Jake Flannigan, NP
June 19, 2025
RN to BSN programs at Virginia universities offer registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas a pathway to finish their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The programs in Virginia were created to help nursing professionals advance their professional development through enhanced clinical expertise together with leadership and research education.
Wise, VA - Public 4-Year - uvawise.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Virginia's College at Wise offers an online RN to BSN program designed for registered nurses holding a diploma or associate degree, allowing them to advance their education while continuing to work. This flexible program focuses on building advanced clinical knowledge and leadership skills, preparing nurses for higher-level roles. Applicants must have an active RN license and complete general education courses, with an application deadline of August 1st. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required for this bachelor's level program.
Charlottesville, VA - Public 4-Year - virginia.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Virginia's RN to BSN Hybrid Program, ranked Virginia's #1 nursing program, provides a flexible two-year part-time pathway for working registered nurses. This hybrid model blends monthly in-person sessions with online coursework, eliminating the need for direct clinical hours and accommodating busy schedules. Students earn 42 advanced standing credits, focusing on informatics, leadership, research, and public health to enhance professional skills. Financial aid is substantial, with many students receiving full tuition coverage and scholarships. No ACT or SAT is required for admission, making it accessible for RNs seeking to advance their careers without entrance exams.
Fredericksburg, VA - Public 4-Year - umw.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Mary Washington's RN to BSN Degree Completion Program is a hybrid offering that combines online flexibility with in-person sessions, ideal for registered nurses seeking to earn their bachelor's degree in just one year. Tailored for RNs with associate degrees, it emphasizes clinical reasoning, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for advanced roles in healthcare. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and awards 41 transfer credits for prior education, with no entrance exam like ACT or SAT needed, making it an accessible and efficient path for career advancement.
Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - nsu.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Norfolk State University's RN to BSN Online program offers a flexible 9-18 month pathway for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree. Designed for working professionals, this online program emphasizes community leadership and does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam. With a focus on lifelong learning, students must hold a Virginia RN license and maintain a 2.5 GPA. As an HBCU and military-friendly institution, it provides opportunities for career advancement without interrupting current employment.
Farmville, VA - Public 4-Year - longwood.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Longwood University's RN to BSN online program provides registered nurses with a flexible and accredited path to enhance their careers. With options for full-time or part-time study in seven-week course blocks, students can complete the degree in three to five semesters. The program, accredited by CCNE, focuses on developing critical nursing skills and professional growth, requiring a minimum 2.5 GPA and current RN licensure. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required for this bachelor's level program, making it accessible for working professionals seeking advancement in nursing.
The state of Virginia presents multiple RN to BSN program options including online programs as well as hybrid and in-person learning formats. Working nurses benefit from the online RN to BSN programs which several Virginia universities provide. Students who enroll in hybrid programs study both online and participate in occasional in-person meetings which combine convenience with practical learning experience. The educational programs provide evening and weekend classes to help students manage their work commitments. Some educational institutions provide fast-track options for their RN to BSN programs so students can finish their studies within a condensed period. Online and hybrid formats work best for RNs who require flexibility during their pursuit of BSN education. The wide range of program choices enables nurses to discover programs that align with their professional objectives and personal schedules.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Mary Washington |
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| Emory & Henry University |
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| Mary Baldwin University |
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| Certifying Board | Virginia Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate of an approved BSN, submit transcripts, pass NCLEX‑RN, complete fingerprint‑based FBI background check |
| License Renewal Period | Expires on your birth month every two years, renew biennially |
| Continuing Education | 30 contact hours biennially or 15 hours plus 640 practice hours, with alternate options like specialty certification or academic credit |
| License Application Fee | $190 application, $200 NCLEX registration, and about $36 fingerprint background check |
| Clinical Hours | Supervised practice in adult health, pediatrics, maternal‑newborn, psychiatric‑mental health, and community health per BSN program standards |
| Application Processing Time | Up to 30 business days for application review and ATT issuance, NCLEX results and licensure posted within 48 hours of exam |
| License by Endorsement | Online application with $190 endorsement fee, license verification via NURSYS, transcripts, fingerprint check, and CE compliance |
The RN to BSN graduates in Virginia will benefit from a positive job outlook since the national registered nurse employment rate is expected to rise by 6%. The demand for BSN-prepared nurses will grow in Virginia especially in Northern Virginia and Richmond urban areas. The average annual salary for RNs in Virginia is $88,350 while BSN nurses typically earn higher salaries especially when they work in leadership positions or specialized fields. The highest demand for BSN nurses exists in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations across Virginia. The BSN degree enables RNs to access better career prospects together with leadership positions and high-paying employment opportunities throughout the state.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Virginia | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $75,562 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $36.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | $93,562 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $67,780 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | $60,696 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 6% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~194,500 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia State University |
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| Longwood University |
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| Regent University |
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The BSN provides Virginia nurses with multiple career progression opportunities. BSN-educated nurses qualify for leadership and management positions including charge nurse, nurse manager, and clinical educator roles. BSN graduates who meet the requirements can get public health, pediatric practice, and nursing administration certifications. The degree serves as a starting point for students to pursue master’s and doctoral nursing programs. Nurses who want to become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists or nurse anesthetists must first obtain their BSN degree before pursuing advanced practice certifications. The advanced knowledge and abilities from BSN education help nurses move up in their current positions or start new specialties that require more responsibility along with increased earning potential.
Additional Nursing Programs in Virginia
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