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 online learning RN to BSN programs to choose from.

2024 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Virginia

RN to BSN programs are a great way for RNs to complete a baccalaureate education in nursing. The BSN degree opens up the door to better employment opportunities and higher salaries. Online RN to BSN program options make it convenient for nurses to continue their education anytime, anywhere. Choosing the right program, however, can be daunting. That's why we have ranked the top online RN to BSN programs in Virginia. Review our rankings below to find the perfect program to achieve your nursing goals.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

1.

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA

The University of Virginia, a large public research university, offers a mostly online RN to BSN for hands-on nurses who want to do more for themselves and their patients. From trends in clinical nursing practice to management, the program prepares RNs to take on next-level responsibilities.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Requires in-person classes once a month
• Three on-site locations
• Guaranteed admissions for Virginia Community College grads

2.

University of Virginia's College at Wise

Wise, VA

Working nurses can attain career mobility by completing the online RN to BSN program at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. With an emphasis on rural and public health, including Appalachian culture, the program includes local-focused practicum experiences.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• A public, liberal arts college
• Open to licensed RNs in the state of VA
• Must complete liberal arts coursework prior to admissions

3.

ECPI University

Newport News, VA

ECPI University offers a top-ranked RN-to-BSN program in Virginia, combining academic rigor with flexibility. Tailored for working nurses, the program emphasizes career advancement and leadership skills. With experienced faculty and a supportive learning environment, ECPI University prepares nurses to excel in today's healthcare industry.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Can be completed in as few as 12 months
• Students have the choice of full-time or part-time
• Each term is 5 weeks long

4.

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

George Mason University offers a prestigious online RN-to-BSN program, providing flexibility and academic excellence. Tailored for working nurses, the program emphasizes career advancement and leadership development. With experienced faculty and a supportive online platform, George Mason University equips nurses for success in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Offered online with in-person practicum opportunities
• Full-time or part-time options
• Fall and spring admission

5.

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA

Based in Harrisonburg, James Madison University offers an online RN to BSN program with flexibility in mind. Applicants must be licensed, practicing registered nurses. JMU's program places an emphasis on caring for patients in underserved, rural, and culturally diverse communities.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Full-time and part-time enrollment available
• Spring and Fall start dates
• Co-enrollment opportunity for students in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS)

Admissions Requirements for Virginia 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 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

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 is 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.

Admissions and Program Length

Longwood University‘s RN to BSN program is accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. 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 the accuracy of students’ credentials.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Tuition for RN to BSN programs can vary wildly depending on the school chosen. Old Dominion University, for example, charges $374 per credit hour for in-state students and $407 per credit hour for out-of-state students enrolled in its online RN to BSN program. There are often additional mandatory fees on top of this. Active duty military members may qualify for discounted rates.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

It is generally accepted that higher education leads to a higher salary, and nurses are no exception to this rule. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or even a 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 entry-level ADN-prepared nurses may start at around $43,000 annually in Virginia, BSN-educated RNs make an average annual salary of roughly $84,000 in the state, according to Zip Recruiter.

2024 List of RN to BSN Programs in Virginia

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 a 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 your BSN degree at one of the many credible institutions offering RN to BSN programs.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Roanoke RN to BSN Programs
• Virginia Beach RN to BSN Programs
• Arlington RN to BSN Programs

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.