[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Become a nurse or advance your career in Virginia. The state offers over 60 nursing programs at the associate, bachelor, and doctoral levels. This guide can help you choose the right program for your career goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn about the best nursing schools in Virginia, how to earn your registered nurse (RN) or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license, and salary expectations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following list includes the top nursing programs in Virginia. Because unaccredited programs offer such high risk and limited rewards, this guide [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]only includes accredited programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Virginia, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing from the many nursing schools in Virginia, consider how well the school matches your needs and background. The NCLEX-RN pass rate, for example, is an excellent measure of program quality.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financial aid and costs, including tuition, make up important considerations, as do the logistics of attending. If you plan to attend an online nursing program in Virginia, find out about getting clinical placement in your community.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More than 70,000 nurses work in Virginia. While annual earnings may rank slightly below national figures, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]cost-of-living index[/hen-ui-link] is 100, which is at the national level.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Virginia is a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm” target=”_blank”]Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)[/hen-ui-link] state, which means your nursing license can transfer to all participating states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Virginia is also full of beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation, and charming cities. The close proximity to Washington, D.C. allows for access to its many historical attractions as well.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average annual salary for an RN in Virginia is $88,350, which is slightly lower than the national average of $94,480 for RNs, according to BLS data. For NPs, the average salary increases to $120,870, which is also slightly lower than the national average NP salary of about $128,000, reports the BLS.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN jobs in Virginia are projected to grow 4% from 2022-2032, which is slightly below national average projections. Since Virginia is an NLC state, you can attend nursing school in Virginia, earn your license, and work in another participating state if you choose.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying cities for nurses in Virginia vary greatly in total population and number of nursing positions available. More than 12,000 nurses work in Richmond alone, while Charlottesville has just 3,440, by comparison. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area offers the highest average salary for nurses at $83,490, though the cost of living in this area is much higher.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Virginia[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Washington-Arlington-Alexandria[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$83,490[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Richmond[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$77,210[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$70,620[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Winchester[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$70,550[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Staunton-Waynesboro[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$69,590[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Charlottesville[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$68,940[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-article-card title=”Nurse Salary in Virginia” href=”/state/virginia/rn-salary/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Virginia only accepts [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/ApplicantResources/ApplyforLicense/RegisteredNurse/” target=”_blank”]online applications for a new RN license[/hen-ui-link]. You must have a nursing degree, pass a criminal background check, submit an application fee of $190, and pass the NCLEX-RN examination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Top Nursing Programs in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top RN to BSN Degree Programs in Virginia” href=”/state/virginia/rn-bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Virginia BSN Degree Programs” href=”/state/virginia/bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How do I get a Virginia nursing license?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must apply to the Virginia [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing/” target=”_blank”]State Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link]. Applicants need a BSN or an ADN, at least 500 fieldwork hours, a clear criminal background check, and a passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam. If you have a multistate license from an NLC state, you can practice in Virginia. However, if you establish residency in Virginia, you need to apply for a Virginia license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How do I get a temporary nursing license in Virginia?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have a multistate license from an NLC state, you can practice in Virginia. Although, if you move permanently to Virginia, you must apply for a Virginia license (you can work while your application is being processed). Because of COVID-19, Virginia offers temporary waivers for certain licensing requirements. Check the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/AbouttheBoard/News/COVIDI19/Content-579044-en.html” target=”_blank”]board of nursing website[/hen-ui-link] for details.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How many nursing programs does Virginia have?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Virginia offers more than 50 nursing programs that offer ADN or BSN degrees and even more offer nursing certificates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Who Issues Virginia nursing licenses?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Virginia [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing/” target=”_blank”]State Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] issues nursing licenses. You must have an ADN or a BSN, receive a clear background check, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, and have at least 500 hours of clinical fieldwork (or experience as an RN in another state). You can review the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.license.dhp.virginia.gov/apply/Forms/Nursing/RNLPN_Exam_Instr.pdf” target=”_blank”]full process and requirements[/hen-ui-link] online.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]