Online ADN Programs in Virginia: Inside Top Schools

How Do Online ADNs Work in Virginia?

Online ADN programs in Virginia provide students with a convenient way to earn an entry-level degree in nursing. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that these programs are hybrid in nature, meaning they combine both online and in-person elements. Given the nature of nursing practice, your RN training must include campus-based skills labs as well as hands-on clinical experiences attended in-person in real medical practice facilities.

For online program content, expect to complete some or most of your didactic coursework via online synchronous or asynchronous delivery. Examples of online course topics include:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Nursing fundamentals

When choosing the right online ADN program for you, consider such factors as:

• Proper accreditation
• NCLEX pass rates
• Clinical placement opportunities
• Student academic and career support services

To give you a good idea of just what to expect from your online ADN education, here are examples of two Virginia-based online ADN programs currently available:

ADN Student FAQs: Virginia Edition

When exploring online ADN programs in Virginia, you’ll likely have questions about how the programs work, what they cost, the clinical requirements you’ll need to complete, and the career opportunities available after graduation. Below are the answers to five of the most frequently-asked questions by prospective online ADN students in Virginia.

How long do VA ADN programs take to complete?

The duration of your online ADN studies will depend on the specific program and study pace (full-time, part-time) you choose. As with most associate degree programs, you can expect to invest two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study in completing your degree requirements.

It should be noted that there are accelerated ADN programs available that can be completed in as few as 12 to 18 months. But to take advantage of an accelerated option, you’ll likely have to look to programs outside of Virginia’s borders.

How much do online associate nursing programs cost in VA?

Costs of online ADN programs in Virginia also vary from program to program, sometimes substantially. The two major factors impacting student costs are:

• School type. Private schools often charge higher tuition rates than public schools.
• Student residence. Public school programs may charge higher tuition rates to out-of-state residents.

Bearing that in mind, you can expect to find public school prices for online ADN programs in Virginia in the $10,000 to $12,000 range, while private school programs can run as high as $27,000 or more.

It’s also important to remember that many Virginia online ADN students will be able to take advantage of one or more financial aid resources to help lower their total degree price tags. (More on financial aid below.)

What does the job market look like for new RNs in Virginia?

The job market for recent ADN graduates becoming registered nurses in Virginia is solid and slightly better than for all occupations overall. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Projection Central website, for example, job growth for RNs in Virginia and the United States is projected to grow by 4.3% and 5.6% respectively between 2022 and 2032.

Additionally, the Virginia Health Work Force Development Authority projects a shortage of over 20,000 nurses in the state over the next decade, likely assuring a strong job market for RNs in Virginia for some time to come.

Is financial aid available to help me fund my ADN program in Virginia?

Yes! Many schools offer financial aid for nursing students and, of course, federal financial aid is always available through FAFSA for students in properly-accredited programs.

There are also a number of grants and scholarships available for Virginia nursing students exclusively, such as those from the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority and the Virginia Department of Health.

Are there any resources available for ADN students in Virginia?

There are lots of agencies and organizations out there offering support to Virginia ADN students, including:

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) – The AACN can provide you with information regarding ADN online programs, as well as available scholarships and other financial aid resources, and different nursing career pathways.
• The Virginia Board of Nursing – The Virginia Board of Nursing provides prospective students with a wealth of useful resources, including information on approved educational programs across the state and their NCLEX pass rates.
• The Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority – The Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority offers insights into what you can expect from a registered nursing career, including what an RN does in an average workday, how much they earn in Virginia, and more.
• The Virginia Nurses Association – The Virginia Nurses Association welcomes student members preparing for careers in nursing with scholarships, networking opportunities, and more. They also offer general information about the industry and challenges Virginia RNs face.
• The Virginia Nursing Students Association – Similarly, the Virginia Nursing Students Association offers information on nursing student-specific scholarship opportunities, industry events, and news. It also invites interested parties to contact the Association’s pre-nursing representative, who can answer questions about the career path.

Salary & Career Overview: ADN Nurses in Virginia

According to ZipRecruiter as of January 2026, the average annual salary for ADN-registered nurses in Virginia is approximately $78,491, which equals roughly $37.74 per hour. Salaries typically range from $24.31 (25th percentile) to $40.68 (75th percentile).

While ADN nurses earn slightly less than their BSN-prepared counterparts, their income can increase based on location, experience, and employer type. Common RN roles for ADN grads include staff nursing positions in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities.

The top-paying cities for ADN RNs in Virginia are:

• Arlington: $84,177 annually
• Alexandria: $82,215 annually
• Richmond: $78,300 annually

Demand remains strong for RNs in Virginia due to ongoing nursing shortages in the state and throughout the nation. Many ADN graduates advance their careers by pursuing RN-to-BSN programs, opening doors to leadership roles, specialty certifications, and higher salaries. ADN programs remain a practical choice for quick entry into the nursing profession while leaving opportunities for future advancement.

Ranking the Top Online ADN Programs in Virginia