MSN Programs in Vermont – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
MSN programs in Vermont prepare nurses for healthcare delivery roles that require leadership ability. Whether you’re interested in executive healthcare management, public health informatics, trauma-informed care, nursing education, or integrative health and wellness, a nursing master’s degree will turn you into an expert, qualifying you for a median salary of $122,890 a year. Wondering whether you can keep your job if you go back to school? Yes, you can! Several of the Green Mountain State’s Master’s of Science in Nursing programs are offered online. The employment market for MSN-educated RNs in Vermont is excellent and is expected to increase 36 percent over the coming decade. The list below of the best MSN programs in Vermont will tell you more.
WHAT ARE THE MSN PROGRAMS IN VERMONT (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Master of Science in Nursing Programs in Vermont (Online & Campus) for 2026.1. Norwich University - Northfield
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Healthcare Systems Leadership, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Practitioner (Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
MSN Program Details: With an ever-evolving landscape, the healthcare industry needs highly skilled nurses. If you are a Registered Nurse interested in growing and advancing your career, earning a master’s degree could be a great option. Whether you are interested in pursuing a path in nursing education, healthcare systems leadership, or a clinical nurse practitioner role, Norwich University offers some excellent pathways.
The MSN program offers three admission points each year, in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. The Healthcare Systems Leadership and Nursing Education tracks take five and seven semesters to complete, respectively. Clinical nurse practitioner tracks take nine semesters to complete. Classwork is completed entirely online, making it a great option if you need to work or have other responsibilities. Because many classes are asynchronous, you have some flexibility to work at your own pace.
The rigorous curriculum is designed to help deepen your clinical reasoning, expand your leadership ability, and develop the skills you need to influence healthcare outcomes at multiple levels. You will engage in coursework that emphasizes informatics and data-driven decision-making, ethical and legal considerations in healthcare, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based practice. The program’s structure includes collaborative projects, applied assignments, and meaningful discussions.
The number of credits and clinical hours you need to earn the degree will depend on the concentration you choose to pursue. A minimum of 30 credits and 660 clinical hours are required. Clinicals are arranged collaboratively with program faculty and completed in a variety of concentration-specific settings.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or NLNAC-accredited nursing program and hold a valid, unencumbered RN license in the state where you plan to practice. When applying, you must submit a Letter of Intent, a letter of recommendation from a direct supervisor, a professional resume, and copies of all undergraduate transcripts. Candidates with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred. However, if your cumulative GPA is less than 3.0, you may be considered if your grade point average was 3.0 or higher for the last 60 undergraduate hours of your nursing program. You must also show proof of completion of undergraduate courses in Statistics and Nursing Research with a grade of “B” or higher.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, one of the things I encourage prospective students to consider when choosing a nursing program is the level of education and experience of the program's faculty. At Norwich University, the MSN program is taught by doctoral-level faculty who are subject matter experts across advanced specialties, including clinical, academic, and administrative backgrounds. Their expertise creates a learning environment that is not only supportive but also intellectually challenging.• With nearly 100% pass rate on nurse practitioner certification examinations, it is no wonder the MSN program at Norwich University is considered one of the best MSN programs in Vermont!
• As a student in the MSN program at Norwich University, you will have unwavering support from faculty, preceptors, and support staff. From the time you apply to the program until you graduate, you will be assigned an academic advisor who will be your go-to person for all your needs. Further, faculty, preceptors, and other staff accommodate student needs to promote success and positive outcomes.
2. Vermont State University - Castleton
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Program Details: The Master of Science in Nursing program at Vermont State University is another excellent option for Registered Nurses seeking an MSN program in Vermont. The program offers a unique focus on the ever-changing field of nursing education and is designed to prepare you to support learning, teaching, and professional development in academic and professional healthcare settings.
The program accepts applications on a rolling basis and admits new cohorts each fall. You can complete the program in 18 to 36 months, depending on whether you enroll part-time or full-time. This MSN program features online coursework with in-person practicum experiences earned within your local community.
To earn the MSN degree at Vermont State University, you must complete 34 credits. The curriculum features core classes and a program capstone. You will study in classes, including Sociocultural Perspectives in Nursing Education, Assessment & Evaluation of Nursing Education, Teaching & Learning in Professional Practice Settings, and Simulation & Instructional Technologies for Student Learning. The program capstone consists of two Nurse Educator Practicums, which you will design in collaboration with faculty. Practicums provide the crucial structure you need to help develop teaching experience based on your areas of interest and professional goals as a nurse educator.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Vermont State University, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college or university and have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse. All applicants must provide a Personal Statement/Admission Essay, three letters of recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools previously attended. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I understand the importance of having access to faculty and preceptors. At Vermont State University, the MSN program keeps class sizes small to support mentorship as well as opportunities for collaboration with peers and preceptors.• In my experience working with prospective nursing students, one of the main concerns many voiced was affordability. Vermont State University recognizes the need for affordable learning opportunities and offers a per-credit tuition rate. Additionally, because the program is online, you can continue working and earning an income while pursuing your degree.
• Vermont State University utilizes simulation-based education and instructional technology, which is instrumental in preparing students to teach in technology-driven environments. This type of instruction is a great asset to MSN students seeking roles in nursing education, as the landscape of nursing education is ever evolving, requiring greater use of technology.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits MSN Programs In Vermont?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission For Education In Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission On Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Schools Offer Accredited MSN Programs In Vermont?
| 2 |
3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Vermont?
| Hourly | $59.08 |
| Weekly | $2,363 |
| Monthly | $10,240 |
| Annual | $122,890 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level MSN Graduates Make In Vermont?
| Hourly | $43.47 |
| Weekly | $1,739 |
| Monthly | $7,530 |
| Annual | $90,410 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced MSN Graduates Make In Vermont?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $49.18 | $1,967 | $8,530 | $102,300 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $58.06 | $2,322 | $10,060 | $120,760 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $64.65 | $2,586 | $11,210 | $134,480 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $77.26 | $3,091 | $13,390 | $160,710 |
6. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Vermont By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Burlington-South Burlington | $58.36 | $2,334 | $10,120 | $121,380 |
7. Average MSN Salary In Vermont VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Vermont
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $260,380 | -$137,490 | -52.80% |
| Optometrist | $153,540 | -$30,650 | -19.96% |
| Pharmacist | $140,010 | -$17,120 | -12.23% |
| Physician Assistant | $139,850 | -$16,960 | -12.13% |
| Nurse With MSN | $122,890 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physical Therapist | $94,380 | +$28,510 | +30.21% |
| Chiropractor | $94,070 | +$28,820 | +30.64% |
| Dental Hygienist | $92,310 | +$30,580 | +33.13% |
| Occupational Therapist | $86,370 | +$36,520 | +42.28% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $77,500 | +$45,390 | +58.57% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a seasoned nurse, educator, and healthcare writer whose career spans nearly three decades of clinical practice, academic instruction, curriculum development, and student mentorship. Based in Louisiana, Darby has always sought to bring the warmth, resilience, and cultural richness of her home state into every aspect of her work—whether teaching future nurses, supporting families through vulnerable moments, guiding students toward success on the NCLEX, or providing insight about top nursing programs and tips for success.
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