2 years can pass in a blink of an eye, especially if you’re a healthcare worker.
Suddenly, your license renewal is just around the corner.
And worse, you don’t know what the requirements are.
Don’t panic.
We got you.
Here, we’re going to tell you about the nursing CE requirements in Vermont. We’ll tell you everything you should know, including if there are other prerequisites.
So let’s not waste your time, let’s get to the requirements!
Vermont Nursing CE Requirements
If you want to get a quick answer, check our reference guide below. It doesn’t delve into details, but it does provide you with the essential information.
| Type | Requirement |
| LNA(Licensed Nursing Assistant) | No CE Required! Must have worked as an LNA for at least 400 hours every 2 years |
| LPN(Licensed Practical Nurse) | No CE Requirement! Must have worked as an LPN for 400 hours every 2 years OR 960 hours within 5 years of the current licensing period |
| RN(Registered Nurse) | No CE Requirement! Must have worked as an RN for 400 hours every 2 years OR 960 hours within 5 years of the current licensing period |
| APRN(Advanced Practical Registered Nurse) | Current national certification AND Must have worked as an APRN for 400 hours (or 50 days) every 2 years OR 960 hours (120 days) within 5 years of the current licensing period If with prescribing authority — 2 CE hours on controlled substances every 2 years |
After that quick overview, let’s explore the details.
Vermont LNA Continuing Education Requirements
Licensed Nursing Assistants in Vermont don’t need continuing education to renew their licenses.
It does not mean, however, that your license gets renewed automatically. Although you don’t need to earn CE hours, you need practice hours instead.
While most states only require CNAs to have 8 hours of paid work, LNAs in Vermont must complete at least 400 hours.
We know, that sounds like a lot. But it only translates to around 50 days.
Another thing to note is that you must receive compensation for your work. It won’t count towards your renewal requirement if it’s voluntary.
If, for any reason, you’re unable to meet the required hours, your license will lapse. If you want to keep practicing, you need to reinstate it.
Reinstating your license in Vermont means going through training again and retaking (and passing) the licensing evaluation exam.
Vermont LPN Continuing Education Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurses in Vermont do not need to complete any continuing education for their license renewal.
However, like LNAs, it doesn’t mean that your license renews automatically. In Vermont, LPNs must put in enough practice hours to qualify for a renewal.
You can meet either of these requirements:
- 400 hours (50 days) every 2 years
- 960 hours (120 days) within 5 years
Vermont RN Continuing Education Requirements
As is common, the renewal requirements for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses are similar.
So, RNs in Vermont don’t need CE hours as part of their renewal requirements, either. They only need to:
- Work for at least 400 hours in 2 years
- Work for at least 960 hours within the last 5 years
From our point of view, this is an advantage because it means you don’t need to add to your already busy schedule.
I mean, as long as you’ve been working steadily as an RN, you shouldn’t have any problem meeting the requirements.
That said, the Vermont State Board of Nursing highly encourages LPNs and RNs to be responsible for their knowledge and skills. So if you have the time, it’s a good idea to take a few nursing CE courses that will help you.
Vermont APRN Continuing Education Requirements
APRN’s renewal requirements also revolve around practice hours.
So, just like LPNs and RNs, you must have worked as an APRN for at least 400 hours within the last 24 months.
Another option is completing 960 hours as an APRN within the last 5 years.
However, APRNs have additional requirements.
One is that you must carry a current national certification.
And, APRNs with prescribing authority need to complete continuing education. Don’t worry, it’s just 2 hours of controlled substance every 2 years.
These are the only nurses in Vermont that require continuing education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Okay, let’s now answer some of the most common questions about nursing in Vermont.
What’s the difference between a CNA and an LNA?
Vermont is one of the few states in the U.S. that require nursing assistants to carry licenses instead of certification. Hence the term Licensed Nursing Assistant.
With regards to responsibilities, CNAs and LNAs perform the same tasks. These include assisting patients with bathing or dressing. Senior nurses may task to check a person’s vital signs or samples.
A Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse must supervise an LNA while working.
How much do I have to pay to renew my nursing license in Vermont?
You pay a $95 license renewal fee, regardless of which nursing license you carry.
Is Vermont an NLC compact state?
Yes, Vermont is a compact state. Governor Phil Scott signed the NLC into law on June 7, 2021. It took effect on February 1, 2022.
Being part of the NLC means nurses can have multi-state licenses. It allows them to practice in person or telehealth in other compact states.
The Nurse Licensure Compact only covers RNs and LPNs.
Conclusion
And there you go! Now you have all the license renewal requirements for nurses in Vermont.
So if you’re renewal cycle is just around the corner, don’t worry.
As long as you working in your field, you’ll be able to qualify for renewal, with some exceptions to APRNs of course.
If you need more information, you can always check the Vermont State Board of Nursing’s website.
Good luck!
Last updated: April 6, 2023 (Requirements taken from Vermont BON website)