Virginia Nursing Schools And Programs

Virginia runs more than 60 nursing programs at the associate, bachelor's, and doctoral levels. This guide covers the state's programs, how to earn an RN or APRN license, and what nurses can expect to earn.

The Best Nursing Schools in Virginia

University of Virginia offers seven post-master's certificates, including an adult-gerontology acute care clinical nurse specialist (AGCNS) track covering advanced diagnostics and theory. Enrollees complete 500 clinical hours, often at UVA Medical Center, with mentorship from palliative care experts.

James Madison University offers a flexible MSN. The nurse administrator and clinical nurse leader concentrations run almost entirely online; others use a hybrid format. Depending on concentration, students complete 400-650 clinical hours, with flexible placement for working nurses.

University of Mary Washington offers a BSN for RNs holding a hospital diploma or associate degree. The one-year program runs online and hybrid classes part- or full-time, pairing core nursing courses with three liberal arts courses and a capstone that includes a seminar and 45 hours of field experience.

Eastern Mennonite University, affiliated with the Mennonite Church USA, builds service and empathy into its MSN. Many classes run online with flexible practicums. EMU offers three concentrations: leadership and school nursing, leadership in trauma awareness and resilience, and leadership and management. Each includes 250 clinical hours that students can complete at their current job.

Wytheville Community College offers an associate nursing degree that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN at an affordable price. After one semester of prerequisites, students apply to the two-year program, which covers healthcare concepts, microbiology, statistical reasoning, and a capstone.

Averett University combines online courses with onsite labs and clinical rotations in its accelerated BSN. Anyone with a non-nursing bachelor's or 60 undergraduate credits can apply. The 16-month curriculum prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and includes nearly 600 clinical hours.

Virginia Commonwealth University offers several doctorate options for nurses aiming at leadership roles, mostly online. RNs with a bachelor's can take the post-BS-to-DNP track (three years); those with a master's can take the post-master's-to-DNP (two years). Both include nurse practitioner concentrations in psychiatric mental health, family, or adult-gerontology.

New River Community College offers an associate nursing program preparing graduates to work in hospitals, physician offices, clinics, and school systems, with advanced placement for LPNs. The curriculum covers professional nursing and healthcare concepts with extensive supervised fieldwork and a capstone practicum.

Laurel Ridge Community College (formerly Lord Fairfax) offers nursing courses at its Middletown and Fauquier campuses and has run nursing programs since 1995. Aspiring RNs complete the associate program for the NCLEX-RN, and registered LPNs can use advanced placement to finish in four semesters instead of five.

Germanna Community College offers short, focused health programs, including an online pre-BSN general studies path and a two-year RN program. Its practical nursing certificate prepares graduates for the LPN exam and covers applied pharmacology, mental health, and practical nursing.

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Virginia

Match the school to your needs and background. NCLEX-RN pass rate is a strong measure of program quality. Weigh financial aid and costs along with the logistics of attending, and if you plan to study online, confirm you can get clinical placement in your community.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Virginia

More than 70,000 nurses work in Virginia. Earnings run slightly below national figures, but the cost-of-living index sits at 100, right at the national level.

The average RN salary in Virginia is $88,350, against $94,480 nationally. NPs average $120,870, against roughly $128,000 nationally. RN jobs are projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, slightly below the national rate.

Pay and job counts vary widely by metro. Richmond alone employs more than 12,000 nurses; Charlottesville has 3,440. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro pays the highest average, though its cost of living is also 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

Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Virginia

Virginia accepts only online applications for a new RN license. You need a nursing degree, a clean criminal background check, a $190 application fee, and a passing NCLEX-RN score.

RN Requirements

You need either a license from a compact state or a Virginia license, an ADN or BSN, a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a criminal background check. Include evidence of at least 500 direct-care hours from your clinical placement or RN experience in another state. The Virginia State Board of Nursing lists the full process.

APRN Requirements

You need a current Virginia RN license or a multistate license from a compact state, plus an MSN or DNP. If you studied in Virginia, your school sends an attestation of graduation; otherwise it sends a full transcript. Submit proof of board certification. For prescriptive authority, include evidence of the required pharmacology coursework or continuing education.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Virginia

How do I get an RN license in Virginia?

Apply to the Virginia State Board of Nursing with a BSN or ADN, at least 500 fieldwork hours, a clear background check, and a passing NCLEX-RN score. A multistate license from a compact state lets you practice in Virginia, but once you establish residency you apply for a Virginia license.

Can I work in Virginia on an out-of-state license?

Yes, if it is a multistate license from a compact state. After a permanent move to Virginia you apply for a Virginia license and can work while it processes.

How many nursing programs does Virginia have?

More than 50 offer ADN or BSN degrees, with more offering nursing certificates.