Best Nursing Schools in Virginia: Online & Campus
From traditional campus degrees to online options designed for working nurses, top nursing schools in Virginia have a program that can meet your needs and qualify you for rewarding in-demand jobs…
Are you interested in healthcare and want to play a role in helping people in need? When you become a nurse in Virginia, you can join the ranks of some of the most important workers in the healthcare system. The best nursing schools in Virginia offer programs for all levels, including those who are already nurses and want to become managers, researchers, or educators. Whatever your career goal, this guide can help navigate Virginia’s nursing school options to choose the best one for you. It profiles the best schools in the state, including their different degree options, tells you what to expect when you enroll, and discusses the potential salary you may earn after you graduate.
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing
Richmond, Virginia
Private
George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
Public
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Public
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Public
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, Virginia
Public
Radford University
Radford, Virginia
Public
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Private
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Private
Marymount University
Arlington, Virginia
Private
Riverside College of Health Careers
Newport News, Virginia
Private
Bluefield University
Bluefield, Virginia
Private
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Public
Mary Baldwin University
Staunton, Virginia
Private
University of Virginia’s College at Wise
Wise, Virginia
Public
Ferrum College
Ferrum, Virginia
Private
Virginia State University
Petersburg, Virginia
Public
Common Qualities of the Best Nursing Schools in Virginia
Enrolling in a nursing school is the first step toward reaching your goals. You have to find the right school, though, and some schools offer higher quality education and training than others. As you make your decision, consider the following common qualities that the best nursing programs in Virginia share.
- Knowledgeable and Experienced Faculty
If you are interested in a particular type of nursing, consider schools with faculty members that have experience in that area. This ensures you learn from professionals who have the specialized knowledge and practice you need to be successful. - Partnerships with Healthcare Facilities
Clinical rotations are a huge part of the learning experience for nursing students, so find out if the school you’re interested in has partnerships with healthcare facilities you may want to work for. This helps you get the training you need while allowing you to network with professionals that can help you get a job after graduation. - Nationally Accredited and State Approved
National accreditation is important because to receive this distinction, nursing schools must go through a rigorous evaluation that ensures they are providing a quality curriculum from experienced faculty members. The best nursing schools in Virginia are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). In addition, Virginia nursing students must graduate from a school approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing to obtain their licenses.
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Virginia
Whether you’re studying nursing for the first time or interested in expanding your current nursing knowledge and skillsets, nursing programs in Virginia provide many options to help with your goals. This section describes the different types of nursing programs available at undergraduate and graduate levels and lists specific schools in Virginia offering these degrees.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Virginia
ADN Programs
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) is for students who no previous nursing experience and who want to become registered nurses. Students learn the basics of patient care, such as how to dress wounds, perform and interpret diagnostic tests, and review patient treatment plans. These programs take two years to complete and are generally available at two- and four-year colleges.
Examples of Virginia Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
Traditional BSN programs, like ADN degrees, are for those who no previous nursing education. BSN programs are different because they take four years to complete and include coursework related to nursing and general education as well as clinical training.
Examples of Virginia Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Students who want to become nurses and have a bachelor’s degree in a different discipline can enroll in an accelerated BSN program. Since these students have already completed general education classwork, the accelerated BSN takes less time to complete, generally one to two years, because it focuses solely on nursing courses.
Examples of Virginia Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Virginia for Current Nurses
LVN to RN and LVN to BSN Programs
These bridge programs are for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) who want to further their education to get a promotion, higher pay, and more autonomy in their jobs. LVN-to-RN and LVN-to-BSN programs can be finished in about two to four years, and students take more advanced coursework that builds on previous knowledge as well as complete clinical rotations.
Examples of Virginia Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
As more employers favor nurses with bachelor’s degrees, an RN-to-BSN bridge can increase your job prospects and promotion options at your current job. These programs last about a year and build on current knowledge by introducing more advanced concepts like nursing informatics, community health, and nursing leadership.
Examples of Virginia Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
These bridge programs, which can be completed in about two years, allow students to become experts in specific areas of the field and pursue advanced nursing positions. RN-to-MSN programs include courses covering advanced nursing theory and practice and require clinical hours.
Examples of Virginia Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Virginia
MSN Programs
MSN programs are for nurses who want to pursue high-level nursing positions such as managerial roles in a healthcare facility. You don’t need prior nursing experience to enroll in a master’s degree program. Direct-entry nursing master’s degrees are for those from different fields who want to become a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse.
Examples of Virginia Nursing Schools with this Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Although Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs both offer doctoral-level degrees, they are designed for different nursing goals. A DNP program focuses on advanced practical care and leadership, and those who earn these degrees use this education to pursue managerial jobs in the nursing field or provide advanced care to patients. Ph.D. programs focus on nursing research, so individuals earning these degrees usually become nursing educators or researchers.
Examples of Virginia Nursing Schools with this Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
If nurses are interested in focusing on geriatric, pediatric, or psychiatric patients, a post-graduate certificate can give expertise in the specialty they want to pursue. These certificates are designed for those who already have a master’s degree or doctorate, so they go into the program with advanced knowledge on which they can build.
Examples of Virginia Nursing Schools with This Program
A Closer Look: Online Nursing Programs in Virginia
Just because you’re currently working or raising a family doesn’t mean you can’t get your first nursing degree or build on the nursing education you already completed. Online nursing programs in Virginia can help you accomplish this because they allow you to attend classes at your convenience, but they still give you the hands-on training necessary to solidify the concepts you learn.
Online nursing programs allow students to finish some or all of their classes online, and although they are learning at a distance, they still have access to the same curriculum and services traditional students enjoy.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Virginia
Can I earn my nursing degree in Virginia completely online?
In some cases, you can, depending on the program and the school you attend. Some programs allow you to take all your coursework online, but you are required to complete nursing clinicals in a healthcare facility as you would with a traditional nursing degree program. Some programs are hybrid, which means you complete a portion of your classes online and another portion on campus, or you go to campus only to participate in lab experiences. Either way, hybrid programs also require clinicals.
Will my online Virginia nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
An online program is considered equally valuable to employers as long as you attend a school accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and approved by the state of Virginia. The curriculum of an online degree program is identical to the curriculum of a traditional program, so you can be confident you’ll get the training you need to find a job after graduation.
Are online nursing programs in Virginia more affordable than campus programs?
It depends on the program. If you attend a private college or university, the online tuition may be comparable to the tuition for traditional students. However, some schools do charge by credit rather than by semester, so it’s important to check to be sure. Nonetheless, attending an online school can save you money on travel since you won’t be going to campus regularly.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Virginia
Nursing students in Virginia have numerous financial aid opportunities to help them pay for their degree programs, whether undergraduate or graduate. Virginia-specific scholarships can be won through the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority. You can also receive scholarships, loans, and grants through your school directly as well as through programs offered by the federal government and nursing organizations. Our nursing scholarship guide and financial aid guide can also help you locate different options to help defray the cost of your education.
How to Become an RN in Virginia: Licensing Information and Requirements
After you finish your degree program, it’s time to get a Virginia nursing license. The following outlines the steps you need to take to obtain the credentials needed to get a job as an RN. You can also learn more about nursing licensure requirements in Virginia, visit the Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing website.
Complete a Nursing Program
The first step toward getting a license is to graduate from a nursing program approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Complete an Application
Prospective nurses are required to fill out the application for licensure by examination and pay the $190 fee.
Submit to a Criminal Background Check
Applicants participate in a criminal background check by submitting fingerprints to the state.
Understand Nursing Laws
Virginia expects future nurses to review and understand the laws and regulations applicable to nursing practice.
Pass the NCLEX
After submitting your application to the state, you must sign up for and pass the NCLEX examination.
Renew Your License
Nursing licenses need to be renewed every two years. Renewal requirements include completing continuing education classes and paying the $140 fee
Job Outlook for RNs in Virginia
In the near future, according to the Virginia Employment Commission, the top profession for those with bachelor’s degrees in the state will be registered nursing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that between 2018 and 2028, registered nurses in Virginia will see an 11.7 percent increase in jobs. This means that 7,740 new positions are expected to be added to the profession. On the national level, there will be an additional 371,500 jobs created, which amounts to a 12.1 percent increase.
Employment Projections for RNs in Virginia
| Employment (2018) | New Jobs (2018-2028) | Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | |
| Virginia | 65,920 | 7,740 | 11.7% | 4,500 |
| United States | 3,059,800 | 371,500 | 12.1% | 210,400 |
Source: Projections Central
Nursing Salaries in Virginia: How Much You Could Make as an RN
Registered nurses in Virginia earned a median annual salary of $84,100 in 2023. The highest earning RNs took home $115,120 that year, while entry-level RNs earned $63,710. This is similar to the national median of $86,070, with highest earners at $132,680 and lowest earners at $63,720. Check out the median, top earning, and entry-level registered nursing salaries in the state of Virginia and its largest metropolitan areas for 2023.
Annual Earnings for Registered Nurses in Virginia
| 10th Percentile | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile | |
| Virginia | $63,710 | $84,100 | $115,120 |
| United States | $63,720 | $86,070 | $132,680 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | $55,280 | $77,350 | $95,370 |
| Charlottesville, VA | $67,270 | $81,510 | $102,110 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $61,270 | $78,610 | $122,730 |
| Lynchburg, VA | $61,920 | $77,900 | $95,390 |
| Richmond, VA | $67,080 | $85,440 | $112,700 |
| Roanoke, VA | $62,040 | $78,380 | $98,330 |
| Staunton-Waynesboro, VA | $61,550 | $82,630 | $99,520 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | $65,030 | $82,540 | $108,500 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | $66,150 | $90,030 | $122,380 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2024
Virginia Nursing Resources
The Virginia Board of Nursing’s website includes information on getting a nursing license and keeping it current, laws and regulations for nurses in the state, and continuing education options. It also provides news that RNs in Virginia need to know.
Virginia Nursing Students’ Association
This organization provides support for nurses, including networking events, information on scholarships for Virginia nurses, and information about nursing specialties.
Scholarships and Online Resources for RN Students
This page includes information on nursing scholarships as well as helpful resources they can use to augment their studies.
Members of the Virginia Nurses Association have access to advocacy services, networking and education events, continuing education classes, and the latest nursing research.
Virginia Nursing Legacy Magazine
Published by the University of Virginia, this magazine features articles about what’s going on in the nursing field and the individual stories of current nurses and nursing students.
