Nursing Programs in Virginia Beach, VA

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Virginia Beach

#1

Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - bryantstratton.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) designed to prepare students for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). This program combines classroom learning with clinical experiences to build critical-thinking skills and practical knowledge. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The program is ACEN-accredited, ensuring a high-quality education. With a focus on patient care across various settings, this degree opens doors to numerous healthcare opportunities. Admission requires placement tests, a nursing assessment, and health documentation. The program length is approximately 20 months, totaling 72 credit hours.

• ACEN-accredited program.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Combines classroom and clinical learning.
• Approximately 20 months to complete.
• 72 total credit hours.
• Offered on-campus in Virginia Beach.
• Focuses on critical-thinking skills.
• Includes clinical practice experiences.
• Requires placement tests for admission.
• Health documentation needed for enrollment.

#2

ECPI University

Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - ecpi.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

ECPI University's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is designed for those aiming to become Registered Nurses (RNs) in just 18 months. This accelerated program combines foundational nursing knowledge with hands-on clinical experience, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam. With campuses across multiple states, ECPI offers a flexible, immersive learning environment. The curriculum covers patient care, health assessment, and nursing fundamentals, ensuring graduates are ready for diverse healthcare settings. Financial aid options are available to help manage costs. Admissions requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, with no prior nursing experience needed. Start dates are available throughout the year, making it easier to begin your nursing journey.

• 18-month program
• 71 total credits
• On-campus learning
• Multiple start dates
• NCLEX-RN preparation
• Hands-on clinical experience
• Financial aid available
• High school diploma required
• No prior nursing experience needed
• Year-round enrollment

#3

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - vwu.edu

Bachelor's - Joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Virginia Wesleyan University offers a Joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Sentara College of Health Sciences, blending liberal arts with hands-on nursing education. This hybrid program prepares students for the high-demand nursing field, featuring over 900 hands-on training hours at Sentara facilities. With a strong NCLEX pass rate, students gain real-world experience in skills labs and simulations. Admission requires a 3.0 high school GPA and strong math grades. The program is competitive, with a 3.3 GPA needed to continue. It's a great choice for those seeking a career in nursing with a solid educational foundation.

• Hybrid program format
• 900+ hands-on hours
• High NCLEX pass rate
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• 3.3 GPA to continue
• Competitive admission
• Strong math grades needed
• Real-world simulation training
• Partnership with Sentara Health
• Small class sizes

*Postsecondary education statistics from IPEDS 2024, NCES.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Virginia Beach, VA

Public and private healthcare institutions are working with Virginia Beach-area colleges to create accessible nursing programs that encourage enrollment. Many LPN to RN, Associate Degree in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing options offer year-round admission, flexible scheduling, and online and on-ground courses to attract new students.

LPN to RN Programs

As part of their jobs, LPNs routinely interact with patients and healthcare providers and discover what more they could do if they had an RN. Tidewater Community College located outside of Virginia Beach, VA, has an accelerated path for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) so they can earn their two-year degree in less time and be ready for the NCLEX. The competitive-entry program aims to make the most of LPNs schooling and first-hand experience.

ADN Programs

Becoming a Registered Nurse requires people skills as well as math, science, and technical competencies. Bryant & Stratton College in Virginia Beach uses traditional classroom instruction, laboratory, and clinical experiences to prepare students to become RNs through its Associate's Degree in Nursing program. Students also complete clinical simulations so they are ready from day one to work in modern healthcare facilities.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Nurses must manage many competing priorities and make smart decisions in sometimes chaotic settings. Gaining strong nursing fundamentals can help nurses successfully cope with varying challenges on the job. By earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students can arm themselves with the complete arsenal of skills to perform their job well.

Find out more about Virginia Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN Programs in Virginia Beach, VA

Problems are better solved by working together, which is why Virginia Beach colleges and medical facilities are partnering up to solve the nursing shortage. Fast-track RN to BSN programs enable students to continue working while completing Bachelor's of Science in Nursing coursework both online and in evening and weekend hours.

RN to BSN Programs

Working registered nurses likely learn new skills every day on the job, and bridge programs allow RNs to leverage these learnings toward a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN). Sentara College outside of Virginia Beach, VA, offers an RN to BSN online program so dedicated students can complete coursework at times that are convenient to them. RNs with a bachelor’s degree are more sought after and better prepared to move into leadership positions.

Find out more about Virginia RN to BSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Virginia Beach, VA

In addition to commanding a high salary and making critical decisions on patient care, nurses with an MSN, post-grad certificate or doctorate degree can specialize in a field they are excited about. In Virginia Beach, RNs can go back to school part-time, online or via hybrid learning models, to enter a more rewarding career as a Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner or other APRN specialists.

MSN Programs

Though nurses of all levels and backgrounds are highly sought after, there’s an acute demand for Advanced Practice Nurses. Hampton University offers a few MSN pathways with concentrations in Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and multiple Nurse Practitioner specializations. Graduates are poised to become leaders within clinical and academic environments or can move on to the coveted doctoral degree nursing program.

Find out more about Virginia Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Designed for intensity and efficiency, training from a post-grad certificate can help you advance your career in less time. The prestigious and historical Old Dominion University, which is located outside of Virginia Beach, offers hyper-focused post-master's certificates for nurses who want to lead, educate, or mentor others. The certs make use of learnings from non-nursing sectors such as business, education, and healthcare technology.

Find out more about Virginia Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

If working as a bedside nurse has made you wish you could do more for patients, becoming an Advanced Practice Nurse may be for you. By earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice, you can affect policy at the highest levels. Old Dominion University, an established research school, offers DNPs in Advanced Practice, Anesthesia, and Executive Nursing. They are offered in a blend of traditional and distance education platforms and prepare graduates to become expert clinicians and healthcare leaders.

Find out more about Virginia DNP Programs.