Prospective nursing students who have never previously earned an accredited nursing degree must complete a state-approved RN Vermont program before being licensed to work as a Vermont Registered Nurse.
Every state currently approves and regulates its own in-state prelicensure registered nurse (RN) academic programs, which are typically associate or bachelor's degree programs. The Vermont State Board of Nursing is the official board responsible for granting approval to those VT RN schools found across the state.
This article shows where students can find state-approved Vermont RN programs, and also describes the license requirements that must be fulfilled.
RN Vermont License Guidelines
In order to work as a Vermont Registered Nurse, those who do not have a formal nursing background must complete the following requirements:
- Graduate from a state-approved VT RN program
- Pass the national licensing examination (NCLEX-RN)
- Submit to a criminal history check
Registered nurses who are licensed out-of-state, and who are looking to transfer that licensure to Vermont, can acquire a transfer application from the Board of Nursing. For information on how to do so, contact the board at 802-828-1505.
Vermont Registered Nurse School Curricula
Accredited institutions of higher learning that have nursing schools are able to mold their own nursing curricula, thus making every program slightly different. However, all state-approved RN Vermont schools must offer the following:
- Full-time learning for two academic years
- Classroom-based instruction
- Clinical training
In the academic, classroom portion of state nursing programs, students learn several essential areas, including:
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Pschology
- Mental health issues
- Medical ethics
- Medical business
- General nursing practice
- Medical and surgical nursing
In the clinical training portion of VT RN programs, students are supervised as they work with patients of all ages. This practice allows students to use those skills learned in the classroom in a live medical setting.
Finding VT RN Schools
The Board of Nursing approves several Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, as well as a few master's degree prelicensure programs.
For a list of those programs approved by the state, see the board's list of RN schools.
Benefits of RN Vermont Training
Individuals who graduate from an approved school and pass the NCLEX-RN exam are able to legally work as a Vermont Registered Nurse.
With the state's aging population, RN jobs are projected to remain in high demand for the next decade, making nursing training a wise professional investment.
For more nursing options in Vermont and beyond, see also:
The Best Nursing Programs Online
David Harris-Gershon - David Harris-Gershon – a blogger for Tikkun magazine and a freelance writer on Israel, the Middle East and America’s role in ...
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