Best Online MSN Programs in Virginia

2025 - Best Online MSN Programs in Virginia

RegisteredNursing.org has ranked the Best Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Virginia for 2025. These programs are recognized for their academic excellence, flexible learning formats, and commitment to preparing skilled nursing professionals. Rankings are determined using a rigorous methodology evaluating program quality, accessibility, and student success. Learn more on our rankings methodology page.
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University's MSN programs are highly regarded for their comprehensive curriculum and advanced training in nursing. The university's School of Nursing fosters a culture of excellence and innovation, preparing students to become leaders in their field. With state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty, ODU's MSN programs offer students a unique learning experience that combines theory and hands-on practice to prepare them for the ever-evolving healthcare industry.
MSN Programs- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator Online/Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
- Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist Online/Hybrid
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
- Nurse Midwifery Online/Hybrid
- Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Online/Hybrid
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

George Mason University
George Mason University offers a rigorous and highly renowned MSN program. With a focus on evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration, students in this program are prepared to become leaders in the ever-evolving field of nursing. The faculty at George Mason University are dedicated to providing a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that fosters critical thinking and professional development.
MSN Programs- Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
- RN to MSN pathway Online/Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

Liberty University
Liberty University offers a diverse range of MSN programs within their highly esteemed nursing department, known for its strong Christian faith-based philosophies and commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the ever-evolving healthcare industry. Their programs utilize cutting-edge technology and evidence-based practices to prepare students for leadership roles in nursing and promote a holistic approach to patient care.
MSN Programs- Nurse Educator Online/Hybrid
- Nursing Administration Online/Hybrid
- Nursing Informatics Online/Hybrid

RN to MSN Programs in Virginia
An RN to MSN program is a bridge pathway designed specifically for registered nurses who hold an ADN or a nursing diploma. These programs allow nurses to efficiently earn their MSN by leveraging their prior education and clinical experience, providing a faster and more cost-effective route to advanced practice. RN to MSN programs typically integrate undergraduate and graduate coursework, offering a seamless transition into higher-level nursing roles, such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or healthcare administrator. Many of these programs can be completed in two years or less, making them an excellent choice for busy professionals in Virginia.
Typical admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:
- Virginia RN license
- ADN or nursing diploma
- GPA transcripts (usually 3.0 or higher)
- Professional nursing experience (often 1–2 years of clinical practice)
- Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a resume
South University, which offers an online RN to MSN program, is currently the only option in the state.
Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in Virginia
Most students exploring graduate school often focus on two key factors: affordability and flexibility. Pursuing an MSN degree is a significant commitment, but it doesn't have to strain your time or budget. In Virginia, there are programs designed to accommodate working professionals, offering options that are both cost-effective and manageable alongside a full-time job. Below, you’ll find insights on how to achieve this balance.
What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?
What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?
Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP)
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum GPA (often 3.0+)
- GRE or TEAS scores (if required)
- Transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, resume
- Healthcare experience (preferred or required)
- Admissions interview
Sentara College of Health Sciences (SCHS) currently offers Virginia’s only MENP program.
Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties
One of the key advantages of MSN programs in Virginia is the opportunity to specialize in an area that aligns with your interests and career goals. Specializations not only enhance your career prospects but can also lead to higher earning potential and greater autonomy, particularly in roles such as nurse practitioner, educator, or healthcare executive. If you're seeking a specialized nurse practitioner program in Virginia, consider exploring the University of Virginia (UVA), which offers a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, or George Mason University (GMU) which offers a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization.
What is MSN Accreditation?
MSN accreditation ensures that programs in Virginia meet the rigorous standards set by accrediting organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation validates that the program’s curriculum, faculty, and outcomes effectively prepare students for advanced nursing roles, licensure, and certification. Additionally, accredited programs are widely recognized by employers and often qualify for financial aid, giving students confidence in the quality and value of their education.
2025 List of MSN Programs in Virginia
Find additional MSN programs offered in Virginia by reviewing the list below:
MSN Programs By City:
Arlington, VA
Marymount University
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 100% remote coursework
- 48 total credit hours
- 750 clinical hours
- No GRE required
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Free clinical placement services
- On-campus residency included
- Part-time program format
Bluefield, VA
Bluefield University
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online MSN program
- FNP concentration available
- CCNE-accredited program
- Two-year completion time
- $495-$665 per credit hour
- National exam eligibility
- Clinical practicums included
- Total 44-51 credits required
- Master's - Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online and onsite format.
- Prepares for PMHNP-BC certification.
- Focuses on holistic mental health care.
- Serves rural and needy populations.
- Tuition $495-$665 per credit.
- Requires BSN and active RN license.
- Includes advanced psychiatric nursing courses.
- Offers clinical practicums near students.
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentration: Leadership/Education - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/onsite program
- CCNE-accredited MSN
- 3 concentration options
- Tuition $495-$665/credit
- 2-year completion time
- 44-51 total credits
- National exam eligibility
- Mission trip opportunities
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/onsite program
- Tuition $495-$665 per credit
- 18 FNP concentration credits
- 2 years to complete
- CCNE accredited program
- National exam preparation
- Clinical practicums included
- Diverse healthcare career paths
Charlottesville, VA
University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Master's - Master's Entry Clinical Nurse Leader
Campus Based - Website
- 24-month accelerated MSN program
- 96%+ NCLEX pass rates
- 840+ clinical experience hours
- $30,228 Virginia resident tuition
- Diverse professional background welcome
- Multiple clinical rotation sites
- Global healthcare experience options
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Master's - RN to Clinical Nurse Leader
Campus Based - Website
- Part-time, flexible study options
- Top-ranked nursing program
- Two pathway options
- 500 CNL immersion hours
- Advanced leadership preparation
- Competitive tuition rates
- RN licensure required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Master's - Clinical Nurse Leader
Campus Based - Website
- 24-month master's entry program
- 840+ hours clinical experience
- 96%+ NCLEX pass rate
- No prior nursing experience required
- Virginia resident tuition $30,228
- Five diverse clinical rotations
- Global healthcare opportunities
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- 500+ clinical practice hours
- Two or three year program
- ANCC certification eligible
- Focus on underserved populations
- Minimum 1 year RN experience
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Advanced assessment and management skills
- Master's - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- #7 public MSN nursing program
- Full and part-time options
- 500+ clinical experience hours
- Two-three year completion
- Certification exam eligibility
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- One year RN experience required
- Hybrid program format
- Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Top-ranked public MSN program
- Full and part-time study options
- Two-three year completion time
- Application deadline January 5
- Requires 1+ year RN experience
- Competitive 3.0+ undergraduate GPA
- Virginia resident tuition $24,962
- Non-resident tuition $39,130
Harrisonburg, VA
Eastern Mennonite University
- Master's - Dual Degree: MSN and MBA
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid and online courses
- Two masters degrees
- Reduced credit requirements
- 3.0 GPA undergraduate nursing
- Two years work experience
- GMAT recommended
- Shared healthcare credits
- Values-based leadership focus
James Madison University
- Master's - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program for working RNs
- 780 total clinical practicum hours
- 100% certification pass rate
- Small cohort sizes
- State-of-the-art simulation lab
- In-person classes one day weekly
- Faculty maintain current practice
- Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Collaborative JMU-Shenandoah Program
- Two-Year MSN Pathway
- 22 Credits First Year
- 29 Credits Second Year
- Full-Time Second Year Study
- Master's - Nurse Midwifery
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Collaborative JMU-Shenandoah program
- Over 720 clinical hours
- Women's health lifespan focus
- Competency-based curriculum
- ACME accredited program
Lynchburg, VA
Liberty University
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing / Master of Business Administration
Online Learning - Website
- Online, 8-week course format
- 60 total credit hours
- No on-campus intensives required
- Military tuition discount available
- Transfer up to 50% graduate credits
- CCNE accredited nursing program
- No standardized testing for admission
- RN license required for entry
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- 36 total credit hours
- Fully online program
- No standardized test requirement
- Transfer up to 50% credits
- CCNE Accredited Program
- RN license required
- Minimum 1-year nursing experience
- 8-week course format
Norfolk, VA
Old Dominion University
- Master's - 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
- Master's - Nursing with a Concentration in Nurse Midwifery
Concentration: Nurse Midwifery - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Joint program with Shenandoah University
- Full-time hybrid learning format
- 48 total credit hours
- Clinical practicums included
- National certification preparation
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- Master's - Nursing with a Concentration in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two-year hybrid MSN program
- 40 total credit hours
- Prepares for national certification
- Requires active RN license
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Full-time study required
- Comprehensive clinical practicum
- Advanced practice mental health focus
- Master's - 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
Staunton, VA
Mary Baldwin University
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Administration & Leadership
Concentration: Administration & Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- One-year hybrid program
- 30 total program credits
- 50 clinical hours
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- CCNE accredited program
- Online and in-person learning
- Leadership focused curriculum
- $650 per credit hour
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Track (MSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 47-credit BSN to MSN program
- Hybrid learning approach
- 600 clinical experience hours
- CCNE fully accredited
- National Certification Exam eligible
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- One year nursing experience required
- Remote and on-campus courses
Virginia Beach, VA
Regent University
- Master's - 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
Winchester, VA
Regent University
- Master's - 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