Vermont Business Magazine University of Vermont Health Network and Vermont State University are pleased to announce a new partnership to advance opportunities for full-time nurses at the health system to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Current registered nurses (RNs) with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree will be able to pursue the advanced credential of a bachelor’s degree from Vermont State at a preferred rate.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Vermont State to develop an even more skilled nursing workforce at our partner locations," noted Jerry Baake, director of Workforce Development for the health system. “It’s no secret that hospitals around the country, and especially right here in Vermont, face a dire shortage of nurses. The more we can do to help our nurses advance their careers through additional credentials and skills, the more capable we will be to care for our patients, both now and into the future. Through this new partnership, we’ll be offering a variety of tuition assistance programs to help our nurses pursue this opportunity right here in Vermont and northern New York.”
Vermont State’s RN to BSN Online Degree Completion program is flexible for working nurses and can be completed in just 18 months. As part of the degree requirement, participants may complete their precepted nursing experiences onsite where they currently work. The program focuses on palliative care, community nursing, leadership and management, and health information systems to further advance the profession of nursing.
Sarah Quintal graduated from VTSU’s ADN program in St. Albans and currently works at UVM Medical Center. She’s currently enrolled in VTSU’s RN to BSN program.
“I started the BSN online program as soon as I finished my ADN so I wouldn’t lose momentum in school,” she said. “I wanted to give myself more opportunities in the future with a BSN license. The ability to go to school while working full-time without worrying about financial constraints thanks to the tuition support from UVM Medical Center has been incredibly helpful. It’s my goal to finish my BSN in the next year!”
The degree completion program is approved by the Vermont State Board of Nursing and accredited through the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA).
Caitlin Stover, Vermont State’s Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences added, “All nurses are in high demand, but especially those with a bachelor’s degree. This degree completion program is designed to fit around a working nurse’s schedule and provide flexible learning opportunities. A bachelor’s degree can lead to a higher salary, leadership positions, and the ability to pursue a graduate degree. We’re excited to partner once again with University of Vermont Health Network to support degree advancement for their nursing staff. This is a tremendous opportunity to advance even more nurses to highly skilled roles and strengthen the health care workforce in Vermont and northern New York.”
Each of the health system’s partner locations are offering this advancement opportunity to their current RNs. Interested employees can contact their human resources representative to learn more.
About University of Vermont Health Network
University of Vermont Health Network is an integrated system serving the residents of Vermont and northern New York with a shared mission: working together, we improve people’s lives. The partners are:
- University of Vermont Medical Center
- University of Vermont Health Network Medical Group
- University of Vermont Health Network – Alice Hyde Medical Center
- University of Vermont Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center
- University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
- University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital
- University of Vermont Health Network – Porter Medical Center
- University of Vermont Health Network – Home Health & Hospice
About Vermont State University
Vermont State University provides a high-quality, flexible, and affordable education for students seeking associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, certificates, and in-demand professional credentials. The university builds upon a history of public higher education in Vermont dating back to 1787. More information about Vermont State University can be found here: https://vermontstate.edu/
4.29.2025. Burlington, VT – University of Vermont Health Network
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