Vermont at a Glance
Median LPN salary: ~$60,000/year → Median RN salary: ~$90,000/year (BLS data)
Your raise: ~$30,000/year | NOT an NLC state | UVM Medical Center = largest VT employer
Vermont Tech: Nursing pathways · Community College of Vermont: Prereqs + transfer
VT Board of Nursing: sos.vermont.gov/nursing · (802) 828-2396
LPN to RN Bridge Options in Vermont
Vermont is a small state with limited bridge options but strong healthcare employers. UVM Medical Center is the flagship — and they offer tuition reimbursement.
Vermont Technical College (VTC) — Nursing Pathways
VTC offers nursing programs with pathways for LPN advancement. Multiple campus locations serve different regions of VT. Clinical partnerships with UVM Health Network, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, and regional hospitals.
Community College of Vermont (CCV) — Prereqs + Transfer
CCV offers affordable prerequisite courses (A&P, Micro, English, Psych) that transfer to VTC and other nursing programs. 12 locations statewide + online = accessible from anywhere in VT.
✅ Get hired at UVM Medical Center as an LPN. Their tuition reimbursement covers your bridge. UVM Med Center is Vermont's largest employer, a top academic medical center, and a Level 1 trauma center. Burlington's quality of life is exceptional. VT's small size means you can live anywhere and reach a hospital within an hour.
Online Options for Vermont LPNs
Excelsior University — AAS in Nursing
⚠️ Excelsior lacks ACEN. UVM Health Network employers prefer accredited graduates. VTC is the safer choice.
Vermont LPN to RN Cost Comparison
| Program | Estimated Total Cost | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| VTC (Randolph Center/Williston) | ~$10,000–$20,000 | State college, nursing pathways |
| CCV (prereqs only) | ~$3,000–$6,000 | 12 campuses + online, affordable prereqs |
VT has a graduated income tax (3.35%–8.75%). COL above national average. Pell Grants and VT state aid available.
Vermont LPN vs RN Salary: New England Pay + Quality of Life
| Level | LPN Salary | RN Salary | Your Raise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | ~$47,000 | ~$70,000 | +$23,000 |
| Median | ~$60,000 | ~$90,000 | +$30,000 |
| Top earners | ~$73,000 | ~$115,000 | +$42,000 |
📊 Vermont quality of life: Burlington consistently ranks among the best small cities in America. $90K with Vermont's quality of life, outdoor recreation, and progressive healthcare culture is a strong combination.
Top VT employers: UVM Medical Center (Burlington — largest VT employer), Dartmouth-Hitchcock (border access), Rutland Regional, Central Vermont Medical Center, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.
What You Need to Get In (Vermont Requirements)
- Active VT LPN license (NOT NLC)
- Prerequisites per program
- Background check, drug screening, CPR/BLS, immunizations
⚠️ Vermont is NOT NLC. Your VT license works only in Vermont. NH, NY, and MA are also not NLC. If you want multi-state portability, you'll need endorsement.
Paying for It: Vermont Financial Aid
- Vermont State Grant: Need-based aid for VT residents.
- Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year. FAFSA.
- Employer tuition: UVM Medical Center offers tuition reimbursement — the most common path in VT.
📋 Real math: VTC (~$15,000) minus Pell ($7,395) = ~$7,600. UVM Med Center tuition reimbursement = $0 for employees. $30K raise pays back in 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vermont NLC?
No. VT-only license. Neighboring states also not NLC.
What's the best bridge path in VT?
VTC nursing + CCV for affordable prereqs. UVM Med Center tuition reimbursement for employees.
How much more do RNs make?
~$90K median vs LPN ~$60K — about $30K more.
Vermont Board of Nursing Contact
Vermont Board of Nursing
VT RN licenses renew every 2 years. Vermont is NOT NLC.
What's Next After Your RN? Keep Climbing.
Getting your RN is a major milestone — but it's not the ceiling. Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, three pathways open up that each come with another salary jump:
RN → BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
Most RN-to-BSN programs are 100% online, designed for working RNs. You keep your RN job and paycheck while finishing your bachelor's. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for BSN completion. Magnet hospitals require a BSN-prepared nursing workforce.
RN → MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)
Some programs let you go directly from RN to MSN (skipping a separate BSN). An MSN qualifies you for advanced practice roles with significantly higher pay. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) earn a national median of $137,300/year (BLS 2025).
The Full Career Ladder: LPN → RN → BSN → NP
The LPN-to-RN bridge you're starting now is the first rung. Each step up adds $30,000–$40,000 in annual salary. Many nurses complete this entire journey in 5–7 years while working full-time at each level. You don't have to do it all at once — each credential pays for the next one.
What's Next After Your RN? Keep Climbing.
Getting your RN is a major milestone — but it's not the ceiling. Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, three pathways open up that each come with another salary jump:
RN → BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
Most RN-to-BSN programs are 100% online, designed for working RNs. You keep your RN job and paycheck while finishing your bachelor's. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for BSN completion. Magnet hospitals require a BSN-prepared nursing workforce.
RN → MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)
Some programs let you go directly from RN to MSN (skipping a separate BSN). An MSN qualifies you for advanced practice roles with significantly higher pay. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) earn a national median of $137,300/year (BLS 2025).
The Full Career Ladder: LPN → RN → BSN → NP
The LPN-to-RN bridge you're starting now is the first rung. Each step up adds $30,000–$40,000 in annual salary. Many nurses complete this entire journey in 5–7 years while working full-time at each level. You don't have to do it all at once — each credential pays for the next one.
Find LPN to RN Programs in Other States
Looking for programs outside Vermont? We have dedicated guides for all 50 states plus Washington D.C.