A Guide to Nursing in Vermont

If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!

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In this article, we will cover:

• Licensing information
• Steps for renewing a Vermont nursing license
• Continuing education requirements
• Job & salary outlook for nurses in Vermont
• Top hospitals in Vermont
• Nursing organizations & associations in Vermont
• Basic steps for licensing and certification
• Contact information

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Licensing information

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Vermont whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Vermont from another state. For more information visit the Vermont licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX exam: $200
• Application fee: $60
• Fingerpringt processing fee: $25

Licensing fee by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $150
• Fingerprint processing fee: $25

License renewal fee:

• Application fee: $95

Vermont will become a nursing compact state on February 1, 2022, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses. Check the NCSBN site to stay updated.

*Fees are subject to change.

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Steps for renewing a Vermont nursing license

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Continuing education requirements

RN/LPN: Renewal period is 2 years:

• 50 days (400 hours) every 2 years; or
• 120 days (960 hours) within 5 years of the end of the current licensing period

APRN: Renewal period is 2 years:

• Hold a current national certification by a national APRN specialty certifying organization ; and
• 50 days (400 hours) every 2 years; or
• 120 days (960 hours) within 5 years of the end of the current licensing period

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Vermont Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited. 

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Job and salary outlook for nurses in Vermont

Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by about 9% between 2020 and 2030. The annual average wage for RNs is $82,750.

We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if Vermont is the right state for you.

[ MORE: Average nurse salary in Vermont ]

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Top hospitals in Vermont

If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in Vermont will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:

• University of Vermont Medical Center – Burlington, VT: This hospital is rated high performing in 7 adult procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Colon cancer surgery
  • Heart attack
  • Heart failure
  • Kidney failure

• Copley Hospital – Morrisville, VT: This hospital is rated high performing in 1 adult procedure or condition. Some specialties include:
  • Hip fracture
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Knee & hip replacement

• Southwestern Vermont Medical Center – Bennington, VT: This hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program^®. Some specialties include:
  • Heart failure
  • Colon cancer surgery
  • Kidney failure

*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.

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Nursing organizations & associations in Vermont

Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in Vermont:

Vermont American Nurses Association – “ANA-VT is the professional association for nurses in Vermont and is dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare and nursing, to enhance the health of the people of Vermont and nurses, empowering nurses and advocating health and wellbeing.”

Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.

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Basic steps for licensing and certification

Step 1: Education

Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job. 

Step 2: Licensing

When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.

The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:

1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity

Step 3: Experience

This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.

Step 4: Certification

The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.

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Contact information

Vermont Board of Nursing
Phone: (802) 828-1505

Office of Professional Regulation
Contact Form: https://sos.vermont.gov/opr/about-opr/contact-us/
Website: https://sos.vermont.gov/nursing/

89 Main Street
3rd Floor
Montpelier, VT 05620-3402

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