Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Vermont

Is there any state more beautiful than The Green Mountain State? Vermont is associated with its wholesome products such as maple syrup and Ben and Jerry’s and its idyllic rural communities such as Burlington and St. Johnsbury. But what many people don’t know is that Vermont also leads the country in education per capita, which means that if you’re a nurse looking to go back to school for your nurse practitioner graduate degree, you’re sure to find a full selection of specialized programs that meet your budget and schedule. Jump to program listings.

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

If you’re looking to go back to school to get a nurse practitioner education, you’re probably concerned about the time it takes to complete the program and how much the program is going to cost. Believe it or not, there are plenty of cheap and quick nurse practitioner programs located across Vermont, especially if you already have a nursing degree such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

To become a nurse practitioner, you’ll need a graduate degree in nursing. The two most common degrees associated with nurse practitioners are the Master’s Degree in Nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). With typically only two years of required study, a master’s degree program is usually the fastest option. In some cases, you may even be able to graduate from a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in as little as a year if you have the right amount of credits and take advantage of summer programs and flexible online learning options. Vermont State University offers an MSN that can be completed in as little as 24 months.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

Vermont may not be the most affordable state to live in but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find affordable options for nurse practitioner programs. Generally speaking, the most affordable option for future nurse practitioners is to get an MSN. This is because it will require less time to enroll, and thus, less tuition that needs to be paid. One great option in Vermont for affordable MSN programs is Norwich University which offers a tuition rate of $30,000 to $40,000.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Not only can you find some of America’s most affordable and quick nurse practitioner programs located in Vermont, but you’ll also find that Kentucky offers some of the most exciting nurse practitioner specializations in schools statewide. Carson-Newman University offers a Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program, for example.

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

In this guide, we’ve mostly discussed traditional graduate-level nurse practitioner programs. However, beyond these common educational routes, there are also several other educational routes that you may qualify for based on your specific background.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees, as mentioned, are the most common type of nurse practitioner programs. They are about two years (give or take) and come in a variety of specializations. You can find them at the following schools:

• Norwich University – Norwich, VT
• Vermont State University – Montpelier, VT

RN to NP Programs

An RN to NP program (also known as an RN to MSN program or an ADN/ASN to MSN program) is designed for a registered nurse who has an associates degree in nursing. If you qualify for this type of program, you can conceivably graduate in just a few years without needing to get a BSN. As of now, there are no RN to MSN programs in Vermont, but you can find them in nearby states. Here are a few examples:

• Southern New Hampshire University – Hookestt, NH
• University of Southern Maine – Portland, ME

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

If you’re aiming for the highest level of degree most commonly associated with nurse practitioners, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is another great choice. These programs take between six and eight years to complete. The University of Vermont is currently the only DNP program offered in the state.

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

If you already have an MSN or DNP but you’d like to specialize in a different or additional area, you may be interested in a Post-Master's Nursing Certificate. These programs are designed for licensed nurse practitioners and can usually be completed in a year or less. Here are a few to choose from in Vermont:

• University of Vermont – Burlington, VT
• Norwich University – Norwich, VT

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, allow non-nurses with a bachelor's degree who majored in a subject other than nursing to enter directly into an MSN program. These programs essentially combine BSN and MSN coursework into one rigorous program. The University of Vermont currently offered the state’s only direct-entry MSN program.

General Admissions Requirements

Though every nurse practitioner program will have its own individual requirements, there are plenty of overlap from program to program. Here are a few of the most common ones:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

Vermont NP License and Certification Requirements

If you want to become a licensed nurse practitioner in Vermont, you’ll need to meet specific requirements that reflect the state’s high standards for advanced practice nurses. The core qualifications include:

• Active RN License: Candidates must possess an active, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license from the state of Vermont.
• Completion of an Accredited NP Program: Applicants must have graduated from a nurse practitioner program that is accredited, ensuring they have received the necessary training in their chosen area of specialization.

In addition to meeting these educational and licensure prerequisites, you’ll need to provide supporting documents, including proof of their RN licensure, educational transcripts, and details of their clinical experience. They also need to complete an application form and pay an application fee, which typically costs around $145. Applicants can find detailed information about the process, as well as the necessary forms, on the official Vermont Board of Nursing website.

Vermont requires NPs to obtain certification in their specialty field, which can be obtained through organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Certification generally requires holding an active RN license and completing a graduate-level nursing program in a specific specialty. Additionally, passing a certification exam is typically part of the process.

Since 2024, Vermont nurse practitioners have had full practice authority, allowing them to operate independently in their practice, including prescribing medications and managing patient care without the need for physician supervision. This autonomy provides greater flexibility for NPs to deliver comprehensive healthcare services in a variety of clinical settings. Nurse practitioners in Vermont can also access resources, professional development opportunities, and support through organizations such as the Vermont Nurse Practitioners Association (VNPA).

List of NP Programs in Vermont

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.