Best Nursing Schools in Virginia in 2024

The University of Virginia School of Nursing is designed to accommodate the unique needs of working nurses as they navigate towards their degrees. The university is dedicated to providing excellence in the nursing community with compassion, respect, and honor. 

The School of Nursing is inclusive and prides itself to being a center where nurses can learn to battle burnout as well. The Compassionate Care Initiative teaches healthcare workers resilience and compassion through educational and experiential programs. In addition, the University of Virginia understands that nursing is a busy profession. Therefore, they provide a number of Continuing Education opportunities in the form of hour-long films or lectures, conferences, and more. Similarly, the History Center at the School of Nursing is dedicated to the preservation of and study of nursing history, thereby allowing nurses to remember and celebrate their roots and development. 

Undergraduate Programs: University of Virginia School of Nursing offers a hybrid RN to BSN program designed especially for the working RNs. The two-year, part-time program is a blend of online and traditional in-person learning. There is also a four-year, full-time BSN program for individuals who want to start their career as professional nurses. 

Apart from these, the School of Nursing also welcomes transfer students either from another college or university or from another college within UVA.

Graduate Programs: The University also offers multiple specialties in their MSN program, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and so on. 

There are also two doctoral programs, Ph.D. and DNP degrees, that prepare expert clinicians and practitioners, nurse scientists, and researchers. 

James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. JMU offers a traditional BSN degree and an online RN to BSN degree. The RN to BSN program can also be utilized for students looking to earn a second bachelor's degree. The program can be done full-time, in one year, or part-time, in two years.

James Madison University School of Nursing houses some of the country’s best nursing programs. The School of Nursing itself has been ranked as one of the nation’s and state’s best when it comes to quality education, learning resources, NCLEX pass rates, and job placements. 

Students at James Madison University get the chance to be part of something bigger than themselves via different programs that promote global engagement, civic engagement, and community engagement. The School of Nursing also stands against all injustice and systemic racism. The students are taught to act with empathy and inclusiveness to reduce inequities such as discrimination, violence, and racism. 

In addition to developing an accepting nature and advocacy, the nursing students are also provided with the opportunity to practice their clinical skills in the Simulation and Clinical Laboratories. 

Undergraduate Programs: The BSN students at the James Madison University School of Nursing prepare for a career as a competent general nurse. The School of Nursing provides them with access to state-of-the-art classrooms, high-fidelity simulation labs, a diverse practical curriculum, and meaningful student-faculty interaction. 

Additionally, there is also an RN to BSN program that provides a great flexible schedule for RNs who want to complete their BSN degree while also maintaining their employment. The students can choose to enroll full-time or part-time.

Graduate Programs: There is also a flexible and competitive MSN program that is available in multiple concentrations; Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Administrator, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Similarly, the innovative DNP program allows students access to an exceptional faculty with diverse backgrounds who prepare future leaders of healthcare. Students can choose full-time or part-time enrollment in this program.

Norfolk State University is committed to transforming lives and communities by ensuring that its Department of Nursing and Allied Health offers only the best when it comes to nursing education. The university is committed to educating excellent healthcare professionals who provide safe, excellent, and culturally competent healthcare services. 

Norfolk State University houses state-of-the-art classrooms and one of Virginia’s most progressive and high-quality simulation labs that provide life-like simulations to the students allowing them to think like nurses in real-life situations. The university has a long history of excellence in nursing education that has enabled graduates to make a positive difference in the health of the local community, nation, as well as the world. Students enjoy the benefits of small class sizes and effective clinical hours in a diverse range of healthcare facilities. Almost 100% of the graduates have obtained employment shortly after graduation, and they have gone on to work in multiple types of healthcare facilities such as children’s hospitals and urban medical centers, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities, community healthcare centers and clinics, public schools, university medical centers, private medical practices, and a multitude of other healthcare facilities. 

Undergraduate Programs: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students will complete their nursing degree in as little as 22 months with 6 to 12 hours of clinical hours per day. Upon graduation, the students will be able to take their NCLEX-RN examination and practice as Registered Nurses.

Similarly, there is a highly competitive online RN to BSN program that takes approximately 9 to 12 months to complete. The program is designed to allow working RNs to get their BSN degree without having to compromise their work.

Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, Virginia.  They offer a BSN program, which is available to residential students, and an online RN to BSN program. Most students complete the program in 2 years.

Liberty University School of Nursing is one of the state’s best nursing colleges featuring top-rated nursing programs and curricula. The university emulsifies the art of caring with the expertise of science and research, which gives a holistic approach to the nursing field. 

Liberty University promotes a Christian nursing education system under which the students learn to care for patients physically as well as mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The graduates have been applauded for their clinical competence, strong work ethic, and heartfelt compassion. 

The School of Nursing is equipped with a Simulation Center that allows students to practice their clinical skills in a controlled environment before progressing to clinical rotations. Here, students are guided by credentialed and experienced staff who are equally passionate about nursing as the students. Another notable feature of Liberty University School of Nursing is the small class size averaging at 8:1 student to faculty ratio.

Undergraduate Programs: Liberty University offers a BSN degree in both traditional and accelerated formats averaging 4 years and 2 years of completion respectively. The course is taught by committed faculty who help the students succeed as both individuals and professionals.

Graduate Programs: Registered Nurses who want to advance their career in nursing can also choose to enroll in the 100% online MSN degree that provides students with the tools and skills needed to become successful leaders and changemakers in nursing. 

The university also offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for students who want to lead professional teams and drive innovations to improve healthcare systems and policies. 

Similarly, the Ph.D. in Nursing program exists to provide the knowledge and research experience necessary to become a faculty member at a university or educator in a medical facility or to work as a hospital administrator.

At Longwood University College of Education, Health, and Human Services, nursing students learn to become competent healthcare professionals in a caring, beautiful, challenging, and surprising environment. 

The curriculum here is grounded in student community service and citizen leadership, which helps students to be actively involved in the community via service learning. The students also get the chance to practice their patient and professional advocacy skills with local, state, and national nursing events and organizations. The learning experience here is a blend of academics, laboratory, and clinical work. The simulation takes place in a high-fidelity simulation lab which is designed to provide students the opportunity to practice skills and solve problems in a simulated healthcare environment. 

Nursing students at this highly-affordable institution learn to advocate and coordinate care for patients, help patients navigate through a complicated healthcare system, and use their knowledge and skills to improve the community's health.

Undergraduate Programs: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree program allows students to become influential members of a healthcare team who can demonstrate excellent patient care, communication, advocacy, and can coordinate care. 

Similarly, the RN to BSN program is a flexible online course designed for working RNs who want to complete their BSN degree. The seven-week blocked courses are available in both full-time (four courses = 1 semester) or part-time (two courses = 1 semester) options. In addition to that, the instructors are always available via email or other mediums to guide the students and answer questions.

The nursing programs at Radford University School of Nursing have been ranked as the best in the state by multiple resources. The University utilizes strong faculty/student bonds, innovative technology, and vibrant student life to ensure that the students get the most out of their academic years.

At the School of Nursing, the students learn to develop creative and critical thinking skills, problem analyzing and solving, and become leaders who serve the healthcare community and the people. The university itself is committed to developing mature, responsible, and well-educated citizens. The educational experience, as well as extracurricular activities, are student-focused, and they help them grow in every possible way. 

Nursing students at Radford University also get the chance to practice their nursing skills in the high-tech Clinical Simulation Center. The simulation center is a premier, innovative, and student-centered program that focuses on teaching, research, and interprofessional education. The students learn to become competent, compassionate, professional clinicians who can meet the needs of the global and local healthcare scenario.

Undergraduate Programs: Radford University prepares its BSN students to become competent, critical thinkers who can deliver patient-centered caregivers. There are three BSN options available which include the Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, and RN to BSN Fast-track (which is a 100% online program). 

Graduate Programs: For students seeking a higher education degree that allows them to open more career options, Radford University also offers an MSN degree in two concentrations; Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Administration.

Furthermore, students who want a terminal degree in nursing can benefit from one of Virginia’s best DNP programs at Radford University. The programs are distance-based and culminate in a residency tailor-made to the student's learning needs and career goals. The concentrations offered include Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive Leadership, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Post Advanced Practice Nurse. 

Additionally, there is also a  Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate that prepares Advance Practice Nurses with the skills and expertise required to diagnose and treat individuals suffering from psychiatric and mental health disorders. 

At Marymount University School of Nursing Professions, students learn with a purpose to achieve their goals by tapping into their talent and passion. The university holds an impeccable reputation for preparing knowledgeable, skilled, and caring nurse professionals. 

Students enjoy the benefits of intimate classes that provide them with personalized attention from the instructors. Similarly, to ensure that they are truly capable and competent enough to take care of patients on their own, they are provided with laboratory practical sessions as well as clinical practice under the strict supervision of highly-qualified faculty. The university connects the students with multiple healthcare agencies and clinical facilities throughout the Washington, DC, area so that they get the hands-on skills that prepare them for the challenges and rewards that come with the nursing profession. Graduates of the Marymount University School of Nursing Professions have been providing patient-centered quality care by utilizing the nursing process and evidence-based practice.

Undergraduate Programs: At Marymount University School of Nursing Professions, students can get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) via three different paths. 

The first is the traditional four-year BSN program that is comprised of in-person theory and practical classes that prepare students for a career as a nursing professional.

The second is the Accelerated BSN program designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field but want to start a career in nursing. Students can choose to complete this program either full-time in four consecutive semesters or online/distance in four consecutive semesters as well, or they can choose to enroll part-time and complete the course in nine consecutive semesters.

Finally, working RNs who want to complete their BSN degree can choose to enroll in the hybrid online RN-to-BSN program.

Jefferson College of Health Sciences offers an effective, competitive, and highly rewarding nursing program. The retention rates and NCLEX-RN passing rates are high enough to rank the college among the state’s best nursing colleges. 

Jefferson College of Health Sciences uses a tactful combination of classroom education, laboratory practicals, and clinical hands-on learning to ensure that the students are equipped with the best knowledge to become qualified healthcare professionals. The college provides students with access to a dedicated faculty and staff who are always available to assist students throughout their journey at Jefferson College. The faculty and staff help to arrange to tutor and also help students find the best career to fit their goals and abilities. In addition to the classes and lab work, the college also allows students to take part in numerous events, student organizations, exhibits, workshops, and lectures. These experiences help students be a part of the student community, have new experiences, and grow individually and as leaders. 

Undergraduate Programs: Jefferson College of Health Sciences offers a unique Bi-level Nursing Program. This program admits all nursing students starting their study to the Level I/PN course who then graduate to the Level II/RN  course upon graduation. The students are required to acquire a license as an LPN by the midterm of the first semester of Level II/RN. Upon completion of the Bi-level program, the students are awarded an Associate of Applied in Science of Nursing degree.

Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, Virginia.  They offer a pre-licensure BSN program (designed for new college students) and a post-licensure program (for RNs seeking a BSN degree).  They also offer several graduate options, some of which are offered online.  ODU originated in 1930 as a division of The College of William and Mary; it became a separate institution in 1962 and gained university status in 1969.

The University of Lynchburg has a comprehensive nursing curriculum that integrates clinical experience and evidence-based practice to provide students with a range of practical and academic opportunities that prepares them for a multitude of employment pathways as well as for the advancement of their education. Nursing students are taught a combination of liberal arts and sciences that prepares them to practice from a caring, scientific, and holistic foundation. The program is as rigorous as it is rewarding. The small class sizes allow for meaningful relationships with the faculty members. Similarly, the lab hours, clinical practice, along with extracurricular activities allow students to have lasting relationships with their peers, which builds a foundation for teamwork and leadership, both essential qualities for nurses. These experiences are further enhanced by individual teacher/learner encounters and the use of technology. During their course of study, students get multiple opportunities to apply theory and research to function in a variety of roles to help a diverse population. 

Undergraduate Programs: The Nursing Major (BS) course at the University of Lynchburg School of Nursing prepares students for a plethora of nursing roles that they can take on after they pass their NCLEX-RN examination. Graduates of the program have been working as Registered Nurses in a variety of healthcare settings, including the Cardiovascular Recovery Units, Medical Respiratory Care Units, and Medical-Surgical Units. In addition, some have also taken the roles of nurse navigators and other management positions.

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise nursing students are taught a liberal education, expanded knowledge about nursing and healthcare, competence in nursing practice, preparation for graduate study, and tools for lifelong learning. 

In this picturesque campus, students learn in small class sizes averaging a 17:1 student to faculty ratio. Another outstanding thing about this university is its dedication to reducing or eliminating student debt. A testament to this dedication is the fact that almost 80% of the students receive financial assistance in the form of scholarships and other funds. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the undergraduate research opportunities and the UVA Wise CONNECTS (Community Oriented Networks for Negotiating Engaged and Collaborative Teaching Strategies) to take part in hands-on learning opportunities that provide a solid foundation to their careers. The nursing curriculum itself prepares nurses to practice in a safe and caring manner on a regional, national, as well as global level.

Undergraduate Programs: At the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, students who are just starting their career in nursing can enroll in the Pre-Licensure BSN program to learn the basics of nursing and take their NCLEX-RN examination.

Similarly, registered nurses who have either a diploma or an associate degree in nursing and are interested in earning a BSN degree can enroll in the online RN to BSN program. This program allows working RNs to continue working while also attending online classes and earning their degree.

Norfolk State University is committed to transforming lives and communities by ensuring that its Department of Nursing and Allied Health offers only the best when it comes to nursing education. The university is committed to educating excellent healthcare professionals who provide safe, excellent, and culturally competent healthcare services. 

Norfolk State University houses state-of-the-art classrooms and one of Virginia’s most progressive and high-quality simulation labs that provide life-like simulations to the students allowing them to think like nurses in real-life situations. The university has a long history of excellence in nursing education that has enabled graduates to make a positive difference in the health of the local community, nation, as well as the world. Students enjoy the benefits of small class sizes and effective clinical hours in a diverse range of healthcare facilities. Almost 100% of the graduates have obtained employment shortly after graduation, and they have gone on to work in multiple types of healthcare facilities such as children’s hospitals and urban medical centers, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities, community healthcare centers and clinics, public schools, university medical centers, private medical practices, and a multitude of other healthcare facilities. 

Undergraduate Programs: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students will complete their nursing degree in as little as 22 months with 6 to 12 hours of clinical hours per day. Upon graduation, the students will be able to take their NCLEX-RN examination and practice as Registered Nurses.

Similarly, there is a highly competitive online RN to BSN program that takes approximately 9 to 12 months to complete. The program is designed to allow working RNs to get their BSN degree without having to compromise their work.

Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing boasts 96% job placement, 97% retention rate, and 93% NCLEX-RN pass rate in the past year. The College has also been ranked among the best in the state of Virginia. 

Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing aims to create opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to provide culturally sensitive service to local, regional, national, and international communities. The college has different learning resources that provide a stimulating and challenging learning environment that excites curiosity, encourages creativity, and integrates community commitment into the learning process. One such resource is the Clinical Simulation and Learning Center, which provides multiple simulation exercises in a mock acute care unit that is equipped with a nurse’s station, extra rooms, simulation rooms, debriefing rooms, and home healthcare suite. The simulation lab aims to help students improve their practice and also allows faculties to incorporate innovative learning strategies. 

Undergraduate Programs: The Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree offers students a well-rounded, student-focused education that provides a strong foundation for nursing students to base their careers upon.

Furthermore, there is also an online RN to BSN degree that is designed for working registered nurses. In addition to being advanced and challenging, this course is 100% online so that students can complete their bachelor’s degree while also navigating through their work.

Sentara College of Health Sciences is located in Chesapeake, Virginia.  Sentara College is a division of Sentara Healthcare; it seeks to educate healthcare professionals in a variety of careers, but especially nursing.  Not only do they offer a BSN program, but they offer an online RN to BSN program, an option for LPNs to join their BSN program and they also allow for early entrance into the program for college freshman.

The Sentara College of Health Sciences has a rich history of providing exceptional nursing education for more than 130 years. In addition to this, they also created Norfolk’s first nursing program in 1892. 

Students at Sentara College of Health Sciences benefit from high-quality classroom education as well as skills practice and clinical exposure. Owing to the emphasis on hybrid education, the students learn most of the theoretical knowledge online and discuss the skills, knowledge, and practice the skills in person. During their course of study at Sentara College, undergraduate nursing students gain about 900 hours of hands-on clinical experience across multiple healthcare facilities so that they are ready to take on the role of nurse generalists upon graduation. Graduates are working at a wide variety of healthcare settings like hospitals, physician’s offices, long-term facilities, healthcare agencies, community healthcare centers, and more.

Undergraduate Programs: Apart from the 2.5 years long traditional BSN program, Sentara College of Health Sciences also offers an online RN to BSN degree program for working nurses. This online program is flexible and helps open new doors for the students. Similarly, there is also a High School Early Admission to BSN Program designed for advanced high-school seniors. The program provides them with a guaranteed seat in the program provided that they have successfully completed their admission requirements.

Graduate Programs: Sentara College of Health Sciences offers a part-time online Master of Science in Nursing Clinical Nurse Leader Program that provides students with the skills and knowledge that they can use to become advanced nurse generalists.

RNs who have already completed their BSN degree are also eligible to enroll in the two-year long and full-time Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice Program. This program provides the students with more than 900 hours of hands-on experience in skills lab, simulation, and clinicals. 

South University offers credible, high-quality nursing education via various courses across multiple locations. The programs combine relevant coursework and applicable experience with a supportive faculty that provide a perfect professional environment for students to grow.

Students here enjoy the benefits of small classrooms taught by experienced nurses who can provide the necessary guidance to develop the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career as a successful nurse. The programs not only enable students to become capable nurses but they also allow them to hone their teaching skills and motivate and train future nurses. South University helps students improve their clinical as well as management capabilities and skills like critical thinking, delegation, prioritization, and decision making. The students are also allowed to participate in hands-on activities like skill practice in labs and healthcare centers so that they develop their skills and education in nursing. In addition to that, the university also gives the students the opportunity to be a part of community involvement, volunteering, and similar other activities that put them on a path of character development and life-long learning.

Undergraduate Programs: The BSN degree is taught by experienced nurses who help students develop the skills needed to make the most of a nursing career. Similarly, the RN to BSN program opens new career opportunities for RNs via hybrid or online classes without having to choose between work and education. 

Graduate Programs: The MSN courses at South University prepare students with leading-edge healthcare and professional standards to treat patients and families of all ages. The MSN specialization courses include Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Informatics.

Similarly, there is also a Doctor of Nursing Practice course that provides students with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to grow into new nursing management and clinical roles.