Best Nursing Schools in Chesapeake, VA | 2026 BSN Guide

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

The best nursing schools for Chesapeake residents extend across the Hampton Roads region, with programs within a 45-mile radius offering in-person, hybrid, and online options. This ranking highlights accredited ADN, BSN, and entry-to-practice MSN programs from public and private institutions, considering affordability, student success metrics, and program flexibility.

Rank	School	Location	Net price	Best for
#1	Sentara College of Health Sciences	Chesapeake, VA		Career changers earning a fast-track RN
Sentara College of Health Sciences, located in Chesapeake, offers a Master's Entry to Nursing Practice program for career changers seeking a fast track to nursing. The campus-based program can be completed in two years and includes extensive hands-on clinical experience. Graduates benefit from strong connections to Sentara's regional healthcare system and high NCLEX pass rates. Master's Entry to Nursing Practice — On-Campus Visit Website Complete in 2 years with 945 clinical hours 80 credit hours, 22 total courses No preadmissions test required High NCLEX pass rates and strong employment outcomes 100% certification rate Campus-based in Chesapeake
#2	Riverside College of Health Careers	Newport News, VA	$20,000 – $25,000/yr	Aspiring nurses wanting regional clinical ties
Riverside College of Health Careers in Newport News provides a traditional and accelerated Professional Nursing BSN program with a century-long legacy in the region. As part of Riverside Health System, students benefit from integrated clinical placements and employment pathways across Hampton Roads. The program emphasizes day classes and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Professional Nursing - BSN) — On-Campus Visit Website 2 concentration options Complete in 3.5 years (traditional) or accelerated Average starting pay $29.16-$31.87/hour Prepares for NCLEX-RN Financial aid and scholarships available Part of Riverside Health system with virtual info sessions
#3	Old Dominion University	Norfolk, VA	$13,000 – $34,000/yr	Graduates prioritizing job placement success
Old Dominion University's pre-licensure BSN in Norfolk is a five-semester campus-based program known for its 100% employment rate among job-seeking graduates. Students train in a state-of-the-art simulation center and engage in community health partnerships, with small clinical sections ensuring personalized attention. Military benefits and multiple start dates add flexibility. Nursing, Pre-licensure (B.S.N.) — On-Campus Visit Website $281 per credit (in-state) 5-semester program, starts fall/spring/summer 100% job placement rate 3.0 GPA minimum, prerequisite courses required Military benefits accepted State-of-the-art simulation center and telehealth training
#4	Norfolk State University	Norfolk, VA	$15,000/yr
Norfolk State University's BSN program in Norfolk features four simulation labs and doctoral-level faculty, with a traditional curriculum spanning two years of prerequisites plus five nursing semesters. Graduates benefit from a 100% job placement rate within 60 days and high NCLEX pass rates. Clinical partnerships with major hospitals enrich the learning experience. Bachelor of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website ACEN accredited HESI entrance exam required 121 total credit hours, 857 clinical hours 85% licensure pass rate 100% job placement rate Doctoral-level faculty, four simulation labs
#5	Tidewater Community College	Norfolk, VA	$12,000/yr
Tidewater Community College's Beazley School of Nursing in Portsmouth offers an ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing through competitive admission. Students receive hands-on training in simulation labs, with LPN to RN transition options available. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level positions in hospitals and clinics. Associate Degree in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website ACEN accredited 4-semester program, 64 total credit hours 2 start dates per year (spring/fall) State-of-the-art simulation labs LPN to RN placement available Mandatory information session required Portsmouth campus location
#6	Virginia Peninsula Community College	Hampton, VA	~$7,000/yr (est.)
Virginia Peninsula Community College's Professional Nursing AAS in Hampton combines classroom theory with 500 clinical hours at area hospitals like Sentara and Riverside. This ACEN-accredited program offers an articulation agreement with Old Dominion University for seamless BSN transfer, making it a cost-effective starting point for aspiring RNs. Associate of Applied Science in Professional Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website ACEN accredited Apply by 2025-11-05 (spring start) Cohort-based, 500 clinical hours Prerequisite courses required Prepares for NCLEX-RN G3 tuition assistance eligible Articulation agreement with ODU
#7	Paul D Camp Community College	Franklin, VA	$5,000 – $11,000/yr
Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin provides an ACEN-accredited ADN program with traditional and LPN-to-RN pathways. Small cohorts of 30 traditional and 10 transition students ensure personalized instruction, and graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN. Mandatory advising sessions guide students from application to graduation. ADN/RN Traditional and Advanced Placement Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website ACEN accredited TEAS entrance exam required Apply by 2026-06-01 Full-time and part-time options Small cohort (30 traditional, 10 transition) Virginia Board of Nursing approved Mandatory advising session
#8	College of the Albemarle	Elizabeth City, NC	~$2,000/yr (est.)
College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, NC, offers a highly regarded ADN program ranked number one in North Carolina. Students can take advantage of concurrent ADN/BSN enrollment with Old Dominion University, and the RIBN pathway provides a route to a four-year degree, making it a strong option for Chesapeake-area residents willing to cross the state line. Associate Degree Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website ACEN accredited TEAS exam required Prepares for NCLEX-RN Ranked #1 nursing program in NC Concurrent ADN/BSN with ODU RIBN pathway to BSN Small class sizes
#9	Hampton University	Hampton, VA	$25,000 – $30,000/yr
Hampton University's online RN to BSN program is designed for working registered nurses, offering accelerated 12-month and extended two-year tracks. The CCNE-accredited curriculum covers leadership, community health, and evidence-based research, with up to 55 transfer credits accepted for general education requirements. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (1 Year Accelerated RN to BSN) — Online Visit Website CCNE accredited 12-month accelerated track available 120 total credit hours 2.0 GPA minimum Fully online format, 8-week sessions Designed for working RNs Up to 55 transfer credits accepted
#10	ECPI University	Virginia Beach, VA	$23,000/yr (net price)
ECPI University offers an accelerated 18-month ADN program at its Virginia Beach campus, with a year-round schedule and integrated arts and sciences courses. The ACEN-accredited curriculum includes a 1:1 preceptorship and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN, making it ideal for those seeking quick entry into nursing practice. Associate Degree in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website ACEN accredited 18-month program, 71 total credit hours Prepares for NCLEX-RN 1:1 preceptorship integrated Year-round accelerated schedule Hands-on labs and simulations Multiple start dates per year

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 near Falls Church 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.

LPN Vs. ADN Vs. BSN in Chesapeake, VA: Choosing Your Nursing Path

Choosing a nursing path in Chesapeake comes down to timeline, licensing exam, and scope of practice. The LPN certificate is the shortest entry point, usually about 45 credits and the NCLEX-PN; the ADN at Tidewater Community College is a 64 credit route to the NCLEX-RN; the BSN is a longer bachelor's degree that uses the same RN licensing exam but adds leadership and community health coursework. Local starting points include Chesapeake School of Practical Nursing for the LPN and Tidewater Community College for the ADN; BSN options include Sentara College of Health Sciences and universities in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. For most hospital RN positions in Chesapeake, an ADN or BSN with the NCLEX-RN is required, while LPN roles are more common in long-term care and outpatient settings.