Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Virginia

Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN
Last Updated On Oct 24, 2024
Expert Verified: Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN
11 Min Read
Virginia

With its prime location on the East Coast near Washington, DC, Virginia is home to esteemed universities and world-renowned healthcare institutions. For nurses in Virginia looking to advance their education and enter the ranks of nurse practitioners, Virginia offers several programs at different degree levels. Whether you reside in Arlington or another vibrant community in Virginia, there are online and campus program options and many NP specialties for you to choose from. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Virginia

RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Virginia spotlights the top programs for aspiring nurse practitioners in the state. The rankings are based on key factors such as completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program diversity, and faculty qualifications. To explore more about how the rankings are determined, visit the methodology page.
1.

Radford University

Radford, VA

Radford University offers comprehensive Nurse Practitioner programs. With a focus on evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become leaders in the healthcare field. The program also emphasizes the importance of cultural competency and promoting health equity in diverse populations. The nursing department at Radford University values a holistic approach to patient care and believes in fostering a caring and compassionate environment for students to learn and grow as healthcare professionals.

DNP ProgramsGraduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
2.

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA

Old Dominion University's Nurse Practitioner programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience. Students are trained to become leaders in the healthcare industry, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. The nursing department at ODU follows a humanistic philosophy, promoting compassionate and ethical care for individuals and communities.

DNP ProgramsGraduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
3.

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

George Mason University offers a highly acclaimed Nurse Practitioner program that prepares students for advanced practice in a variety of specialties. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, the nursing department at George Mason University strives to produce competent and compassionate nurse practitioners who are dedicated to promoting health and wellness in diverse populations.

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN ProgramsPhD Programs

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Assuming you have already completed a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, there are many quick and cost-effective routes to becoming an NP in Virginia. With many students valuing affordability and wanting to enter the NP workforce as soon as possible, finding a fast and cheap NP program is at the forefront of many students' minds.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

There are two main degrees that RNs typically opt for when pursuing a Nurse Practitioner education: the Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). If you want to finish your NP program quickly, the MSN is the faster route, taking an average of 2 years to complete. A DNP degree is higher-level but takes 4-6 years to complete. Here are a few examples of fast NP programs in Virginia:

SchoolProgram LengthOnline/Campus
Marymount University2 years100% online with campus residencies
George Mason University2 years100% online

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

When it comes to tuition, budget-minded RNs may be very conscious of the costs associated with a graduate degree. Again, MSN programs tend to be cheaper than DNPs due to the fact that they are significantly shorter. When considering whether an NP degree program is affordable, be sure to factor in the costs of associated fees, which aren't always included in tuition. If commuting expenses are an issue, consider an online NP program to save on those costs. Check out several of the cheapest NP programs in Virginia below:

SchoolTuition RangeEstimated Credits
James Madison University (PMHNP)$651 per credit hour (in-state)51 credits
Radford University (FNP)$485 per credit hour53 credits

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Unlike undergraduate nursing programs, NP programs allow students to enter a specialized area of care. Prospective NPs should consider which specialization they are interested in before pursuing a program. Specialties are available at both the MSN and DNP levels. Popular NP specialties available in Virginia include:

SchoolNP SpecialtyCredits Required
University of VirginiaPediatric Nurse Practitioner (MSN)Approx. 43 credits
George Mason UniversityFamily Nurse Practitioner (MSN)Approx. 47 credits
James Madison UniversityPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN)Approx. 49 credits

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Depending on your current education level, there are several other routes to becoming an NP besides the traditional MSN or DNP. Bridge programs, accelerated programs, and more are available to qualified students. Learn about all of your NP degree options below.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

As mentioned previously, the traditional Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) is one of the most popular routes to becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Virginia. These 2-year programs are very common, and are regularly offered in online, hybrid, and campus-based formats. Check out the following example:

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs are designed to help students with undergrad nursing degrees become nurse practitioners. This includes the BSN to DNP pathway, and also the Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) to MSN pathway. These programs utilize accelerated coursework, and can be quite intensive, but they are much quicker. Many national online schools offer these programs, including:

DNP Nurse Practitioner Programs

DNP degrees are the highest level of NP degrees available. In addition to preparing students for clinical practice, they are also suited for those who may with to pursue careers in academia or research. Traditional DNP-level NP programs can take 4+ years to complete, and are available online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. An example in Virginia includes:

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

For those who already have a graduate-level nursing degree, Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are a great way to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. While they result in a certificate and not a degree, these programs offer a condensed education that typically lasts one year or less, eliminating the need for these nurses to complete another full degree program. Consider this example in Virginia:

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

If you have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing subject, you may be eligible for an accelerated, or direct-entry, MSN program. These programs are rigorous and intensive, but they allow students to become nurses at the graduate level in a streamlined way. One such program in Virginia includes:

General Admissions Requirements

While every school in Virginia will have its own version of admissions requirements, most of them require the following in order to be eligible for admission:

  • BSN from an accredited school (or MSN if applying for a DNP program)
  • Prior professional nursing experience (1-2 years minimum)
  • Transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
  • Active, unencumbered RN license
  • Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
  • Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
  • Resume or CV

Virginia NP License and Certification Requirements

According to Virginia law, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists must be licensed as such by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Requirements for licensure include:

  • Current Virginia RN license
  • An official transcript from a graduate degree program in an advanced practice nursing program, sent directly from the educational institution
  • Transcripts must be sent from the graduate school directly to the board
  • Submit a completed application

Additionally, Virginia law states that NPs must have a minimum of 5 years of clinical practice under the supervision of a physician before they can practice without an agreement. The clinical practice must be in the specialty for which the NP is certified and licensed.

Virginia nurse practitioners are eligible to become certified in the nurse practitioner specialty of their choice (such as nurse midwife, family nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and more) upon completion of the correlating NP program. In order to receive the certification, the NP must pass the credential examination, typically offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

List of NP Programs in Virginia

Arlington, VA

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
2807 N Glebe Rd
Arlington, VA 22207
(703) 522-5600

Charlottesville, VA

Fairfax, VA

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
4400 University Dr
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 993-1000

Hampton, VA

MSN Programs
100 E Queen St
Hampton, VA 23668
(757) 727-5000

Norfolk, VA

Radford, VA

Richmond, VA

Staunton, VA

MSN ProgramsDNP Programs
101 E Frederick Street
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 887-7019

Winchester, VA

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