Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Virginia

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.

2024 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Virginia

RN to BSN programs are a great way for RNs to complete a baccalaureate education in nursing. The BSN degree opens up the door to better employment opportunities and higher salaries. Online RN to BSN program options make it convenient for nurses to continue their education anytime, anywhere. Choosing the right program, however, can be daunting. That's why we have ranked the top online RN to BSN programs in Virginia. Review our rankings below to find the perfect program to achieve your nursing goals.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

1.

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA

The University of Virginia, a large public research university, offers a mostly online RN to BSN for hands-on nurses who want to do more for themselves and their patients. From trends in clinical nursing practice to management, the program prepares RNs to take on next-level responsibilities.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Requires in-person classes once a month
• Three on-site locations
• Guaranteed admissions for Virginia Community College grads

2.

University of Virginia's College at Wise

Wise, VA

Working nurses can attain career mobility by completing the online RN to BSN program at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. With an emphasis on rural and public health, including Appalachian culture, the program includes local-focused practicum experiences.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• A public, liberal arts college
• Open to licensed RNs in the state of VA
• Must complete liberal arts coursework prior to admissions

3.

ECPI University

Newport News, VA

ECPI University offers a top-ranked RN-to-BSN program in Virginia, combining academic rigor with flexibility. Tailored for working nurses, the program emphasizes career advancement and leadership skills. With experienced faculty and a supportive learning environment, ECPI University prepares nurses to excel in today's healthcare industry.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Can be completed in as few as 12 months
• Students have the choice of full-time or part-time
• Each term is 5 weeks long

4.

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

George Mason University offers a prestigious online RN-to-BSN program, providing flexibility and academic excellence. Tailored for working nurses, the program emphasizes career advancement and leadership development. With experienced faculty and a supportive online platform, George Mason University equips nurses for success in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Offered online with in-person practicum opportunities
• Full-time or part-time options
• Fall and spring admission

5.

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA

Based in Harrisonburg, James Madison University offers an online RN to BSN program with flexibility in mind. Applicants must be licensed, practicing registered nurses. JMU's program places an emphasis on caring for patients in underserved, rural, and culturally diverse communities.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Full-time and part-time enrollment available
• Spring and Fall start dates
• Co-enrollment opportunity for students in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS)

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:

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:

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

2024 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:

• Roanoke RN to BSN Programs
• Virginia Beach RN to BSN Programs
• Arlington RN to BSN Programs

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.