How To Become a Nurse in Virginia 2025

There will always be a need for quality healthcare workers, which is why a nursing career is both in-demand and incredibly rewarding. Virginians wondering how to become a nurse should know that you need either an associate or bachelor's degree, registered nurse (RN) licensure, and to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Keep reading to learn more about what an RN does and the job requirements.

What Does an RN Do?

A nurse doesn't just assist the doctor � providing excellent patient care is a nurse's top responsibility. A certified registered nurse could work in the emergency room, a school, an outpatient clinic, or one of many other locations. Their duties include:

• conducting physical exams
• discussing treatment
• recording observations
• administering medication

An RN cannot diagnose or prescribe medication, but a nurse practitioner may. Regardless, nurses play a critical role in caring for patients.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Virginia?

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes about two years. However, many employers prefer at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which can take up to four years.

However, an accelerated BSN program can help you get to work fast. Many 12-month accelerated nursing programs are available for students who already have their bachelor's.

5 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Virginia

Virginia is in need of nurses, from assisted living facilities to healthcare centers. To start, you'll need a degree to fulfill the educational requirements for nurses. Below, we will explore all five steps to becoming a nurse.

Step 1: Graduate from an Accredited Nursing Program

The first step to beginning your career is to apply to nursing school. We'll list a few of the best nursing programs in the state below. Students can start with an associate degree, but a bachelor's degree program will open up more opportunities and help you complete your required clinical hours.

A quality nursing program will teach you anatomy, physiology, patient care, how to administer medication, and many other invaluable skills. All of this will prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Step 2: Complete Required Clinical Experience

Registered nurses need at least 500 hours of clinical experience before they can apply for licensure. A nursing degree program will help you complete many of these hours. In Virginia, 25% (or 125 hours) can be completed through simulation.

Training in specific skills and tasks does not count towards required hours � and all clinical experience must be documented. Once you've completed this, you are ready to apply for your RN license.

Step 3: Apply for Licensure

Before you graduate from nursing school, you should apply for RN licensure with the Virginia Board of Nursing (VBON). There is a $190 fee for RNs and a $170 fee for a licensed practical nurse (LPN). After you submit your application, you will also have to complete a background check through fingerprinting.

Step 4: Pass the NCLEX

You should apply to take the NCLEX as soon as you apply for licensure. Once you receive authorization to test (ATT), you will have about 90 days to sit for the exam. The test has four sections:

• safe and effective care environment
• health promotion and maintenance
• psychosocial integrity
• physiological integrity

The NCLEX is administered online and students have five hours to complete it, including breaks. Remember to bring the correct identification to your testing center. Results are available within six weeks.

Step 5: Continuing Education

Every two years, RNs and LPNs in Virginia must complete required continuing education courses. There are many ways to fulfill this, with just a few options listed below:

• 30 hours of relevant workshops, seminars, or courses
• a board-approved refresher course
• author or co-author a publication during the renewal cycle
• complete at least three credit hours of relevant post-licensure academic education

Nurses in Virginia must constantly keep their skills sharp through research, educational programs, teaching opportunities, and certifications. Make sure you document all continuing education work so it is ready to be reviewed by the board as needed.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Virginia

A high-quality nursing education makes all the difference as you start your career. While there are many accredited online nursing programs, Virginia schools also offer great in-person programs that will prepare you to earn your nursing license. Financial aid is available to help you complete your degree with little student loan debt.

1. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a top BSN program in 2025. It offers both a traditional BSN program and an RN to BSN program for students who already hold an associate degree.

Students will gain hands-on clinical experience at many different community healthcare facilities. The health science campus is anchored by VCU Health, an academic medical center that includes a level-one trauma center. Students will not only get a quality classroom education but hands-on experience in public health.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,760 per semester (in-state); $17,997 per semester (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia (UVA) offers three nursing degree programs: RN to BSN, accelerated BSN, and a three-year transfer BSN. The RN to BSN program is a two-year, part-time, hybrid program that is designed to help working nurses complete their education.

Students will take courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, leadership, and more. Second-year students will begin clinical work, rotating through medical-surgical, community and public health, pediatrics, labor and delivery, and psychiatric-mental health nursing. The program concludes with a semester-long practicum.

• Estimated tuition cost: $20,308 per year (in-state); $58,502 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. ECPI University

ECPI University offers ADN and BSN programs, but nurses hoping to further their education can also complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to become a family nurse practitioner or nurse educator. ECPI provides students with a top-quality, accelerated education with multiple start dates throughout the year.

Simulations and virtual reality bring lessons to life, giving students plenty of hands-on experience in a digital environment. The on-campus BSN degree program takes about two and a half years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,000 per semester (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

4. Bon Secours Memorial College of Medicine

You can earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bon Secours in just two-and-a-half years or register for their 100% online RN to BSN program. The latter takes between two years (full-time) and four years (part-time) to complete. Students who graduated from one of 16 Virginia schools with at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) are eligible for guaranteed admissions.

Bon Secours includes service-learning and global outreach opportunities to help prepare nurses to care for the wider population. The program has start dates in the spring and fall.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,850 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. Piedmont Virginia Community College

Begin your nursing career with an associate degree in nursing from Piedmont. The program takes about two years to complete, teaches students how to provide direct patient care and prepares them to take the NCLEX.

Graduates will build leadership and judgment skills using clinical reasoning, manage client care for a diverse community, and practice safe nursing care. Start dates are in the spring and fall.

• Estimated tuition cost: $173.95 per credit hour (in-state); $391.05 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Virginia

Nurses can work in various professional settings, and there are many open nursing jobs across Virginia. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that this job will continue to grow 6% over the next 10 years, meaning job security for existing nurses and good opportunities for aspiring healthcare providers.

For all the essential work they do, nurses can usually expect to receive a good salary. The BLS reports that, on average, nurses earn $93,600 per year or $45 per hour. Indeed.com has a slightly lower rate for Virginia, at about $44 per hour.

Bear in mind that a lot can impact your overall salary, including geographic location, years of experience, and education level. For example, a nurse with a master's degree will usually have better-paying options than one with an associate.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Virginia

Virginia has a fairly straightforward process for aspiring nurses, but it's perfectly normal to still have many questions. As you prepare for nursing school, you may be wondering about everything from how many hours of homework you'll have to finding the best laptop for nursing students. Below, we'll dive into becoming a nurse in Virginia.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Virginia?

The cost of your degree will depend on many factors. Make sure to look atonline colleges that accept FAFSA.

Generally, an associate degree will be the cheapest option, but completing your bachelor's degree opens up higher-paying opportunities. Of our list, VCU offers the cheapest BSN degree program at $6,760 per semester.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Prerequisites will depend upon your program and degree level. Many nursing schools only require you to have a high school diploma or your GED. Others require specific science, math, and general education courses. Completing self-paced nursing prerequisites online can help boost your chances of getting into a good nursing program.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse is to sign up for an accelerated program, which can usually be completed in about two years and is designed for students who already have a degree in a related field. Accelerated online courses can give working professionals extra flexibility.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

The easiest nursing degree will depend on your interests and strengths, but generally an associate degree in nursing (ADN or ASN) will be the easiest degree to complete. This program lays the groundwork for a career in healthcare and prepares students to provide excellent patient care.

Find a Nursing Degree

Aspiring nurses in Virginia will need to complete their degrees, apply for licensure, and pass board exams. Though it takes work, they will benefit from an incredibly rewarding career caring for others. Take a look at more excellent nursing schools featured on Learn.org and reach out to one today.