The Best Virginia Nurse Practitioner Programs

Virginia offers a range of nurse practitioner (NP) programs that prepare students for rewarding careers as advanced healthcare providers.
These programs provide opportunities for specialization and the chance to earn a six-figure salary in a growing field.
Whether you’re looking for online nurse practitioner programs in Virginia or prefer a traditional classroom setting, the state has plenty of options to help you advance in your nursing career.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the various nurse practitioner programs in Virginia, including information on accredited nurse practitioner programs and details about Virginia NP licensure.

Overview of Nurse Practitioner Programs in Virginia

Virginia is home to some of the best nurse practitioner programs in Virginia, offering various specialized tracks, such as family nurse practitioner programs Virginia and acute care NP programs Virginia. Whether you’re interested in women’s health nurse practitioner programs Virginia or a pediatric nurse practitioner program in Virginia, there are diverse opportunities to match your career goals.

Nurse practitioners in Virginia have an expanding role in providing primary care and specialized services, earning competitive salaries. The Virginia NP salary is an attractive feature for those considering this career path, with a reported average of $112,320 annually. As a result, pursuing a nurse practitioner career in Virginia offers both professional satisfaction and financial reward.

Why Pursuing an NP Career in Virginia is Worth It

Choosing a career as a nurse practitioner in Virginia offers many benefits, including job stability, a high earning potential, and opportunities to specialize in areas like neonatal nurse practitioner programs Virginia or family nurse practitioner programs Virginia. The demand for nurse practitioners continues to grow, making Virginia an excellent place to start your career.

Furthermore, Virginia’s healthcare system is highly supportive of advanced practice nurses, with many facilities offering strong career paths and opportunities for continuing education and advancement. Virginia’s nurse practitioner licensure process ensures that licensed NPs are highly qualified and able to meet the state’s healthcare needs.

Investing in Your Future: Choosing the Right Program

Investing in an education through one of the accredited nurse practitioner programs in Virginia is a vital decision for your future. Whether you’re looking for online family nurse practitioner programs Virginia or pursuing a traditional on-campus program, choosing the right school is essential to your success.

When evaluating programs, consider factors such as accreditation, faculty expertise, clinical placement opportunities, and overall program reputation. The best online NP programs Virginia offer flexibility for those balancing work and school, while traditional programs provide more direct interaction with instructors and peers.

How to Select the Best Nurse Practitioner Program in Virginia

Selecting the right NP program requires careful consideration of several factors:

• Program Specializations: Decide whether you want to focus on primary care or specialize in an area like pediatric nurse practitioner programs Virginia or women’s health nurse practitioner programs Virginia.
• Location and Format: Virginia offers both online nurse practitioner programs and on-campus programs. Choose the format that best suits your lifestyle and location.
• Accreditation and Licensure: Ensure that the program is accredited, as this is necessary for nurse practitioner certification Virginia and licensure.

The Best Virginia Nurse Practitioner Programs

1. University of Virginia School of Nursing
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Website: https://nursing.virginia.edu
The University of Virginia offers one of the most prestigious Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs in Virginia. UVA’s School of Nursing provides a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a range of specialized tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and it emphasizes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to patient care. UVA’s NP students benefit from access to a world-class medical center and clinical placements in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and primary care environments.

Students can complete their coursework online, with on-site clinical rotations that ensure hands-on learning. The program is known for its rigorous curriculum, which prepares students to take the national certification exams in their respective specialties.

Campus: Charlottesville, VA
Type: Public
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition: Approx. $1,200 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 2-3 years
Online Available: Yes
Degree Requirements: MSN or DNP
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

2. George Mason University College of Health and Human Services
Location: Fairfax, VA
Website: https://chhs.gmu.edu/nursing
George Mason University offers an excellent Nurse Practitioner program that focuses on developing highly skilled and compassionate practitioners. The university provides both MSN and DNP options with several tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

The program is designed for working professionals, with a hybrid format combining online learning with in-person clinical placements. Clinical rotations are conducted in diverse healthcare settings throughout Virginia, offering students the opportunity to gain real-world experience while completing their degree.

George Mason’s NP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and high-quality patient care. Graduates are prepared for certification and licensure, and many continue to pursue leadership roles in nursing or academia.

Campus: Fairfax, VA
Type: Public
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition: Approx. $700 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 2-3 years
Online Available: Yes
Degree Requirements: MSN or DNP
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

3. James Madison University School of Nursing
Location: Harrisonburg, VA
Website: https://www.jmu.edu/nursing
James Madison University offers a highly respected Nurse Practitioner program with a focus on providing students with advanced skills in patient care, clinical decision-making, and leadership. The MSN program at JMU offers tracks for Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

The program emphasizes a patient-centered, evidence-based approach and includes a combination of online coursework and in-person clinical practice. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring that students receive a high-quality education aligned with national standards.

JMU’s NP program includes clinical placements in hospitals, primary care clinics, and mental health facilities throughout Virginia, providing students with hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates of the program are eligible for certification in their specialty and prepared to work in a variety of advanced practice roles.

Campus: Harrisonburg, VA
Type: Public
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition: Approx. $650 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 2-3 years
Online Available: Yes
Degree Requirements: MSN
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

4. Old Dominion University School of Nursing
Location: Norfolk, VA
Website: https://www.odu.edu/nursing
Old Dominion University offers a comprehensive Nurse Practitioner program with a focus on preparing students for advanced practice roles in healthcare. The program offers tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), providing students with the necessary education to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care in diverse clinical environments.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring high educational standards. Old Dominion’s program is delivered through a hybrid format, with online coursework complemented by clinical practice in local healthcare settings. Students have access to clinical placements in primary care clinics, hospitals, and specialty care centers, gaining the skills and experience needed to succeed as nurse practitioners.

Graduates of ODU’s NP program are eligible to sit for national certification exams in their chosen specialty and are prepared to take on leadership roles in healthcare.

Campus: Norfolk, VA
Type: Public
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition: Approx. $750 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 2-3 years
Online Available: Yes
Degree Requirements: MSN or DNP
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

5. Radford University Carilion School of Nursing
Location: Roanoke, VA
Website: https://www.radford.edu/nursing
Radford University’s Carilion School of Nursing offers a comprehensive Nurse Practitioner program with options in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The program is designed to equip students with the advanced skills required to provide high-quality care in various clinical settings.

Radford’s NP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and offers a flexible hybrid learning format. Online coursework is combined with clinical practice in local healthcare facilities, ensuring that students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world environments. Clinical placements occur in a wide range of settings, including family practices, hospitals, and mental health clinics.

Graduates are prepared to sit for certification exams in their chosen specialty and assume leadership roles in the nursing profession. The program’s strong ties to the healthcare community and emphasis on hands-on learning make it an excellent choice for prospective nurse practitioners.

Campus: Roanoke, VA
Type: Public
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition: Approx. $800 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 2-3 years
Online Available: Yes
Degree Requirements: MSN
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

6. Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing
Location: Richmond, VA
Website: https://nursing.vcu.edu
Virginia Commonwealth University offers a top-tier Nurse Practitioner program with tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP). The program is designed to provide a strong clinical foundation, preparing students to care for diverse patient populations in both primary and acute care settings.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and includes both online coursework and in-person clinical rotations. Students complete clinical placements in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and specialty care centers across Virginia.

VCU’s NP program emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care and prepares students for advanced practice roles in healthcare. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams and are well-prepared for leadership roles in nursing.

Campus: Richmond, VA
Type: Public
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition: Approx. $850 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 2-3 years
Online Available: Yes
Degree Requirements: MSN or DNP
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Virginia

The top NP programs Virginia stand out for their academic rigor, clinical opportunities, and faculty expertise. Some of the best-ranked nurse practitioner schools in Virginia include programs that offer comprehensive training in various specialties such as neonatal nurse practitioner programs Virginia or acute care NP programs Virginia. Virginia’s universities and colleges ensure that their graduates are prepared to meet both the clinical and academic demands of the NP role.

How Do Nurse Practitioner Programs Work?

Nurse practitioner programs in Virginia typically consist of classroom instruction, clinical hours, and sometimes research projects. The programs often offer online nurse practitioner degrees Virginia, where clinical placements are coordinated in your local area.

Most programs focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Clinical hours are required to provide students with hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. Whether you are pursuing a Virginia NP program in family care or neonatal care, you will gain the experience needed to be successful in the field.

Specializations in Nurse Practitioner Programs

There are several popular nurse practitioner specializations in Virginia, such as:

• Family Nurse Practitioner Programs Virginia: Preparing NPs to work in family medicine.
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs Virginia: Focusing on the healthcare needs of children.
• Acute Care NP Programs Virginia: Training NPs to handle more complex patient care in hospitals or urgent care settings.

Each specialization offers unique opportunities in the healthcare sector, and students should choose one that aligns with their professional interests.

Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Virginia

Admission requirements for Virginia nurse practitioner schools typically include:

• RN License: Most programs require applicants to hold an unencumbered RN license.
• BSN Degree: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is often required, although some programs accept RNs with an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing).
• Experience: Many programs prefer applicants with at least one year of nursing experience.
• GPA and Prerequisites: A minimum GPA of 3.0 and completion of prerequisite courses such as statistics are often required.

Why Is Nurse Practitioner Program Accreditation Important?

Attending an accredited program ensures that your education meets the required national standards, making you eligible for nurse practitioner certification in Virginia and other professional certifications. Accredited nurse practitioner programs in Virginia are essential to ensuring that graduates receive a high-quality education that will be recognized by employers across the state and country.

Licensure and Certification for Nurse Practitioners in Virginia

To become a nurse practitioner in Virginia, you must complete an accredited program and obtain board certification in your area of specialization. After passing the certification exam, you can apply for nurse practitioner licensure in Virginia with the state’s Board of Nursing.

The Virginia NP licensure requirements include proof of graduation from an accredited program, certification in your chosen specialty, and a background check. Once licensed, NPs are eligible to begin practicing in their chosen field.

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Nurse Practitioner Programs

1. Is Virginia a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) State? Yes, Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which allows NPs licensed in other NLC states to practice in Virginia and vice versa.
2. How Long Does it Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Virginia? If you already hold a BSN, most programs take about two years to complete. If you are starting with an ADN, it may take around three years.
3. What is the Salary for Nurse Practitioners in Virginia? The average salary for NPs in Virginia is around $112,320 per year. Salaries can vary based on experience, certification, and location.
4. How Do I Get a Virginia NP License? After completing an accredited program and passing your certification exams, you will need to apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing for licensure.

Conclusion

Virginia offers numerous opportunities for those pursuing a nurse practitioner career. With a range of nurse practitioner programs that are both on-campus and online nurse practitioner programs Virginia, you can tailor your education to fit your needs. Whether you’re interested in a family nurse practitioner program or a neonatal NP program, the right program can set you on the path to a fulfilling and financially rewarding career. With high demand for nurse practitioners in Virginia, becoming an NP here is a smart investment in your future.