Virginia Nursing Schools and Programs

Researching then applying to accredited nursing schools in Virginia can be a time consuming task. For those just getting started in Nursing, we suggest that you focus on your near term education goals and the Virginia licensing requirements. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I want to begin my career in the state of Virginia as a Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, or a Registered Nurse? See our nursing education chart below for some insight into how long it takes to graduate from the most popular CNA, LPN, and RN nursing programs in Virginia.

How long is nursing school in Virginia? Virginia education estimates and average wages by nursing program: Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, and Nurse Practitioner.

Virginia Registered Nurse programs generally lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor Degree in Nursing which typically last 2 to 4 years.

Finding the best Nurse Practitioner school in Virginia before you become a Registered Nurse, for example, may bog down the school selection and application process. Furthermore, many four year undergraduate colleges routinely accept transfer credits for prerequisites often called pre-nursing courses.

While earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, ASN) or Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BDN, BSN) is an important milestone for nurses, many Virginia nursing school students gain meaningful work experience and an income upon completion of a shorter Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nursing program in the state of Virginia.

To help students search for the best nursing school in Virginia, we have outlined some key questions to ask. Below on this page you will find the following:

  1. How do I become a nurse in Virginia?
  2. Is Virginia a nursing compact state?
  3. How long is nursing school in Virginia?
  4. How much does nursing school in Virginia cost?
  5. Is it hard to get into a Virginia nursing school?
  6. List of nursing schools in Virginia.

How do I become a nurse in Virginia?

If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of Virginia, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years. Upon completion of your Virginia practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the Virginia Board of Nursing.

If you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Virginia, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years. Upon completion of your Virginia registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Is Virginia a nursing compact state?

Yes, Virginia is part of the nursing license compact. Virginia recently enacted the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) agreement which allows nurses to practice in all but a handful of states. This means that a Virginia Licensed Practical Nurse or a Virginia Registered Nurse can now apply for a multi-state nursing license.

How long is nursing school in Virginia?

The amount of time you spend in a Virginia nursing school will vary based upon the career path you choose. You can become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1 to 1.5 years, a Virginia Registered Nurse (RN) in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become a Nurse Practitioner in 6 to 8 years.

Above on this page we created a tabular image which summarizes how long nursing school is in Virginia. That image includes the number of nurses employed in the state of Virginia, along with the average wages earned at each education level.

Notice that in the state of Virginia, far greater numbers are employed as a Registered Nurse (RN) compared to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Virginia earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which Virginia nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.

How much does nursing school in Virginia cost?

Tuition for a nursing school in Virginia will cost between $4,500 to $5,500 per year for state residents seeking a two year Associate degree, an ADN or ASN, for example. The larger public four year colleges and universities in Virginia cost more between $8,500 to $13,500 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor Degree in Nursing, a BDN or BSN.

To help reduce the cost of nursing school in Virginia, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four year college or university of your choice. Each college has their own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.

Is it hard to get into a Virginia nursing school?

We list the quoted acceptance rate provided by each Virginia nursing school. A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. Reviewing the list of nursing schools in Virginia provided below, we can see the acceptance rates range from about 60% to 100% or Open. SAT and ACT scores are displayed on each individual nursing school page.

If you are having trouble getting accepted into a Virginia nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA, and, 2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.

List Of Nursing Schools In Virginia

Below is our complete list of accredited nursing schools in Virginia. In general, these schools offer campus based CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, and more nursing programs approved by the Virginia Board Of Nursing.

Click the name of any Virginia nursing school below to view the cost to attend, SAT and ACT scores, college or university characteristics, student body profile, satellite map of the surrounding area, and to view any additional nursing program information we have available in our database.

Blue Ridge Community College

One College Lane, Box 80, Weyers Cave, VA 24486
540-234-9261

Blue Ridge Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Weyers Cave, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Weyers Cave, Virginia campus for Blue Ridge Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,562. In-state tuition and fees were $5,364 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: ASN, LPN-to-RN

  • Tuition Cost $5,364
  • Acceptance Rate Open

Bon Secours Richmond Health System

8550 Magellan Parkway, Suite 1100, Richmond, VA 23227
804-627-5300

Bon Secours Richmond Health System is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Richmond, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Richmond, Virginia campus for Bon Secours Richmond Health System is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 481.

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN

Dabney S Lancaster Community College

PO Box 1000, Clifton Forge, VA 24422
540-863-2800

Dabney S Lancaster Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Clifton Forge, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Clifton Forge, Virginia campus for Dabney S Lancaster Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 946. In-state tuition and fees were $4,740 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN

  • Tuition Cost $4,740
  • Acceptance Rate Open

Danville Regional Medical Center

142 South Main Street, Danville, VA 24541
434-799-4510

Danville Regional Medical Center is a Private for-profit institution with a campus in Danville, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Danville, Virginia campus for Danville Regional Medical Center is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 23.

Nursing Programs: DIP

Eastern Mennonite University

1200 Park Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
540-432-4000

Eastern Mennonite University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Harrisonburg, Virginia campus for Eastern Mennonite University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,334. In-state tuition and fees were $40,990 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN

  • Tuition Cost $40,990
  • Room and Board $12,240
  • Acceptance Rate 99%

George Mason University

4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
703-993-1000

George Mason University is a Public institution with a campus in Fairfax, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Fairfax, Virginia campus for George Mason University is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 39,049. In-state tuition and fees were $13,401 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, DNP, PhD

  • Tuition Cost $13,401
  • Room and Board $13,120
  • Acceptance Rate 90%
  • ACT Score 25-31

Germanna Community College

2130 Germanna Highway, Locust Grove, VA 22508
540-891-3000

Germanna Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Locust Grove, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Locust Grove, Virginia campus for Germanna Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 7,688. In-state tuition and fees were $4,913 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN

  • Tuition Cost $4,913
  • Acceptance Rate Open

Global Health

25 South Quaker Lane, 1st Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-212-7410

Global Health is a Private for-profit institution with a campus in Alexandria, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Alexandria, Virginia campus for Global Health is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 333. In-state tuition and fees were $19,699 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN

  • Tuition Cost $19,699
  • Acceptance Rate 73%

J Sargeant Reynolds Community College

700 E Jackson Street, Richmond, VA 23285
804-371-3000

J Sargeant Reynolds Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Richmond, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Richmond, Virginia campus for J Sargeant Reynolds Community College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 7,527. In-state tuition and fees were $4,998 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: ASN

  • Tuition Cost $4,998
  • Acceptance Rate Open

James Madison University

800 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
540-568-6211

James Madison University is a Public institution with a campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Harrisonburg, Virginia campus for James Madison University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 22,224. In-state tuition and fees were $13,092 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: BSN

  • Tuition Cost $13,092
  • Room and Board $12,040
  • Acceptance Rate 78%
  • ACT Score 23-29

Jefferson College of Health Sciences

920 S. Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA 24016
888-985-8483

Jefferson College of Health Sciences is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Roanoke, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Roanoke, Virginia campus for Jefferson College of Health Sciences is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,128. In-state tuition and fees were $26,886 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Nurse Educator

  • Tuition Cost $26,886
  • Room and Board $8,344
  • Acceptance Rate 30%
  • ACT Score 17-21

John Tyler Community College

600 Charter Colony Parkway, Midlothian, VA 23114
804-706-5211

John Tyler Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Midlothian, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Midlothian, Virginia campus for John Tyler Community College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 8,792. In-state tuition and fees were $4,800 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: ASN

  • Tuition Cost $4,800
  • Acceptance Rate Open

Liberty University

1971 University Boulevard, Lynchburg, VA 24502
800-543-5317

Liberty University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Lynchburg, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Lynchburg, Virginia campus for Liberty University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 96,709. In-state tuition and fees were $22,511 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN

  • Tuition Cost $22,511
  • Room and Board $12,350
  • Acceptance Rate 99%

Lynchburg College

1501 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501
800-426-8101

Lynchburg College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Lynchburg, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Lynchburg, Virginia campus for Lynchburg College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,394. In-state tuition and fees were $34,500 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: BSN

  • Tuition Cost $34,500
  • Room and Board $13,060
  • Acceptance Rate 96%
  • ACT Score 21-28

Lynchburg General Hospital

1901 Tate Springs Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501
434-200-3000

Lynchburg General Hospital is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Lynchburg, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Lynchburg, Virginia campus for Lynchburg General Hospital is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 227. In-state tuition and fees were $12,259 for the most recent reporting period.

  • Tuition Cost $12,259
  • Acceptance Rate 40%

Marymount University

2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22207
703-522-5600

Marymount University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Arlington, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Arlington, Virginia campus for Marymount University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,711. In-state tuition and fees were $37,600 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner

  • Tuition Cost $37,600
  • Room and Board $15,697
  • Acceptance Rate 81%

Mountain Empire Community College

3441 Mountain Empire Rd, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
276-523-2400

Mountain Empire Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Big Stone Gap, Virginia campus for Mountain Empire Community College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,928. In-state tuition and fees were $4,725 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN

  • Tuition Cost $4,725
  • Acceptance Rate Open

Norfolk State University

700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23504
757-823-8600

Norfolk State University is a Public institution with a campus in Norfolk, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Norfolk, Virginia campus for Norfolk State University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 5,783. In-state tuition and fees were $9,622 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN

  • Tuition Cost $9,622
  • Room and Board $10,844
  • Acceptance Rate 89%
  • ACT Score 15-20

Norfolk Technical Vocational Center

1330 North Military Highway, Norfolk, VA 23502
757-892-3300

Norfolk Technical Vocational Center is a institution with a campus in Norfolk, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Northern Virginia Community College

6699 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 22150
703-323-3000

Northern Virginia Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Springfield, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Springfield, Virginia campus for Northern Virginia Community College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 51,896. In-state tuition and fees were $5,565 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: ASN, LPN-to-RN

  • Tuition Cost $5,565
  • Acceptance Rate Open

Patrick Henry Community College

645 Patriot Avenue, PO Box 5311, Martinsville, VA 24115
276-656-0311

Patrick Henry Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Martinsville, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Martinsville, Virginia campus for Patrick Henry Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,861. In-state tuition and fees were $4,720 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN

  • Tuition Cost $4,720
  • Acceptance Rate Open

Paul D Camp Community College

100 North College Drive, Franklin, VA 23851
757-569-6700

Paul D Camp Community College is a institution with a campus in Franklin, Virginia. The institution was established in 1970 and is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Nursing Programs: ASN

Piedmont Virginia Community College

501 College Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-977-3900

Piedmont Virginia Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Charlottesville, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Charlottesville, Virginia campus for Piedmont Virginia Community College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 5,022. In-state tuition and fees were $4,790 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: ASN

  • Tuition Cost $4,790
  • Acceptance Rate Open

Riverside Health System

326 Main Street, Newport News, VA 23601
757-240-2200

Riverside Health System is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Newport News, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Newport News, Virginia campus for Riverside Health System is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 338. In-state tuition and fees were $17,600 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: LPN, LPN-to-RN

  • Tuition Cost $17,600
  • Acceptance Rate 100%

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital

Crossways 1, Ste 105, 1441 Crossways Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23320
757-388-2900

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Chesapeake, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Chesapeake, Virginia campus for Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 331.

Nursing Programs: DIP

Sentara Obici Hospital

PO Box 1100, Suffolk, VA 23439
757-388-2900

Sentara Obici Hospital is a institution with a campus in Suffolk, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Shenandoah University

1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA 22601
540-665-4500

Shenandoah University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Winchester, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Winchester, Virginia campus for Shenandoah University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,260. In-state tuition and fees were $35,170 for the most recent reporting period.

  • Tuition Cost $35,170
  • Room and Board $11,230
  • Acceptance Rate 80%

Southside Regional Medical Center

801 South Adams Street, Petersburg, VA 23803
804-765-5800

Southside Regional Medical Center is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Petersburg, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Petersburg, Virginia campus for Southside Regional Medical Center is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 103.

Nursing Programs: DIP

Southwest Virginia Community College

369 College Rd, Richlands, VA 24641
888-220-7822

Southwest Virginia Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Richlands, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Richlands, Virginia campus for Southwest Virginia Community College is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,163. In-state tuition and fees were $4,733 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN

  • Tuition Cost $4,733
  • Acceptance Rate Open

St Marys Hospital

3820 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA 23223
804-328-4095

St Marys Hospital is a institution with a campus in Richmond, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Thomas Nelson Community College

PO Box 9407, Hampton, VA 23670
757-825-2700

Thomas Nelson Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Hampton, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Hampton, Virginia campus for Thomas Nelson Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 6,018. In-state tuition and fees were $4,806 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: ASN

  • Tuition Cost $4,806
  • Acceptance Rate Open

Tidewater Community College

120 Campus Dr, Portsmouth, VA 23701
757-822-1111

Tidewater Community College is a institution with a campus in Portsmouth, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Nursing Programs: ASN

Virginia Beach City Public Schools

2925 North Landing Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
757-648-6050

Virginia Beach City Public Schools is a Public institution with a campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Virginia Beach, Virginia campus for Virginia Beach City Public Schools is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 54.

Nursing Programs: LPN

  • Acceptance Rate Open

Virginia Commonwealth University

PO Box 980567, Richmond, VA 23298
804-828-0100

Virginia Commonwealth University is a Public institution with a campus in Richmond, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Richmond, Virginia campus for Virginia Commonwealth University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 28,082. In-state tuition and fees were $15,828 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, DNP, PhD

  • Tuition Cost $15,828
  • Room and Board $12,279
  • Acceptance Rate 91%
  • ACT Score 22-30

Virginia Highlands Community College

140 Old Jonesboro Road, PO Box 828, Abingdon, VA 24212
276-739-2400

Virginia Highlands Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Abingdon, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Abingdon, Virginia campus for Virginia Highlands Community College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,068. In-state tuition and fees were $4,725 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN

  • Tuition Cost $4,725
  • Acceptance Rate Open

Wytheville Community College

1000 East Main Street, Wytheville, VA 24382
276-223-4700

Wytheville Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Wytheville, Virginia. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Wytheville, Virginia campus for Wytheville Community College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,116. In-state tuition and fees were $4,725 for the most recent reporting period.

Nursing Programs: ASN

  • Tuition Cost $4,725
  • Acceptance Rate Open

The nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, etcetera used in our list of Virginia nursing schools may differ from the actual title published by the college or university.

Nursing schools in Virginia and other states, for example, may follow their own traditional degree naming convention, or, attempt to follow a newer naming convention trending nationwide.

Nursing Schools

Last updated: August 1, 2024

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