Virginia Nursing Schools and Programs
- Top Schools and Programs
- How to Choose a Program
- Why Become a Nurse
- Salary Outlook
- State Nursing Requirements
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Sky Noir Photography by Bill Dickinson / Moment / Getty ImagesBecome a nurse or advance your career in Virginia. The state offers over 60 nursing programs at the associate, bachelor, and doctoral levels. This guide can help you choose the right program for your career goals.
Learn about the best nursing schools in Virginia, how to earn your registered nurse (RN) or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license, and salary expectations.
The Best Nursing Schools in Virginia
The following list includes the top nursing programs in Virginia. Because unaccredited programs offer such high risk and limited rewards, this guide only includes accredited programs.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Virginia, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The school of nursing at the University of Virginia offers seven post-master's certificates, including an adult-gerontology acute care clinical nurse specialist (AGCNS) program. The curriculum covers advanced diagnostics and theoretical skills to prepare students for AGCNS certification.
Enrollees complete 500 clinical hours, often at the renowned UVA Medical Center. UVA also provides mentorship opportunities with palliative care experts.
- In-State$14,970
- Out-of-state$47,833
- In-State$16,578
- Out-of-state$27,770
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate24%
- Students Enrolled25,012
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
James Madison University
- Harrisonburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
James Madison University provides a flexible MSN curriculum for nurses looking to further their careers. The nurse administrator and clinical nurse leader concentrations hold classes almost entirely online. Other specializations include a hybrid format.
Depending on the chosen concentration, master's students must complete 400-650 clinical hours. JMU allows flexible practicum placement to accommodate the high number of working students.
- In-State$7,250
- Out-of-state$23,564
- In-State$10,848
- Out-of-state$27,888
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled21,820
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment8%
- AccreditationYes
University of Mary Washington
- Fredericksburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus
The University of Mary Washington offers a nursing BSN program tailored to RNs with a hospital diploma or associate degree. The one-year program includes online and hybrid classes in a part- or full-time format.
The curriculum combines core nursing classes with three liberal arts courses. Students complete a capstone course that includes a seminar and 45 hours of field experience.
- In-State$8,678
- Out-of-state$25,102
- In-State$8,676
- Out-of-state$18,396
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled4,488
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment13%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Mennonite University
- Harrisonburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
As an affiliate of the Mennonite Church USA, Eastern Mennonite University includes core values, such as service, agape love, and empathy in its MSN programs. With many online classes and flexible practicum requirements, nurses work while studying.
EMU offers three MSN concentrations: leadership and school nursing, leadership in trauma awareness and resilience, and leadership and management. Each includes 250 clinical hours that students may fulfill at their current position.
- In-State$37,880
- Out-of-state$37,880
- In-State$14,400
- Out-of-state$14,400
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled1,358
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Wytheville Community College
- Wytheville, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Wytheville Community College's associate nursing degree program prepares 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 includes healthcare concepts, microbiology, statistical reasoning, and a nursing capstone.
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,450
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Averett University
- Danville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus
Averett University combines online courses with onsite labs and clinical rotations through its nursing program in Virginia. Anyone with a non-nursing bachelor's degree or 60 undergraduate credits can apply to Averett's accelerated BSN program.
The 16-month curriculum prepares students for the NCLEX-RN. Courses include global health perspectives, client-centered care, and almost 600 clinical hours.
- In-State$35,450
- Out-of-state$35,450
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled894
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Virginia Commonwealth University
- Richmond, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Virginia Commonwealth University provides various doctorate options to nurses who want to become leaders and executives. The primarily online classes provide professionals 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. No matter the path, enrollees can select one of three nurse practitioner concentrations: psychiatric mental health, family, or adult-gerontology.
- In-State$12,177
- Out-of-state$32,825
- In-State$12,701
- Out-of-state$26,039
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled29,757
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
New River Community College
- Dublin, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
New River Community College's associate nursing program prepares enrollees to become RNs. Graduates may 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 finalizes with a practicum nursing capstone experience.
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,332
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Lord Fairfax Community College
- Middletown, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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 rather than five.
- In-State$4,620
- Out-of-state$9,918
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,716
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Germanna Community College
- Locust Grove, VA
- 2 year
- Campus
Germanna Community College helps students launch their health careers through short, focused programs. Aspiring nurses can choose 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. This curriculum covers applied pharmacology, mental health, and practical nursing trends.
- In-State$4,650
- Out-of-state$9,948
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,225
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Virginia
When choosing from the many nursing schools in Virginia, consider how well the school matches your needs and background. The NCLEX-RN pass rate, for example, is an excellent measure of program quality.
Financial aid and costs, including tuition, make up important considerations, as do the logistics of attending. If you plan to attend an online nursing program in Virginia, find out about getting clinical placement in your community.
Why Become a Nurse in Virginia
More than 70,000 nurses work in Virginia. While annual earnings may rank slightly below national figures, the cost-of-living index is 100, which is at the national level.
Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your nursing license can transfer to all participating states.
Virginia is also full of beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation, and charming cities. The close proximity to Washington, D.C. allows for access to its many historical attractions as well.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Virginia
The average annual salary for an RN in Virginia is $88,350, which is slightly lower than the national average of $94,480 for RNs, according to BLS data. For NPs, the average salary increases to $120,870, which is also slightly lower than the national average NP salary of about $128,000, reports the BLS.
RN jobs in Virginia are projected to grow 4% from 2022-2032, which is slightly below national average projections. Since Virginia is an NLC state, you can attend nursing school in Virginia, earn your license, and work in another participating state if you choose.
The highest-paying cities for nurses in Virginia vary greatly in total population and number of nursing positions available. More than 12,000 nurses work in Richmond alone, while Charlottesville has just 3,440, by comparison. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area offers the highest average salary for nurses at $83,490, though the cost of living in this area is much higher.
| 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 |
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Virginia
Virginia only accepts online applications for a new RN license. You must have a nursing degree, pass a criminal background check, submit an application fee of $190, and pass the NCLEX-RN examination.
RN Requirements
RN requirements in Virginia remain similar to other state requirements. You need either a license from an NLC state or a Virginia license, an ADN or a BSN degree, a passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam, and a criminal background check. Include evidence of at least 500 direct-care hours from your clinical placement or experience as an RN in another state. The Virginia State Board of Nursing website includes the full process and licensure requirements.
APRN Requirements
To become an APRN in Virginia, you need an existing Virginia RN license or a multistate license from an NLC state. You must also have an MSN or a DNP degree.
If you attended nursing school in Virginia, your school should send an attestation that you graduated. If you didn’t attend a nursing program in Virginia, your school must send a full transcript. Submit proof of your board certification as well.
If you are applying for prescription authority, include evidence that you took the required pharmacology courses or continuing education. The state’s board of nursing lists the full requirements and process.
Other Top Nursing Programs in Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Virginia
How do I get a Virginia nursing license?
You must apply to the Virginia State Board of Nursing. Applicants need 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 have 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 do I get a temporary nursing license in Virginia?
If you have a multistate license from an NLC state, you can practice in Virginia. Although, if you move permanently to Virginia, you must apply for a Virginia license (you can work while your application is being processed). Because of COVID-19, Virginia offers temporary waivers for certain licensing requirements. Check the board of nursing website for details.
How many nursing programs does Virginia have?
Virginia offers more than 50 nursing programs that offer ADN or BSN degrees and even more offer nursing certificates.
Who Issues Virginia nursing licenses?
The Virginia State Board of Nursing issues nursing licenses. You must have an ADN or a BSN, receive a clear background check, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, and have at least 500 hours of clinical fieldwork (or experience as an RN in another state). You can review the full process and requirements online.
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