The Best Virginia Nurse Practitioner Programs
Virginia’s nurse practitioner programs are designed to prepare candidates for lucrative careers as primary care providers, offering in-demand roles with six-figure earning potential.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide insights into pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner in Virginia.
Investing in Your Future: Choosing the Right Program; Earning a degree from a Virginia nurse practitioner program is a significant investment of time and money. Choosing the right program is crucial for your success.
This guide highlights the best nurse practitioner programs in Virginia, offering information on admissions requirements, expected coursework, and program accreditation.
We utilize a data-driven methodology to rank the Best nurse practitioner programs in Virginia. Our approach is designed to simplify your search, considering key metrics such as academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
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The Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Virginia
1. Marymount University
– Location: Arlington, VA
– Duration: 4 years
– Format: Online + Campus
Marymount University’s MSN program, available in person and online, accommodates full-time working nurses by scheduling classes just one day a week. Recognized as a College of Distinction, Marymount is a CCNE-accredited school.
Students undergo a comprehensive curriculum, completing 45 credit hours and 700 clinical hours over five full-time semesters or seven part-time semesters. With a limited enrollment of 25 students, the program emphasizes collaboration, faculty mentorship, and professional success.
Program(s): Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Campus: Arlington, Virginia
Type: Private Catholic
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $1,140 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: RN licensure in Virginia, BSN from an accredited program, two years of experience as a registered nurse, professional resume, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, essay
Minimum Time Commitment: 30-42 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $98,210 for MSN graduates, according to College Scoreboard
Average Undergrad Tuition:
– In-state: $33,200
– Out-of-state: $33,200
Average Graduate Tuition:
– In-state: $19,620
– Out-of-state: $19,620
Retention Rate: 71%
Admission Rate: 85%
Students Enrolled: 3,294
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 69%
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
2. Radford University
– Location: Radford, VA
– Duration: 4 years
– Format: Online + Campus
Radford University offers programs for nursing administrators, family nurse practitioners (FNP), and a post-master’s certificate for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP). The FNP program prepares graduates for roles as clinicians, educators, leaders, and scholars.
Boasting a 96% employment rate after graduation, the nursing administration track enhances clinical and research abilities, preparing students for leadership certification.
Program(s): Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner; Nursing Administration; post-master’s certificate: PMHNP
Campus: Radford, VA
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $21,316 per year
Admission Requirements: Unrestricted RN license, BSN with a 3.0 GPA from an accredited nursing school, passing grade in a statistics course, three recommendations, resume, personal essay, minimum of 2,000 RN practice hours
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months part-time covering 50 credit hours and 605 clinical hours
On-Campus Requirements: Yes (2-3 on-campus intensives)
Average Undergrad Tuition:
– In-state: $7,922
– Out-of-state: $19,557
Average Graduate Tuition:
– In-state: $8,915
– Out-of-state: $17,441
Retention Rate: 75%
Admission Rate: 79%
Students Enrolled: 10,695
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 87%
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
How Do Nurse Practitioner Programs Work?
Nurse practitioners operate between registered nurses (RNs) and physicians in terms of training duration and practice authority. Whether pursued on campus or online, nurse practitioner programs in Virginia mandate both clinical hours and classroom work. Online programs facilitate clinical placement in the local community, with additional guidance available.
Nurse practitioner programs often specialize in a particular population or type of practice, such as family medicine or neonatal care. Graduates, upon passing board examinations, receive licensure specific to their specialty.
Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Virginia
Most Virginia nurse practitioner programs require a clear and unencumbered RN license and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Some programs offer an ADN-to-MSN bridge program for those with an associate degree in nursing. Additionally, certain programs accept students with a degree in another field, provided prerequisite courses are completed.
Admission Materials
– Undergraduate transcript, personal essay or statement, at least two references. Some programs accept an unofficial transcript during the application, with an official transcript required upon admission.
GPA Requirement
– Most schools prefer a GPA of 3.0 or higher, along with a 3.0 GPA or higher in an undergraduate statistics course.
Other Requirement
– Most schools require or strongly prefer at least one year of experience as an RN.
Why Is Nurse Practitioner Program Accreditation Important
Accreditation is a crucial factor in evaluating a program’s potential value. Graduating from an accredited program is a prerequisite for board certification as a nurse practitioner. Accredited schools rarely accept transfer credits from unaccredited programs. While unaccredited programs may promise cost savings and faster graduation, they pose unnecessary risks to your time and money. This ranking includes only accredited programs to ensure reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Nurse Practitioner Programs
1. Is Virginia a nurse licensure compact (NLC) state?
Yes, Virginia is an NLC state, allowing nurses licensed in any participating state to practice in Virginia, and vice versa.
2. How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner in Virginia?
With a BSN, most Virginia nurse practitioner programs take approximately two years, depending on the specialty and program. Without a BSN, the program duration is about three years.
3. How do I get a Virginia NP license?
To obtain a Virginia NP license, graduates must complete an accredited program, pass the board certification examination, and apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing.
4. What is the salary for NPs in Virginia?
The average salary for an NP in Virginia is $112,320, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries vary based on experience, certification, local demand, and cost of living.
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