According to a report, 73% of the current demand for APRNs in Vermont is geared towards Nurse Practitioners (NP). The state foresees a 12% growth in NP employment from 2015-2030, with the highest increases for medical specialties at 22%. The highest demand comes from the Burlington and St. Albans areas, where the percentage growth is at 16%.
This opportunity is due to the rapid demand for healthcare services that the physician supply cannot meet for now, as well as the need to control medical costs. There is also a widespread growth of APRN populations in each state, and the openness of states to improve practice scope amongst mid-level providers.
With Vermont NPs earning an average of $67 an hour or $138,536 a year, this career proves to be promising for nurses who want to elevate their skills. Be part of the burgeoning Vermont NP workforce by enrolling in any of these two schools:
Norwich University
- Northfield, Vermont
Program Overview:
Norwich is a private senior military college recognized by the US Dept. of Defense as the birthplace of ROTC. Despite this status, the university is open to civilian and military students alike.
Norwich offers three online MS Nursing-Nurse Practitioner tracks; no GMAT or GRE is required to apply. All programs have a total of 45 credit hours, up to which 12 may be transferred from other institutions. The theoretical classes and 660 experiential hours may be completed in as short as 27 months.
The AGACNP track is ideal for nurses who wish to diagnose and treat the aging population. The FNP track, meanwhile, is a research-based program for nurses who wish to provide care for a diverse population. The PMHNP track provides theoretical education and experiential learning for nurses who wish to look after patients with mental or neurological disorders.
Norwich also offers a post-master’s certificate program for the three aforementioned specializations. Open to MSN-educated nurses, the certificate programs cover a total of 18 credit hours.
Discounted tuition rates are offered to military personnel, veterans, some Federal employees, and first responders.
Norwich is a great option for those who prefer small class sizes (the university limits each cohort to 15 students.)
University of Vermont
- Burlington, Vermont
Program Overview:
The University of Vermont College of Nursing emphasizes experiential learning, rural community involvement, and academic practice partnerships. These are reflected in its numerous programs, most notably its Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. In fact, its DNP program is recognized as the 107th best in the country, as per US News & World Report.
UVM’s DNP program is an on-campus, full-time program for nurses who wish to specialize in either AGNP or FNP. Students need to complete a total of 69.5 (AGNP) to 76 (FNP) credit hours, 800 to 870 hours of clinical experience, and an additional 240 hours for the DNP project.
BSN students can complete the DNP program in 3.5 years while MSN-educated nurses can do so in about 2 years.
UV also offers a post-graduate certificate with a specialization in either AGNP or FNP. Open to nurses with a doctoral degree, this on-campus, full-time program has varying credit hour requirements for graduation.
Do note that while most classes are done on-campus at a set time, some are offered online synchronously or asynchronously.
Although a GRE or GMAT score is not required for admission, applicants will have to undergo a gap analysis prior to acceptance.
In 2023, UVM students have registered a >95% passing rate for the FNP and AGNP certification exams.
