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 online learning RN to BSN programs to choose from.
2027 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Virginia
University of Virginia's College at Wise
Wise, VA - Public 4-Year - uvawise.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Virginia's College at Wise provides an online RN to BSN pathway for registered nurses with a diploma or associate degree. This fully online program builds on your existing nursing foundation to develop leadership and clinical skills for hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. Students must first gain admission to the college and complete general education prerequisites prior to nursing coursework. The curriculum emphasizes advanced nursing roles and career mobility. An application deadline of August 1 supports working professionals. While standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are not explicitly required, acceptance is based on prior nursing credentials and college admission. The flexible online format allows nurses to balance education with practice.
- Application deadline August 1
- Must be admitted to college first
Riverside College of Health Careers
Newport News, VA - Private 4-year - riversideonline.com
RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Riverside College of Health Sciences offers an RN-to-BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. The 100% online format accommodates working professionals with both full-time and part-time study options. Students complete 38 credits, which include practicum projects and a capstone course focusing on community health. Financial aid, scholarships, alumni discounts, and tuition assistance for team members are available to reduce costs. The program is accredited by ABHES and certified by SCHEV in Virginia, and it is military-friendly. Applications are accepted for August and January cohorts, allowing flexibility for enrollment.
- 38 required credits
- 100% online format
- Full-time and part-time options
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Alumni receive discounts
- Tuition assistance for employees
- Practicum projects required
- Capstone course required
- Applications for August cohorts
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA - Public 4-Year - virginia.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN Hybrid Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Virginia's RN to BSN Hybrid Program is a part-time, two-year online program for working nurses with an associate's degree or diploma. It blends online learning with monthly in-person classes in Charlottesville, Richmond, or Fairfax. The 30-credit curriculum covers informatics, pathophysiology, research, leadership, health policy, and population health, with no direct clinical hours. This bachelor's-level program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Students enjoy a peer mentoring system and strong financial aid—6 in 10 recent graduates paid $0 tuition. UVA's School of Nursing, ranked Virginia's #1, offers a supportive cohort environment and preparation for graduate study.
- $19,879 total program tuition
- 2-Year program
- Complete in two years of part-time study
- 30 total credit hours
- Part-time available
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 0 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Employer reimbursement supported
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA - Public 4-Year - umw.edu
RN to BSN - Nursing (BSN) Degree Completion Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Mary Washington offers an online RN to BSN degree completion program designed for registered nurses with an associate degree. This hybrid-format program combines a liberal arts foundation with advanced nursing coursework in clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, genomics, informatics, and patient-centered care. Students can finish in as little as 12 months through full-time study or choose part-time pacing, with 10 total courses and 41 credits awarded for an active RN license. Up to 90 credits may transfer. The curriculum is delivered in eight-week blocks with three start dates per year (fall, spring, summer). No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required for admission. Personalized faculty mentorship prepares graduates for leadership roles and graduate nursing education.
- 1-Year program
- Complete in as little as one year
- 10 total courses
- Full-time and part-time options
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 100% online program
- Eight-week course blocks
- 41 credits awarded for RN licensure
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - nsu.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN Online
Online Learning - Visit Website
Norfolk State University's online RN to BSN program is designed for working registered nurses seeking career advancement without interrupting their practice. This flexible, military-friendly HBCU option can be completed in 9 to 18 months, building on your RN foundation with coursework in community leadership, professional scholarship, and lifelong learning. The curriculum incorporates high-stakes assessments using HESI, ATI, and NLN tools to strengthen NCLEX readiness. Admission requires a current Virginia or compact state RN license, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and prerequisite courses in algebra, math, biology, and chemistry. No ACT or SAT is required. Clinical placement necessitates criminal background checks and drug screening. Graduates qualify for diverse healthcare roles and further educational opportunities.
- Complete in 9 to 18 months
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Requires current RN license in Virginia or compact state
- High stakes testing: HESI, ATI, NLN
- Criminal background check via Castle Branch
- 10-panel drug screening required
- Criminal history may affect clinical placement
- Graduates eligible for career and educational advancements
Fast & Affordable Program Options
One of the fastest and cheapest ways to advance your nursing career is to enroll in an RN to BSN program. Unlike traditional BSN programs, these programs can be completed in two years or less, saving you years of your time and thousands of dollars.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
It’s no secret that nurses live incredibly busy lives which presents a challenge for those who want to go back to school. Fortunately, RN to BSN programs are designed to be flexible and to be completed in a shorter amount of time — usually a year or two. Most of these types of programs primarily utilize online learning methods so you can expect to find plenty of self-paced options in your search. Here are a few of the quickest RN to BSN programs available in Virginia:
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| Radford University | Online RN to BSN | 10 Months |
| University of Virginia | Online RN to BSN | 2 Semesters |
Learn more about the Quickest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
There are a select number of RN to BSN degree programs that can be completed in less than a year or even six months if you have a large number of transferable credits though you probably won’t find them in Virginia. Six-month RN to BSN degree programs are pretty rare with only a handful available nationwide. If you think that you may qualify, talk to your prospective school’s registrar.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
As mentioned, RN to BSN programs can be extremely cheap, but before applying, it’s good to be aware of the individual costs involved. Many schools (particularly state schools) divide their tuition rates by whether or not you are a resident of Virginia or if you are an online student so if you’re relocating to another state, you should consider these cost differences. Additionally, you may find that technology fees in combination with the cost of textbooks and room and board may add up to the cost of your total tuition. That being said, there are a few RN to BSN programs in the state that offer the lowest tuition rates:
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Online RN to BSN | $4,695 per year (Resident) $10,698 per year (Non-Resident) |
| Norfolk State University | Online RN to BSN | $9,622 per year (Resident) $20,790 per year (Non-Resident) |
Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.
See Related Articles
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
While rigorous admissions criteria are 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 accredited RN to BSN program of your choice.
- Complete the 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
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
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
2026 List of RN to BSN Programs in Virginia
If you'd like to uncover some of the best RN to BSN programs in Virginia, take a look at the listings below.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Browse Our List of Programs
Bluefield, VA
Bluefield University
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- No entrance exam required
- $18,480 total program tuition
- $420 per credit
- Complete in 12-15 months
- 44 total credit hours
- 12 total courses
- $86,070 median earnings
Charlottesville, VA
University of Virginia
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Hybrid Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- $19,879 total program tuition
- 2-Year program
- Complete in two years of part-time study
- 30 total credit hours
- Part-time available
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 0 clinical hours
Chesapeake, VA
Sentara College of Health Sciences
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online program delivery
- Financial aid counseling available
- Separate tracks for employees
- Military benefits supported
- Scholarships available
- Federal aid accessible
- Active RN license required
Danville, VA
Averett University
- RN to BSN - Concentration in Nursing: RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 2 concentration options
- For active RNs seeking BSN
- Designed for working nurses
- 55 credits awarded for RN license
- Develop leadership skills
- Theoretical and clinical components
- Prepares for expanding healthcare roles
- Includes older adult and family care
Emory, VA
Emory & Henry University
- RN to BSN - Nursing RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 1-Year program
- 4 start dates per year
- Starts fall/winter/spring/summer
- $60 application fee
- Online RN-BSN program
- One-year full-time track
- Multiple start terms per year
Farmville, VA
Longwood University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 3-Semester program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- increase your earning potential
- Work experience required
- Financial aid available
Ferrum, VA
Ferrum College
- RN to BSN - Nursing, R.N. to B.S.N.
Online Learning - Website
- Online platform delivery
- Under 18 months completion
- Fall and spring admissions
- 8-week course terms
- 8 required nursing courses
- 2 credit onboarding course
- 4 consecutive semesters
- Experiential teaching practices
Fredericksburg, VA
University of Mary Washington
- RN to BSN - Nursing (BSN) Degree Completion Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 1-Year program
- Complete in as little as one year
- 10 total courses
- Full-time and part-time options
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 100% online program
Newport News, VA
Riverside College of Health Careers
- RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 38 required credits
- 100% online format
- Full-time and part-time options
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Alumni receive discounts
- Tuition assistance for employees
- Practicum projects required
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk State University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Online
Online Learning - Website
- Complete in 9 to 18 months
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Requires current RN license in Virginia or compact state
- High stakes testing: HESI, ATI, NLN
- Criminal background check via Castle Branch
- 10-panel drug screening required
Old Dominion University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- 33 experiential learning credits awarded
- Experiential credits at no cost
- Designed for licensed RNs
Petersburg, VA
Virginia State University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Online Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 5-Semester program
- Part-time available
- Asynchronous online classes
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- 100% online coursework
- Pay-by-the-course tuition
Radford, VA
Radford University
- RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- 100% online program
- 7-week course sessions
- Fast track for working RNs
- Top 10 nursing program in Virginia
- Expand leadership capabilities
Richmond, VA
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Online Program
Online Learning - Website
- 100 percent online format
- No required class meetings
- Flexible full- or part-time options
- Complete in as few as three semesters
- Up to four years completion time
- 2.0 minimum GPA requirement
- Valid unrestricted RN license required
- 41 credits for prior nursing experience
Virginia Commonwealth University
- RN to BSN - RN to B.S. in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 32 total credit hours
- 3 start dates per year
- $65 application fee
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Guaranteed admission to doctoral programs
- Flexible plan of study
- Prepares for evidence-based care
Staunton, VA
Mary Baldwin University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 12-Month program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Transfer credits accepted
- Interactive courses and virtual simulations
- Prepares for leadership roles
- Convenience of home or any location
Vienna, VA
Chamberlain University-Virginia
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Option
Online Learning - Website
- Complete in as few as 10 months
- Total program cost $13,335
- 122 total credit hours required
- 77 proficiency credits awarded
- $635 per credit hour tuition
- 100% online coursework
- Direct care practicum component
- CCNE accredited
Virginia Beach, VA
ECPI University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 12 month program length
- 120 total credits required
- Online delivery format
- 2.5 minimum GPA required
- Active RN license required
- Nursing diploma or associate degree required
- $12,000 tuition for nursing courses
- $250 per credit hour for arts and sciences
Regent University
- RN to BSN - RN to B.S. in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- $295 per credit
- 120 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 45 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Online format with 8-week courses
- 45 practice immersion hours
Wise, VA
University of Virginia's College at Wise
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- Application deadline August 1
- Must be admitted to college first