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Navigating the Nursing Profession in Vermont

Updated: Aug 21, 2022



Let us help you land on your dream job here in Vermont! Read on this article to know more about the licensing process in Vermont, and more!

 

Through this article, you will be able to know the following:

  • Fees for the licensing

  • Licensing renewal process (step-by-step)

  • Requirements for Continuing Education in Nursing

  • Licensing and certification

  • Job and Salary Expectations of Nurses in Vermont

  • Popular hospitals in Vermont

  • Nursing associations in Vermont

  • Contact details


 

Fees for the Licensing

The table below shows the required payments for the licensing, whether you are a first-time nurse, applying by endorsement, or renewing your license. For more details, visit the Vermont licensing page.


As of February 1, 2022, Vermont is now a nursing compact state. Nurses can now apply for multi-state licenses. You can refer to the NCSBN site for updates and details.


*Fees may change without any notice.



 

Licensing Renewal Process

  1. Check when your license expires by visiting the Vermont Board of Nursing website. Vermont has a Verification page for you to verify your license.

  2. Before your license expires, make sure that you have completed the requirements for continuing education.

  3. Apply for your renewal process by going to the Vermont Board of Nursing. You may check on the Renewal Information page for more specific information.



 

Requirements for Continuing Education in Nursing

The following are the Continuing Education Requirements for nurses in Vermont.

  • For RN/LPN, your license expires every 2 years. You are required to to complete one of the following before the expiration:

    • 50 days or 400 hours every 2 years; or

    • 120 days or 960 hours within 5 years of the end of the current licensing period

  • For APRN, your renewal period is biennially. you are required to do the following:

    • Hold a current national certification by a national APRN specialty certifying organization ; and

    • 50 days or 400 hours every 2 years; or

    • 120 days or 960 hours within 5 years of the end of the current licensing period

The Vermont Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.

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Licensing and Certification


Step 1: Education

To earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you must attend an accredited institution that offers ADN for 18-24 months. You can also take a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree in an accredited institution. Roughly you will spend 4-5 years to earn this degree. For those who already have ADN, there are certain programs that lead you to BSN and it will only take you 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN program that will take one year for you to earn the degree. The said programs will let you save a bunch of money and time and you can easily take chances to be on your dream job.


Step 2: Licensing

Six weeks before your graduation, you can start the process of your application for the NCLEX-RN exam. This exam is composed of 75-265 items and you will be given a limit of 5 hours to finish all of it. Failing the exam does not necessarily mean that you do not have the chance anymore. After your first try, you just have to wait for 45 days and you can apply again.

The scope of NCLEX includes questions about: (1) health promotion and maintenance; (2) safe and effective care environment; (3) physiology and integrity; and (4) psychology and integrity.


Step 3: Experience

This time, you must learn how to take the opportunities in gaining first-hand experiences in dealing with patients, with colleagues and superiors, and with the different situations that you might face. These invaluable experiences will make you more attractive to bigger employers in the future.

Step 4: Certification

Your last step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. There are different requirements for earning a certification, depending on your preferences so it is important to check with the governing provider for information. You can attend several training sessions, seminars, or workshops held in a number of different institutes.

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Job and Salary Expectations of Nurses in Vermont

Shortage of healthcare professionals, specifically nurses, has been a perennial issue in the country. This makes nurses highly in demand during this period of time. This profession will increase by about 9% from 2020 to 2030. Currently, the average annual salary is $75,160.




 

Popular Hospitals in Vermont

Still not decided on whether to work as a nurse in Vermont or not? This list of the best hospitals in the state will surely help you make that decision to go in the right direction. U.S. News and World Report made a list of the best and popular hospitals in Vermont. Here are some of them:

  • University of Vermont Medical Center – (Burlington, VT):

    • Regionally ranked #1 in Vermont

    • Rated high performing in 7 adult procedures and conditions

    • General medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital

    • Some specialties of the hospital include Colon cancer surgery, Heart attack, Heart failure, and Kidney failure

  • Copley Hospital – (Morrisville, VT):

    • Rated high performing in 1 adult procedure and condition

    • General medical and surgical facility

    • Some specialties of the hospital include Hip fracture, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Knee & hip replacement

  • Southwestern Vermont Medical Center – (Bennington, VT):

    • A member of the Magnet Recognition Program®

    • General medical and surgical facility

    • Some specialties include Heart failure, Colon cancer surgery, and Kidney failure.

  • Northeastern Vermont Medical Hospital – (Saint Johnsbury, VT):

    • Rated high performing in 1 adult procedure and condition

    • General medical and surgical facility

    • One of the specialties of the hospital include Hip fracture

  • Rutland Regional Medical Center – (Rutland, VT):

    • Rated high performing in 1 adult specialty and 3 procedures and conditions

    • General medical and surgical facility

    • Some specialties of the hospital include Hip and Knee Replacement, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

*The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) awards Magnet Status to Hospitals that apply and meet certain criteria. This award is also considered as the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care.


 

Nursing Associations in Vermont

Becoming a member of a nursing association opens a lot of opportunities to your career growth. It gives you the advantages of varied job offers and networking, and a bunch of information and experiences shared between you and your fellow nurses. Through these organizations, learning and professional growth never stop. Listed below are just a few of the nursing organizations that you can find and join once you are in Vermont.

Vermont American Nurses Association “ This association of professional nurses is committed to advancing the quality of healthcare and improving the health status of the citizens of Vermont.”

Vermont Emergency Nurses Association “This organization serves as the specialty nursing group for professional nurses dedicated to the improvement of emergency nursing.”

Vermont State School Nurses Association “The children of Vermont are the priority of this group. They do this by empowering the school nurses with resources, information and best practices so that they can deliver the highest standard service.”

For more information about the nursing associations, you may visit the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.



 

Contact Details

Vermont Board of Nursing

Phone: (802) 828-1505

Office of Professional Regulation

89 Main Street

3rd Floor

Montpelier, VT 05620-3402



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