standards, licensure steps, and salary data for Vermont RNs.
- ADN vs. BSN: Choosing your degree level
- Board-approved RN programs in Vermont
- Accreditation and program quality
- Clinical hours and simulation
- From graduation to RN licensure
- RN salaries and job outlook in Vermont
- Financing your nursing education
ADN vs. BSN: Choosing Your Degree Level
Both the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) qualify graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN at the same level. The exam doesn’t distinguish between the two. Vermont’s Board licenses both ADN and BSN graduates as RNs, and your initial scope of practice is identical regardless of which path you took.
The differences emerge after licensure. BSN-prepared nurses tend to have more access to specialty unit positions, leadership roles, and graduate education. Some hospital systems, particularly larger academic medical centers, prefer or require BSN credentials for certain roles. If you plan to pursue a master’s program or nurse practitioner certification later, a BSN gives you a cleaner path forward.
ADN programs take roughly two years and cost less than a four-year BSN. They’re a practical choice if you want to enter the workforce sooner or if upfront cost is a primary factor. Vermont State University structures its programs as a career ladder, which means you can complete the LPN certificate and ADN in sequence before continuing to the BSN, giving you the option to work as a nurse earlier while still progressing toward a higher credential. If you’re already an RN with an ADN and want to complete a BSN later, see our overview of RN-to-BSN programs.
| Program | Typical Length | Exam | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) | 2 years | NCLEX-RN | Faster entry to practice. VTSU offers ADN as part of a laddered pathway |
| BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) | 4 years | NCLEX-RN | Broader career options. Required for most graduate programs |
| Direct-Entry MSN | 3 years (approx.) | NCLEX-RN (after prelicensure coursework) | For applicants who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree |
Board-Approved RN Programs in Vermont
The Vermont Board of Nursing maintains a list of approved nursing programs in the state. As of the Board’s most recent update (revised July 2024, reviewed March 2025), three institutions offer approved prelicensure RN education in Vermont.
University of Vermont (Burlington): UVM’s Department of Nursing offers a pre-licensure BSN accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The program includes 594 hours of direct faculty-supervised clinical instruction and admits students into a four-year degree plan. UVM also offers master’s-level and doctoral programs in nursing for those pursuing advanced practice or academic roles.
Vermont State University (Randolph Center): VTSU’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers the broadest range of prelicensure options in the state. The university operates a practical nursing certificate program, an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), and a BSN, structured as a career ladder so students can move from LPN to ADN to BSN in sequence. VTSU also offers an RN-to-BSN completion program for working RNs, as well as a master’s program for those pursuing nurse educator and clinical nurse leader roles.
Norwich University (Northfield): Norwich College of Graduate and Continuing Studies offers a BSN program and a master’s-level nursing program. Norwich is a private institution and the nation’s oldest private military college, though its nursing programs are open to all students.
Accreditation and Program Quality
National accreditation is separate from state Board approval. Board approval means the program meets Vermont’s requirements for graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. National accreditation, whether through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), signals that the program meets broader academic quality standards recognized across the country.
National accreditation matters most if you plan to pursue graduate education. Most MSN and DNP programs require applicants to hold a degree from a nationally accredited nursing program. If you’re considering an ADN as your entry point with plans to complete an RN-to-BSN later, verify that both the ADN program and your intended BSN completion program carry national accreditation.
NCLEX-RN pass rates are published by the Vermont Board of Nursing and offer one visible indicator of program performance. Keep in mind that pass rates also reflect a program’s admissions standards and academic support. A program with selective admission may show higher pass rates not only because of instruction quality but also because of who they admit.
Clinical Hours and Simulation
The Vermont Board of Nursing sets minimum clinical hour requirements for all approved programs. All Vermont programs include supervised clinical rotations covering adult health, maternal-newborn, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing. Clinical placements are arranged through partnerships with hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centers, and rural clinics, settings that reflect the range of healthcare environments Vermont nurses actually work in.
A portion of clinical hours may take place in simulation labs using high-fidelity manikins and standardized patient scenarios. Simulation allows programs to give students consistent exposure to clinical situations that are difficult to guarantee in a live clinical setting. If hands-on, in-person clinical experience is a priority for you, ask each program directly what percentage of clinical hours are simulation-based versus in actual patient care settings.
Students completing programs from out-of-state institutions who plan to apply for Vermont licensure by examination should confirm their program meets the Board’s clinical requirements before enrolling. The Vermont Board of Nursing is the authoritative source for those standards.
From Graduation to RN Licensure
Completing an approved program is the first step. After graduation, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), and submit a licensure application to the Vermont Board of Nursing.
To register for the NCLEX-RN, you’ll create an account with Pearson VUE, which administers the exam on behalf of the NCSBN. Your program will submit confirmation of your graduation to the Board, and once the Board determines you’re eligible to test, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT). You schedule your exam through Pearson VUE after receiving the ATT.
The NCLEX-RN uses computerized adaptive testing, meaning the exam adjusts the difficulty of questions in real time based on your responses. The number of questions you receive can range from 70 to a maximum of 145. Once you pass, you submit your licensure application to the Vermont Board of Nursing along with the required fee and any documentation the Board requests.
Vermont joined the Nurse Licensure Compact in February 2022. If you establish Vermont as your primary state of residence, your RN license functions as a multistate license, valid in all compact states without additional applications or fees. Vermont RN licenses renew on a two-year cycle. To renew, you must meet a continuing competency standard, which can be satisfied through 20 hours of continuing education completed within the renewal period, among other qualifying options outlined by the Board.
RN Salaries and Job Outlook in Vermont
BLS data shows Vermont registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $97,460 as of May 2025. The mean annual wage was $96,650, with approximately 7,410 RNs employed across the state. At $97,460, Vermont’s RN median wage falls just below the national median of $97,550 and is in close alignment with national figures, a notable result for a small, rural state.
| Metric | Vermont RNs |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Wage | $97,460 |
| Mean Annual Wage | $96,650 |
| 75th Percentile Wage | $105,210 |
| 90th Percentile Wage | $126,100 |
| Total Employment | 7,410 |
Projections Central estimates 8.8% employment growth for registered nurses in Vermont between 2022 and 2032, an increase of approximately 620 positions, with an average of 460 job openings per year. Vermont’s rural population and aging demographics drive consistent healthcare demand, particularly in primary care, home health, and long-term care settings. For a broader look at practice settings and specialty options, see our guide to RN career paths in Vermont.
Financing Your Nursing Education
Vermont nursing students can apply for need-based state aid through the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). VSAC administers the Vermont Incentive Grant and several other state financial aid programs, and its website is the best starting point for understanding state-specific aid eligibility and deadlines.
Nursing programs at UVM, VTSU, and Norwich each maintain their own scholarship funds, many of them endowed by alumni families. These awards vary by criteria, including academic performance, financial need, or demonstrated service, and are administered separately from state or federal aid. Contact the financial aid office at your target program for a current list of nursing-specific scholarships.
Some hospital systems and long-term care employers in Vermont offer tuition assistance programs for students who commit to working at the facility after graduation. If you already work in a clinical setting, ask your employer’s HR department whether a nursing education benefit is available.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Board-approved RN programs are there in Vermont?
As of the Board’s July 2024 update, three institutions offer approved prelicensure RN programs in Vermont: the University of Vermont, Vermont State University, and Norwich University. VTSU operates both an ADN and a BSN program, while UVM and Norwich offer BSN programs.
Does Vermont accept RN programs from other states?
Yes. Vermont allows graduates of programs approved by another state’s nursing board to apply for Vermont licensure by examination, provided the program meets Vermont Board standards. If you completed a program outside Vermont, contact the Vermont Board of Nursing to confirm your program’s eligibility before applying.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate requirement?
There is no single minimum pass rate set by Vermont for individual programs, but the Board monitors program outcomes and publishes pass rate data. The NCLEX-RN itself requires candidates to meet a passing standard set by the NCSBN. Individual programs set their own benchmarks internally, and pass rates are a useful but imperfect proxy for program quality.
Can I work as an RN in other states with a Vermont license?
If Vermont is your primary state of residence, your RN license functions as a multistate compact license, valid in all Nurse Licensure Compact states without a separate endorsement application. Vermont joined the compact in February 2022. If you move to another compact state, you’d apply for a new license in that state to maintain multistate privileges.
What is the RN license renewal requirement in Vermont?
Vermont RN licenses renew on a two-year cycle. The Board requires meeting a continuing competency standard, which nurses can satisfy through 20 hours of continuing education within the renewal period, active practice hours, or other qualifying options. Expiration dates are printed on your license. Contact the Vermont Board of Nursing for current requirements, fees, and acceptable CE providers.
Key Takeaways
- Three approved prelicensure programs — The University of Vermont, Vermont State University, and Norwich University are the only Board-approved prelicensure RN programs in Vermont as of July 2024.
- ADN and BSN both qualify for NCLEX-RN — Both degree levels lead to the same licensing exam and initial RN scope of practice. The degree choice affects advancement options more than entry-level eligibility.
- VTSU offers a laddered pathway — Vermont State University’s career ladder lets students move from LPN certificate to ADN to BSN in sequence, allowing earlier entry into nursing practice.
- Compact license applies at Vermont residency — Vermont joined the Nurse Licensure Compact in February 2022. Vermont residents who pass the NCLEX-RN receive a multistate license valid in all compact states.
- Vermont RN median wage: $97,460 — BLS May 2025 data places Vermont RN earnings just below the national median of $97,550, with Projections Central estimating 8.8% job growth in the state through 2032.
Use the tool below to browse nursing programs with Vermont campuses, compare program types, and find application information for Board-approved schools.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.