So, you want to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse?
Well, that’s a great choice.
LPNs, like all nurses, are in great demand because of the growing population of elderly people and those with chronic diseases.
However, when it comes to the process of becoming an LPN, some think that it’s confusing and lengthy.
Although it does take time and effort, we’re here to simplify the process for you.
In this article, we are going to provide a crystal clear, step-by-step guide on how to become an LPN in Vermont.
We’ll also answer common questions, such as:
- How much does an LPN in Vermont make?
- How much does nursing school cost?
- What can I expect in my exam?
- Is Vermont part of the NLC?
Let’s get started, shall we?
How to Become an LPN in Vermont – 4 Simple Steps
These are the 4 simple steps to becoming an LPN in Vermont:
Step #1: Enroll in a State-Approved LPN Program
Step #2: Get Your LPN License
Step #3: Find Your First Job
Step #4: Keep Your License Active
Let’s have a look at each one.
Step #1: Enroll in a State-Approved LPN Program
The first step to securing a promising nursing career as an LPN is by choosing the right nursing school.
Nursing school matters a lot. It prepares you to practice safely and effectively, and it equips you with the tools you need to advance in your career.
The quickest way to know if a school is good or not is by checking whether it is state-approved or accredited.
Currently, there is only one state-approved LPN program in Vermont – the Vermont Technical College. However, they have 4 campuses located near medical facilities.
The school is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Program Length
Depending on whether you are studying full-time or part-time, your program length will differ.
Full-time: 12 months
Part-time: 18 months
Program Content
Some of the courses that are included in the LPN program are:
- Nutrition
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Principles and Practices of Nursing
- The Nurse-Client Relationship
- Pharmacology for Nursing
- Human Growth & Development
- Principles & Practices of Nursing LAB
You will also receive clinical training and exposure.
Admission Requirements
Before enrolling in a nursing institute, some requirements need to be met.
The Vermont Technical College requires:
- Completion of Vermont Tech application or Common Application
- Official high school transcript or official GED scores
- Official transcripts from all colleges previously attended
- Vermont Tech placement test scores
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal essay or writing sample
- Fingerprint-based background check
- Drug testing for some nursing sites
Step #2: Get Your LPN License
After graduation, you still need to go through some processes to finally receive your LPN license.
There are two main ways to acquire a Vermont LPN license – through examination or endorsement.
How do you choose which one applies to you?
The examination process is for you if you just graduated from your LPN program and were never licensed as an LPN before.
The endorsement process is for you if you are already an LPN in another non-compact state and want to practice in Vermont, or if you want to permanently move to Vermont.
Let’s discuss both processes.
Examination
This is a two-step process:
- LPN Registration with the Vermont Board of Nursing (BON)
- NCLEX-PN Registration and Completion
LPN Registration with the Vermont BON
The following is required for a successful LPN registration and application:
- A filled-out application form and payment of associated fees
- A Verification of Education form or CES report (for those who studied outside Vermont)
- Indication whether you are applying for a Single-State License (SSL) or a Multi-State License (MSL)
- Criminal Background Check
- Registration with Pearson Vue and payment of the $200 testing fee
The NCLEX-PN: Registration and Completion
The NCLEX-PN is the exam that all students must take and pass upon graduating from an accredited LPN program.
It is a 5-hour exam, ranging from 85-205 questions. It is mostly made of multiple-choice questions, and it will cover all the topics you’ve studied so far.
Here is an NCLEX practice test if you wanna get a feel of the exam.
You need to apply with Pearson Vue and pay the $200 testing fee.
If you satisfy all eligibility conditions and the Vermont BON deems you qualified for the exam, then you will receive an email from Pearson Vue with an Authorization to Test form.
Follow the ATT’s instructions for scheduling your test appointment and get ready!
Note: Licensure application must be sent within two years of graduating from the training program.
If you pass the exam, you will receive your LPN license! Congratulations!
If you don’t pass, you still have a chance to retake the exam, but you’ll need to register again.
Endorsement
Endorsement is another way of acquiring licensure, but it doesn’t apply to all.
So, how does it work?
Well, if you are already an LPN from another state and are interested in moving to Vermont or continuing practice as an LPN in Vermont, you can benefit from endorsement.
Vermont requires the following for endorsement:
- Completed application form and payment of application fee
- Verification of licensure through Nursys or directly from your original BON
- Indication whether you are applying for a Single-State License (SSL) or a Multi-State License (MSL)
- Criminal Background Check
Note: Vermont is part of the Nursing Licensure Compact. So, if you are an LPN from another NLC state, you don’t need to apply by endorsement to work as an LPN in Vermont.
However, if you want to permanently move to Vermont and make it your primary state of residence, then you need to apply by endorsement.
To read more about the examination and endorsement process in Vermont, you can read this.
Step #3: Find Your First Job!
Finding your first job is exciting and, at the same time, nerve-wracking.
The good thing is that LPNs are in demand!
With a growing elderly population and the need for more medical care, LPN jobs are increasing.
Most LPNs find jobs at nursing care facilities, home healthcare agencies, hospitals, doctors’ offices, etc., and we’d highly suggest you find the closest one in your area and apply there.
That being said, there are more job opportunities than just in hospitals and care homes.
If you want to try something unconventional, you can also find job opportunities in schools, government offices, sports centers, insurance companies, health stores, and a lot more.
Find something you are interested in and passionate about!
Step #4: Keep Your License Active
Keep your license active!
Although this step is last on the list, it is just as important as the others, and one you need to regularly do.
Every two years, your LPN license will expire unless you renew it.
Following expiration, you can be fined as well as stripped of your license entirely if renewal is delayed for too long.
So, how do I renew my license?
In Vermont, there are no continuing education requirements.
You only need to complete ONE of the following practice hours:
- 400 hours (50 days) every 2 years
- 960 hours (120 days) within 5 years
But just because you aren’t required to complete any continuing education hours doesn’t mean this isn’t worth pursuing.
It’s good to keep yourself updated and to gain specialized training.
This can help your credentials and improve your salary.
You can even consider studying to become an RN while working as an LPN.
Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming an LPN in Vermont
We’ve covered the four steps to becoming an LPN in Vermont. But you might still have some important questions.
Let’s go through some common ones.
How much does an LPN in Vermont make?
An LPN in Vermont earns an annual mean wage of $54,180, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This is higher than the national mean wage, which is great news for LPNs in Vermont!
You can increase your salary, even more, depending on which city you are working in, how many years of experience you have, whether you have specialized training or not, etc.
How much does nursing school cost?
Nursing school tuition costs in Vermont differ based on whether you are a resident of the state or not.
For example, Vermont Techincal College, Bennington, costs around $15,000 for Vermont residents and around $30,000 for non-VT residents.
If you’re worried about the expensive tuition costs, there are scholarships and aid opportunities. For further details, click here.
What can I expect in my exam?
The National Council Licensure Examination is broken down into 4 major categories:
- Safe and effective care environment
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
You have five hours to finish your exam, which is more than enough time for a test that has 85-205 questions. You’ll even have time to review your answers.
Although it can be nerve-wracking, taking practice exams and staying calm could help you perform better.
You can read a more comprehensive article about the NCLEX here.
Is Vermont part of the NLC?
Yes! Vermont is an NLC state!
This is good news for LPNs in Vermont. You can apply for a multistate license which will allow you to practice as an LPN in other NLC states.
This means you have more job opportunities available to you!
Wrapping it up
Becoming an LPN isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either.
To achieve your dreams of becoming a successful LPN, you will need to remain fully consistent.
Although we’ve simplified the steps, you will need to remain dedicated. You may feel like quitting sometimes, but remember you can never give up. You’re almost there!
Remember also that the journey to becoming a practicing nurse does not need to end as an LPN. You can keep going and achieve much more.
After becoming an LPN, you could become an RN or an APRN.
These positions are more advanced, pay well, and offer greater responsibility. If you want to know, read more info here.
Good luck!
We hope this will help you in your journey to becoming an LPN!