Vermont — The Green Mountain State
Vermont calls CNAs "Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNA)" — same job, different name. Programs run 4–10 weeks, free training is available, and Vermont LNAs earn above the national average.
If you searched for "CNA in Vermont," you're in the right place — Vermont just uses a different name. A Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) in Vermont is identical in role, scope, and daily responsibilities to a CNA in every other state. The credential is managed by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). When applying for jobs in Vermont, look for "LNA" — that's you.
Program costs & details
Vermont requires a minimum of 80 training hours. With 56 state-approved programs across the state and free options available, Vermont is one of the most accessible states for LNA training. Costs below are 2026 estimates.
| School / Program | Location | Cost (approx.) | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community College of Vermont (CCV) — 802Opportunity | Multiple campuses statewide | FREE (if eligible) | 8–10 weeks | Hybrid |
| Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) | Bennington | FREE + paid during training | Varies | Employer-sponsored, in-person |
| Wake Robin (Vermont MedED) | Shelburne / Middlebury | FREE (with employment) | Varies | Evening classes |
| Hannaford Career Center | Statewide (CTE centers) | ~$1,400–$1,700 | 4–8 weeks | In-person intensive |
| Hartford Area Career and Technology Center | Hartford (Upper Valley) | ~$1,900 | 4–8 weeks | In-person (includes textbooks & exam fee) |
| Community College of Vermont (CCV) — Standard | Burlington, Montpelier, others | ~$1,400 | 8–10 weeks | Hybrid |
Vermont's 802Opportunity program provides free tuition at the Community College of Vermont (CCV) for qualifying Vermont residents. If you're a Vermont resident pursuing LNA training at CCV, this is your first call. CCV is the primary partner school for this program and offers LNA training at multiple campuses statewide. Income eligibility applies — check with CCV directly to see if you qualify. This is one of the best-kept secrets in Vermont healthcare training.
2026 salary data
Vermont LNAs earn above the national average — BLS data puts the median at approximately $40,460–$43,600 annually. Facilities in the Burlington metro and hospital settings tend to pay the most.
| City / Area | Avg Hourly | Avg Annual | Cost of Living Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | $20–$25/hr | ~$42,000–$52,000 | Largest city, highest COL in Vermont, most hospital jobs |
| South Burlington / Shelburne | $21–$26/hr | ~$44,000–$54,000 | UVM Medical Center corridor, strong demand |
| Montpelier / Barre | $20–$24/hr | ~$41,000–$50,000 | State capital area, Central Vermont Medical Center |
| Rutland | $19–$23/hr | ~$39,000–$48,000 | Rutland Regional Medical Center, lower COL |
| Bennington | $18–$22/hr | ~$37,000–$46,000 | Southwestern Vermont Health Care, small-town COL |
| St. Johnsbury / Northeast Kingdom | $19–$23/hr | ~$39,000–$48,000 | North Country Hospital, rural shortage area — good demand |
| Northfield / Stowe | $21–$25/hr | ~$44,000–$52,000 | Above state average — limited supply of local LNAs |
Sources: ZipRecruiter, Indeed, BLS OEWS 2024–2026, Salary.com. Actual pay varies by facility, shift, and experience.
Landing your first job
Vermont's healthcare system is anchored by UVM Medical Center in Burlington, but skilled LNAs are needed in every corner of the state — especially in rural communities where demand consistently outpaces supply.
Financial aid & free options
Vermont-specific requirements
Your next step
Vermont's Community College of Vermont and other institutions offer accessible LPN programs. UVM Medical Center and other employers offer tuition assistance for LNAs pursuing their LPN.
80 hours minimum. Excel Testing exam. OPR licensure. 4–10 weeks.
Available at CCV and Vermont Technical College. 12–18 months. Many Vermont employers offer tuition assistance for working LNAs.
Vermont Technical College (ADN), Norwich University, and University of Vermont offer nursing programs. LPN-to-RN bridge programs available.
UVM Medical Center — Vermont's largest employer — has tuition reimbursement for LNAs pursuing LPN and RN credentials. Vermont Technical College's LPN program is one of the most affordable in New England. Ask your HR department in your first week on the job: "Do you have tuition assistance for employees pursuing LPN certification?" Most Vermont hospital systems will say yes.
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