Overview of Virginia Nursing Schools
The field of health care has always been a fairly large part of the American economy. However, in recent years, it’s become even more important. As employers and care providers try to keep up with the demand created by the Affordable Care Act, the need for health care professionals is at an all-time high. In Virginia, the need for nurses is particularly significant. Nurses can meet the health care needs of rural citizens in an affordable and sensible way.
Discover what nursing programs in Virginia can offer you and how to get started by contacting the nursing schools listed below.
Looking at graduating class sizes makes it clear that nurses are in high demand in Virginia. Many schools have been increasing the amount of nursing students they take on, creating a larger pool of employees for health care employers.
The job market is purported to be strong for nursing graduates. A study conducted by a local school showed that 75% of their nursing graduates had job offers prior to graduation. This can help you avoid a time-consuming job search and put off earning an income after school.
Nursing Education in Virginia
If you’re trying to figure out which nursing program is right for your needs, you’re not alone. There are many types of nursing degrees, and it’s important to spend some time finding the proper program for you. Many students opt to complete a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, which requires eight semesters of study. You can also become a registered nurse by earning an Associate’s degree. LPN programs typically only last one year.
Nursing curricula tend to be in-depth and rigorous, as you may have to work independently at times. When you first begin your education, you may take classes like Concepts of Nursing, Health Assessment in Nursing Practice, Technologies of Nursing Practice, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology.
Virginia students may have access to different scholarships, grants, and loan programs to cover the cost of education. The Virginia Hospital Center has a large nursing student scholarship program. Through the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority, you can look into scholarships and loan repayment programs. Another state resource for nursing students is the Virginia Department of Health.
Nursing Education & Career Information in your City
Nursing Schools in Virginia
The need for nurses has expanded dramatically across the United States, particularly in states with large rural populations. This includes Virginia, so attending a local nursing college and getting your license could be a meaningful way to improve life in your community. Explore degree options offered at some of the best nursing colleges in Virginia.
Virginia LPN Programs
- Admissions requirements: High school diploma, physical exam, negative drug test, proof of residency, and criminal background check
- Credit hour range: 30 to 40 credits
- Online degree options: Unavailable, since clinical hours are extremely important at this level
- Licensing exams: NCLEX-PN
If you want to begin working in roughly one year, you may want to look into LPN programs at a nursing school in Virginia. LPN programs are designed to be finished in one year or less, so they may provide a time-efficient way to get started in the nursing industry. Some of your training comes from theory-based classroom work, while other skills are mastered in the laboratory or in clinical settings.
BSN Programs in Virginia
- Admissions requirements: High school diploma, physical exam, negative drug test, proof of residency, and criminal background check
- Credit hour range: 120 to 135 credits
- Online degree options: Blended degree options allow you to do some of your theory coursework online
- Licensing exams: NCLEX-RN
There are many registered nursing schools in Virginia that can help you get your RN license. While an Associate’s degree program is the shorter option, a Bachelor’s program may provide greater opportunities to work in specialized nursing settings. Plan on spending about four years earning your Bachelor’s degree if you attend one of the best nursing schools in Virginia. As is the case in almost any nursing program, BSN programs require a substantial amount of clinical work.
Virginia MSN Schools
- Admissions requirements: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a current Virginia nursing license
- Credit hour range: Between 30 and 65 credits
- Online degree options: Offered at some Virginia schools in certain areas of study
- Licensing exams: Determined by your area of study and national certification board
When it comes to nursing programs, VA students have a variety of options. This is true at the Master’s level, where nursing program Virginia options include nursing informatics, nurse leadership, nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist. Depending on whether you attend school part-time or full-time, you may be able to graduate in as little as two years.
DNP and PhD Nursing Programs in Virginia
- Admissions requirements: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a current Virginia nursing license
- Credit hour range: 80 to 100 credits
- Online degree options: Limited, due to teaching and research requirements
- Licensing exams: Determined by each national certification board
Now that you know more about nursing programs, Virginia schools may have exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re ready to take the plunge and delve into an accredited nursing degree, contact the best nursing schools in VA using our list of local programs.
Nursing Colleges in Virginia with Nursing Bridge Programs
If you have already done some postsecondary education, you may think that the degrees listed above are not a good fit for you. In fact, it may seem like a traditional degree could require you to retake courses and spend even more time finishing your education. That’s why bridge programs are so popular in Virginia. They make it possible for working nurses and baccalaureate graduates to save time while attending nursing school.
Perhaps you earned a Bachelor’s degree before realizing that you wanted to go into nursing. Thanks to second-degree BSN programs, you can utilize your general education credits and spend much less time on your second degree. Some programs are extremely fast-paced, lasting just 12 months. Other programs may last 18 or 24 months.
Other training options are designed for nursing professionals who want to take their career to the next level.These options are available for both LPNs and RNs. LPNs can choose to attend LPN to RN or LPN to BSN programs, which require one and three years of education, respectively. In an RN to BSN program, you may finish the courses needed to earn a Bachelor’s degree in just 18 to 24 months. RN to MSN degrees are significantly longer, often requiring at least three years of education.
Tips for Choosing the Top Nursing Schools in Virginia
It’s important to take your time when choosing a nursing program. While all of your options may seem equal when you first start looking, you can start to cross schools off your list as you dig deeper. Everyone learns differently and has their own career goals, so you need to think about your specific preferences when selecting a nursing program. The questions below are a good starting point; cross off or add questions to create a comprehensive list that addresses your priorities.
Questions to Ask Virginia Nursing Schools
- Is the nursing school accredited? If so, is it accredited by the ACEN, the CCNE, or a different agency?
- How many clinical hours do students complete by graduation?
- Which types of facilities do students work in for their clinical rounds?
- Are there any specialized training options for nursing students?
- What is the NCLEX pass rate?
- Does the school offer any NCLEX review materials or courses?
- Which types of financial aid are available and how many students qualify for aid?
- Is this school approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing?
- What type of experience do nursing instructors and professors have?
- Are there any networking opportunities for nursing students?
- What is the average program duration?
2018 Career Outlook for Nursing Professions
Why not take the next step toward a nursing career and find out how you can become an LPN, a registered nurse, or a nurse practitioner? There are many opportunities for specialized care within these career paths. In particular, the shortage of mental health nurses is extremely severe in Virginia (The Daily Progress, 2017).
To become a licensed practical nurse, you must attend a licensed practical or vocational nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN. This is an area of growing need in Virginia, with job openings expected to increase 21% by 2024 (O*Net, 2017). On average, Virginia licensed practical nurses earn $41,450 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017).
If you attend a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to become a registered nurse, you may become licensed after passing the NCLEX-RN. This field has seen steady growth for several years, and job openings may boost 14% through 2024 (O*Net, 2017). The average salary for a Virginia registered nurse is $66,670 per year (BLS, 2017).
Nurse practitioners offer primary care to patients of all ages, which is why there are so many nurse practitioner programs offered at Virginia nursing schools. Currently, Virginia nurse practitioners bring in a mean income of $101,060 annually (BLS, 2017). Demand for NPs may swell 43% between 2014 and 2024 (O*Net, 2017).
There are many work settings you may explore as a working nurse in Virginia. At the LPN level, many graduates work in home care or assisted living homes. This option is also available at higher levels of education, but RNs may find themselves with a greater variety of options at hospitals and clinics. At the graduate level, you may work for large healthcare corporations, small clinics, nursing homes, or any other type of medical facility.
With healthcare expanding at a rapid rate, this is the ideal time to take a chance and learn more about nursing. Check out our list of accredited nursing schools in Virginia and get in touch with those that interest you.
