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Virginia Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$108,977
National ComparisonVirginia offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 1.0% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyVirginia Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in Virginia offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Virginia offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 1.0% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Virginia students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Nursing Schools in Virginia

The following schools offer accredited online nursing programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Virginia.

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

Shenandoah University

Winchester, VA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 78%
Graduation rate 66%
Tuition
In‑state$36,028
Out‑of‑state$36,028
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Radford University

Radford, VA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 91%
Graduation rate 52%
Tuition
In‑state$12,286
Out‑of‑state$25,185
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 17

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Riverside College of Health Careers

Newport News, VA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 17%
Tuition
In‑state$14,875
Out‑of‑state$14,875
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 10

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Virginia

Nursing professionals in Virginia experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Virginia.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Virginia)
Registered Nurse$88,820
Licensed Practical Nurse$62,310
Nurse Anesthetist$199,960
Nurse Midwife$139,770
Nurse Practitioner$124,210
Nursing Assistant$38,790

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Nursing Degree in Virginia?

Choosing a program in Virginia can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Virginia offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local nursing programs are designed to meet Virginia Board of Nursing requirements, facilitating your path to RN or APRN licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online nursing programs in Virginia accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Virginia, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Nursing pay in Virginia compare to other states?

Virginia offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 1.0% below the national trend. This makes Virginia a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for nursing in Virginia?

The Virginia Board of Nursing oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Virginia. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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