Jump to Section

Top Vermont RN to BSN Programs

Findings from a recent survey carried out by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) suggest that nearly one in two healthcare employers require new RN hires to possess, at a minimum, a BSN degree. Nurses across the country who've realized that the increased demand for BSN-educated nurses isn't reversing anytime soon are headed back to school to earn their baccalaureate nursing degrees. Higher learning institutions have also responded to the trend by allowing working nurses to enroll in RN to BSN programs that can be completed online, at the student's own pace. With so many programs out there and with new ones popping up all the time, finding one that suits you best can be a painstaking task. To help, we've compiled a list of the top RN to BSN in Vermont.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Vermont

Nurses looking to enroll in an RN to BSN program in the state of Vermont should do some research to find a quality program. Take into consideration the following:

  • Program admission rate
  • Program graduation rate
  • Cost of tuition, fees, etc.
  • Accessibility of faculty/instructors
  • Program accreditation
  • How long the program has been around
  • Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
  • Employment data from recent grads
  • Program size
  • Internship opportunities and/or hospital partnerships

Testing and Certification

As nurses with ADN degrees must have already taken and passed the NCLEX-RN for licensure, no additional licensing examinations are required for RN to BSN students upon graduation.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Vermont

1. Castleton University

First established in 1787, Castleton University - formerly known as Castleton State College - is a public liberal arts college. CU offers students a 30 semester credit, RN to BSN bridge program that can be completed entirely online, in as little as two years. In addition to the online coursework, students are required to carry out both indirect and direct "hands-on" clinical experiences under the guidance of approved preceptors near the student's place of residence. Program coursework includes Adult Health Nursing, Introduction to Nursing, and Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, just to name a few.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Rutland Regional Medical Center
  • Rutland Community Based Outpatient Clinic
  • Porter Medical Center

Tuition:

For tuition and fees for Castleton University's RN to BSN program, call (802) 468-5611.

2. University of Vermont

Founded in 1791, The University of Vermont - one of the eight ‘Public Ivy' institutions in the country - is a public research university in Burlington, and is one of the oldest universities in the country. The university offers a 30 semester credit RN to BSN program that's delivered primarily online. The program, which most nurses complete in three years, includes a one-week intensive course that's taught at the university's state-of-the-art simulation laboratory. Students are admitted into the program just once per year at the beginning of the fall semester.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • UVM Medical Center
  • Fletcher Allen Health Care
  • Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center

Tuition:

Students who attend the University of Vermont's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $16,392 plus additional fees.

3. Vermont Technical College

Established in 1866, Vermont Technical College is a taxpayer-funded technical college with its main campuses in Randolph Center, Williston, and Norwich. VTC's 30 semester credit RN to BSN program is designed to equip nurses with a more extensive knowledge base in health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, and global health. The program, which can be completed in two years/four semesters, is delivered mainly online and includes coursework in healthcare informatics systems, palliative care, nursing research, holistic healing, leadership and management, and more.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Gifford Medical Center
  • Kingwood Health Center
  • Clara Martin Center

Tuition:

Vermont residents interested in VTC's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $14,712 plus additional fees. Non-residents will pay around $28,128 plus additional fees.