Best LPN Programs in Vermont 2026
Explore Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Vermont with details on schools, classes, tuition, and clinical training. Review state licensing requirements and the career outlook for practical nurses across Vermont.
2027 Best LPN Programs in Vermont
Vermont State University
Randolph, VT - Public 4-Year - vermontstate.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing (C.T.)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Vermont State University offers a Practical Nursing Certificate (C.T.) designed to equip students with the clinical and academic foundation necessary for LPN licensure. Core coursework spans human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and lifespan developmental psychology, grounding students in science-based nursing principles. Hands-on clinical training prepares graduates for practice across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. Applicants must complete prerequisite science courses with a minimum grade of C, demonstrate math and English proficiency via the Accuplacer, and submit to criminal background checks and drug screenings. Notably, prerequisites must have been completed within the past 10 years, with stricter grade minimums taking effect beginning Fall 2025.
- Entrance exam required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Background check and drug screening
- Minimum C grade in science prerequisites
- Accuplacer proficiency required
- Prerequisite courses within 10 years
- Higher grade minimum from Fall 2025
Vermont LPN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Prospective Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) students in Vermont must meet specific prerequisites prior to program admission. Applicants are typically required to possess a high school diploma or GED and must be 18 years of age or older. Many programs expect candidates to pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and submit official transcripts. Some schools also require a background check, immunization records, and CPR certification. Vermont nursing schools may conduct interviews or review prior healthcare experience as part of a holistic admissions process. English language proficiency and minimum GPA thresholds may also apply.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN programs in Vermont provide a structured curriculum combining classroom instruction with supervised clinical experience. Core subjects include human anatomy, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, and adult health. Clinical rotations take place in healthcare environments where students gain hands-on experience under licensed supervision.
Accreditation ensures the LPN program meets state and national educational standards. In Vermont, a program must be approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing to be considered valid for licensure. Accreditation is critical for eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam and for transferring credits to other institutions. It is also often a requirement for employment in reputable healthcare facilities.
LPN Schools and Classes
Vermont offers LPN programs through technical centers, community colleges, and healthcare education institutions. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills required for entry-level nursing roles. Typical courses include health assessment, foundations of nursing, nutrition, clinical pharmacology, and nursing care across the lifespan. Additional topics may include mental health nursing, ethics in nursing, and communication for healthcare professionals. Clinical training is a vital component, ensuring students develop practical skills in real-world healthcare settings.
Career Outlook
LPNs in Vermont can find employment in a wide range of settings, including long-term care facilities, community health centers, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and home healthcare services. Due to Vermont’s aging population, LPNs are in demand in elder care and rehabilitation settings. Licensed Practical Nurses in Vermont often experience a favorable work-life balance with opportunities for part-time and shift-based roles. The profession also serves as a pathway to advanced nursing roles, such as becoming a Registered Nurse through bridge programs.
LPN Program Length
Full-time LPN programs in Vermont can typically be completed in 11 to 15 months. Part-time programs may extend up to 18 months, designed for students balancing work or family commitments. Evening and weekend options are available at select institutions, offering flexible scheduling with a longer completion timeline. All program formats include both classroom instruction and clinical practice hours as mandated by the Vermont Board of Nursing.
2027 Shortest LPN Programs in Vermont
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont State University |
|
|
Tuition and Costs
The average tuition for LPN programs in Vermont ranges between $10,000 and $18,000 depending on the institution and program type. In addition to tuition, students should budget for textbooks, uniforms, lab fees, licensing exam fees, and clinical supplies. Student housing costs vary by region, with on-campus housing being limited and many students opting for off-campus rentals. Additional living expenses in Vermont, including transportation and meals, can add several thousand dollars to the total yearly cost of attendance.
2027 Low-Cost LPN Programs in Vermont
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont State University |
|
|
Can I Take LPN Classes Online?
In Vermont, LPN classes must be completed in person. While some theoretical coursework may utilize digital learning platforms, the nature of practical nursing education requires face-to-face clinical training and hands-on lab instruction. The Vermont Board of Nursing mandates that students demonstrate real-time clinical competencies to qualify for licensure. Online-only LPN programs do not meet state approval requirements and are not eligible for licensure in Vermont.
LPN Licensure Requirements in Vermont
NCLEX-PN Exam Information
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Vermont, graduates of state-approved practical nursing programs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The exam is administered through Pearson VUE and is used nationwide to determine entry-level nursing competence. Examination candidates must apply for licensure with the Vermont Board of Nursing and register with Pearson VUE. Once the Board grants Authorization to Test (ATT), candidates can schedule their NCLEX-PN exam.
LPN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Licensed Practical Nurses who are currently licensed in another U.S. state may apply for licensure in Vermont by endorsement. This process requires verification of the original license, proof of recent nursing practice or refresher coursework, a completed criminal background check, and submission of a Vermont application. Vermont does not have individual reciprocity agreements with specific states; instead, it operates through the national endorsement standards for nursing licensure.
In February 2022, Vermont became a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This legislation allows LPNs holding multistate licenses in other compact states to practice in Vermont without obtaining additional licensure. Likewise, Vermont LPNs with a compact license can practice in any other NLC member state.
Licensure Requirements
The Vermont Board of Nursing, under the Office of Professional Regulation, regulates LPN licensure statewide. Initial licensure requirements include:
- Graduation from a Vermont-approved practical nursing program or an equivalent out-of-state program
- Successful completion of the NCLEX-PN exam
- Submission of official transcripts
- Completed application for licensure with fees
- Criminal background check with fingerprinting
The Board may require applicants who have not practiced nursing recently to complete a Board-approved refresher course.
License Renewal
Vermont-issued LPN licenses must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires LPNs to meet one of the following continuing competency requirements:
● At least 400 hours of nursing practice within the previous two years
● Completion of 1600 hours of practice in the past five years, if not meeting the 400-hour requirement
● Completion of a Board-approved refresher course if practice requirements are not met
As of now, Vermont does not mandate continuing education hours for LPNs to renew their licenses, but maintaining current competency and ethics is expected. The renewal period typically begins about 6 weeks before the license expiration date, and LPNs must complete the online renewal process through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation system by the stated deadline.
Vermont LPN Salary Compared to National Average Salary For LPN/LVNs
The average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Vermont is $68,580, which is notably higher than the national average of $62,340. This wage difference is likely influenced by several key factors within the state. Vermont's higher cost of living generally requires more competitive compensation to attract and retain qualified healthcare professionals. Furthermore, the state's aging population drives a strong demand for LPNs in long-term care facilities, creating a more competitive labor market that pushes salaries above the national benchmark.
Average LPN National Salary
$62,340 per year
2024 Median Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Vermont LPN Certificate/Diploma vs. Associate Degree
LPN Diploma/Certificate
Program Length:
11 - 12 months.
Credential Awarded:
Certificate in Practical Nursing.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes. Successful completion makes graduates eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
Program Focus:
Concentrated training on core clinical skills, basic patient care, and foundational nursing knowledge for entry-level practice under supervision.
Average In-State Tuition in Vermont:
Approximately $22,000 - $27,000 for the entire program (tuition and fees).
Best For:
Individuals seeking the fastest and most direct route to enter the nursing workforce as a licensed practical nurse.
School Types:
Technical colleges and the technical division of state universities (e.g., Vermont State University).
LPN Associate Degree
Program Length:
Not currently offered. In Vermont, associate degree programs in nursing are for becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
Credential Awarded:
Not applicable. The credential awarded for an associate degree in nursing is an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which leads to RN licensure.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
No. These programs prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Program Focus:
Not applicable.
Average In-State Tuition in Vermont:
Not applicable.
Best For:
Not applicable in Vermont for the LPN role.
School Types:
Not applicable.
Choose Diploma/Certificate If:
- Faster Workforce Entry: It is the quickest path to becoming a licensed nurse in Vermont, typically taking only one year to complete.
- Lower Overall Cost: The total cost of a certificate program is significantly less than a two-year associate degree program.
- Focused Curriculum: The program is intensely focused on the essential, hands-on skills required for the LPN role, without the general education courses of a degree.
- Stepping Stone: It provides a solid foundation and valuable experience, serving as an excellent entry point before deciding to pursue an RN degree through an LPN-to-RN bridge program.
Choose Associate Degree If:
- *Note: As Vermont does not offer LPN Associate Degrees, these reasons compare the LPN Certificate to the state's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/ASN) for becoming an RN.*
- Higher Earning Potential & Career Options: As an RN, graduates have access to a wider range of job opportunities, greater responsibilities, and a higher salary ceiling.
- Broader Scope of Practice: The RN role allows for more autonomy, complex patient care, and leadership responsibilities compared to the LPN role.
- Seamless Path to a BSN: An associate degree provides a direct and efficient educational pathway to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which is increasingly preferred by employers.
- More Comprehensive Education: The two-year curriculum includes general education courses that enhance critical thinking, communication, and a deeper understanding of nursing theory.
📚 LPN vs Other Entry Level Healthcare Careers in Vermont
| Career | Salary | Program Length | Exam | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $59,700 - $73,350 | 11-12 months | NCLEX-PN | 500-600 hours | $13,000 - $18,000 |
| MA | $38,000 - $47,600 | 9-12 months | CMA (AAMA) or CCMA (NHA) | 160-200 hours | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| CNA | $37,800 - $46,500 | 4-12 weeks | National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) | 30-50 hours | $1,200 - $2,500 |
| DA | $46,900 - $59,100 | 9-11 months | DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Exam | 300-400 hours | $13,000 - $17,000 |
| Pharm Tech | $37,300 - $46,100 | 4-9 months | PTCE (PTCB) or ExCPT (NHA) | 80-160 hours | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,800 - $48,400 | 3-6 months | PBT (ASCP) or CPT (NHA) | 40-120 hours | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| OTA | $62,100 - $78,500 | 2 years | NBCOT COTA Exam | 640-720 hours | $25,000 - $40,000 |
List of LPN Programs in Vermont
Randolph, VT
Vermont State University
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing (C.T.)
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Background check and drug screening
- Minimum C grade in science prerequisites
- Accuplacer proficiency required
- Prerequisite courses within 10 years
- Higher grade minimum from Fall 2025
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