Vermont has a median age of 42.6 and rising, meaning the elderly population of the state continues to grow. This means that, more than ever, good healthcare is essential. Licensed Nursing Assistants, which is Vermont classifies as CNAs make up an essential part of this and working as an LNA is a great way to take the first step in your Vermont healthcare journey.
The state of Vermont requires prospective LNAs to undergo a state-approved training exam unless they are exempt – for example, foreign nurses or military nurses. During training, they can work for up to 120 days. Completion of the training will allow the candidate to sit the exam and begin their career as an LNA.
Vermont LNA Certification Requirements
Eligibility to take LNA classes and work in Vermont varies depending on the location and the institution. There is no state requirement for a GED or high school diploma, though it is recommended. Some requirements that exist across all state-approved courses include:
- Attend a mandatory info session
- Be 16 years or older
- Pass a criminal background exam
- Proof of immunization and negative TST TB test
- Have a valid state-issued ID
- Pass a physical exam
Vermont LNA Classes & Testing Costs
To sit the examination and become a qualified CNA in Vermont, you must first complete a state-approved training course. Completion of this course qualifies you for the examination.
The cost of the examination is $130. The costs of the prerequisite training can vary greatly depending on the institution and where you are located, varying from an average of $650, not including textbooks and other fees. Contacting healthcare providers may allow you to arrange free training in exchange for the promise to work at the institution after you pass the exam. An incomplete list of places that may offer free training can be found here.
LNA Classes & Nurse Aide Courses in Vermont
If you are tempted by the sound of becoming an LNA in Vermont, the following links will help you get started. These are some institutes that offer either free or paid training programs. Please contact the institutions themselves for further information on the program, curriculum, or costs.
| Training Program | City | Zip Code | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Vermont Career Center | Barre, VT | 05641 | 802-476-6237 |
| Community College of Vermont (CCV) - Bennington | Bennington, VT | 05201 | 802-447-2361 |
| Southwest Vermont Career Development Center | Bennington, VT | 05201 | 802-447-0220 |
| Vermont Veterans' Home | Bennington, VT | 05201 | 802-442-6353 |
| River Bend Career and Technical Center | Bradford, VT | 05033 | 802-222-5212 |
| Pine Heights at Brattleboro Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation | Brattleboro, VT | 05301 | 802-257-0307 |
| UVM Medical Center | Burlington, VT | 05401 | 802-847-0000 |
| Burlington Health & Rehab Center | Burlington, VT | 05401 | 802-658-4200 |
| Birchwood Terrace Rehab and Healthcare | Burlington, VT | 05408 | 802-863-6384 |
| Cold Hollow Career Center | Enosburg Falls, VT | 05450 | 802-933-4003 |
| Center for Technology, Essex | Essex Junction, VT | 05452 | 802-879-5558 |
| Green Mountain Tech & Career | Hyde Park, VT | 05655 | 802-888-4447 |
| Patricia Hannaford Career Center | Middlebury, VT | 05753 | 802-382-1012 |
| The Manor, Inc. | Morrisville, VT | 05661 | 802-888-8700 |
| Mayo Healthcare | Northfield, VT | 05663 | 802-485-3161 |
| Vermont Technical College | Randolph Center, VT | 05061 | 802-728-1000 |
| The Pines at Rutland Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation | Rutland, VT | 05701 | 802-775-2331 |
| Stafford Technical Center | Rutland, VT | 05701 | 802-770-1033 |
| River Valley Technical Center | Springfield, VT | 05156 | 802-885-8300 |
| Northwest Technical Center | St Albans City, VT | 05478 | 802-527-0614 |
| Hartford Area Career and Technology Center | White River Junction, VT | 05001 | 802-295-8630 |
| Cedar Hill Continuing Care Community | Windsor, VT | 05089 | 802-232-3942 |
| Community College of Vermont (CCV) - Winooski | Winooski, VT | 05404 | 802-654-0505 |
LNA Classes in Burlington, VT
University of Vermont Medical Center. This is a five-week 172-hour classroom course and aids you in applying for an externship to gain the required clinical experience. They also provide a four-hour practice session before the examination. Information on tuition can be found by calling (800) 722-9922 or sending an email to [email protected].
Center for Technology, Essex. The center offers weekday and weekend courses. Weekday courses meet twice a week for 10 weeks, and cost $1,350, including testing and nursing board fees. The background check is free, and classes are limited to 8 students. Weekend classes are Saturdays only and a total 14 weeks including clinical rotation.
Central Vermont Care Center. This is a wider course which can route into several different healthcare professions, including LNA and medical tech careers. They use advanced technology with 3D imagining during classroom time. More information can be found by calling on (802)-476-6237, ext. 2127.
LNA Classes in Springfield, VT
River Bend Career and Technical Center. Located in Bradford just outside Springfield, the center offers employment training. Their LNA course is a 100-hour evening course designed to help adult entry into healthcare. Tuition includes textbooks, criminal background check, licensing, and the state exam fee. 50% discounts are available to those already employed in-state. Details can be found by contacting 802-222-5212 ext. 155.
Hartford Area Career and Technology Center. LNA training is offered as part of the center’s Adult Education program. The course is 102 hours, a total of 50 of which are classroom time and the other 52 clinical. More info can be found by email or phone at [email protected] or 802-359-4739.
LNA Classes in Barre, VT
Central Vermont Career Center. This 90 hour comprehensive course focuses on adult education to prepare people for a new career in health care. An exciting thing about this course is the opportunity to practice your clinical hours at the Mayo Clinic! Applications must be collected in person, but more information can be found by calling on 802-476-6237 ext. 1258, or emailing at [email protected].
Additional Vermont CNA resources
After the above links help you get started, make sure to keep a note of the following links to help you with your further education and career.
Vermont Nurse Aide Registry
To contact the Vermont Nurse Aide Registry, use the information below:
Vermont State Board of Nursing
Heritage Building, 81 River Street,
Montpelier, VT 05609
Phone: (802) 828-2819, (802) 828-2453, or (802) 828-2396
Fax: (802) 828-2484
Website
Out of State CNAs
Active out-of-state CNAs can register to work in Vermont by applying for endorsement. The form and instructions can be found here. There is a $20 fee for this.
LNA Renewal in Vermont
Once registered, your license is valid for two years and may be renewed so long as you have worked 400 paid hours during this. The form must be renewed at least six weeks before expiration and can be downloaded from the same link as the reciprocity form. It carries a $45 fee.
How much does an LNA make in Vermont?
In Vermont, the average annual salary for an LNA is $37,280 while the average hourly age is $17.93. Scientific research industries pay the most, while private and family care is generally the lowest paid. LNAs working in Burlington may make more than those working in the rural areas of Vermont. Experience and education also impact annual salaries and typically it sees an increase every few years.