Nursing in Virginia
Schools, Licensure and Requirements
Most nursing programs concentrate in the state's urban regions: Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. Rural parts of the state have fewer schools.
The overall NCLEX pass rate for Virginia nursing programs sits near 88 percent, which matches the national average. However, pass rates vary between schools. Public universities and well-funded community colleges tend to perform better, while some for-profit programs show lower results. The Virginia Board of Nursing actively monitors programs that fall below standards to protect students and patients.
Virginia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses licensed here to practice in most neighboring states without extra licensing steps. This makes working across state lines easier, especially in compact regions.
Nursing salaries in Virginia reflect local living costs. Registered nurses earn an average of about $88,000 per year, ranging from around $64,000 in rural areas to over $110,000 near D.C. Nurse Practitioners and other advanced practice nurses earn more, with salaries well over $120,000. Meanwhile, community college tuition remains affordable for many, with LPN and ADN programs costing between $5,000 and $15,000. BSN programs at public universities generally run from $25,000 to $40,000 in tuition. Still, total living expenses vary widely between cities and rural areas.
Major health systems such as Inova, VCU Health, Sentara, and Bon Secours offer many job opportunities but also expect high standards and competition, especially in urban centers. Nursing shortages persist in less populated regions and in specialty fields, so demand remains steady statewide. When choosing your program, consider both geographic access and program quality as you plan for a nursing career in Virginia.
Quick Stats about Virginia
Top 10 Nursing Schools in Virginia
These are the highest-performing nursing schools in Virginia for 2025, ranked by their students' success on the NCLEX-RN exam. If you're choosing where to study, these programs have proven track records of preparing graduates to pass on their first attempt. See how we calculate rankings.
Virginia's NCLEX-RN Pass Rate vs. National Average
Compare Virginia's NCLEX-RN pass rates to the national average over the years, including the number of students who took the exam.
Virginia's NCLEX-PN Pass Rate vs. National Average
Compare Virginia's NCLEX-PN pass rates to the national average over the years, including the number of students who took the exam.
Browse Programs by Type
Browse all nursing programs available in Virginia, organized by degree type. Click any program to see schools offering that program with detailed information for easy comparison.
Undergraduate Programs
Masters Programs
Doctoral Programs
Nursing Scholarships for Virginia Students
Two scholarships are available through The American Legion for military families and high school students interested in government and citizenship. The American Legacy Scholarship offers financial help for college students who lost a parent on active military duty, while the High School Oratorical Scholarship rewards excellence in a constitutional speech contest, with awards up to $25,000. Deadlines and contest dates vary throughout the school year.
American Legacy Scholarship
- Amount: Depends on income from the trust; recipients may reapply
- Who can apply: Children or legally adopted children of U.S. active duty, Guard, or Reserve military personnel who died on active duty on or after September 11, 2001; must be high school seniors or graduates planning to attend college in the U.S.
- Deadline: Not specified (contact for application)
- How to apply: Request an application from The American Legion
- Additional requirements: For undergraduate study only; scholarship funds are meant to help bridge a financial gap in survivor’s benefits
High School Oratorical Scholarship Program
- Amount: From $50 in area contests to $25,000 for national first-place winner
- Who can apply: U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents under age 20 enrolled in grades 9-12 or junior high; must reside or attend school in the state of competition
- Deadline: Local contests by December 7; final national contest in mid-February (state) and May (national)
- How to apply: Enter at local American Legion posts or contact Department Headquarters at 800-365-8387
- Additional requirements: Contestants deliver speeches on the U.S. Constitution, including a prepared oration and assigned topic discourse; only one department contest allowed per contestant; national finalists cannot compete again
This scholarship has been donated by Leslie and Virginia Fiur to a nursing student with a disability.
Applicant to this scholarship must be
- Acceptance or enrollment as a full-time or part-time student in a practical school of nursing in the state of Virginia
- Residency in Virginia for at least one year
The amount of each scholarship award is dependent upon the amount of funds appropriated by the Virginia General Assembly, the amount of money collected by the Board of Nursing, and the number of qualified applicants. Scholarship recipients must agree to engage in full-time nursing in Virginia for one month for every $100 received.
Virginia State Board of Nursing
Department of Health Professions, Perimeter Center,
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, Virginia 23233
Mailing Address
Department of Health Professions, Perimeter Center,
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, Virginia 23233
Phone: 804.367.4515
Fax: 804.527.4455