Nurse practitioners in Virginia earn a median annual wage of $127,810, yet only a small set of accredited online MSN programs in Virginia offers an FNP track that prepares working RNs for that credential. Most deliver didactic coursework online while requiring in-person clinical hours, making the format practical for nurses tied to a Virginia employer or rural county.
This list includes only MSN-level FNP programs, not online DNP programs or other NP specialties, a distinction most program rankings blur. Choosing a post-master's DNP or an adult-gerontology track can delay FNP certification by years or require different clinical placements.
The nurse practitioner pay premium is real, but it is sharply uneven across Virginia metros, and the highest-wage markets also have the most competition for clinical preceptors and admission seats.
Best Online FNP Programs in Virginia: 2027 Rankings
Virginia nurses have more online FNP options than ever, and the strongest programs pair flexible coursework with solid clinical preparation. The schools below reflect a range of delivery models, costs, and specialties so you can find a fit for your career goals and timeline.
How we ranked these
- Graduate outcomes and employment
- Institutional quality and retention
- Online and hybrid delivery flexibility
- Clinical preparation and support
- Independent program research
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
University of Virginia
#1Charlottesville, VA · $24,000/yr
Best for: Experienced RNs seeking research-rich MSN training
The University of Virginia's School of Nursing anchors its NP offerings in a research-intensive academic setting with a strong record of student success. MSN and DNP tracks in family, psychiatric mental health, adult gerontology acute care, and pediatric primary care blend online coursework with periodic on-campus sessions. Full-time students can finish the MSN FNP in two years, part-time in three, and UVA nursing alumni receive guaranteed admission. Scholarship and loan forgiveness pathways are available for nurses who commit to teaching.
- Requires 3.0 GPA, one year of RN experience, and three recommendations
- Full-time completion in two years; part-time in three years
- Virginia resident total cost $25,756; non-resident $40,328
- No GRE required
- $85 application fee
- Classes on Thursdays and Fridays; clinicals Monday through Friday
- Eligible for FNP certification through ANCC or AANPBC
- Guaranteed admission for UVA nursing alumni
- 23 credits and 616 clinical hours
- Requires a master's degree in nursing and RN licensure
- Hybrid format with practicum courses
- Prepares for national FNP certification exams
- Monthly in-person classes balance online coursework
- More than 500 clinical hours required
- Focus on underserved populations
- Clinicals mostly in Virginia
- Classes once a month with online learning
- Active APRN license required
- Application deadline January 5
- Addresses rural mental health needs
- Two-year full-time or three-year part-time
- 500 clinical hours required
- Clinicals at UVA Medical Center
- Tuition $21,942 for Virginia residents; $35,832 for non-residents
- 750 clinical hours
- In-person class about once per month
- Capstone required
- Guidance in finding clinical placements
- In-person class once per month
- Clinical placements at UVA Health
- Eligible for ANCC or PNCB certification
- Interdisciplinary learning across university
- Monthly in-person class format
- Prepares for AACN or ANCC certification
- Faculty experts in education and research
- Access to interdisciplinary study
George Mason University
#2Fairfax, VA · $15,000 – $20,000/yr
Best for: Working RNs needing asynchronous online flexibility
George Mason University offers one of the most accessible fully online FNP options in Virginia, with asynchronous coursework and a public health focus. The same school supports NP careers through a psychiatric mental health graduate certificate and DNP concentrations in PMHNP and adult gerontology primary care. As an NC-SARA participant, Mason extends many online programs to students in 49 states and U.S. territories. Students draw on a large university's resources, career services, and interprofessional experiences.
- 100% online with asynchronous classes
- 49 total credit hours and 500 clinical hours
- Total program tuition $43,365 at $850 per credit
- CCNE accredited
- 2-year full-time plan
- Rolling admissions
- Transfer up to 9 credits
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification
- 23 graduate credits required
- Hybrid format with online coursework
- Minimum 3.00 GPA
- Part-time study available
- Prepares for national certification and prescriptive authority
- 72 total credit hours
- 1000 clinical hours
- BSN to DNP and master's to DNP tracks
- 4 concentration options
- Transfer up to 30 credits
- BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP pathways
- Spring start available
- Active RN license and CPR certification required
- Goals statement and resume required
University of Virginia's College at Wise
#3Wise, VA · $8,000/yr
Best for: Regionally based nurses seeking a part-time hybrid
The University of Virginia's College at Wise offers a three-year, part-time MSN FNP built for working nurses in rural and regional settings. Didactic coursework is paired with semester-long preceptorships totaling more than 600 clinical hours, with placements primarily arranged within Virginia. A reduced tuition rate is available to certain students from Kentucky or Tennessee under a reciprocal agreement. The program emphasizes holistic, community-focused care.
- Three-year part-time hybrid program
- More than 600 clinical hours through semester-long preceptorships
- Clinical placements primarily in Virginia
- BSN required for admission
- Focus on holistic care for patients, families, and communities
- Designed so students can continue working
James Madison University
#4Harrisonburg, VA · $13,000/yr
James Madison University approaches NP education with a distinctive partnership: its psychiatric mental health MSN begins at JMU and finishes at Shenandoah University, with graduates earning an MSN from JMU and a post graduate certificate from Shenandoah. The school also offers a DNP with a family nurse practitioner concentration that includes 1,000 clinical hours and a capstone project. JMU's nursing programs emphasize interprofessional collaboration and prepare graduates for complex healthcare environments.
- First year at JMU, second year at Shenandoah University
- 22 credits at JMU and 29 credits at Shenandoah
- Graduate with MSN from JMU and post graduate certificate from Shenandoah
- Applications due January 6
- Joint interview with Shenandoah required
- 77 total credit hours
- 1000 clinical hours with 650 clinical practicum hours
- 3.2 GPA minimum
- Capstone required
- Eligible for FNP certification
- Two concentration options
Regent University
#5Virginia Beach, VA · ~$18,000/yr (est.)
Regent University brings a Christian worldview to online NP education, offering MSN, post-master's certificate, and DNP pathways in family practice plus a DNP in psychiatric mental health. Courses are delivered online with limited on-campus residencies in Virginia Beach, and the MSN FNP costs $590 per credit. The curriculum includes clinical partnerships and a White Coat ceremony, and military benefits are accepted. Multiple start dates each year add flexibility for working nurses.
- 47 total credit hours at $590 per credit
- Online coursework with one residency
- BSN and 3.0 GPA required
- One year of clinical experience and active RN license needed
- CCNE accredited
- Faculty interview required
- Next start August 24, 2026
- 26 total credit hours at $580 per credit
- Total tuition $15,080
- Online format with two-day on-campus residency
- Requires graduate nursing degree and APRN license submission
- 74 credit hour curriculum at $590 per credit
- Online with on-campus residency
- Clinical partnerships with EVMS
- White Coat ceremony included
- 74 total credit hours
- Fully online with two-day residency
- Three start dates per year
- One year RN experience required
- Prepares for national certification
Liberty University
#6Lynchburg, VA · $9,000/yr
Liberty University delivers NP education through a flexible online format designed for working nurses, with 8-week courses and multiple start dates. Its DNP options include family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health tracks, and a BSN to DNP psychiatric pathway requires 1,000 clinical hours. Tuition rates vary by program, with military discounts available, and telehealth can cover up to half of practicum hours in some tracks. The university is CCNE accredited and integrates a Christian worldview throughout the curriculum.
- 18 credit hours at $850 per credit
- No set login times
- Practicum experience and comprehensive exam included
- Requires BSN, MSN or DNP, and current RN and APRN licenses
- 78 total credit hours
- Online with required virtual intensives
- Transfer up to 50% of credits
- Military tuition at $375 per credit hour
- Optional nurse educator electives
- 59 total credit hours at $850 per credit
- 8-week online courses
- Telehealth allowed for up to 50% of practicum hours
- Three start dates per year
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- 73 total credit hours
- 1000 clinical hours
- Earn DNP directly from BSN
- Online format with required intensive
- Hands-on instruction during residential intensive
Virginia Commonwealth University
#7Richmond, VA · $17,000/yr
Virginia Commonwealth University grounds its NP programs in a Magnet-designated medical center and a collaborative health sciences campus in Richmond. Its post-master's certificates and DNP tracks in family, psychiatric mental health, and adult gerontology acute care use a hybrid format with one on-campus day per week. VCU reports strong certification pass rates, and the school handles preceptor matching and clinical placement support for students. Graduate teaching assistantships and scholarships are available.
- Two-year part-time hybrid program
- 91% certification exam pass rate
- Clinical placement support provided
- For RNs who already hold a master's degree
- 21 credit hours
- Hybrid format
- Prepares for certification exam
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- 10-semester part-time hybrid format
- 3.5-year completion timeline
- 91% licensure pass rate
- Preceptors matched by the school
- Practice-focused DNP project instead of dissertation
- Part-time hybrid completed in 3.5 years
- 100% licensure pass rate
- Apply by November 1, 2026
- Graduate teaching assistantships available
- Hybrid format, 10 semesters long
- Train at Magnet-designated medical center
- Capacity-limited enrollment
- Preceptors matched by program
Old Dominion University
#8Norfolk, VA · $15,000 – $36,000/yr
Old Dominion University offers a wide menu of NP pathways from its Norfolk campus, including MSN concentrations in family, pediatric, psychiatric mental health, and neonatal care, plus a post-master's certificate and DNP options. Most programs use a hybrid distance model with on-campus simulation and clinical sessions at the Virginia Beach campus. The MSN FNP reports strong employment, completion, and certification pass rates. Online tuition is set by domicile, which can benefit Virginia residents.
- Primarily online with on-campus clinical sessions
- RN license with one year of experience required
- 3.0 minimum GPA and three letters of recommendation
- 96% certification pass rate (2023)
- 95% employment rate (2024)
- Up to 12 transfer credits allowed
- Four-semester program
- Virginia resident cost $486 per credit; non-resident $1,334.50
- Requires APRN MSN degree and RN licensure
- August 1 application deadline
- 560 clinical hours
- Licensure pass rate of 100%
- Clinical placement assistance provided
- No GRE required for GPA 3.5 or higher
- Two-year full-time hybrid program
- 40 total credit hours
- Cares for patients across the lifespan
- No transfers between MSN programs
- Seven-semester program
- $486 per credit
- Current RN license and master's degree in nursing required
- Scholarships and assistantships available
- 600 clinical practicum hours
- Two years of NICU experience needed
- Level III/IV NICU focus
- Full and part-time study options
Radford University
#9Radford, VA · $14,000/yr
Radford University Carilion offers NP pathways that are especially friendly to working nurses, with a cohort-based MSN FNP that reports a nearly 100% national exam pass rate. The school also provides a post-master's PMHNP certificate and online DNP tracks in family practice and psychiatric mental health. Loan forgiveness programs and a clinical resource coordinator add extra support. Flexible distance-based learning is the norm across these offerings.
- Cohort-based hybrid format
- Nearly 100% national exam pass rate
- Flexible distance-based learning
- Clinical resource coordinator support
- Loan forgiveness programs available
- 23 total credit hours
- 540 clinical hours
- One-year full-time or 18-24 months part-time
- ANCC exam eligibility
- Requires master's degree and current NP certification
- Prepares for AANP or ANCC certification
- Primary healthcare across the lifespan
- Online format with hybrid learning
- Online format
- Focus on psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions
- Treatment across the lifespan
- Emphasis on mental health promotion
Mary Baldwin University
#10Staunton, VA · $15,000 – $20,000/yr
Mary Baldwin University targets Virginia and regional learners with MSN, post-master's certificate, and DNP paths to family nurse practitioner practice. The 47-credit MSN uses a hybrid format that combines remote courses with on-campus intensives and 600 clinical hours. Partner school division employees and Virginia community college transfers can receive nearly 50% tuition discounts on eligible online programs, and some Virginia residents may qualify for state tuition equity aid. The program is CCNE accredited and designed for working nurses.
- 47 credit hours with 600 clinical hours
- Hybrid format with remote and on-campus intensives
- Requires one year of nursing experience and statistics prerequisite
- Full-time plan of study
- CCNE accredited
- 32-credit hour program
- Part-time study plan
- For RNs who already hold an MSN
- Combines remote and on-campus learning
- 74 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- Capstone required
- Includes advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology
- Requires current RN license in Virginia or NC-SARA state
Shenandoah University
#11Winchester, VA · $27,000/yr
Shenandoah University offers a fully online MSN FNP with weekly synchronous classes and a required campus immersion, plus online post-master's certificates in family and psychiatric mental health. The MSN requires 2,080 direct patient care hours for admission and 600 clinical hours during the program, and it runs as a seven-term, 2.5-year cohort. Shenandoah also partners with James Madison on the PMHNP pathway. Alumni receive a per credit tuition discount.
- Fully online with weekly synchronous classes
- Campus immersion required
- 47 total credit hours and 600 clinical hours during the program
- 2,080 direct patient care hours required for admission
- Seven-term, 2.5-year cohort
- Rolling admissions with priority deadline February 15
- Eligible for ANCC or AANP certification
- 25 total credits with 600 clinical hours
- 5-semester full-time track
- Requires MSN degree
- Synchronous weekly class meetings
- 24-29 total credits
- Requires 600 clinical hours
- 5 to 7 semesters depending on NP status
- ANCC or AANP exam eligible
- 46 total credit hours
- 7-semester hybrid format
- Focus on lifespan care
- Alumni receive per credit tuition discount
ECPI University
#12Virginia Beach, VA · $14,000/yr
ECPI University offers a 100% online MSN with a family nurse practitioner concentration that can be completed in as little as 22 months. The 49 credit hour program is CCNE accredited and prepares graduates for AANP and ANCC board certification. Admission requires a BSN with a 2.5 GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and recent nursing experience. The format is built for working professionals, with financial assistance available.
- 100% online and complete in as little as 22 months
- 49 semester credit hours
- CCNE accredited
- BSN with 2.5 GPA required
- Unencumbered RN license and recent nursing experience needed
- Prepares for AANP and ANCC board certification
South University-Richmond
#13Glen Allen, VA · $17,000/yr
South University's Richmond location offers an online RN to MSN pathway in adult gerontology primary care, designed for associate's degree nurses who want to move into advanced practice. The curriculum includes supervised practicum experiences and meets national nurse practitioner core competencies. Admission requires an associate's degree in nursing or equivalent, a 2.5 GPA, and a valid RN license. The program prepares graduates for national certification exams.
- Online program with in-person clinical components
- RN to MSN pathway for associate's degree nurses
- CCNE accredited
- Requires 2.5 GPA and valid RN license
- Meets NONPF core competencies
- Prepares for national certification exams
Marymount University
#14Arlington, VA · $23,000/yr
Marymount University's online NP programs combine fully remote coursework with local clinical placements and state-of-the-art simulation labs in the national capital area. Its MSN FNP reports a 100% AANP pass rate and free clinical placement services, and the curriculum is taught by practicing FNPs and PMHNPs. The school also offers an MSN in psychiatric mental health, a DNP in family practice, and a BSN to DNP PMHNP pathway. Success advisors and a favorable student-faculty ratio support working nurses.
- Fully remote except residencies and clinicals
- 100% AANP pass rate
- Free clinical placement services
- Practicing FNPs and PMHNPs on faculty
- Median NP earnings of $131,270 in the DC region
- Projected 38% NP demand growth
- 48 total credit hours
- 750 clinical hours
- Online with one residency
- Part-time basis only
- Total tuition $61,200 at $1,275 per credit
- Total program tuition $89,250 at $1,275 per credit
- 10-semester program
- 1000 clinical hours
- One on-campus residency
- CCNE accredited
- Total program tuition $84,150
- 66 total credit hours
- 1250 clinical hours
- On-campus residencies required
- Prepares for AANP or ANCC PMHNP certification
Averett University
#15Danville, VA · $12,000/yr
Averett University offers an online MSN with a family nurse practitioner concentration and additional NP-related options, including an emergency nurse practitioner track that is rare nationwide. The program uses an online and on-campus hybrid format with four start dates each year, so students can begin in January, March, August, or October. It is designed for working adult professionals seeking board certification as FNPs in primary care and community health settings.
- Online and on-campus hybrid format
- Four start dates each year
- ENP program is one of only 13 nationwide
- Designed for working adult professionals
- Three concentration options
What Virginia FNP Programs Actually Cost: A Tuition Breakdown
Tuition for NP programs in Virginia varies dramatically depending on whether you attend a public or private institution and whether you qualify for in-state rates. The table below compares published tuition alongside net price, which is an institution-wide average reflecting financial aid across all programs, not a guaranteed figure specific to FNP or NP students. Median graduate debt and estimated 10-year monthly loan payments, drawn from federal data, offer a realistic picture of the long-term financial commitment. Virginia residents will find the strongest value at UVA Wise, Radford University, and Old Dominion University, while out-of-state students should note that several private schools charge a flat rate regardless of residency.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (Avg. After Aid) | Median Graduate Debt | Est. 10-Year Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UVA Wise | $8,352 (program rate) | $8,352 (program rate) | $9,210 | $16,750 | N/A |
| Radford University | $13,762 | $23,525 | $14,578 | $24,000 | N/A |
| Old Dominion University | $15,390 | $36,174 | $14,638 | $24,000 | N/A |
| George Mason University | $17,964 | $40,308 | $17,915 | $19,500 | N/A |
| University of Virginia | $23,526 | $37,628 | $21,565 | $17,500 | N/A |
| James Madison University | $13,464 | $30,984 | $23,322 | $20,093 | N/A |
| Regent University | $17,869 | $17,869 | $19,923 | $24,534 | N/A |
| Mary Baldwin University | $18,865 | $18,865 | $12,756 | $26,586 | N/A |
| Averett University | $12,090 | $12,090 | $22,925 | $25,000 | N/A |
| ECPI University | $13,625 | $13,625 | $22,965 | $20,000 | N/A |
Fully Online or Hybrid? Virginia FNP Program Formats Mapped
Flexibility versus face time: that is the real tradeoff behind the "online" label on nurse practitioner programs in Virginia. Every program in the state requires in-person clinical hours, so no FNP degree is truly 100% remote. What varies is whether the didactic coursework is fully online and how often (if ever) you set foot on campus for skills labs, standardized patient work, or immersion weekends.
What "Hybrid" Usually Means
For NP programs, hybrid typically pairs online lecture and discussion coursework with periodic on-campus intensives plus in-person clinical rotations arranged near your home. Fully online programs skip the campus intensives but still require you to complete clinicals at approved sites in person. The distinction matters if you live far from the school or cannot easily take time off work for travel.
Virginia Programs Mapped by Format
- George Mason University MSN-FNP: Coursework is delivered fully online, with in-person clinical practicums but no reported campus intensives.
- Shenandoah University MSN-FNP: Online synchronous coursework, but at least one required campus immersion in Winchester.
- Old Dominion University MSN-FNP: Primarily online, with on-campus sessions at the Virginia Beach location (typically once per semester) for standardized patient work.
- Radford University MSN-FNP: Hybrid, with online didactic content plus required on-campus intensives at the Radford campus.
- Marymount University MSN-FNP: Online coursework with required on-campus residencies in Arlington.
- Liberty University DNP-FNP: As of 2026, the program page indicates the required intensive is virtual rather than residential, though older materials referenced a one-week on-campus experience. For current requirements across DNP programs in Virginia, confirm directly with the school.
- Chamberlain University MSN-FNP (national comparator): Hybrid, with two required in-person weekends in the Chicago area: a skills immersion before clinicals and a board prep intensive during capstone.
So, Can You Finish an FNP Fully Online in Virginia?
Coursework, yes. The whole degree, no. Even the most online-friendly options require you to complete supervised clinical hours in person, and most Virginia programs add at least one campus visit on top of that. Ask each nursing school in Virginia for the exact number, length, and location of required in-person events before you commit.
How Long It Takes to Finish an FNP Program in Virginia
How long is an FNP program in Virginia? For most BSN-to-MSN students, expect roughly two to three years full time or three to four years part time. George Mason University completes its MSN-FNP in about 24 months full time (36 months part time), while Shenandoah University runs 30 months full time. If you are pursuing an RN-to-MSN bridge or a direct-entry pathway, add roughly one additional year of foundational coursework. One major shift worth noting: the University of Virginia is no longer accepting MSN-FNP applications and has moved to a DNP-only NP pathway, now structured as a three-year hybrid program. That transition adds time compared to a traditional MSN but results in a doctoral degree. Liberty University also offers a DNP-FNP track (69 credits, completed online). As more Virginia schools consider similar DNP transitions, prospective students should factor the longer timeline into their planning.
NP Specialties You Can Study at Virginia Schools
Family nurse practitioner versus psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner: one prepares you for primary care across the lifespan, while the other focuses on mental health assessment, psychopharmacology, and therapy. In Virginia, that contrast also describes the availability gap between the most common NP track and a smaller set of specialty options.
Where FNP Leads the Virginia List
Family nurse practitioner programs dominate the Virginia schools featured in this guide. University of Virginia, UVA Wise, Regent, Old Dominion, Radford, Mary Baldwin, Shenandoah, ECPI, Marymount, Averett, and Bluefield all list FNP pathways, with formats ranging from fully online to hybrid with on-campus intensives. That is why this article focuses on FNP: it is the most widely available online NP specialty in Virginia and aligns with broad primary care needs across age groups.
PMHNP and AGNP Appear, but in Fewer Formats
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is the clearest second option. George Mason, Liberty, and James Madison offer PMHNP pathways, often as nursing certificate programs delivered online or hybrid. The Best Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs in Virginia include South University's Richmond and Virginia Beach locations, with online coursework and required in-person clinicals. FNP and PMHNP are the two specialties most likely to be available in online or hybrid form, while AGNP programs still lean on face-to-face clinical placement.
Where the Virginia List Falls Short
Pediatric nurse practitioner and women's health nurse practitioner tracks are absent from the programs we reviewed. If those are your targets, expect to widen your search beyond Virginia or contact schools directly, since specialty availability can change from year to year.
Clinical Hours, Preceptor Placement, and What to Expect
How many clinical hours do Virginia FNP programs require, and will you need to secure your own preceptor? The short answer is that most MSN-FNP tracks in Virginia fall between 500 and 750 direct patient care hours, and every CCNE- or ACEN-accredited FNP program requires supervised, in-person nursing clinical rotations. The harder part is comparing how those hours are structured and who helps you arrange them.
Clinical Hour Requirements
- George Mason University MSN-FNP: 600 hours.
- Shenandoah University MSN-FNP: 600 hours, split 180 hours in the first clinical course, 180 in the second, and 240 in the final course.
- Marymount University MSN-FNP: advertises a 750-hour requirement.
- Radford University MSN-FNP: one preceptorship component lists 220 hours, but the total program requirement is not clearly published, so confirm directly.
- Old Dominion University: published DNP totals of 1,000 hours include 560 embedded curriculum hours, but that does not reflect the MSN-FNP total, so do not conflate the two.
Preceptor Placement: Who Finds Your Clinical Site?
Placement support is a major practical concern for working RNs. Marymount University offers free NP clinical placement services, meaning the school helps coordinate rotations. George Mason University provides a Preceptor Portal, but students should verify whether that portal functions as an actual placement service or simply a tracking tool. For most other Virginia programs, 2026 public materials do not consistently state whether the school arranges placements or expects self-placement. Ask directly before enrolling.
Accreditation, Exam Pass Rates, and Admissions Basics
Before comparing clinical logistics, confirm the MSN-FNP is accredited by CCNE or ACEN. National certification exam eligibility hinges on graduating from an accredited program. Published FNP certification exam pass rates are not consistently available for every Virginia school, so treat missing data as a prompt to request first-time pass rates from the program. On admissions, expect a BSN from an accredited program, a minimum GPA that varies by school, and prerequisites in pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology. Requirements vary, so confirm exactly what must be completed before the first clinical course.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Getting Licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in Virginia
Virginia's NP licensure process is jointly overseen by the Board of Nursing and the Board of Medicine. Understanding each step, and the state's evolving practice-authority rules, is essential for career planning.
- Hold an active RN licenseYou must have a current, unrestricted RN license in Virginia or a Nurse Licensure Compact state before applying for NP licensure. If your RN license is from a non-compact state, you will need to file a separate RN endorsement application.
- Graduate from an approved programComplete a graduate-level nursing or nurse practitioner program that meets the Virginia Board of Nursing's definition of an approved program. Accreditation by a recognized body (such as CCNE or ACEN) is expected.
- Pass a national certification examVirginia accepts national certification from agencies listed in its regulations, which include both the AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) and the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center). Either FNP certification exam satisfies the requirement, choose the one that best aligns with your preparation. Program-specific pass rates for Virginia schools are not currently published through a single public source, so ask prospective programs directly for their most recent outcome data.
- Apply for Virginia NP licensureSubmit your application through the appropriate route: by examination if you have never held an NP license, or by endorsement if you are already licensed in another state. The application fee is $125. You will need official transcripts and proof of national certification.
- Understand Virginia's practice authority modelVirginia currently uses a transition-to-practice framework. At initial licensure, NPs must enter a practice agreement with a collaborating physician. As of July 1, 2024, NPs (excluding CRNAs, CNMs, and CNSs) may apply for autonomous practice authority after the equivalent of three years of full-time clinical experience, a significant reduction from the previous five-year requirement established in 2018. This change gives newer NPs a faster path to independent practice.
- Maintain your license bienniallyVirginia NP licenses renew every two years. NPs initially licensed on or after May 8, 2002 must maintain current national certification. Those licensed before that date may alternatively complete 40 hours of approved continuing education in their specialty. Keep all documentation for at least four years after each renewal cycle.
What Virginia NP Graduates Earn: Program ROI in Context
Earnings for nurse practitioners in Virginia vary significantly by metro area, and understanding these geographic differences is essential when weighing program ROI. The statewide median annual wage for NPs is $127,810, but graduates practicing in certain metros can earn considerably more. Program-level earnings data for individual Virginia FNP programs is not yet available through federal reporting, so the occupational wage figures below from the Bureau of Labor Statistics offer the best current benchmark for what NPs across the state actually take home.
