Virginia RN to BSN Programs

Nurses are an integral part of the community and family health dynamic, and are the approachable face of integrating health and education measures to help people remain healthy. As the nation moves from a focus on bedside nursing to a broader health-based system, nurses are well positioned to upgrade their qualifications. Many opportunities exist in the state - in fact, there are several distance RN to BSN programs to choose from.

Admissions Requirements for Virginia RN to BSN Programs

While rigorous admissions criteria is not foreign to RNs, it can still be a little intimidating. In order to give you a leg up on how and when to apply - and with what types of documents - we've made a list of the most common entrance criteria you're likely to encounter as you apply to the RN to BSN program of your choice.

• Complete application form and submit all relevant documentation to the university
• Ensure you have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher in pre-requisite courses
• Submit your Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) diploma (a copy is sufficient)
• Submit to a criminal background check
• Provide a record of up to date immunizations
• Provide RN licensure data - license must be current and unencumbered in the state of Virginia

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

Liberty University in Lynchburg offers an online RN to BSN degree program. Comprised of a mix of core competency requirements, Christian life components, and nursing competencies, nurses can expect to take upper division courses that focus on skills needed for nursing care as well as the philosophy behind evidence-based nursing practice like the following:

• NURS 440 - Community Health Nursing
• NURS 445 - Population Health
• NURS 490 - Leadership/Management in Nursing
• NURS 491 - Nursing Management
• NURS 492 - Seminar in Nursing

Online RN to BSN Programs in Virginia

Throughout the state there are more than 15 university RN to BSN programs that are available to nurses that meet the criteria. That number is still slowly growing as Virginia works to meet the demands of change in our healthcare legislation and to cope with an aging population. Nurses can generally finish an online RN to BSN program within a single year although full-time programs can be strenuous for working nurses.

Featured Online School

George Mason University's College of Health and Human Services has created a program that specifically addresses the needs of current RN license holders. The RN to BSN program can be completed in about a year, depending on each candidates' arts, elective, and compulsory transfer credits. Offered entirely online, part time studies are also available.

Admissions and Program Length

Longwood University's RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). With the requirement of 122 credits to earn a BSN, student transfer information and credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure accuracy of students' credentials.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Accredited by the CCNE, Averett University has a long history of providing students and professionals with relevant course offerings. At about $450 per credit hour for in-state students, specially discounted rates apply for members of the military. Fees levied in addition to tuition include a tuition deposit, a reservation fee, as well as a graduation fee. All fees must be paid prior to graduation.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

It is generally accepted that higher education leads to higher salary, and nurses are no exception to this rule. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or even an master's degree - known as an MSN degree, nurses may be preferred for roles like nephrology nurse, dialysis nurse, or nursing first assistant, among many other roles. With better patient outcomes when tended to by BSN nurses, there's no time like now to undertake an RN to BSN degree.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Virginia

Nurses in Virginia are able to make a good starting wage right after graduation and licensure; however, there is a noticeable difference between ADN and BSN degree holder salaries. While the data collected for this profession doesn't differentiate between the two types of degree-holders, we can see that the lowest salary range for RNs is about $43,000 per year whereas the average salary is about $63,000 per year. We can make an educated guess that ADN degree holders earn closer to the lower salary window whereas BSN degree holders earn close to the median salary range and have more opportunity to earn more money in the future. The top salary bracket for nurses in the state is over $90,000 per year.

RN to BSN Programs

If you are a candidate looking to become a nurse or are currently working in the field, you may want to consider working toward a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. A nurse with their BSN degree can be found looking at opportunities that will advance their career and garner salaries that are almost $8,000 more annually than an ADN nurse. Administrative, management, leadership are all roles that could be open to a BSN nurse and at a higher rate of pay. Consider taking you BSN degree at one of the 23 institutions offering RN to BSN programs.