Vermont Business Magazine National Nurses Week kicked off on Wednesday, marking a week-long, annual recognition of the dedication and contributions of nurses. Essential to the profession is the education pipeline that trains and prepares nurses with the skills and knowledge they need to enter the field. Each year, Vermont State University graduates hundreds of nurses who go on to make a measurable difference in the lives of their patients and communities. Over 80% of those graduates license to practice right here in Vermont.
Vermont State University President David Bergh stated, “Each of us depends on the compassion and care of nurses through critical moments in our lives. Whether it's welcoming a child, receiving emergency care, getting cancer treatment or managing a heart condition, nurses meet the moment with empathy through every stage of life and some of life’s most vulnerable moments. We are proud to offer training for the next generation of nurses who will go on to make invaluable contributions to their communities and the lives of their patients across Vermont and beyond. As we recognize Nurses Week, let’s recognize the contributions of our nursing graduates, the aspirations and dedication of our current nursing students, and the care and commitment to furthering the profession of our nurse educators.”
Vermont faces a critical and well-documented nursing shortage, and Vermont State University will be graduating over 440 nurses into the workforce at its upcoming May and June commencements. These graduates will go on to advance their degrees and progress in the profession, or will take the licensure exams that will enable them to enter the workforce in these essential roles.
To provide maximum accessibility and in partnership with hospitals and health care facilities across the state, Vermont State University offers its nursing programs in eight locations and online. The high-demand program is currently undergoing measured and strategic expansions at multiple of those locations to open up even more seats for future nurses and to make a dent in the workforce shortage facing hospitals, elder care facilities, and the broader health care system around the state.
“Vermont State University has a long and proud history of nursing education,” said university provost, Nolan Atkins. “For over thirty years, we - and our legacy institutions - have offered nursing as a signature program, designed with flexibility and the busy lives of our learners, especially our adult learners, in mind. We offer both a traditional 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing along with a stackable program, during which students can stack a certificate, associate degree, and bachelor’s degree at a pace and place that works for them. We also offer an online degree completion program for current RNs looking to complete their Bachelor’s degree, and a Master of Science in Nursing program for our future nurse educators. All of these offerings are designed so that students can choose the path and timeline that works for them.”
The stackable program can be particularly attractive to adult students, like Owen Kenyon, a 32-year-old student on the Williston campus. Owen shared:
"My journey through nursing school at Vermont State University has helped me to grow both personally and professionally. Through meaningful clinical experience, I have seen firsthand the difference nurses make in every stage of patient care. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and look forward to serving my community as a future nurse."
Jessica Riley is a student in the Practical Nursing certificate program on the Lyndon campus. She noted:
“My experience at VTSU has been both challenging and rewarding, strengthening my passion for nursing and patient care. After graduation, I plan to continue my education by pursuing the associate degree program at VTSU while continuing to work in primary care. To me, being part of the nursing profession means advocating for patients, supporting them during vulnerable moments, and providing compassionate care when they need it most. I am excited to begin my nursing career and make a positive meaningful impact in healthcare.”
Vermont State University’s Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caitlin Stover, added, “the nursing faculty and staff are incredibly proud of each of our graduates. Students like Jessica and Owen are shining examples of the opportunity that can be unlocked with a nursing degree and the dedication and commitment it takes to persist through the program and in the profession.”
To learn more about Vermont State University’s nursing programs, visit https://vermontstate.edu/academics/schools-departments/school-of-nursing-health-sciences/
About Vermont State University
Vermont State University, Vermont’s statewide public university, provides transformative, future‑ready education that empowers learners to forge their own path – professionally, personally, and within their communities. Rooted in Vermont values, Vermont State delivers hands‑on, career‑connected learning through in‑person, fully online, and blended programs built for real lives and real goals. Built in Vermont. Made for Everywhere. Learn more at VermontState.edu.
Vermont State University is built upon the best of Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College. Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, July 1, 2023.
5.8.2026. Vermont State University VermontState.edu
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