In Vermont, the role that many other states call a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is officially known as a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA). This credential reflects the state’s regulatory framework for nurse aides who provide hands-on care under the supervision of licensed nurses. LNAs support patients in hospitals, long-term care settings, rehabilitation facilities, and home health environments throughout Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, and the state’s rural communities.

Vermont LNA training prepares students with practical patient-care skills through a mix of classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience. Becoming an LNA remains one of the shortest and most inexpensive pathways into healthcare employment.

This guide explains:

  • Vermont LNA training and certification requirements
  • Required instructional and clinical hours
  • What nursing assistant programs cover
  • Typical timelines and costs
  • How to evaluate Vermont LNA programs

CNA/LNA Programs in Vermont: At-a-Glance

CategoryVermont LNA Information
Minimum training hours required75+ hours (state-approved program)
Clinical requirementSupervised clinical practice required
Certification examVermont Nurse Aide Competency Exam
State registryVermont Nurse Aide Registry
Typical program lengthRoughly 4–10 weeks
Typical total cost$700–$1,800+ depending on provider
Average LNA Salary in VermontAround $31,000–$44,000 annually (varies by region and setting)

Official state requirements refer to the credential as Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) and include both education and testing components.

Why Choose CNA/LNA Training in Vermont?

Vermont's healthcare facilities depend on LNAs to support residents' daily care needs. The state's senior demographic and commitment to community-based care drive demand for trained nurse aides. LNAs work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Nursing homes and skilled care facilities
  • General hospitals and specialty units
  • Assisted living communities
  • Home health and hospice care

Training as an LNA gives students foundational care experience and can serve as a stepping stone to licensed nursing paths such as LPN or RN.

Vermont LNA Certification: What You Need to Know

The certification process in Vermont includes the following steps:

State-Approved Training
Students must complete a Vermont Board of Nursing–approved training program that meets the state's minimum hours requirement and includes supervised clinical experience.

Competency Exam
After training, students must pass the Vermont Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which typically includes both a written/oral knowledge portion and a practical skills demonstration.

Registry Placement
Successful candidates are listed on the Vermont Nurse Aide Registry, allowing them to work legally as LNAs.

Maintaining License
To keep an LNA license active, LNAs usually must:

  • Document paid work hours as a licensed nursing assistant within the renewal period (commonly a minimum threshold over a two-year window)
  • Renew according to state timelines and requirements

Learn more about CNA certification.

LNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Vermont

Vermont LNA programs blend classroom theory with hands-on clinical experience.

Training AreaKey Skills Trained
Care FoundationsSafety, infection control, resident rights
Personal Care SupportBathing, feeding, mobility assistance
Health MonitoringRecording vital signs and observing changes
CommunicationInteraction with patients and healthcare teams
Clinical ExperienceSupervised hands-on patient care

Clinical training occurs in person at approved healthcare facilities under supervision.

How Long Does It Take to Become an LNA in Vermont?

Most LNA training programs in Vermont are designed to be completed in about 4 to 10 weeks, depending on the scheduling format and clinical rotation availability. Some programs integrate classroom and clinical hours concurrently, while others separate them into distinct phases.

Factors that influence timeline include:

  • Full-time vs. part-time enrollment
  • Evening or weekend class options
  • Clinical placement scheduling

Do Online CNA/LNA Programs Exist in Vermont?

Vermont does not approve fully online LNA certification programs. Because the LNA role is fundamentally hands-on, supervised clinical experience is required.

Some schools may provide hybrid or blended learning, where:

  • Theory coursework may be delivered online
  • In-person skills labs and clinical rotations must be completed at approved facilities

Students should confirm program structure, the balance of online vs. in-person hours, and state approval before enrolling.

Vermont CNA/LNA Employment and Wages

Where you work can influence your LNA pay in Vermont:

Work SettingTypical Pay Trend
HospitalsTypically higher wages
Long-term care facilitiesMid-range
Home health servicesMay vary with travel pay
Specialized care unitsOften higher due to complexity

CNA Salary in Vermont

LocationTotal EmploymentAnnual Salary
United States1,388,430$39,530
Vermont3,140$43,610

Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)

Learn more about CNA salaries.

How to Compare LNA Programs in Vermont: Good Signs vs Red Flags

Strong ProgramPossible Red Flag
State-approved for Vermont registryNo mention of approval
Organizes clinical placementsStudents responsible for placements
Provides testing prep resourcesNo exam preparation support
Clear tuition and feesHidden or unclear costs
Local healthcare connectionsNo career assistance

Choosing a program that supports you through training, clinicals, and exam preparation improves your chances of success.

CNA/LNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Vermont

RoleTraining TimeCore FocusCareer Direction
CNA/LNAWeeksDirect patient careLPN → RN
Medical AssistantMonthsClinic care + adminLPN/RN
LPN~1 yearNursing care + medicationsRN
RN2–4 yearsFull nursing careAPRN/leadership

LNA training offers a quick, practical way into patient care while allowing room for future career growth. For more advancement opportunities, explore Vermont nursing schools and consider a CNA to RN program.

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