Vermont runs one state-approved practical nursing certificate program, delivered through Vermont State University across multiple campus sites for roughly 10 to 11 months of full-time study. That scarcity changes the calculus: the choice is less about comparing schools and more about deciding which campus, which start term, and whether to self-fund or enter through an employer-sponsored track.
In-state tuition sits near $11,952, and graduates step into a market where the statewide median LPN wage is about $33.62 an hour. Vermont's participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact and its apprenticeship-style earn-while-you-learn routes give candidates flexibility that larger states with crowded program rosters often cannot match.
Best LPN Programs in Vermont: Ranked for 2027
Vermont offers a small, tightly focused set of practical nursing pathways, and the strongest of them is built around training close to where students already live and work. The program below is the state's most widely distributed route into LPN licensure, with clinical placements spread across multiple regions and a clear bridge into registered nursing for graduates who want to keep advancing.
How we ranked these
- Median graduate debt levels
- Net price after aid
- Institutional graduation rates
- Graduate earnings after completion
- Accreditation and program format
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
- Bureau of Economic Analysis cost-of-living index by state — bea.gov
Vermont State University
Vermont State University is the state's public university, and its practical nursing certificate is the most widely distributed LPN pathway in Vermont, with students training at community sites around the state rather than at a single campus. The curriculum pairs anatomy, physiology, nutrition and lifespan development with simulation and supervised clinical work in hospitals, clinics and long-term care settings. Institution-wide, graduates who received federal aid and were working ten years after entry had median earnings of about $50,300, though earnings specific to the practical nursing program itself are not yet published. Most certificate graduates continue directly into the university's associate degree in nursing, so the credential functions as a launching point rather than a stopping point.
- ACEN accredited practical nursing certificate
- Three-term cohort running August through June
- Delivered at about a dozen learning sites across Vermont
- Entrance exam and science prerequisites required, minimum C grade
- Accuplacer proficiency and prerequisites taken within 10 years
- Background check and drug screening before clinical placement
- Higher minimum grade standards apply from Fall 2025
- Stackable into the university's associate and bachelor's nursing degrees
Practical Nursing Certificate (C.T.) — On-Campus
Vermont LPN Tuition: What You'll Actually Pay
Vermont's only state-approved practical nursing certificate program is offered through Vermont State University, with tuition that varies significantly depending on residency status. Because VTSU does not publish a single, program-specific tuition chart for its Practical Nursing (PN) certificate, the figures below reflect the best available estimates drawn from institutional and directory data. Keep in mind that the university's Free Tuition Guarantee and the Freedom & Unity Scholarship cover general tuition only and explicitly exclude nursing program tuition, so even qualifying Vermont residents should plan to pay out of pocket for a meaningful portion of their education.
| Cost Category | In-State Estimate | Out-of-State Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual tuition and fees (PN certificate) | $9,600 to $14,300 | $17,800 to $26,800 | Range reflects available directory estimates for the 2025 to 2026 academic year; official program-specific figures are not published separately by VTSU |
| General undergraduate tuition and fees (university-wide, 2025) | $11,952 | $22,296 | Provided for context; PN students may be billed differently due to program-specific fees |
| Estimated total cost of attendance (university-wide, 2025) | Approximately $25,988 | Higher than in-state | Includes housing, books, and living expenses; does not reflect PN-specific add-ons |
| Projected tuition increase (2026) | Approximately 4.1% | Approximately 4.1% | Based on the university's published rate increase for the 2026 academic year |
| Background check and compliance (CastleBranch) | Required | Required | Includes FBI fingerprinting, document management, and background screening; exact cost not published by the university |
| Uniforms (navy scrubs, VTSU patch) | Required | Required | Students entering from 2024 onward must purchase navy scrubs with a university patch on the left sleeve; cost not specified |
| Clinical supplies (stethoscope, watch, penlight, bandage scissors) | Required | Required | Must be purchased by the student; individual item prices vary |
| Freedom & Unity Scholarship (VSAC/VTSU) | Covers general tuition only for families earning $65,000 or less | Not applicable to out-of-state students | Does not cover nursing program tuition, uniforms, CastleBranch fees, or supplies |
| UVM Health / CVMC Community Scholarships | Varies; application deadline May 2, 2026 | Eligibility unconfirmed for PN students | Award amounts and PN eligibility have not been confirmed |
Fastest LPN Programs in Vermont
Vermont's practical nursing landscape is compact. Vermont State University (VTSU) operates the state's primary Practical Nursing Certificate program across multiple campus sites, running on a full-time, three-term schedule from August through June (roughly 10 to 11 months). At the time of publication, no verified accelerated, compressed, part-time, evening-only, or weekend-only LPN tracks have been confirmed in Vermont. Because the program is a single full-time option, a shorter timeline does not necessarily translate to lower cost; tuition, fees, and clinical expenses remain tied to the same credit and hour requirements regardless of site location. Students should note that 495 theory hours and 630 clinical and lab hours are required, and some evening sessions may be necessary depending on clinical placement.
| School | Program | Format | Approximate Length | Schedule Notes | Fall 2026 Start Date | Clinical Partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont State University (Bennington) | Practical Nursing Certificate | In-Person Plus, Full-Time | 3 terms (approx. 10 to 11 months) | Two days per week in class, two days per week in clinicals; some evenings may be required | August 24, 2026 | CVMC, Dartmouth Hitchcock, White River Junction area facilities |
| Vermont State University (Brattleboro) | Practical Nursing Certificate | In-Person Plus, Full-Time | 3 terms (approx. 10 to 11 months) | Two days per week in class, two days per week in clinicals; some evenings may be required | August 24, 2026 | Regional clinical sites (specific partners vary) |
| Vermont State University (Williston) | Practical Nursing Certificate | In-Person Plus, Full-Time | 3 terms (approx. 10 to 11 months) | Two days per week in class, two days per week in clinicals; some evenings may be required | August 24, 2026 | Regional clinical sites (specific partners vary) |
| Vermont State University (Randolph) | Practical Nursing Certificate | In-Person Plus, Full-Time | 3 terms (approx. 10 to 11 months) | Two days per week in class, two days per week in clinicals; some evenings may be required | August 24, 2026 | CVMC and regional clinical sites |
| Vermont State University (Lyndon) | Practical Nursing Certificate | In-Person Plus, Full-Time | 3 terms (approx. 10 to 11 months) | Two days per week in class, two days per week in clinicals; some evenings may be required | August 24, 2026 | Regional clinical sites (specific partners vary) |
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Admission Requirements for Vermont LPN Programs
Vermont's two main LPN pathways, the Practical Nursing Certificate at Vermont State University and the CCV-to-VTSU transfer route, share several prerequisites but differ on GPA thresholds and deadlines. Neither program requires the TEAS or HESI entrance exam, which is unusual among practical nursing programs nationally. Here is what you need to have in order before you apply.
- GPA minimumsVTSU generally requires a 2.0 GPA for transfer admission, with conditional acceptance possible on a case-by-case basis below that threshold. Students coming through the CCV pre-nursing pathway face a higher bar: a 2.8 overall GPA with a B- or better in each listed prerequisite course.
- Prerequisite courseworkVTSU requires documented high-school or college-level lab chemistry and lab biology, or completion of BIO 2011 (Anatomy & Physiology I). The program strongly recommends completing BIO 2011, BIO 2012, BIO 1030, and PSY 2070 before enrollment. CCV pathway students need BIO 1030, BIO 2011, BIO 2012, and PSY 1050, though specific requirements can vary by campus site. All science courses must have been completed within the last ten years and earned a C or higher, and starting with the fall 2025 cohort, the key biology and psychology courses require a C+ or higher.
- Entrance examNeither VTSU nor the CCV pathway requires the TEAS or HESI. Instead, applicants demonstrate math and English proficiency through qualifying Accuplacer scores or approved transfer credits in those subjects.
- Application deadlinesThe CCV-to-VTSU pathway lists a December 1 priority deadline for practical nursing applicants. The employer-sponsored UVM Health LPN Pathway opens each September with a March 1 deadline, though seats fill quickly. VTSU's general admissions page indicates applications are being accepted for all 2026 start terms; the next Practical Nursing cohort begins August 24, 2026.
- Background check and drug screeningVTSU requires all practical nursing students to complete a background check and drug screening before enrollment. Plan to budget a few weeks for clearance processing so it does not delay your start date.
- Transfer credits and waitlistsVTSU does accept transfer credits, and the CCV-to-VTSU articulation is designed precisely for that purpose. Competitive cohorts can fill before the deadline, so applying early is strongly recommended. Contact the program directly to ask about waitlist availability for your preferred start term.
- UVM Health Pathway eligibilityApplicants to the employer-sponsored UVM Health LPN Pathway must already be working at least 72 scheduled hours per pay period at a participating Vermont partner site, hold a high-school diploma or GED, and complete all preparatory coursework by June 1 of the enrollment year.
Earn While You Learn: Employer-Sponsored LPN Pathways in Vermont
Pay tuition yourself and study on your own schedule, or let an employer cover the cost while you draw a paycheck. That is the practical choice facing Vermont LNAs and support staff who want to move into practical nursing, and the UVM Health Network LPN Pathway is the state's clearest example of the second model.
How the UVM Health Network + CCV Pathway Works
The Network LPN Pathway is a partnership between UVM Health Network, the Community College of Vermont (CCV), and Vermont State University (VTSU). Participants complete prerequisite coursework at CCV, then move into the practical nursing year at VTSU. During the LPN year, employees log 24 regular work hours per pay period plus 48 paid study hours, for 72 paid hours total. Tuition is employer-funded, though anything above the $5,250 IRS Section 127 exclusion becomes taxable to the employee.
The first network cohort graduated in 2025, and the model is being expanded to additional partner sites in Vermont and northern New York.
Eligibility and Employer Commitment
The pathway is not open to the general public. You must already be a full-time employee at a participating organization: Central Vermont Medical Center, UVM Medical Center, Porter Medical Center, or UVM Home Health & Hospice. Porter enrolled three employees in FY25 as part of ongoing workforce development. Applications for the 2026 cohort are accepted January 1 through March 1, and prerequisite coursework must be completed by June 1; interested employees should ask their HR or nursing education office directly.
In return, graduates are expected to work full-time as an LPN at their partner site after licensure.
Sponsored vs. Standard Enrollment
- Cost: Sponsored students have no out-of-pocket tuition; standard VTSU or CCV enrollees pay published tuition and fees.
- Schedule: The pathway builds paid study time into the workweek. Standard students juggle coursework around whatever job they hold.
- Clinicals: Sponsored students typically complete clinical hours inside their employer's system, which shortens the ramp to a staff LPN role.
Outside UVM Health Network, tuition support at other Vermont healthcare employers is handled case by case rather than through a public program.
How to Get Licensed as an LPN in Vermont
Vermont's licensure pathway is straightforward, and the state's programs are preparing candidates exceptionally well. In the most recent NCSBN data, first-time U.S.-educated test-takers from Vermont posted a 99.4% NCLEX-PN pass rate (178 of 179 candidates), far above the 86.6% national average. Vermont joined the Nurse Licensure Compact on February 1, 2022, so eligible residents can apply for a multistate license that covers LPN practice in all other compact states without additional applications.
What LPNs Earn Across Vermont
Vermont's licensed practical nurses earn a statewide median hourly wage of $33.62, which translates to roughly $69,930 per year, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That figure puts Vermont LPN pay noticeably above the national median of $30.96 per hour reported by BLS. Below you will find a breakdown of Vermont LPN wages at key percentile levels, as well as a comparison with statewide RN earnings for context. Note that metro-level wage breakdowns within Vermont are not currently published by BLS for this occupation, so the figures shown reflect statewide averages.
| Metric | Vermont LPNs | Vermont RNs (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Employment | 1,130 | 7,410 |
| Mean Annual Wage | $70,110 | $96,650 |
| 25th Percentile Annual Wage | $61,490 | $82,210 |
| Median Annual Wage | $69,930 | $97,460 |
| 75th Percentile Annual Wage | $78,230 | $105,210 |
LPN Salary at a Glance
Vermont LPNs out-earn the national median
Moving Up: LPN-To-RN Bridge Programs in Vermont
Once you hold your LPN license in Vermont, advancing to registered nurse status does not require starting from scratch. The Best Vermont LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026 list includes several bridge pathways, both in-state and just across the border, that let you build on clinical knowledge you already have and finish an associate degree in nursing on a compressed timeline.
Vermont State University ADN Bridge
VTSU's Associate of Science in Nursing is the most common next step for Vermont LPNs. The program recognizes up to 35 credits from your practical nursing certificate, which means you enter a 70-credit ADN with roughly half the coursework already behind you. Full-time students who complete their PN certificate and then move directly into the ADN track can finish both credentials in about two years total, with LPN licensure required in the summer between the two phases.
The program is delivered in a hybrid format, combining on-campus clinical and lab time with some remote coursework. Prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, biology, and psychology must have been completed within 10 years of admission, with minimum grades of C (75) in science and psychology courses and C+ (77) in nursing courses. A formal part-time track is not currently established, though employer-sponsored cohort models may allow some scheduling flexibility.
CCV as a Prerequisite Launchpad
The Community College of Vermont does not award an ADN or prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN on its own. However, CCV's 14-credit Nursing Core Prep certificate covers prerequisites like Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Human Development, and Nutrition. These courses are available online or in hybrid format, making them a practical option for working LPNs who want to knock out prerequisites before applying to VTSU or another RN program.
River Valley Community College (New Hampshire)
LPNs near the eastern border should consider RVCC's ACEN-accredited LPN-to-RN Bridge in Claremont, New Hampshire. The hybrid program spans three semesters and requires a minimum score of 68% on the NLN NACE I Foundations of Nursing exam. Applications are due by November 30, and total program cost runs around $13,723. Eligibility is limited to RVCC LPN graduates within two years, so check directly with the college.
Is a Fully Online LPN-to-RN Option Available?
No Vermont or nearby program currently offers a fully online RN bridge. Clinical rotations and lab hours require in-person attendance at every program listed above. Online and hybrid coursework can reduce your time on campus, but plan for regular hands-on commitments throughout the program.
