Top Nursing Schools & Programs in Virginia

University of Virginia's Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers a rigorous four-year program spanning 120 credits, emphasizing comprehensive nursing education. Students engage in extensive clinical rotations across five specialty areas, culminating in a semester-long practicum. The competitive program prepares graduates for the NCLEX exam through robust coursework in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. With Early Action and Regular Decision pathways, students benefit from financial aid opportunities and potential global experiences. SAT/ACT entrance exams are required, and the program boasts a military-friendly campus with an on-site hospital, ensuring hands-on learning and professional development.

• Four-year full-time program
• 120 credits
• Prepares for NCLEX exam
• Clinical rotations in five specialties
• Semester-long practicum
• Competitive admission
• Early Action and Regular Decision deadlines
• Financial aid available
• Global opportunities
• Hands-on clinical experience

UVA's 3-Year BSN Transfer Program accelerates nursing education for transfer students, delivering a comprehensive 120-credit curriculum. This innovative pathway emphasizes interprofessional learning, integrating nursing and medical students while providing opportunities for international study in Australia and New Zealand. Clinical experiences commence early, allowing students to gain practical skills alongside world-class professors. Prerequisites include microbiology, chemistry, and human anatomy. The program features flexible tuition structures for residents and non-residents, with additional clinical service fees. Students are prepared comprehensively for the NCLEX exam through a dynamic, collaborative learning environment.

• 3-year BSN program.
• 120-credit curriculum.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• Study abroad options.
• Interprofessional education focus.
• Prerequisites required.
• Tuition varies by residency.
• Additional clinical fees.
• NCLEX exam preparation.
• World-class professors.

The University of Virginia's 2-Year Accelerated BSN Transfer Program targets students with existing college credits, offering an intensive nursing pathway. Designed for quick professional entry, the program requires 52 general education credits and specific prerequisites. Students engage in comprehensive clinical experiences, focusing on diverse patient care and interprofessional collaboration. The full-time, two-summer program covers 120 credits, preparing graduates for the NCLEX exam. Starting in May with an October 1 application deadline, the program offers competitive admission and variable tuition based on residency. Additional clinical and lab fees apply to this fast-track nursing education.

• Full-time, 2-year program.
• Includes two summer sessions.
• 120 credits required.
• Extensive clinical experience.
• Prepares for NCLEX exam.
• Starts in May.
• Application deadline October 1.
• 52 general education credits required.
• Specific prerequisite courses needed.
• Competitive admissions.

UVA's Accelerated BSN program provides a streamlined two-year nursing education for students with partial college coursework. This intensive program includes two summer sessions, totaling 120 credits and emphasizing diverse patient care and interprofessional skills. Admission requires 52 general education credits and specific prerequisites, with applications due by October 1. The May-start program offers comprehensive clinical experiences, preparing students for the NCLEX exam. Tuition varies by residency, with additional clinical and lab course fees. The program creates a close-knit cohort environment, offering world-class faculty mentorship and structured professional development.

• Two-year full-time program.
• 120 credits total.
• Includes two summer sessions.
• Starts in May.
• Requires 52 general education credits.
• Specific prerequisite courses needed.
• Application deadline October 1.
• Competitive admissions.
• Clinical experience included.
• Prepares for NCLEX exam.

University of Virginia's Clinical Nurse Leader program offers a master's-entry pathway for career changers, delivering an accelerated 24-month nursing education. This full-time program provides over 840 clinical hours across five healthcare environments, preparing students for advanced nursing leadership roles. With a remarkable 96% NCLEX pass rate and potential salary ranges between $84K-$147K, the program requires a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, and prerequisite courses. Approximately 90% of students receive scholarships, and the program emphasizes evidence-based practice, global experiences, and quality improvement projects. GRE entrance exams are typically required for admission.

• 24-month full-time program
• 840+ clinical hours
• NCLEX pass rates 96%+
• #1 American CNL program
• $84K - $147K salary range
• 90% scholarship recipients
• Master of Science in Nursing
• Eligible for NCLEX and CNL Certification
• Requires bachelor's degree in another field
• 3.0 GPA minimum for admission

Hampton University's online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (1 Year Accelerated RN) program offers a fast-paced path to a BSN, ideal for working professionals with its flexible format. It requires 33 credits and 55 prerequisites in sciences and humanities, including health assessment, nursing informatics, and leadership training. The program includes practicum components and accepts RN Advanced Placement Credits, totaling 120 credits for graduation. Financial aid is available, and it is military-friendly and HBCU-affiliated. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is mentioned as required, but prerequisites ensure a solid foundation for nursing studies.

• Accelerated 1-year format.
• Online program flexibility.
• 33 total credit hours.
• 55 prerequisite credits required.
• Includes practicum components.
• Focus on leadership and management.
• Health assessment coursework.
• Nursing informatics included.
• Community health nursing focus.
• Financial aid available.

The University of Mary Washington's Nursing (BSN) Degree Completion Program is a hybrid option for RNs with an associate's degree or diploma, blending online and campus learning. It can be completed in one year full-time or flexibly part-time, focusing on patient care enhancement, healthcare leadership, and preparation for graduate studies. The curriculum integrates liberal arts and professional nursing, offering credit for prior education. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and an RN license in Virginia; no ACT or SAT is needed as it's a degree completion program for already licensed nurses.

• Hybrid online/campus format.
• Complete in one year full-time.
• 41 credits for RN licensure.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• RN license in Virginia needed.
• 30 credits must be at UMW.
• Focus on leadership in healthcare.
• Prepares for graduate studies.
• Liberal arts and nursing curriculum.
• Mentorships from faculty and leaders.

Centra College's RN-BSN Program is an online, post-licensure option for Virginia's registered nurses aiming to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It offers full-time completion in 12 months or a flexible part-time schedule over two years, tailored for working professionals. The curriculum enhances clinical and leadership skills without requiring entrance exams, as it builds on existing RN licensure. Financial aid is available, supporting accessibility and career advancement in nursing.

• 100% online learning
• Flexible full-time or part-time
• Complete in 12 months full-time
• 2 years part-time option
• For Virginia residents
• Post-licensure program
• Enhances nursing skills
• Financial aid available
• RN license required
• Tailored curriculum

The University of Virginia's College at Wise offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that emphasizes safe and caring practice through small class sizes, averaging 17 students. It has achieved an 85.8-100% NCLEX pass rate over five years and a 100% employment rate for the 2022 class, with graduates experiencing low to no student debt. The program includes a Pre-Licensure track for initial RN licensure and an online RN to BSN option for working nurses, all accredited by the CCNE. It integrates a liberal arts foundation within the supportive community of Wise, VA, and requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission.

• 85.8-100% NCLEX pass rate
• 17 average class size
• 100% employment rate
• Low to no student debt
• Two study tracks available
• Accredited by CCNE
• Pre-Licensure Program
• Online RN to BSN Program
• Small, supportive community
• Liberal arts foundation