5 Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into in Virginia 2025

Nursing can be a highly rewarding healthcare profession throughout the states. If you live in Virginia and are hoping to become a nurse, you may be curious about the programs available. In particular, you'd like to know more about the easiest nursing schools to get into in your state.

Keep reading as we take a closer look at some programs that lead to Virginia nursing licensure and are relatively easy to get into. We'll also explore answers to some common questions you may be wondering about.

How Competitive Are Nursing Schools in Virginia?

There are dozens of state-approved nursing schools at colleges, community colleges, and universities throughout Virginia. As you might imagine, some are far more competitive than others, making some of them the easiest nursing schools to get into and others more challenging.

Schools offering some of the easiest nursing degrees are generally the least competitive, with overall acceptance rates of up to 100% and inclusive admission requirements. We'll explore some of these schools in more detail below.

Other schools are highly competitive, featuring acceptance rates of 20% or less. For example, the University of Virginia, located in Charlottesville, has a 17% acceptance rate, making it a challenging program to get into.

So, the level of competitiveness among nursing schools in Virginia all depends on the schools you're considering. Generally speaking, community college programs leading to associate degrees in nursing are easier to get into than bachelor's degree programs at most public and private universities in the state.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for Virginia Nursing Schools?

The specific nursing school requirements can vary depending on the program you enroll in. Common requirements include:

• getting accepted into the college overall
• completing prerequisite coursework
• meeting minimum GPA requirements (often 3.0)
• applying to the college's nursing program
• submitting standardized test scores (ACT/SAT or TEAS/HESI)
• submitting letters of recommendation
• submitting to a background check
• meeting immunization requirements

It's important to check with your nursing school of choice to find out about the specific requirements you'll need to meet. What's more, even students who meet the minimum requirements aren't always selected to more competitive programs � the best thing you can do to increase your chances of being selected is to keep your grades and test scores as high as possible and to complete all prerequisite courses in a timely manner.

Nursing Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rates in Virginia

As noted above, community colleges often provide the easiest nursing programs to get into. Let's take a look at some top options to consider.

1. Galen College of Nursing

Galen College of Nursing is a private, for-profit nursing school with multiple locations throughout the U.S., including two in Virginia. Students can pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program on campus at the school's Richmond and Roanoke campuses.

The school has an open admissions policy and accepts SAT, ACT, TEAS, or HESI A2 scores from within the previous five years. Aside from this, students must have a high school diploma or GED and be able to communicate effectively in English.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,364 (in-state and out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. Wytheville Community College

Wytheville Community College, located in Wytheville, is a public school in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). One of its educational programs is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing.

The program is five semesters long and prepares students to pursue advanced education and entry-level nursing careers. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better, a TEAS score in the 64th percentile or higher, and a score in the 45th percentile or higher in the science component of the TEAS exam.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,007 (in-state); $11,445 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: ACEN

3. New River Community College

New River Community College is a public school located in Dublin and belongs to the VCCS. Its ADN program has relatively easy admissions requirements, and the school overall admits 100% of applicants.

For acceptance into the nursing program, students must complete necessary prerequisites with a grade of C or better and have an overall GPA of 2.5 or better. Additionally, they must have a TEAS score in the 45th percentile or better.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,979 (in-state); $11,417 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: Virginia Board of Nursing

4. Northern Virginia Community College

Northern Virginia Community College is a public, multi-campus school with locations throughout northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area. It provides an ADN program with two yearly start dates.

Students applying to this program must complete several prerequisites with a grade of C or better and complete the TEAS exam with minimum scores as follows:

• Reading section: 73%
• English section: 62%
• Math section: 65%
• Science section: 58%

They must also be at least 18 years old, be currently enrolled at the school, have a cumulative GPA of 2.5, and review a nursing information PowerPoint presentation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,891 (in-state); $12,409 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: ACEN

5. Virginia State University

Virginia State University is a public school located in Ettrick. It provides one of the easiest RN to BSN programs online available in Virginia. Students who complete the program can qualify for advanced studies such as Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.

This online RN to BSN degree consists of 30 credit hours of nursing coursework providing advanced methodologies that prepare students to provide bachelor's-level nursing care. Applicants must hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing and an active RN license, a 2.0 cumulative GPA, meet prerequisite or concurrent enrollment requirements, and be up-to-date on required vaccinations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,043 (in-state); $22,650 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 89% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

How We Rank Schools

We strive to select top on-campus and online programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria to select the best nursing schools featured in this article:

• Accreditation: Each school is institutionally accredited and maintains specialized accreditation from the ACEN or the CCNE.
• Acceptance rates: Each school features high acceptance rates greater than 75%.
• Program reputation: All of the programs are known for providing competent professional nursing programs to prepare students for entry-level nursing practice.

What Can I Expect From a Nursing Degree Program?

Prelicensure students can enroll in ADN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. ADN degrees can be completed in two years full-time; BSN programs take about four years.

Once students are accepted into their school's nursing program, they begin taking nursing courses either online or on campus. Common topics of these courses include nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, pathophysiology, human development, and population health.

In addition to lectures and classroom-based courses, students often gain hands-on experience in simulation labs. These sessions provide opportunities to practice their newly learned patient care skills in controlled settings.

Finally, students begin gaining real-world nursing experience by working clinical rotations. This clinical experience is an essential part of any nursing program, giving students a chance to work in real healthcare settings under the supervision of physicians and nurse practitioners.

Upon graduating from their state-approved program, students are prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and begin working in Virginia.

FAQs About the Easiest Nursing Programs To Get Into

If you still have questions about easy nursing programs in Virginia, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some commonly asked questions.

Is Nursing School Hard?

Most students consider nursing school to be pretty challenging. Many of the required courses, such as medical terminology and pharmacology, can be extremely difficult for some learners.

The clinical experiences can be emotionally and physically demanding. Even some of the prerequisite courses, especially advanced math classes, can make it challenging for students to gain acceptance into their chosen program.

Read More: Can I Be a Nurse If I Am Bad at Math?

Are Online Nursing Schools Easier Than Traditional Programs?

Most online nursing programs are RN to BSN degrees, designed for students already holding an RN license. Some students may consider these programs easier than traditional programs because the coursework is designed to be flexible and part-time to meet the needs of working nurses.

Traditional prelicensure programs, whether they offer coursework online or in-person, are equally challenging because students will still need to complete the hardest subjects in nursing.

What Is the Lowest GPA To Get Into Nursing School?

Different nursing schools have different GPA requirements, but most programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 in high school or prerequisite courses. Some schools, especially community colleges, feature lower GPA minimums of 2.5 or even 2.0.

What Is the Fastest RN Program in Virginia?

Since the nursing career outlook|https://learn.org/articles/Registered_Nurse_RN_Career_Definition_Employment_Outlook_and_Educational_Requirements.html] in Virginia is good, students may want to complete their nursing program as quickly as possible. For students with no previous college experience, the fastest type of nursing program available is the ADN, which enables students to pursue licensure after only two years of study.

For those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree or previous experience as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), an accelerated BSN or LPN to RN bridge program can help you pursue licensure in as little as one year.

What Courses Are in an Online Nursing Program in Virginia?

Prelicensure nursing programs may offer general education or basic nursing courses online or in a hybrid format. Many schools also offer self-paced nursing prerequisites online. Courses may include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, psychology and mental health, and pharmacology.

RN to BSN programs often offer more advanced courses online, including nursing research methods, healthcare policy, and global or community health.

What Financial Aid Is Available to Online Nursing Degree Students in Virginia?

Nursing students may be eligible for various financial aid opportunities through their school or external sources. Common options include school-funded nursing scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and student loans. Additional funds may be available to those who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into Near You

If you're ready to enroll in your chosen school of nursing, explore the colleges featured here on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools today to find out more about their programs and choose the best option for you.