Nursing in Virginia: Requirements, Licensing, and Salary Outlook

According to results from the 2023 edition of Virginia’s Registered Nurse Workforce survey, 93% of registered nurses (RNs) in the state reported being very or somewhat satisfied with their jobs. Just 44% of survey respondents reported carrying student debt — substantially lower than the national average for nurses of roughly 65% — and only 1% reported being unemployed involuntarily.

If these sound like ideal work conditions, read on for more information on how to get or renew a Virginia nursing license, along with carer and salary trends for the nursing profession in the Old Dominion.

Aspiring nurses must first earn either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing school in Virginia or another state to practice as an RN in Virginia. They must then pass the NCLEX-RN exam and, finally, apply for a state nursing license.

Virginia participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), a nationwide initiative that makes it easier for nurses to practice in states other than their home state. To be eligible, nurses must obtain a multi-state license.

If you have a multi-state license from a state other than Virginia, you can practice in Virginia without further documentation, provided the other state is also a member of the NLC.

The Virginia BON regulates nursing occupations and provides nurses with professional resources, including: 

The BON also oversees the Health Practitioners Monitoring Program, a special program for healthcare workers facing physical, mental, or substance use challenges.

Nurses seeking licensure in Virginia should review all the requirements, as well as a summary of the laws and regulations that oversee nursing in the state.

New graduates must submit verification of their education and clinical hours and pass the NCLEX-RN to receive licensure by examination. Licensed RNs who got their degree out of state can apply for a multi-state license and practice in Virginia, if their original state is, like Virginia, part of the Nurse Licensure Compact.

RNs must renew their license every two years and participate in continuing professional nursing education. The BON allows nurses to renew their licenses online. 

Continuing education (also known in Virginia as continued competency) can include 15 hours relevant to nursing and 640 hours of active practice or 30 continuing education hours. Licensees are exempt from renewal one time after the initial licensure by examination or endorsement.

Approved organizations, such as accredited colleges or universities, must provide a nurse’s continuing education hours. Education to meet disciplinary requirements does not qualify.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023 the average annual salary for RNs in Virignia was $88,350. That’s significantly higher than the national RN average salary of $80,010. 

Richmond has Virginia’s highest average salary for RNs at nearly $90,000 per year.

U.S. News & World Report annually publishes lists of the top-ranked hospitals across the nation and individual states, based on outcome reports and various benchmarks such as nurse-patient ratio, patient experience, and expert opinions. The ranking includes general scores and rankings for treating specific conditions. These are the five highest-ranked institutions in the 2024 hospital rankings for Virginia.

This advocacy organization promotes advocacy and education at the state level, publishes a newsletter, and offers professional development opportunities. The association also conducts two annual conferences. Joining provides membership in the American Nurses Association.

A chapter of the Association of Nursing Professional Development, these professionals offer professional and leadership development opportunities for nurses, including an annual conference. The association also helps nurses search and apply for jobs.

Professional advocates for school nurses and facilitators of professional development opportunities. This Virginia chapter is an affiliate of the National Association of School Nurses.

This association works to reduce health disparities in collaboration with the National Black Nurses Association. Nurses who work within a 100-mile radius of Richmond may apply. It offers professional development activities, networking, and a career center.