Virginia Nursing Schools

Top Nursing Schools in Virginia: The Best Programs for Aspiring Nurses

Virginia is home to some of the best nursing schools in the United States, offering BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs to prepare students for careers in clinical nursing, research, leadership, and advanced practice nursing. Whether you are pursuing a registered nurse (RN) license, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or an advanced nursing degree, Virginia offers excellent programs with strong clinical training and research opportunities.

Below is a list of the top nursing schools in Virginia, including key details, program highlights, and financial aid resources.

Top Nursing Schools in Virginia

Top Nursing Schools in Virginia

University of Virginia School of Nursing

Summary:
The University of Virginia (UVA) School of Nursing is one of the top-ranked nursing schools in the U.S., known for its innovative curriculum, research opportunities, and high NCLEX pass rates. It offers BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs, along with specialized tracks in nurse practitioner (NP), nurse leadership, and clinical research.

Key Features:

  • Ranked among the top 25 nursing schools in the U.S.
  • BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs
  • Strong focus on research and evidence-based practice
  • Affiliated with UVA Health, a top-ranked hospital

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Nursing

Summary:
The VCU School of Nursing is known for its rigorous programs, high NCLEX pass rates, and cutting-edge research. Located in Richmond, VA, VCU offers BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs with a strong emphasis on clinical training and leadership development.

Key Features:

  • Ranked among the top 50 nursing schools in the U.S.
  • Direct-entry BSN program with strong clinical training
  • Advanced nursing degrees, including NP and nurse anesthesia
  • Affiliated with VCU Health, a top-tier hospital system

George Mason University School of Nursing

Summary:
Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University’s nursing program is known for its BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, with a strong emphasis on community health, leadership, and technology integration in nursing.

Key Features:

  • Traditional and accelerated BSN programs
  • Online and hybrid MSN and DNP programs
  • Strong focus on global health and telemedicine
  • Partnerships with major healthcare providers in Northern Virginia

James Madison University (JMU) School of Nursing

Summary:
The JMU School of Nursing offers a highly respected BSN program with strong NCLEX pass rates. It also has MSN and DNP programs focused on nursing leadership, advanced practice nursing, and population health.

Key Features:

  • Traditional BSN, RN to BSN, and accelerated BSN options
  • MSN programs with a focus on advanced practice nursing
  • DNP program with a leadership focus
  • Clinical partnerships with hospitals across Virginia

Old Dominion University (ODU) School of Nursing

Summary:
ODU offers a BSN, MSN, and DNP program, with strong emphasis on online learning and clinical training. The RN to BSN program is fully online, making it a great choice for working nurses.

Key Features:

  • Online RN to BSN and MSN programs
  • BSN program with high NCLEX pass rates
  • DNP program with focus on leadership and policy
  • Affiliated with major hospitals in Hampton Roads

Shenandoah University Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing

Summary:
Shenandoah University offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, with specialized tracks for nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, and nurse anesthetists.

Key Features:

  • Traditional and accelerated BSN options
  • Nurse anesthetist and nurse-midwifery programs
  • Flexible online MSN and DNP programs
  • Clinical partnerships with hospitals across Virginia and D.C.

Radford University School of Nursing

Summary:
Radford University offers a strong BSN program with a focus on hands-on clinical training. It also has MSN and DNP programs for advanced practice nurses.

Key Features:

  • BSN program with strong NCLEX pass rates
  • RN to BSN program available
  • MSN and DNP programs with NP specializations

Liberty University School of Nursing

Summary:
Liberty University offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, with a focus on Christian-based nursing education.

Key Features:

  • Online RN to BSN and MSN programs
  • DNP programs with leadership and NP tracks
  • Faith-based nursing education

Hampton University School of Nursing

Summary:
Hampton University, a historically Black university (HBCU), offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs with a strong emphasis on diversity and healthcare equity.

Key Features:

  • Traditional BSN and accelerated RN to BSN
  • MSN programs in nursing education and administration
  • DNP program with a focus on leadership

Which Nursing School in Virginia is Right for You?

Virginia offers a variety of nursing programs suited to different career goals:

  • For a top-ranked BSN or graduate nursing program: Choose UVA or VCU.
  • For an online or hybrid RN-to-BSN program: Consider ODU or Liberty University.
  • For a strong clinical BSN program: JMU, GMU, or Radford are excellent choices.
  • For an HBCU nursing program with a focus on diversity: Choose Hampton University.

Each of these nursing schools offers high-quality education, excellent clinical training, and strong job placement opportunities in Virginia and beyond.

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