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.
2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Virginia
University of Virginia's College at Wise
Wise, VA - Public 4-Year - uvawise.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Virginia's College at Wise offers a comprehensive online RN to BSN program designed specifically for registered nurses seeking to advance their professional credentials. This flexible program allows working nurses to seamlessly continue their education without disrupting current employment, leveraging existing clinical experience towards a bachelor's degree. Requiring an active RN license and completion of general education courses, the program strategically prepares nurses for enhanced leadership roles. With an application deadline of August 1st, nurses can efficiently transition from diploma or associate degree backgrounds into a more comprehensive nursing educational pathway. The fully online format ensures accessibility for busy healthcare professionals across Virginia.
- Online RN to BSN Program
- For RNs with diploma/associate degree
- Application deadline August 1st
- Requires active RN license
- Must complete general education courses
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA - Public 4-Year - virginia.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN Hybrid Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Virginia's RN to BSN Hybrid Program delivers a cutting-edge educational experience for registered nurses seeking career advancement. This prestigious two-year part-time program uniquely blends monthly in-person sessions with robust online learning, enabling working professionals to seamlessly pursue academic growth. Students benefit from comprehensive coursework emphasizing informatics, leadership, research, and public health, strategically designed to enhance clinical expertise. With an impressive 42 advanced standing credits and full tuition coverage for 60% of participants, the program offers exceptional value. Military-friendly and featuring a peer mentoring component, UVA's nursing pathway provides flexible, high-quality professional development without direct clinical hour requirements.
- Virginia's #1 nursing program
- Two-year part-time hybrid program
- Monthly in-person classes
- 42 advanced standing credits
- Extensive financial aid options
- Peer mentoring program
- Three campus locations
- No direct clinical hours
- Online learning complement
- Professional leadership focus
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA - Public 4-Year - umw.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing (BSN) Degree Completion Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Mary Washington's online RN to BSN Degree Completion Program offers registered nurses an accelerated pathway to advancing their healthcare credentials. This innovative hybrid program strategically combines online coursework with select in-person sessions, enabling working nurses to earn their bachelor's degree within just one year. With a curriculum emphasizing evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and cultural competence, students benefit from flexible learning environments. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and provides 41 transfer credits for prior nursing education, making it an efficient and accessible option for professional development. Military-friendly and located at the Stafford Campus, the program uses eight-week course blocks to facilitate seamless learning progression.
- Hybrid online/distance learning format
- One year full-time completion
- 41 transfer credits for RNs
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Located at Stafford Campus
- Eight-week course blocks
- Liberal arts integration
- Career advancement focused
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - nsu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN Online
Online Learning - Visit Website
Norfolk State University's online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses an accelerated pathway to career enhancement, spanning 9-18 months. As a historically black college (HBCU), the program is military-friendly and specifically designed for working professionals seeking to elevate their nursing credentials. Students must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and possess a valid Virginia RN license. The curriculum emphasizes community leadership development, enabling nurses to transform their clinical expertise into broader healthcare impact while maintaining flexible, web-based learning that accommodates their current employment. No specific entrance exam requirements are mentioned for this post-licensure program.
- 9-18 month online program
- Competitive post-licensure track
- 2.5 cumulative GPA required
- Virginia RN license mandatory
- Community leadership focus
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - odu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Old Dominion University's online RN to BSN program provides a dynamic educational pathway for licensed registered nurses seeking academic advancement. The curriculum uniquely offers 33 nursing credits as complimentary experiential learning credits, dramatically reducing both time and financial barriers to degree completion. Designed with flexibility in mind, students can choose between full-time and part-time enrollment options. The program strategically prepares nurses for expanded professional roles, research opportunities, and potential graduate studies. Admission requires a minimum departmental GPA of 3.0, with competitive applicants achieving a 3.6 GPA. As a military-friendly institution, ODU supports diverse nursing professionals in their educational journey.
- Online program format
- 33 free experiential credits
- Full-time/part-time options
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles
- Departmental GPA 3.0 minimum
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.
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
2025 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:
Bluefield, VA
Bluefield University
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- 12-15 months completion
- $395 per credit hour
- CCNE accredited program
- No GRE/GMAT required
- National average BSN salary $86,070
- 12 undergraduate courses
- Flexible online options
Charlottesville, VA
University of Virginia
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Hybrid Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Virginia's #1 nursing program
- Two-year part-time hybrid program
- Monthly in-person classes
- 42 advanced standing credits
- Extensive financial aid options
- Peer mentoring program
- Three campus locations
- No direct clinical hours
Danville, VA
Averett University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- For licensed RNs
- Liberal arts foundation
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required
- Professional development focus
- Advanced nursing concepts
- Healthcare leadership training
- Interdisciplinary curriculum
Emory, VA
Emory & Henry University
- Bachelor's - Nursing RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN-BSN degree program
- Accredited by CCNE
- Flexible full-time/part-time tracks
- Three-semester accelerated option
- Focuses on critical healthcare skills
- Application fee $60
- Located in Southwest Virginia
Farmville, VA
Longwood University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online flexible program
- CCNE accredited nursing degree
- Seven-week course blocks
- Part-time and full-time options
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- RN licensure required
- Public college tuition rates
- Small class sizes
Fredericksburg, VA
University of Mary Washington
- Bachelor's - Nursing (BSN) Degree Completion Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/distance learning format
- One year full-time completion
- 41 transfer credits for RNs
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Located at Stafford Campus
- Eight-week course blocks
- Liberal arts integration
- Career advancement focused
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Online
Online Learning - Website
- 9-18 month online program
- Competitive post-licensure track
- 2.5 cumulative GPA required
- Virginia RN license mandatory
- Community leadership focus
Old Dominion University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- 33 free experiential credits
- Full-time/part-time options
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles
- Departmental GPA 3.0 minimum
Petersburg, VA
Virginia State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Online Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Coursework
- Part-time Flexible Schedule
- Five-semester Curriculum
- Affordable Pay-by-course Tuition
- Prepares for Advanced Nursing Roles
Radford, VA
Radford University
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- 7-week course sessions
- Flexible for working RNs
- Two admission pathway options
- Enhance nursing leadership skills
Richmond, VA
Virginia Commonwealth University
- Bachelor's - RN to B.S. in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Six-semester part-time online program
- Three annual start dates
- Ranked #39 nursing program nationwide
- Flexible learning plan
- Preparation for diverse healthcare settings
- Co-enrollment option available
- Guaranteed admission from partner schools
- Scholarship opportunities
Staunton, VA
Mary Baldwin University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible program
- 12-month minimum completion
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Career advancement opportunities
- Enhances clinical knowledge
Virginia Beach, VA
Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Flexible Program
- 122 Total Credit Hours
- 40 Months Approximate Length
- No On-Campus Requirements
- CCNE Accredited Program
- 135 Clinical Hours Required
- Available in Most States
- Career Advancement Focus
Regent University
- Bachelor's - RN to B.S. in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Online CCNE-accredited nursing program
- 120 total credit hours
- Competitive per-credit tuition
- Christian worldview integration
- Leadership skill development
- Flexible online learning format
- Practice immersion experiences
Wise, VA
University of Virginia's College at Wise
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to BSN Program
- For RNs with diploma/associate degree
- Application deadline August 1st
- Requires active RN license
- Must complete general education courses