Virginia Nursing Schools and Programs

Virginia Nursing Schools and Programs

Virginia boasts a selection of over 60 nursing programs offering various degrees, such as associate degrees in nursing (ADN), bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), master of science in nursing (MSN), and doctor of nursing practice (DNP). These nursing schools provide a range of programs, from certificates to doctoral offerings. Discover the top ten nursing schools and programs in the state.

The demand for nursing jobs in Virginia is on the rise, outpacing the national average. This guide aims to assist you in selecting the most suitable program aligned with your career objectives. Additionally, it delves into the process of obtaining a nursing license in Virginia, whether as a registered nurse (RN) or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), and outlines salary expectations.

Continue reading to gain insights into pursuing a nursing career in Virginia, or navigate directly to our compilation of the best nursing schools in Virginia or our list of the top nurse practitioner programs in the state.

The Best Nursing Schools in Virginia

The subsequent list highlights the premier nursing programs in Virginia. Due to the inherent risks and limited benefits associated with unaccredited programs, this guide exclusively features accredited options.

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Our Approach: Employing a data-driven methodology, we rank Virginia’s best nursing schools, simplifying your search for a program that aligns with your needs. Our criteria encompass academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. Utilizing publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), we ensure the data for these schools is current as of the publication date of this article. However, program-specific details may vary.

Virginia Nursing Schools and Programs

#1 University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

The nursing school at the University of Virginia presents seven post-master’s certificates, including an adult-gerontology acute care clinical nurse specialist (AGCNS) program. This curriculum equips students with advanced diagnostics and theoretical skills, preparing them for AGCNS certification.

Enrollees engage in 500 clinical hours, often at the prestigious UVA Medical Center. The University of Virginia also facilitates mentorship opportunities with palliative care experts.

Average Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $14,970
Out-of-state: $47,833
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $16,578
Out-of-state: $27,770
Retention Rate: 97%
Admission Rate: 24%
Students Enrolled: 25,012
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 10%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

James Madison University offers a flexible MSN curriculum for nurses seeking career advancement. The nurse administrator and clinical nurse leader concentrations predominantly hold online classes, while other specializations follow a hybrid format.

Master’s students, depending on their chosen concentration, must complete 400-650 clinical hours. JMU accommodates the high number of working students by providing flexible practicum placement.

Average Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $7,250
Out-of-state: $23,564
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $10,848
Out-of-state: $27,888
Retention Rate: 89%
Admission Rate: 77%
Students Enrolled: 21,820
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 8%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 University of Mary Washington

Fredericksburg, VA
Duration: 4 years
Format: Campus

The University of Mary Washington offers a nursing BSN program tailored to RNs holding a hospital diploma or associate degree. This one-year program, available in a part- or full-time format, incorporates online and hybrid classes.

The curriculum integrates core nursing courses with three liberal arts courses. Students finalize their studies with a capstone course comprising a seminar and 45 hours of field experience.

Average Undergraduate Tuition
In-state: $8,678
Out-of-state: $25,102
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $8,676
Out-of-state: $18,396
Retention Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 75%
Students Enrolled: 4,488
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 13%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Eastern Mennonite University

Harrisonburg, VA
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Affiliated with the Mennonite Church USA, Eastern Mennonite University incorporates core values such as service, agape love, and empathy into its MSN programs. With a substantial offering of online classes and flexible practicum requirements, nurses have the flexibility to work while pursuing their studies.

EMU provides three MSN concentrations: leadership and school nursing, leadership in trauma awareness and resilience, and leadership and management. Each concentration involves 250 clinical hours, which students can fulfill within their current positions.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $37,880
Out-of-state: $37,880
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $14,400
Out-of-state: $14,400
Retention Rate: 85%
Admission Rate: 65%
Students Enrolled: 1,358
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 24%
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Wytheville Community College

Wytheville, VA
Duration: 2 years
Format: Online + Campus

Wytheville Community College’s associate nursing degree program is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN. The institution prioritizes affordable and accessible education.

After completing one semester of prerequisite courses, students can apply to the associate nursing program. The two-year curriculum covers healthcare concepts, microbiology, statistical reasoning, and includes a nursing capstone.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $4,620
Out-of-state: $9,918
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: Not provided
Out-of-state: Not provided
Retention Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: Not provided
Students Enrolled: 2,450
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 61%
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 Averett University

Danville, VA
Duration: 4 years
Format: Campus

Averett University integrates online courses with onsite labs and clinical rotations in its nursing program in Virginia. The accelerated BSN program is open to individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or 60 undergraduate credits.

The 16-month curriculum prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and includes courses on global health perspectives, client-centered care, and almost 600 clinical hours.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $35,450
Out-of-state: $35,450
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: Not provided
Out-of-state: Not provided
Retention Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 65%
Students Enrolled: 894
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 43%
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Virginia Commonwealth University offers various doctorate options for nurses aspiring to become leaders and executives. The primarily online classes provide professionals with flexibility in their studies.

RNs with a bachelor’s degree can pursue the post-BS-to-DNP track, which takes three years to complete. Those with a master’s degree may opt for the two-year post-master’s-to-DNP program. Enrollees can choose from three nurse practitioner concentrations: psychiatric mental health, family, or adult-gerontology.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $12,177
Out-of-state: $32,825
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $12,701
Out-of-state: $26,039
Retention Rate: 83%
Admission Rate: 87%
Students Enrolled: 29,757
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 31%
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 New River Community College

Dublin, VA
Duration: 2 years
Format: Online + Campus

New River Community College’s associate nursing program prepares enrollees to become RNs, enabling them to work in hospitals, physician offices, clinics, and school systems. NRCC offers advanced placement to LPNs seeking an associate degree.

The curriculum covers professional nursing and healthcare concepts with extensive supervised fieldwork. The program culminates with a practicum nursing capstone experience.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $4,620
Out-of-state: $9,918
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: Not provided
Out-of-state: Not provided
Retention Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: Not provided
Students Enrolled: 4,332
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 49%
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Lord Fairfax Community College

Middletown, VA
Duration: 2 years
Format: Online + Campus

Students at Lord Fairfax Community College can take nursing courses at either the Middletown or Fauquier campus. LFCC has offered nursing programs since 1995 and currently provides practical nursing and ASN programs.

Aspiring RNs can complete the associate program to prepare for the NCLEX-RN. Registered LPNs can apply for the advanced placement ASN program and complete it in four semesters instead of five.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $4,620
Out-of-state: $9,918
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: Not provided
Out-of-state: Not provided
Retention Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: Not provided
Students Enrolled: 6,716
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 41%
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 Germanna Community College

Locust Grove, VA
Duration: 2 years
Format: Campus

Germanna Community College facilitates the launch of health careers through short, focused programs. Aspiring nurses can opt for the online general studies pre-BSN program or the two-year RN program.

Students can also pursue several certificate programs. The practical nursing certificate prepares graduates for the LPN licensure exam, covering applied pharmacology, mental health, and practical nursing trends.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $4,650
Out-of-state: $9,948
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: Not provided
Out-of-state: Not provided
Retention Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: Not provided
Students Enrolled: 7,225
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 40%
Accreditation: Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How to Select a Nursing Program in Virginia

When faced with the plethora of nursing schools in Virginia, it is crucial to evaluate how well each school aligns with your unique needs and background. An excellent metric for assessing program quality is the NCLEX-RN pass rate.

Consideration of financial aid, including tuition costs, plays a pivotal role. Additionally, logistical factors such as the feasibility of attendance should be taken into account. If opting for an online nursing program in Virginia, inquire about the process for securing clinical placement within your local community.

Reasons to Pursue a Nursing Career in Virginia

With a workforce exceeding 66,000 nurses, Virginia boasts a number greater than the entire population of its 15th largest city, Reston. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 11.7% growth in nursing jobs between 2018 and 2028. Although annual earnings may slightly lag behind national figures, the cost-of-living index in Virginia stands at 98.1, lower than the national average of 100.

Virginia’s status as a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state facilitates the transferability of nursing licenses among all 39 participating states. Moreover, the state offers picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreation, and charming cities. Its close proximity to Washington, D.C. provides access to numerous historical attractions.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Virginia

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses (RNs) in Virginia is $72,420, according to BLS data. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) command a higher salary at $108,530. While Virginia anticipates a surplus of 22,700 nurses from 2014 to 2030 due to the abundance of nursing schools, the NLC status allows graduates to work in other participating states.

The top-paying cities for nurses in Virginia vary in population and job opportunities. For instance, Richmond hosts over 12,000 nurses, while Charlottesville has a more modest count of 3,440. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area offers the highest average salary at $83,490, despite its higher cost of living.

Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Virginia

Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Virginia

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas	Median Salary for RNs
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria	$83,490
Richmond	$77,210
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News	$70,620
Winchester	$70,550
Staunton-Waynesboro	$69,590
Charlottesville	$68,940

Source: BLS

Steps to Become a Nurse in Virginia

Virginia exclusively accepts online applications for new RN licenses. Prerequisites include a nursing degree, a clear criminal background check, a $190 application fee, and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN examination.

RN Requirements

RN requirements in Virginia closely align with those of other states. Candidates must hold a license from an NLC state or a Virginia license, possess either an ADN or a BSN degree, achieve a passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam, and undergo a criminal background check. Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of at least 500 direct-care hours from clinical placement or RN experience in another state. The Virginia State Board of Nursing website outlines the comprehensive process and licensure requirements.

APRN Requirements

To become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Virginia, candidates need an existing Virginia RN license or a multistate license from an NLC state. An MSN or a DNP degree is also required.

For those who attended nursing school in Virginia, the school should send an attestation of graduation. If the candidate did not attend a nursing program in Virginia, a full transcript must be submitted. Board certification proof is also required.

Applicants seeking prescription authority should provide evidence of completing the required pharmacology courses or continuing education. The state’s board of nursing offers detailed information on the full requirements and application process.

The Finest Nurse Practitioner Programs in Virginia

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) enjoy increased autonomy and higher salaries compared to RNs. If the prospect of greater responsibility, autonomy, and income appeals to you, pursuing an MSN or a DNP is a viable option. The following list highlights some of the premier NP programs in Virginia.

Other Outstanding Nursing Programs in Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Virginia

How do I obtain a Virginia nursing license?

To obtain a Virginia nursing license, you must apply to the Virginia State Board of Nursing. Requirements include a BSN or an ADN, at least 500 fieldwork hours, a clear criminal background check, and a passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam. If you possess a multistate license from an NLC state, you can practice in Virginia. However, if you establish residency in Virginia, you need to apply for a Virginia license.

How can I get a temporary nursing license in Virginia?

If you have a multistate license from an NLC state, you can practice in Virginia. However, if you move permanently to Virginia, you must apply for a Virginia license. During the application process, you can work under a temporary license. Due to COVID-19, Virginia offers temporary waivers for specific licensing requirements. Detailed information is available on the board of nursing website.

How many nursing programs are available in Virginia?

Virginia provides more than 50 nursing programs offering ADN or BSN degrees, and even more offering nursing certificates.

Who issues nursing licenses in Virginia?

The Virginia State Board of Nursing issues nursing licenses. Requirements include holding an ADN or a BSN, passing the NCLEX-RN examination, having a clear background check, and completing at least 500 hours of clinical fieldwork (or having experience as an RN in another state). The full process and requirements are available for review online.