Best Registered Nursing Programs in Burlington Vermont

Key Takeaways

• Burlington’s top RN pathways are anchored by the University of Vermont and supported by strong ADN and bridge options within commuting distance.
• Look for CCNE or ACEN accreditation, strong NCLEX-RN pass rates, and clinical partnerships with University of Vermont Medical Center.
• Average RN salaries in Vermont range from $75,000 to $85,000 depending on experience and setting.
• Accelerated BSN and RN-to-BSN tracks provide flexible pathways for second-degree students and working nurses.
• Graduates benefit from high regional demand driven by Vermont’s aging population and healthcare workforce needs.

How We Evaluated Nursing Programs in the Burlington Area

Choosing the best registered nursing program requires more than scanning rankings. We evaluated schools based on:

• Accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• NCLEX-RN pass rates
• Clinical placement access, particularly with The University of Vermont Medical Center
• Tuition and financial aid availability
• Program flexibility including accelerated and bridge pathways
• Graduate employment outcomes in the Burlington region

All programs listed meet Vermont Board of Nursing standards through the Vermont Secretary of State Board of Nursing.

Top Registered Nursing Programs in Burlington, Vermont

1. University of Vermont (UVM) – Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Location: Burlington, VT
Accreditation: CCNE
Program Types: Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN pathways

The University of Vermont is widely regarded as the premier nursing institution in Vermont. Its Larner College of Medicine and College of Nursing and Health Sciences provide rigorous academic training paired with strong clinical immersion.

Why UVM Stands Out:

• Clinical rotations at UVM Medical Center, a leading academic hospital
• High NCLEX-RN pass rates, consistently above national averages
• Advanced simulation labs with high-fidelity mannequins
• Research and public health integration

The Accelerated BSN option is particularly attractive for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to transition into nursing within 12 to 18 months.

Estimated Tuition: Approximately $16,000 annually for in-state students, higher for out-of-state tuition. Financial aid is available through federal, state, and institutional programs.

2. Vermont State University – Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Nearest Campus: Williston or other accessible Vermont locations
Accreditation: ACEN
Program Type: ADN

Vermont State University offers an affordable pathway to RN licensure through its ACEN-accredited associate degree program. While not located directly in central Burlington, commuting is feasible for many area residents.

This program is ideal for students seeking faster workforce entry. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and may later pursue RN-to-BSN completion programs, including UVM’s.

Highlights:

• Strong focus on practical nursing skills
• Smaller cohort sizes
• Lower tuition compared to four-year institutions

Estimated Tuition: Roughly $8,000 to $10,000 per year for in-state students.

3. UVM RN-to-BSN Online Completion Program

Format: Primarily online
Designed For: Licensed RNs with an ADN

This flexible option allows working nurses in Burlington hospitals and clinics to earn their BSN without stepping away from employment. Coursework focuses on leadership, research, and community health.

Because Vermont employers increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses, this pathway enhances promotion opportunities and earning potential.

Side-by-Side Program Comparison

SchoolDegreeAccreditationDurationFormatEst. In-State TuitionUniversity of VermontBSNCCNE4 yearsOn-campus$16,000 per yearUVM AcceleratedBSNCCNE12–18 monthsHybridVariesVermont State UniversityADNACEN2 yearsOn-campus$8,000–$10,000 per yearUVM RN-to-BSNBSNCCNE12–24 monthsOnlinePart-time pricing

Clinical Partnerships in Burlington

Clinical experience is a defining factor when choosing a nursing program. Burlington students benefit from placements at:

• The University of Vermont Medical Center
• Community Health Centers of Burlington
• Local long-term care facilities and rehabilitation centers
• Rural health clinics across Chittenden County

UVM Medical Center is the region’s largest hospital and the primary teaching affiliate for UVM. Students gain exposure to trauma care, pediatrics, oncology, cardiology, and intensive care units.

Nursing Job Outlook and Salaries in Burlington

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nursing continues to grow nationally. Vermont’s healthcare workforce demand is amplified by:

• An aging population
• Rural healthcare access challenges
• Workforce shortages post-pandemic

In the Burlington-South Burlington metropolitan area, experienced RNs commonly earn between $75,000 and $85,000 annually, with higher wages in specialty and supervisory roles.

Employers include UVM Health Network hospitals, home health agencies, outpatient specialty clinics, and public health organizations.

Admission Requirements

While requirements vary, most Burlington-area RN programs require:

• Completion of prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry
• Minimum GPA of 2.8 to 3.0
• TEAS or equivalent entrance exam
• Background check and immunization verification

Accelerated BSN applicants must already hold a bachelor’s degree and meet science prerequisite standards.

How to Choose the Right Program

Choose a BSN If:

• You want broader career mobility
• You plan to pursue graduate education
• You aim for leadership or specialty roles

Choose an ADN If:

• You want to enter the workforce quickly
• Cost is a primary factor
• You plan to complete a bridge program later

Choose an Accelerated Program If:

• You already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
• You can commit to an intensive full-time schedule

Student Experience in Burlington

Burlington offers a unique learning environment. Students train in a vibrant college town with access to outdoor recreation, strong community engagement, and a collaborative healthcare network.

UVM nursing students frequently cite hands-on simulation experiences and small clinical groups as standout advantages. Many also secure employment at their clinical sites before graduation.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Students can explore federal aid through Federal Student Aid, state-based grants, and institutional scholarships. Vermont also participates in workforce incentive and loan repayment initiatives for nurses working in underserved areas through programs listed on VT Health Careers.

Employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement is common within the UVM Health Network, particularly for ADN-to-BSN advancement.

Licensure Path to Becoming an RN in Vermont

1. Graduate from a state-approved accredited nursing program
2. Apply for authorization through the Vermont Board of Nursing
3. Pass the NCLEX-RN examination
4. Maintain licensure through continuing education

Vermont is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing eligible RNs to practice in other participating states without applying for additional licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Burlington Nursing Programs

How much can you earn as a registered nurse in Burlington, Vermont?

Most registered nurses in the Burlington–South Burlington area earn about $75,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on experience, specialty, and setting. You can compare current Vermont RN wages using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics RN data and review local listings on the UVM Health Network careers page.

What is the difference between a BSN and ADN in Burlington?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from schools like the University of Vermont usually takes four years and offers more courses in leadership, research, and public health. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), such as the program at Vermont State University, usually takes two years and focuses on core clinical skills so you can enter the workforce sooner and later complete an RN-to-BSN bridge.

How long does it take to become an RN in Burlington if you already have a bachelor’s degree?

If you already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you can complete an Accelerated BSN at the University of Vermont in about 12 to 18 months once prerequisites are met. After graduation, you apply to the Vermont Board of Nursing and sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, which is described in detail on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing site.

Are Burlington nursing programs accredited and approved for RN licensure?

Yes. The major Burlington-area programs listed are accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and meet standards set by the Vermont Secretary of State Board of Nursing, which qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN.

Is there demand for nurses in Burlington and across Vermont?

Yes. Vermont’s aging population, rural care needs, and retirements have created steady demand for registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and home health. National data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show ongoing job growth for RNs, and local employers such as the UVM Health Network regularly post openings for both new and experienced nurses.