How to Become an LPN in Vermont
One of the fastest growing careers in the health care industry is nursing, especially licensed practical nurses (LPN). In Vermont, LPNs make up 21% of the state nursing workforce. LPNs find employment in a variety of healthcare facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted care centers, clinics, doctor’s offices and education facilities.
LPNs also find employment in general medical and surgical care facilities. For LPNs who prefer working in a non-medical facility may find employment working for an insurance company reviewing medical claims.
LPN Salaries in Vermont
The average LPN salary in Vermont is $19.92 per hour and $41,430 annually. The average salary tends to vary according to the type of facility, years of experience and specialty area of nursing, if the LPN does, in fact, perform in a specialized area. LPNs who work in metropolitan areas may earn a higher salary than those that work in non-metropolitan areas. Starting LPN salaries are $22,000 to $26,000 and top out at $78,000 for those that have achieved a certain level of responsibility and a substantial number of years experience.
The LPN Employment Outlook
Employment opportunities for LPNs are quite healthy and rarely succumb to the economic downturns that other careers experience. The field of nursing is predicted to expand in Vermont at the rate of 18 to 22% through the year 2020. Vermont healthcare is expecting to add about 90,000 to 100,000 nursing positions through the year 2020. LPNs with geriatric certificates will be in higher demand in the coming years as healthcare options for elderly expand. There is also a rising demand for new and improved, as well as more effective healthcare procedures that add to the strong employment outlook for LPNs.
LPN Job Description
LPNs are an important part of the healthcare team and undertake a variety of tasks, depending on the type of facility. LPNs work under the supervision of a registered nurse and dispense medication, including injections, according to the patients medication plan, perform diagnostic tests and track the results, clean and dress wounds, change dressings, assist registered nurses and physicians with some types of diagnostic testing, track vital signs and food input and provide answers to questions and concerns from the patient and their families.
LPN Education in Vermont
It takes about a year to complete the required studies to receive a diploma or certificate in licensed practical nursing. A two year program typically awards an Associate’s degree in nursing. If the LPN candidate intends to pursue further nursing studies, they may want to consider a two year program rather than a program that takes less time to complete. The LPN program must be accredited and recognized by the Vermont State Board of Nursing. The program must include class work and clinical training and students must pass both sessions in order to complete the program.
The LPN program will prepare the student to work in the healthcare industry and will also prepare the student to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). All LPNs must be licensed to work as an LPN in the state of Vermont.
The LPN Licensing Process in Vermont
Once the student has completed an LPN program, the next step is to apply to take the NCLEX-PN exam. The student applies for testing to Pearson VUE, the examination administrator. The application will be reviewed by the Vermont State Board of Nursing and upon application approval; the LPN candidate will be issued an authorization to test (ATT). There are two separate fees involved when submitting an application to take the NCLEX-PN. One of the fees is paid to the Vermont State Board of Nursing to review the exam application and the other fee is paid to Pearson VUE to take the exam. When the ATT is issued, the applicant will have 90 days to take the exam. During those 90 days, the applicant may apply for a temporary LPN license in order to be allowed to work until the exam is taken. If the applicant does not pass the exam in the 90 days, the temporary license is revoked.
When the applicant passes the exam, they will be notified via postal mail and issued a paper license. The LPN is required to renew their license every 24 months. LPNs must have at least 400 practice hours to renew their license.
LPN Schools in Vermont
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List of Approved VT Practical Nursing Schools
Currently Vermont Technical College is the only fully approved practical nursing education provider in the state of Vermont (not including online institutions). With 10 different campus locations to serve Vermont LPN students, VTC is an excellent option for obtaining the LPN certificate.
Vermont Technical College Nursing Department
P.O. Box 500, 1 Main Street
Randolph Center, VT 05061
(802) 728-1586
Vermont Technical College – Bennington Campus
100 Hospital Drive, Box 76
Bennington, VT 05201
(802) 442-8811
Vermont Technical College – Brattleboro Campus
11 University Way, Suite 7
Brattleboro, VT 05301
(802) 251-2088
Vermont Technical College – Randolph Center
124 Main St
Randolph, VT 05061
(802) 728-1000
Vermont Technical College – Williston Campus
201 Lawrence Place
Williston, VT 05495
(802) 879-5967
Vermont Technical College – White River Junction
215 N Main St
Vermont, VT 05009
(802) 295-9363
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