Online BSN Programs in VA: Discovering Top Schools
This EduMed guide is your compass for navigating the often-complicated path to earning you a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in Virginia. It spotlights and ranks online BSN programs and dives into the pivotal criteria needed to determine the best school for you. We’ll also explore program options and insights that can help you decide if you can work while earning your degree. Find out why a BSN is a good choice and how this degree differs from other nursing degrees.
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Virginia’s Online BSN Programs Uncovered
Online learning for BSN programs is typically only available for RN to BSN or accelerated BSN programs, and all online BSN programs will have in-person clinical requirements essential for obtaining licensure. Traditional BSN programs take four years, while RN to BSN and accelerated BSN take one to two years. To provide some context, typical Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) programs take four to 12 weeks, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs that roughly a year, and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs usually take two years. The higher the nursing degree, the longer it takes. But your added time results in skills and knowledge that typically offer added opportunities for advancement and higher salaries. Here we’ll explore three top-notch schools with online BSN programs, examining accreditation, curriculum focus, costs, and more.
Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University’s highly competitive RN to BSN Online program prepares nurses to be leaders and lifelong learners by creating paths for career and educational advancements. Courses are delivered asynchronously online. The one clinical course requires 90 contact hours, and this is in addition to the clinical components of some didactic courses. It may be easier to fulfill clinical requirements if you already work as a nurse, but clinical hours cannot include hours of employment. Norfolk also has a traditional BSN offered only in person and intended for individuals with non-nursing degrees (pre-licensure).
Duration: 9 to 18 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $10,180/two semesters
Admissions Requirements:
- University admission
- Department of Nursing and Allied Health admission
- Official transcripts
- RN license in Virginia
- Prerequisites courses
- Minimum C grades and 2.5 GPA in prerequisites
Core Curriculum:
- Foundations of Online Success: BSN Orientation
- Nursing Research Dimensions
- Nursing Pathophysiology
- Multiculturalism/Bioethics
- Conceptual Models for Nursing
- Health Assessment
- Providing Complex Nursing Systems for Families & Groups
- Nursing Leadership & Management
- Professional Development Seminar
- Contemporary Issues in Nursing and Health Care
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Radford University
The 30-credit Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online program at Radford University gives both theory and real-word strategies for improving patient care. With emphasis on collaboration and leadership, students learn to provide high-quality nursing care. Online nursing students have abundant resources available through the college, including 24/7 online tutoring. There’s also a generous transfer credit policy of up to 16 credit hours. The program does not have any on-campus requirements, and clinicals and capstone in-person requirements can be completed close to home. Radford also has an online MSN for when BSNs are ready to level-up their education and careers even further.
Duration: 10 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $10,620 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Associate degree or diploma in nursing
- Active and unencumbered RN license
- Transcripts from all previous colleges/universities
Core Curriculum:
- RN Strategies for Professional Nursing
- RN Theoretical Foundations of Nursing
- RN Healthcare Informatics and Technology
- RN Healthcare Policy
- RN Community Health Nursing
- RN Gerontological Nursing
- RN Holistic Nursing
- RN Nursing Leadership and Management
- RN Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice
- RN Interprofessional Clinical and Capstone
Marymount University
Marymount University offers three BSN programs, a traditional four-year BSN, a Transfer BSN, and an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) online program for those with bachelor’s degrees in another field. The flexible 65-credit ABSN program combines online and in-person coursework and clinical experiences (592 hours) and residencies. It has both full-time and part-time options, and scholarships are available. As a fast-track program, this ABSN offers flexible scheduling for better work-life balance. Marymount’s nursing program has NCLEX-RN pass rate consistently over 90% and boasts strong clinical partnerships and placement support with healthcare providers in the D.C. area.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid and in person
Cost: $19,635 per semester
Admissions Requirements:
- Transcripts with minimum 2.8 GPA
- Letter of recommendation
- Nursing essay
- Prerequisite courses
Core Curriculum:
- Introduction to Professional Nursing Scholarship
- Principles and Applications of Fundamental Nursing Technologies
- Promoting Health Across the Life Span
- Health Assessment
- Basic Concepts in Pathophysiology & Pharmacology
- Nursing Care of Adults with Chronic Health Problems
- Nursing Care of Adults with Acute Complex health Problems
- Health Promotion and Illness Management
- Health Promotion and Risk Reduction
- Clinical Reasoning
- Leadership in Nursing Practice
- Internship
All You Need to Know: BSN Student FAQs
Most students in your shoes have similar questions about online BSN programs in Virginia. Below are answers to many of those questions, including the benefits and program options available. You’ll also find criteria for evaluating programs, help deciding whether you can work while enrolled, and comparisons of the various program options.
What are the benefits of BSN programs in Virginia?
Virginia BSN programs offer many advantages for current and aspiring nurses. Virginia’s diverse population enriches the educational experiences of BSN students through unique opportunities to interact with a broad spectrum of patients and populations. In addition, some of the best BSN programs in Virginia place a strong emphasis on research and innovation, a compelling draw for students interested in cutting-edge healthcare advancements. Also, BSN students in Virginia can lean on professional nursing connections to enhance their careers at every step of their journey. These associations offer abundant resources, unwavering support, and valuable networking opportunities.
What criteria should I consider when choosing a BSN program in Virginia?
By prioritizing accreditation, NCLEX-RN pass rates, and a holistic curriculum, future nurses can lay a sturdy foundation for their careers while positioning themselves for leadership roles. Accreditation for online colleges is essential to the program’s reputation, ensuring that students receive a quality education that meets licensing requirements. High NCLEX-RN pass rates demonstrate a program’s effectiveness in preparing nursing students for licensing exams. A well-rounded curriculum goes beyond textbooks, fostering critical thinking, ethical care, and a comprehensive understanding of foundational nursing topics. Exploring diverse subjects and healthcare challenges teaches students to approach healthcare challenges holistically while also being adaptable to the needs of individuals and populations.
What types of BSN programs are available in Virginia?
Accelerated BSN programs help students with unrelated bachelor’s degrees earn nursing credentials in a relatively short time frame, while direct entry BSNs focus on new college students studying nursing. LPN to BSN programs get you into a registered nursing position in two to three years, earning both an RN and a bachelor’s, while RN to BSN programs allow practicing registered nurses to earn a bachelor’s degree in about two years. Fully online BSN programs don’t exist for students without previous clinical experience since labs and clinical experiences must be completed in person. However, many hybrid BSN programs are available.
Can I work while pursuing a BSN in Virginia?
It depends on the program you select and its scheduling flexibility. Some schools provide part-time BSN options designed to accommodate students who want to work while completing their studies. In these programs, online learners visit campus much less often than in a full-time program and complete much of their coursework online. Some programs require in-person attendance but provide a curriculum with fewer courses per semester. Fast-track programs like ABSNs usually offer flexible scheduling for better work-life balance since most students work in other professions. This is also true for some LPN to BSN bridge programs since students are usually working as nurses.
How do BSN programs differ from other nursing programs?
BSN programs differ from other nursing degrees (e.g., RN and ADNs) in many ways, including program length and potential salaries. BSN programs can last one to four years, depending on the level of experience and type of credential you have when you begin the program, while ADN programs take an average of two years. Graduates of BSN programs qualify for RN positions that offer average annual salaries upwards of $86,000, while graduates of MSN programs that require students to possess BSNs make six figures, on average as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and nurse midwives. Nurses without RN licenses make an average of $59,730 per year.
Virgina’s BSN Pay and Opportunities
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Virginia | 70,190 | 73,240 | 3,050 | 4.30% | 4,160 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking Virgina’s Best Online BSN Programs
The following ranking of the best online BSN programs in Virginia helps you focus your search for a quality BSN program by listing only those programs that are accredited, have an online component, and offer academic counseling and career placement services. Schools are weighted based on their online presence, in-state tuition rate, financial aid, and student/faculty ratio.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VAProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $6,925 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Virginia Commonwealth University
- The VCU RN to BSN program offers guaranteed admission to any VCU nursing graduate program for graduates who meet requirements and space availability, ensuring a clear pathway for further education.
- VCU Health employees receive guaranteed admission with tuition benefits and application fee reimbursement, alongside a dedicated professional academic advisor to support their academic progress.
- The program features a flexible, mostly online format with three start dates per year, designed to accommodate working registered nurses advancing their careers without requiring time off from work.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $6,925 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $4,160 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Radford University
- Radford University’s RN-to-BSN program is offered 100% online with multiple start dates each year, providing flexible and convenient options for working nurses to advance their education quickly.
- Prelicensure BSN students complete over 500 direct care clinical hours at two large magnet hospitals with Level 1 & 2 trauma centers, gaining high-quality hands-on experience in diverse acute and community care environments.
- The nursing program provides access to state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Centers, enhancing practical skills through realistic clinical scenarios that prepare students for real-world healthcare settings.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $4,160 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $14,423 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bluefield University
- The BSN program offers a $4,000 scholarship to the first 25 accepted students, providing significant financial support.
- All nursing classes are offered online, including support courses, allowing working RNs flexibility to complete the degree in 3 to 4 semesters.
- RNs may enroll in three open enrollment BSN courses while awaiting full admission, easing transition to online learning and lightening academic load.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $14,423 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VAProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,457 Avg. Aid Amount
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Mary Washington
- The University of Mary Washington’s BSN Completion Program offers a fully online format with flexible pacing, allowing students to finish in as little as one year or study part-time at their own convenience.
- Students benefit from personalized mentorship by UMW faculty and experienced nursing leaders, integrating liberal arts education with advanced nursing practice essentials for a holistic professional development.
- The program prepares registered nurses to assume advanced roles such as provider, designer, manager, and coordinator of care in increasingly complex healthcare systems, aligning with AACN’s Essentials of Baccalaureate Education.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,457 Avg. Aid Amount
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,003 Avg. Aid Amount
- 37% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Norfolk State University
- Northeastern State University’s RN to BSN program offers a highly affordable tuition rate at under $9,300, making it accessible for working professionals.
- The program features multiple start dates throughout the year, providing flexible scheduling that accommodates full-time employment and personal commitments.
- NSU’s nursing faculty bring over 60 years of combined registered nurse experience, ensuring expert instruction and strong clinical guidance for students.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,003 Avg. Aid Amount
- 37% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $7,603 Avg. Aid Amount
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected George Mason University
- George Mason University's RN to BSN program offers a flexible, fully online curriculum with classes typically in a seven-week format, allowing completion in as little as two full-time semesters.
- The Co-enrollment BSN option enables students to simultaneously pursue their BSN at Mason and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing at a partner community college, accelerating degree completion.
- Mason accepts extensive transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions for general education and prerequisites, reducing course load and time to degree for eligible students.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $7,603 Avg. Aid Amount
- 70% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $26,649 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Ferrum College
- Ferrum College’s RN to BSN program offers a fully 100% online curriculum with rolling admissions and flexible 7-week courses allowing students to complete the degree in as little as 12 months.
- The program emphasizes experiential and innovative teaching practices in a personalized, caring atmosphere that fosters critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and preparation for managing diverse and rural populations.
- BSN graduates benefit from specialized content in research, legal practice, leadership, and communication, increasing job readiness and aligning with employer preferences that increasingly require BSN-prepared nurses.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $26,649 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,629 Avg. Aid Amount
- 82% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected James Madison University
- James Madison University's RN to BSN program offers the benefit of awarding up to 37 experiential learning credits for prior nursing practice, reducing the total credits needed to graduate.
- The program features fully online, asynchronous classes that allow students to maintain employment while completing their degree on a flexible full-time or part-time schedule.
- Students progress through the program as a supportive cohort of adult learners, fostering community, shared experiences, and mutual encouragement throughout their studies.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $2,629 Avg. Aid Amount
- 82% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $20,396 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Shenandoah University
- The BSN Accelerated Second Degree program at Southeastern University offers a shortened timeframe to complete the degree, enabling students to enter the nursing workforce faster.
- It provides personalized advisement and support throughout the program, including assistance with clinical placements due to established partnerships with local healthcare providers.
- The program emphasizes hands-on learning with expert faculty and access to state-of-the-art simulation labs, preparing students effectively for real-world nursing practice.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $20,396 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,453 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Old Dominion University
- Registered Nurses entering the BSN program receive 33 nursing credits as experiential learning at no cost, accelerating degree completion and reducing tuition expenses.
- The entire postlicensure BSN curriculum is delivered fully online, allowing flexible full-time or part-time study to fit working professionals’ schedules.
- The program offers a direct RN-to-MSN option, enabling seamless progression toward advanced practice nursing roles without reapplication or extended delays.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $5,453 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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