Top Nursing Schools & BSN Programs in Chesapeake, Virginia (2026)

Within Chesapeake’s city limits, no BSN program operates, but the broader Hampton Roads healthcare corridor houses over a dozen nursing schools offering pre-licensure, RN-to-BSN, and accelerated tracks. Area employers, including Sentara Healthcare and Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, increasingly require the BSN credential, driven by Magnet recognition and Institute of Medicine recommendations.

Program structures vary markedly: traditional four-year BSNs sit alongside second-degree accelerated options and online RN-to-BSN pathways. The right fit depends on your prior education and timeline.

Clinical placements at Sentara, Chesapeake Regional, and other regional hospitals often serve as direct hiring pipelines. Choosing one of the best nursing schools in Virginia with strong local clinical ties can shape both your training quality and your first nursing job.

Best Nursing Schools in Chesapeake, VA, Ranked

This ranking brings together the nursing schools and programs most accessible to Chesapeake, VA residents, covering the Hampton Roads region and beyond within a 75-mile radius. Each entry highlights net price, institution-wide graduation rate, and the program format so you can compare real costs and outcomes across different pathways.

Rank	School	Location	Net price	Best for
#1	Riverside College of Health Careers	Newport News, VA	$20,000 – $25,000/yr	Chesapeake residents seeking hospital-affiliated BSN
Located in nearby Newport News, Riverside College of Health Careers is a Hampton Roads institution owned by the Riverside Health System, which gives students direct access to regional clinical rotations and job opportunities. The school's Professional Nursing BSN program takes about 3.5 years and offers both traditional and accelerated tracks on campus. With an institution-wide graduation rate of 100% and a net price around $20,744, it's a strong local option for Chesapeake residents seeking a hands-on, employer-connected nursing education. Professional Nursing BSN — On-Campus Visit Website 3.5-year BSN with traditional and accelerated track options Daytime classes only, located on the Riverside Health System campus Total program tuition estimated between $37,325 and $50,825 Emphasis on hands-on clinical training with low student-faculty ratio Graduates eligible for NCLEX-RN and Virginia RN licensure Prerequisites in sciences and general education required for admission Personalized faculty mentoring and career guidance
#2	Centra College	Lynchburg, VA	$13,000/yr	Virginia-licensed RNs seeking online BSN completion
Centra College delivers a fully online RN-to-BSN program designed for Virginia-licensed registered nurses who want to earn their bachelor's without relocating. The curriculum accommodates working RNs with full-time (12-month) and part-time (2-year) options. The college's institution-wide graduation rate is 100%, and in-state tuition is $10,449, making it an affordable choice for Chesapeake RNs looking to advance their credentials. RN-BSN Program — Online Visit Website 100% online, no campus visits required Complete in as little as 12 months full-time Part-time option available over 2 years Designed for currently licensed RNs in Virginia Curriculum builds advanced nursing and leadership skills Financial aid and payment plans offered Flexible start dates and self-paced components
#3	University of Virginia	Charlottesville, VA	$22,000/yr (net price)	Virginia residents wanting multiple accelerated BSN tracks
The University of Virginia in Charlottesville offers a prestigious BSN program with multiple entry points: a traditional four-year track, a three-year transfer program, and a two-year accelerated option for second-degree students. UVA's in-state net price is $21,565, and its institution-wide graduation rate is 95.6%. For Chesapeake residents, Virginia in-state status brings significant tuition savings, and many students from the Hampton Roads region are part of the university's recruiting and clinical outreach. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Traditional) — On-Campus Visit Website Four-year, full-time curriculum on UVA's historic grounds 120-credit program with clinicals in five specialty areas Includes a semester-long immersive practicum Prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam Early Action and Regular Decision admission cycles Competitive admission; strong GPA and test scores recommended Financial aid and scholarships available to in-state students 3-Year BSN Transfer Program — On-Campus Visit Website Three-year, 120-credit BSN for transfer students Requires completion of specific prerequisite coursework Emphasis on interprofessional education and collaboration Hands-on clinical experiences across multiple settings Opportunities for study abroad and global health Prepares for NCLEX-RN with strong pass rates Standard in-state tuition and fees apply 2-Year Accelerated BSN Program — On-Campus Visit Website Two-year, full-time accelerated track for second-degree students Begins in May with two consecutive summer sessions Requires 52 general education credits and prerequisites Extensive hands-on clinical and lab experiences Close-knit student cohort with dedicated faculty mentors Prepares for NCLEX-RN with comprehensive exam support Competitive admissions; October 1 application deadline Direct Entry MSN (Clinical Nurse Leader) — On-Campus Visit Website 24-month, full-time master's entry for non-nurses with a bachelor's 840+ clinical hours and 96%+ NCLEX first-time pass rate Prepares students for CNL certification and RN licensure 90% of students receive some form of scholarship Requires a 3.0 GPA and prerequisite science courses Leadership training and quality improvement project embedded Global health opportunities available during program
#4	James Madison University	Harrisonburg, VA	$23,000/yr
James Madison University in Harrisonburg provides a respected campus-based BSN emphasizing low student-to-faculty ratios and innovative instruction. The program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN with a blend of classroom and real-life clinical scenarios. JMU's in-state net price is $23,322, and its institution-wide graduation rate stands at 79.7%. While not in the immediate Chesapeake area, the school attracts Virginia residents statewide and offers a standard in-state tuition structure. BSN Program — On-Campus Visit Website Campus-based BSN with CCNE accreditation and VA Board approval Low student-to-faculty ratio for personalized attention Innovative instruction blending classroom and simulation Prepares students for NCLEX-RN with strong track record Emphasis on real-life clinical reasoning and patient scenarios Focus on personal and professional nursing growth Graduates sought after for rapid career advancement
#5	George Mason University	Fairfax, VA	$15,000 – $20,000/yr
George Mason University in Fairfax offers a traditional four-year BSN and a 12-month accelerated second-degree BSN for students who already hold a bachelor's. The curriculum includes clinical rotations in diverse settings throughout Northern Virginia. GMU's in-state net price is $17,915, and its institution-wide graduation rate is 67.8%. Though its clinical partnerships are concentrated in Northern Virginia, the school remains a viable in-state option for Chesapeake students willing to relocate. Traditional BSN Program — On-Campus Visit Website Four-year, full-time pre-licensure BSN on Mason's Fairfax campus Clinical rotations in diverse Northern Virginia health systems Annual Fall admission with limited cohort size Recommended to attend an information session before applying Nursing-specific fees in addition to standard tuition Scholarships and financial aid through College of Public Health Accelerated Second Degree BSN Program — On-Campus Visit Website 12-month accelerated track for students with a prior bachelor's Full-time, pre-licensure curriculum with competitive admission Intensive blend of coursework and clinical experiences Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN examination Designed for career changers entering nursing
#6	University of Mary Washington	Fredericksburg, VA	$21,000/yr (net price)
The University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg offers a hybrid RN-to-BSN completion program that blends online coursework with limited campus visits. Designed for licensed RNs holding an associate degree or diploma, it can be completed in one year full-time or at a flexible part-time pace. UMW's in-state net price is $20,667, and its institution-wide graduation rate is 66.4%. The program is accessible to Chesapeake RNs through its distance-friendly format. BSN Degree Completion Program — On-Campus Hybrid format blending online coursework with limited campus visits Complete in as few as 12 months of full-time study Designed for RNs with an associate degree or diploma in nursing Requires a current Virginia RN license and 3.0 GPA Curriculum combines liberal arts, leadership, and nursing science Prepares graduates for advanced nursing roles and graduate study Faculty and alumni mentorship opportunities included
#7	Virginia Commonwealth University	Richmond, VA	$23,000/yr
Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond delivers a three-year, in-person traditional BSN that ranks among the top nursing programs nationally. The program is known for its clinical reasoning focus and hands-on training at VCU Health's academic medical center. VCU's in-state net price is $23,433, and its institution-wide graduation rate is 63.2%. Many students from Hampton Roads enroll, though clinical placements are primarily in the Richmond area. Traditional B.S. in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Three-year, full-time, in-person BSN program Eligible for NCLEX-RN and ranked #39 by U.S. News Clinical placements at VCU Health's Magnet-status academic medical center Focus on clinical reasoning, assessment, and technical skills Requires NursingCAS application, transcripts, and two recommendation letters Personal statement and English proficiency proof (if applicable) required Top 6% of undergraduate nursing programs nationally
#8	Wytheville Community College	Wytheville, VA	$5,000 – $11,000/yr
Wytheville Community College's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing is a five-semester campus program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and careers in various healthcare settings. It offers an affordable pathway with a net price of just $4,622 and a strong NCLEX pass rate. However, located in Southwest Virginia, it is geographically distant from Chesapeake, lacking local clinical sites or targeted initiatives for eastern Virginia residents. Associate of Applied Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Five-semester Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Eligible for NCLEX-RN and Virginia RN licensure ACEN-accredited and fully approved by VA Board of Nursing Strong NCLEX pass rate historically above state average Focus on patient-centered care and ethical nursing practice Requires TEAS exam and prerequisite science courses for admission Affordable VCCS tuition with net price around $4,622 Clinical experiences in regional healthcare settings
#9	New River Community College	Dublin, VA	~$6,000/yr (est.)
New River Community College in Dublin provides an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing that is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The campus-based program emphasizes hands-on learning and a rigorous curriculum, with a net price of $6,279. Like Wytheville, the college primarily serves the New River Valley and southwestern Virginia, so Chesapeake students would need to relocate for the duration of the program. Associate of Applied Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Two-year associate degree designed for beginning nursing practice Campus-based with hands-on clinical and lab training Approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing Prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination Net price around $6,279 with low student debt median of $9,000 Contact the Nursing Admissions Specialist for personalized guidance
#10	Germanna Community College	Locust Grove, VA	$5,000 – $12,000/yr
Germanna Community College in Locust Grove offers a two-year Nursing Associate Degree focused on patient-centered care and clinical judgment. The program has an estimated net price of $5,541 and provides eligibility for the NCLEX-RN. Its clinical partnerships are centered in the Fredericksburg area, with no specific initiatives for Chesapeake or Hampton Roads, but as a VCCS school it honors in-state tuition for Virginia residents. Nursing Associate Degree — On-Campus Visit Website Two-year associate degree preparing for RN licensure Estimated total program cost $11,260 Focus on patient-centered care, clinical judgment, and risk minimization Hands-on lab experiences supplement classroom learning Programmatic accreditation and VA Board of Nursing approval Graduates eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN Net price around $5,541, among the most affordable in the region

BSN Program Cost Comparison in the Chesapeake Area

The following table compares the costs of nursing programs accessible from Chesapeake, Virginia. All listed programs are Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) pathways, which prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam. In-state tuition and net price figures can help you gauge affordability, but remember that net price reflects the average cost after financial aid and may vary by individual circumstances.

NCLEX Pass Rates for Chesapeake-Area BSN Programs

A high NCLEX pass rate signals strong preparation, but newer programs with limited data can complicate your choice between established and emerging options. Understanding what the numbers mean helps you weigh risk against innovation in your nursing education.

What a Good NCLEX Pass Rate Looks Like

• Strong performance: First-time pass rates at or above 90% reflect rigorous preparation and effective clinical training.
• Average range: Virginia and national NCLEX-RN pass rates typically fall between 86% and 88% for BSN graduates. The most recent national average (2025) was 86.7%.
• Caution threshold: Rates below 80% may indicate weaknesses in curriculum or student support, warranting further investigation before enrolling.

How Chesapeake-Area Programs Compare

Programs serving the Chesapeake region, including Sentara College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, and Arizona College of Nursing’s Chesapeake campus, produce graduates who sit for the NCLEX-RN. While exact program-level rates are published annually by the Virginia Board of Nursing, prospective students should look for consistent performance above the state average. A program that sustains a pass rate above 90% over multiple years shows deep commitment to student success.

A Note on Newer Programs

Newer options like Arizona College of Nursing’s Chesapeake campus may have only a few graduating cohorts, making it harder to identify a pattern in pass rates. A single year’s dip or spike in a small sample does not always reflect long-term quality. Ask for the most recent three-year trend data and whether the program has taken concrete steps to improve outcomes, such as integrating NCLEX-style exams throughout the curriculum or offering dedicated remediation courses.

Admission Requirements & How to Apply

Admission requirements for nursing schools in Chesapeake, VA, encompass more than a GPA threshold: they include prerequisite coursework, entrance exams, and clinical readiness steps that ensure students are prepared for the rigors of a BSN program.

General Prerequisites

• Most BSN programs expect a strong foundation in science and math. Common prerequisites include anatomy & physiology (with lab), microbiology, chemistry, statistics, and introductory psychology.
• Many schools require a C or better in each prerequisite, and overall GPA minimums typically range from 2.5 to 3.0, though competitive tracks may unofficially require higher.
• Non-academic requirements: Current CNA certification is sometimes needed, and virtually all programs mandate a criminal background check, drug screening, and proof of immunizations before clinical placements begin.

Testing and Institutional Requirements

• Standardized nursing entrance exams such as the TEAS or HESI are the norm across Hampton Roads programs. These assessments measure reading, math, science, and English skills, helping schools predict NCLEX readiness.
• Arizona College of Nursing in Chesapeake uses its own internal assessment rather than a national exam¹. The program sets a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 for admission² and follows a rolling admissions cycle¹, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received.

Application Materials and Deadlines

• Typical application packets include official transcripts from all colleges attended, a personal statement or essay, and two or three letters of recommendation. Some schools ask for a resume detailing healthcare experience or volunteer work.
• Deadlines vary by school and start term. Arizona College’s rolling admissions allow for year-round entry, but many traditional programs have firm dates, often in January for a fall start and September for a spring start. Always confirm deadlines on the school’s nursing admissions page, as they can shift slightly from year to year.
• After acceptance, expect to complete a physical exam, drug screen, and fingerprinting before registering for clinical courses.

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How Do Earnings and Debt Compare Across Chesapeake-Area Nursing Programs?

Graduate outcomes vary widely among nursing schools in the Chesapeake area. The chart below compares median earnings ten years after graduation with median graduate debt for five regional programs.

Clinical Sites & Hospital Partnerships in Hampton Roads

Where do nursing students in Chesapeake complete their clinical rotations, and which hospitals are most likely to hire them after graduation?

Major Clinical Partners in Hampton Roads

Sentara Healthcare is the primary clinical system for Sentara College of Health Sciences¹. Students train in Sentara's own clinical environments¹, gaining hands-on experience across acute care, outpatient, and specialty settings. Arizona College of Nursing's Chesapeake campus does not publish a detailed clinical partner list, but rotations take place in local community sites². Chesapeake Regional Medical Center actively hosts nursing students and also operates a nurse residency program and clinical ladder for new graduates³. Students at universities like Old Dominion University frequently rotate through Sentara, Chesapeake Regional, and the Hampton VA Medical Center, ensuring exposure to varied patient populations.

Why Clinical Placement Quality Matters

The quality and variety of clinical rotations directly affect NCLEX readiness and early career confidence. Rotations in high-acuity areas, such as critical care, emergency, and medical-surgical units, build the clinical judgment skills tested on the licensure exam. Strong hospital partnerships also create a hiring pipeline: many graduates receive job offers from facilities where they completed preceptorships or clinical hours.

Military Medical Facilities as Clinical Sites

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is a key clinical option in the region, particularly for students with military ties. Chesapeake's large active-duty and veteran population makes this a valuable training ground, offering exposure to military medicine and TRICARE patient care. Placements here can also open doors to civilian nursing roles within the military health system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chesapeake Nursing Schools

Prospective nursing students in Chesapeake often have specific questions about program options, costs, and outcomes. Here are answers to some of the most common queries.

What nursing schools are in Chesapeake, Virginia?

Several institutions offer nursing programs in and near Chesapeake. Options include Arizona College of Nursing's Chesapeake campus, which provides a pre-licensure BSN, and Averett University's accelerated BSN in nearby Norfolk. Other regional schools also serve the Hampton Roads area.

How much does a BSN program cost in Chesapeake, VA?

BSN tuition varies by school and program type. Costs can range from around $20,000 to over $60,000 for the entire program. Factors include public vs. private status, in-state residency, and program length. Always check with each school for the most current tuition and fee breakdowns.

Is there an accelerated BSN program in Chesapeake, Virginia?

Yes, Averett University offers an accelerated BSN at its Norfolk site, about 15 miles from Chesapeake. It is designed for students with a prior non-nursing bachelor's degree or at least 60 college credits, completing in as few as 16 months. Arizona College's Chesapeake program is a standard, non-accelerated track.

Are Chesapeake nursing programs military-friendly?

Many nursing schools in the Hampton Roads area support military students through benefits like the Yellow Ribbon Program, tuition assistance, and credit for military medical training. However, specific policies vary. Contact admissions offices directly to verify eligibility and available resources.

What NCLEX pass rate should I look for when choosing a BSN program?

While national averages fluctuate, a strong BSN program typically reports first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates of 85% or higher. Many Chesapeake-area schools publish their rates online. Arizona College of Nursing, for example, makes its NCLEX performance available on its website. Always verify recent data.

Can I complete an RN-to-BSN program online from Chesapeake?

Yes, numerous regionally and nationally accredited universities offer online RN-to-BSN programs accessible from Chesapeake. These programs are designed for working registered nurses and can often be completed part-time while you work. Check with individual schools for admission requirements and clinical components.