Nursing Programs in Virginia Beach, VA
With much-visited shorelines and rich history, Virginia Beach, Virginia is a vibrant community with lots to offer visitors and locals alike. Like many southern regions, Virginia Beach and its surrounding communities are experiencing a sharp nursing shortage even though RNs can earn a comfortable wage. Area colleges are addressing this issue by offering more programs with open enrollment periods, online formats, and evening and weekend options.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Virginia Beach
Rankings help prospective nursing students evaluate and compare educational programs to find the best fit for their career goals. Registerednursing.org is creating the rankings for the Best Nursing Schools in Virginia Beach, focusing exclusively on NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criteria to ensure objective, data-driven assessments. For detailed methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Statewide NCLEX pass rates have shown a consistent upward trend from 2022 to 2024, indicating overall improvement in nursing education quality.
- 2024: Average pass rate 91.72% with 1,787 students
- 2023: Average pass rate 86.85% with 1,605 students
- 2022: Average pass rate 82.70% with 1,642 students
Top Performing Schools
These schools demonstrate exceptional performance with high average pass rates across multiple years, making them strong options for nursing students in Virginia Beach.
- Bryant & Stratton College-Hampton: 93.56% average pass rate with 513 students
- Tidewater Community College: 93.26% average pass rate with 193 students
- Old Dominion University: 92.85% average pass rate with 196 students
BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison
Both program types show strong performance, with ADN programs having slightly higher pass rates but BSN programs maintaining competitive results.
- ADN programs: 91.23% average pass rate with 616 students
- BSN programs: 90.11% average pass rate with 172 students
Pass Rate by Program Size
Medium-sized programs show the highest average pass rates, suggesting optimal student-to-resource ratios for nursing education success.
- Small programs (<50 students/year): 83.05% average pass rate with 118 students
- Medium programs (50-100 students/year): 92.85% average pass rate with 280 students
- Large programs (>100 students/year): 92.05% average pass rate with 390 students
Consistently High Performing Schools
These institutions maintain excellent pass rates over multiple years, providing reliable quality for nursing students seeking consistent educational outcomes.
- Bryant & Stratton College-Hampton: 93.56% average pass rate over 3 years with 513 students
- Tidewater Community College: 93.26% average pass rate over 3 years with 193 students
- Old Dominion University: 92.85% average pass rate over 3 years with 196 students
- Sentara College of Health Sciences: 91.67% average pass rate over 3 years with 300 students
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA - Public 2-Year - tcc.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Tidewater Community College's Associate Degree in Nursing program provides comprehensive preparation for registered nursing careers through a four-semester, 64-credit curriculum. Students benefit from small class sizes and hands-on training in state-of-the-art simulation labs, with dedicated faculty support throughout the program. The competitive admission process offers both spring and fall application cycles, along with LPN to RN transition options. This ACEN-accredited program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Recent NCLEX pass rates demonstrate strong outcomes, with 98.41% of students passing in 2024, continuing an upward trend from 85.14% in 2022.
- Four semesters program length
- 64 credits required
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Small class sizes
- Competitive admission process
- LPN to RN transition available
- ACEN accredited
- Hands-on patient care training
- Flexible admission cycles
- Dedicated faculty support
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - odu.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing, Pre-licensure (B.S.N.)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Old Dominion University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Prelicensure Program offers a rigorous five-semester curriculum blending academic coursework with extensive clinical rotations. The program features small class sizes, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art simulation labs that prepare students for real-world nursing challenges. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and completion of prerequisite courses; ACT or SAT scores are needed for this bachelor's level program. NCLEX pass rates have been consistently strong, reaching 98.44% in 2023 and 95.38% in 2024. With a 100% employment rate for graduates, clinical placements in area hospitals, and military-friendly tuition rates, this program provides comprehensive preparation for nursing licensure and career success.
- Five-semester program.
- Small clinical sections.
- State-of-the-art simulation center.
- 100% employment rate.
- Community health clinical experiences.
- Active student nurses association.
- Study abroad opportunities.
- Clinical placements in area hospitals.
- Competitive admission process.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
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 ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that prepares students for RN licensure through the NCLEX-RN exam. The 20-month, 72-credit curriculum blends classroom instruction with clinical practice to develop critical-thinking skills for diverse healthcare settings. Recent NCLEX pass rates demonstrate strong preparation, with 2024 results showing 96.43% (28 students), 92.36% (144 students), and 97.62% (42 students) across different cohorts. Admission requires placement tests, nursing assessment, health documentation, background checks, and drug screening—no SAT or ACT is specified. The campus-based program features small classes and experienced faculty, with pathways for further RN-to-BSN education.
- 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.
Riverside College of Health Careers
Newport News, VA - Private 4-year - riversideonline.com
Bachelor's - Professional Nursing - BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Riverside College of Health Careers in Newport News offers a Professional Nursing BSN program with both traditional and accelerated tracks spanning 3.5 years. This campus-based program emphasizes hands-on clinical training and personalized faculty mentorship to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission requires completion of prerequisites, though no SAT or ACT exam is specified. Recent NCLEX pass rates show strong improvement, reaching 93.33% in 2024 with 75 students. The curriculum meets Virginia licensure requirements, with tuition ranging from $37,325 to $50,825, making it a practical choice for aspiring nurses seeking comprehensive preparation for healthcare careers.
- 3.5-year program duration
- Day classes available
- Traditional & Accelerated Track
- Tuition $37,325 - $50,825
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
- Hands-on training emphasized
- Personalized faculty attention
- Competitive starting salaries
- Meets Virginia licensure requirements
- Prerequisites required for admission
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - nsu.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Norfolk State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, accredited by ACEN, emphasizes hands-on clinical training through state-of-the-art simulation labs and diverse healthcare settings. With doctoral-level faculty and small class sizes, the curriculum prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, requiring 121 credit hours across traditional and RN to BSN tracks. The program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Recent NCLEX pass rates show improvement, reaching 94.44% in 2024 with 18 students, up from 85.71% in 2022. Graduates benefit from a 100% job placement rate, entering various nursing roles with strong professional foundations.
- Accredited by ACEN
- 121 total credit hours
- Hands-on clinical labs
- Doctoral-level faculty
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- 100% job placement rate
- Traditional and RN to BSN tracks
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Small class sizes
- Diverse clinical settings
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.
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk State University
- RN to BSN - 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
- RN to BSN - 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
Virginia Beach, VA
Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach
- RN to BSN - 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
- RN to BSN - 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
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.
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Virginia Beach
Chesapeake, VA
Sentara College of Health Sciences
- BSN to MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader MSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online part-time format.
- For licensed RNs with BSN.
- 2.0+ GPA required.
- College-level statistics needed.
- $135 acceptance fee.
- Free transcript reviews.
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Basic computer skills required.
Norfolk, VA
Old Dominion University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online distance learning program
- 600 clinical practicum hours required
- Ranked top 10% nursing graduate program
- Full/part-time study options
- Prepares for NNP certification exam
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Two years NICU experience needed
- Synchronous and asynchronous courses
- BSN to MSN - Nursing with a Concentration in Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist-Educator
Concentration: Adult Gerontology - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid/Online Program Format
- Dual Clinical-Educator Preparation
- 47 Total Credit Hours
- Advanced Practice Nursing Focus
- ANCC/AACN Certification Eligible
- Full and Part-Time Options
- Comprehensive Clinical Practicum
- Evidence-Based Curriculum
- BSN to MSN - Nursing with a Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 20+ years FNP program history
- Primarily online distance learning
- CCNE fully accredited program
- 95% 2024 employment rate
- Clinical experiences in diverse settings
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license with 1-year experience
- Up to 12 transfer credits allowed
- BSN to MSN - Nursing with a Concentration in Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
Concentration: Neonatal - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 50-credit hybrid MSN program
- Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration
- AACN exam eligibility
- Evidence-based advanced practice focus
- Flexible full/part-time options
- Requires 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Current RN license needed
- Comprehensive clinical practicum
- BSN to MSN - Nursing with a Concentration in Nurse Midwifery
Concentration: Nurse Midwifery - Online & Campus Based - Website
- MSN Nurse Midwifery concentration.
- Hybrid online/campus format.
- Two-year full-time program.
- Joint program with Shenandoah University.
- 48 total credit hours.
- Eligible for national certification.
- Requires current RN license.
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
- BSN to MSN - Nursing with a Concentration in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two-year full-time program
- Hybrid online/on-campus format
- 40 total credit hours
- 22 credits core MSN courses
- 18 credits PMHNP concentration
- Current RN license required
- Bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA
- Physical assessment course prerequisite
- BSN to MSN - Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
Concentration: Pediatric - Online Learning - Website
- CCNE Accredited Program
- 53-57 Credit Hours
- Online with Occasional On-Campus Training
- Ranked #1 Online CNS Program
- Collaboration with Eastern Virginia Medical School
- Standardized Patient Simulation Training
- Clinical Practicum Required
- Flexible Learning Environment
- BSN to MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 100% Degree Completion Rate
- Primarily Online Learning
- 560 Clinical Practicum Hours
- No GRE Required (3.5+ GPA)
- Hybrid Program Format
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE Accredited Program
- 1000 Total Clinical Hours
- Online/Hybrid Format
- Post-Master's Pathway
- Executive Leadership Focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- Unencumbered RN License Needed
- MSN to DNP - Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP)
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/on-campus delivery
- Full-time completion in 7 semesters
- Advanced psychiatric care skills
- Emerging healthcare technologies
- Targeted for licensed APRNs
- National certification preparation
- Lifespan mental health focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
Virginia Beach, VA
ECPI University
- BSN to MSN - MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program.
- Complete in 22 months.
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
- Eligible for board certification.
- 49 semester credit hours.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- BSN required for admission.
- 2.5 GPA minimum.
- BSN to MSN - Nursing (MS) | Concentration in Nursing Education
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Nursing Education concentration.
- Hybrid program format.
- Master of Science degree.
- Online and campus options.
- Builds on BSN skills.
- Prepares nurse educators.
- Follows NLN competencies.
- Requires practicum courses.
Regent University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing in Advanced Practice Registered Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online with brief campus residency
- 47 total credit hours
- Next start: August 25, 2025
- $580 per credit hour
- Bachelor's in Nursing required
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- One year clinical RN experience
- Active unencumbered RN license
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice Registered Nursing with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online with residency
- 74 total credit hours
- Advanced practice nursing focus
- Prepares for national certification
- 45% job market growth projected
- Christian worldview integration
- Expert faculty mentorship
- Comprehensive clinical training
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice Registered Nursing with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online DNP program
- 74 total credit hours
- Prepares for national certification
- Christian worldview integration
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Mentorship from top faculty
- Career opportunities in diverse settings
- Evidence-based psychiatric care
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice Registered Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online DNP program
- 74 total credit hours
- 45% job growth projection
- Prepares for national certification
- Christian leadership perspective
- Multiple healthcare career paths
- Advanced clinical training
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice Registered Nursing
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online DNP program
- 74 total credit hours
- Prepares for national certification
- Christian worldview integration
- Addresses mental health needs
- $580 per credit hour
- Mentored by expert faculty
- Comprehensive clinical training
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Administration & Leadership
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online doctoral program
- 30 total credit hours
- Non-licensure administration focus
- $580 per credit hour
- Advanced leadership preparation
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Christian faith integration
- Practicum experience included
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online doctoral program
- 30 total credit hours
- Non-licensure administration focus
- $580 per credit hour
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Christian faith-based education
- Career paths in healthcare leadership
South University-Virginia Beach
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- 44 total credit hours.
- BSN with 2.5 GPA required.
- Active RN license needed.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Includes in-person clinicals.
- Focus on data systems.
- Prepares for informatics roles.
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care - Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care specialization
- Master of Science in Nursing degree
- Prepares for national certification
- Meets NONPF core competencies
- Focuses on elderly populations
- Builds clinical judgment skills
- Develops leadership abilities
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Virginia Beach, VA
Hampton, VA
Hampton University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (1 Year Accelerated RN)
Online Learning - Website
- Accelerated 1-year format.
- Online program flexibility.
- 33 total credit hours.
- 55 prerequisite credits required.
- Includes practicum components.
- Focus on leadership and management.
- Health assessment coursework.
- Nursing informatics included.
Virginia Peninsula Community College
- Associate - Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Professional Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Associate of Applied Science degree
- 500 clinical instruction hours
- Prepares for RN licensure
- Hands-on experience first semester
- Approved by Virginia Board of Nursing
- Accredited by ACEN
- $169.60 per credit for VA residents
- $384.20 per credit out-of-state
Newport News, VA
Riverside College of Health Careers
- Bachelor's - Professional Nursing - BSN
Campus Based - Website
- 3.5-year program duration
- Day classes available
- Traditional & Accelerated Track
- Tuition $37,325 - $50,825
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
- Hands-on training emphasized
- Personalized faculty attention
- Competitive starting salaries
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk State University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by ACEN
- 121 total credit hours
- Hands-on clinical labs
- Doctoral-level faculty
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- 100% job placement rate
- Traditional and RN to BSN tracks
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
Old Dominion University
- Bachelor's - Nursing, Pre-licensure (B.S.N.)
Campus Based - Website
- Five-semester program.
- Small clinical sections.
- State-of-the-art simulation center.
- 100% employment rate.
- Community health clinical experiences.
- Active student nurses association.
- Study abroad opportunities.
- Clinical placements in area hospitals.
Tidewater Community College
- Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Four semesters program length
- 64 credits required
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Small class sizes
- Competitive admission process
- LPN to RN transition available
- ACEN accredited
- Hands-on patient care training
Virginia Beach, VA
Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach
- Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Campus Based - Website
- 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.
ECPI University
- Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 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
Virginia Wesleyan University
- Bachelor's - Joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
