According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 1,500 LPNs worked in Vermont in 2010, compared to 6,000 RNs. A 2011 survey by the Vermont State Board of Nursing asked about initial licensure for RNs in the state. About 35 percent of RNs reported an associate degree as their initial licensure. About 32 percent had a BSN as their first licensure, 21 percent had a diploma, and eight percent of RNs began their nursing careers as LPNs.
The economic opportunities offered by an RN degree are clear. Vermont RNs average $63,210 annually compared to the $41,800 earned by LPNs, the BLS found. The professional opportunities of obtaining an RN degree are also evident. A 2011 study by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing found about a third of hospitals nationally require new hires to have a BSN, while over three-quarters express a strong preference for BSN graduates. Are you ready to make the move from LPN to RN?
Programs to Consider
Southern Vermont College (Bennington). LPNs can work toward an associate degree or a BSN degree at Southern Vermont. LPNs can seek advanced placement in the associate program through testing, allowing for quicker completion of the program. Once nurses have an associate degree, they may enroll in the BSN program which requires an additional two years of full-time study.
Vermont Technical College (Randolph Center). LPNs may attain their associate degree in nursing with two semesters of full-time study. The program is offered at eight sites around the state (including St. Albans, Williston, Springfield, and Newport). The program boasts 100 percent placement of its associate-prepared RN graduates within four months.
Mount Wachusett Community College (Gardner, MA). LPNs who are able to attend an out-of-state school, may wish to look at the LPN to ADN program offered by this school. Students may test out of beginning nursing courses and enter the program at a more advanced level. Second year students attend classes one Saturday per month with one 12-hour clinical day per week.
