12-Month ABSN Programs in Virginia: Accelerated Nursing Online
You can earn an accelerated nursing degree at colleges and universities throughout Virginia. Each of these programs takes 15 to 24 months to complete.
If you already have a bachelor's degree but you're looking to change careers and become a nurse, you may be wondering about your options. You'd like to learn more about fast track nursing programs online, and you're particularly interested in programs available in your home state of Virginia.
Keep reading as we explore 12-month accelerated nursing programs and other types of accelerated options. We'll provide a list of available programs in Virginia and answer some frequently asked questions you may be curious about.
What Is a 12-Month ABSN Program?
ABSN stands for accelerated bachelor's degree in nursing. ABSN programs you can complete in 12 months represent one of the fastest ways to become a nurse and are designed for students who already have a degree or significant college experience.
Fast-track nursing programs online build on students' educational backgrounds, allowing them to transition to a career in healthcare quickly and efficiently. They typically allow students to complete nursing courses, gain hands-on skills in a simulation lab, and gain real-world experience through supervised clinical rotations, all within one year.
<h2 id="section---AreThereAnyOnlineABSNProgramsInVirginia">Are There Any Online ABSN Programs in Virginia?</h2><p>Even online ABSN programs feature some in-person components since students cannot complete labs or clinical experiences remotely. That said, several schools in Virginia offer hybrid ABSN programs that feature flexible online coursework.
</p><p>Though ABSN programs are common in Virginia, there is only one 1-year accelerated nursing program available, offered by George Mason University. Aside from this program, the fastest ABSN degrees in the state are typically completed within 15 to 16 months.
</p><h2 id="section---TopAcceleratedBSNProgramsInVirginia">Top Accelerated BSN Programs in Virginia</h2><p>If you want to know more about Virginia's programs to help you become a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Requirements_to_Be_a_Certified_Registered_Nurse.html">certified registered nurse</a>, you're in the right place. Keep reading as we explore the accelerated options available through several top schools of nursing.
</p><h3 id="section---1.GeorgeMasonUniversity">1. George Mason University</h3><p>George Mason University is a public school located in Fairfax, VA. It offers Virginia's only 12-month accelerated BSN program, which admits a small cohort of students each fall semester.
</p><p>The program is designed for those already holding a bachelor's degree and requires full-time commitment. Students complete the program through a blend of on-campus coursework, labs, simulations, and clinical experiences.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $14,220 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can pay for school using scholarships, grants, state and federal aid, and employer assistance.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---2.GeorgeWashingtonUniversity">2. George Washington University</h3><p>George Washington University is a private school with its main campus located in Washington, D.C. It offers a 15-month ABSN program for students through its science and technology campus in Ashburn, VA.
</p><p>Students must have a non-nursing bachelor's degree or at least 60 credit hours of college experience for admission into the program. The program has three yearly start dates, and a variety of nursing courses and electives enable students to learn about a wide array of nursing specializations.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $67,710 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 15 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> A variety of nursing scholarships and fellowships are available, along with military discounts and federal aid.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---3.ShenandoahUniversity">3. Shenandoah University</h3><p>Shenandoah University is a private school in Winchester, VA. It offers a highly reputable ABSN program that can be completed full-time in 15 months.
</p><p>This on-campus program features some of the highest NCLEX pass rates in Virginia, with consistent averages at or near 100%. Students focus on courses that teach various levels of nursing practice and prepare them for success in their chosen health profession.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $36,950 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 15 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can earn scholarships, grants, and state and federal aid to help pay for college. Employer assistance is also accepted.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC, CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---4.AverettUniversity">4. Averett University</h3><p>Averett University is a private school located in Danville, VA. It offers a convenient and flexible hybrid ABSN program designed for completion in 16 months.
</p><p>Students complete asynchronous nursing courses online and on their own time while completing clinical experiences in person. With three yearly start dates, students can begin the program whenever it's convenient for them.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $38,550 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students with military backgrounds may qualify for various discounts and benefits. Students can also use scholarships and federal aid to pay for school.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC, CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---5.RadfordUniversity">5. Radford University</h3><p>Radford University is a public school in Radford, VA, offering an in-person BSN degree. Students can choose between traditional and accelerated program options, with the accelerated program designed to be completed in 16 months.
</p><p>Students may need to complete prerequisites and/or general education courses before beginning the nursing program. The program is available at the school's Roanoke campus, with nursing courses available year-round.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $12,548 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Scholarships, state and federal aid, grants, and student loans are all accepted.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC, CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---6.MarymountUniversity">6. Marymount University</h3><p>Marymount University is a private school in Arlington County. It boasts an ABSN program designed for flexibility, with both full-time and part-time options available.
</p><p>Students can complete courses in person or online on a schedule that works for them. Learners can complete their degrees in as little as 16 months, and eight of the required courses provide opportunities for clinical experiences.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $40,920 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> The school provides various scholarships for nursing students. Learners can also use federal aid, student loans, and other forms of aid to pay for school.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC, CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---7.OldDominionUniversity">7. Old Dominion University</h3><p>Old Dominion University is a public school in Norfolk, VA. It offers an affordable, campus-based ABSN program that typically takes five semesters of continuous study to complete.
</p><p>The program is available to students with or without an associate or bachelor's degree. Its accelerated format makes it possible for students from all walks of life to begin their nursing careers quickly.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $12,750 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> Five semesters
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Nursing students may qualify for a wide range of scholarships and grants and may also use other forms of aid like federal grants and employer assistance.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC, CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---8.UniversityOfVirginiaSCollegeAtWise">8. University of Virginia's College at Wise</h3><p>The University of Virginia's College at Wise is a public liberal arts school. Its ABSN program is designed specifically for transfer students who have completed two years of college coursework but have not yet earned a bachelor's degree.
</p><p>The program consists of two years of full-time study, including summer semesters. Students begin their studies in May and complete intensive coursework and hands-on experience to prepare them for the rigors of nursing.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $11,780
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> Two years
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Grants, scholarships, student loans, and state and federal aid are available to help students cover costs.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC, CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---9.LibertyUniversity">9. Liberty University</h3><p>Liberty University is a large private school in Lynchburg, VA. One of its many programs is an accelerated prelicensure nursing program.
</p><p>The program is designed for those who have already completed a Bachelor of Science degree in a non-nursing field. Students complete rigorous coursework in person and earn over 600 hours of clinical experience throughout the two-year degree.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $22,362
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> Two years
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can apply for scholarships through the school and outside organizations. Federal aid, grants, loans, and other forms of aid are also accepted.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC, CCNE
</li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>We strive to select only the top schools when compiling our college rankings. We used the following criteria when selecting the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs above:
</p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Each school is a regionally accredited institution, and all of the nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE.
</li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> All of the schools have strong reputations for providing expert training in professional nursing care.
</li><li><b>Program cost:</b> The programs featured provide affordable tuition rates and/or generous financial aid opportunities for students.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutAcceleratedOnlineABSNPrograms">FAQs About Accelerated Online ABSN Programs</h2><p>If you still have questions about an accelerated second-degree BSN, you're not alone. Read on as we explore the answers to some commonly asked questions.
</p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesAnOnlineABSNProgramCostInVirginia">How Much Does an Online ABSN Program Cost in Virginia?</h3><p>Tuition costs and related expenses can vary widely from school to school. Among the colleges discussed above, average yearly tuition rates range from around $11,800 to more than $67,000 per year. Attending a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_virginia.html">cheap online college that accepts FAFSA</a> can help you save on your degree and qualify for government aid to cover some of your costs.
</p><p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheapest_absn_programs.html">Cheapest ABSN Programs</a>
</p><h3 id="section---CanIBecomeAnRNOnlineInVirginia">Can I Become an RN Online in Virginia?</h3><p>Many nursing programs feature online coursework. That said, to meet all <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a>, you will need to complete at least some in-person components on your path to becoming an RN. This is because all prelicensure nursing degree programs require students to gain hands-on experience in clinical settings and simulation labs, in accordance with state and national standards.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoesAnAcceleratedBSNProgramWork">How Does an Accelerated BSN Program Work?</h3><p>Accelerated BSN programs allow students who already hold a bachelor's degree or significant transfer credits to complete a nursing degree without having to repeat general education requirements, though they may have to complete some prerequisite courses. This allows them to earn their second degree quickly, often within one to two years.
</p><p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/can_i_get_bsn_without_rn.html">Can You Get A BSN Without An RN?</a>
</p><h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2><p>If you're ready to start a new and rewarding career in patient care, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges to find out more about their enrollment processes, admission requirements, application deadlines, and more.</p>