RN to BSN Programs in Vermont

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that career outlook for registered nurses (RNs) is excellent, a report by the American Health Care Association notes that Vermont actually has a surplus of RNs--a trend likely to continue through 2020. What Vermont lacks, however, is RNs who have earned BSNs or beyond. The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice has recommended that at least two-thirds of nurses earn a BSN or beyond, but the Office of Nursing Workforce Research at the University of Vermont reports that only 34 percent of Vermont RNs fit that bill. If you're a Vermont RN looking to stand out in a competitive market, enrolling in an accredited RN to BSN program will give you an edge over RNs with diplomas or ADNs alone. According to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation, RN license requirements stipulate candidates must attend an accredited nursing school and pass the National Council Licensure Examination in order to practice as a licensed RN.

The Vermont RN to BSN Advantage

Earning your BSN degree would likely improve your salary potential. According to the BLS, the median annual salary of Vermont RNs was $63,230 in May 2009, though wages typically increase as one earns a BSN or MSN. An RN to BSN program could also improve your chances of promotion; RN to BSN courses typically stress leadership and management skills in addition to clinical work.