How do I get a Virginia nursing license?

You must apply to the Virginia State Board of Nursing. Applicants need a BSN or an ADN, at least 500 fieldwork hours, a clear criminal background check, and a passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam. If you have a multistate license from an NLC state, you can practice in Virginia. However, if you establish residency in Virginia, you need to apply for a Virginia license.

How do I get a temporary nursing license in Virginia?

If you have a multistate license from an NLC state, you can practice in Virginia. Although, if you move permanently to Virginia, you must apply for a Virginia license (you can work while your application is being processed). Because of COVID-19, Virginia offers temporary waivers for certain licensing requirements. Check the board of nursing website for details.

How many nursing programs does Virginia have?

Virginia offers more than 50 nursing programs that offer ADN or BSN degrees and even more offer nursing certificates.

Who Issues Virginia nursing licenses?

The Virginia State Board of Nursing issues nursing licenses. You must have an ADN or a BSN, receive a clear background check, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, and have at least 500 hours of clinical fieldwork (or experience as an RN in another state). You can review the full process and requirements online.

Virginia Nursing Schools And Programs

Become a nurse or advance your career in Virginia. The state offers over 60 nursing programs at the associate, bachelor, and doctoral levels. This guide can help you choose the right program for your career goals.

Learn about the best nursing schools in Virginia, how to earn your registered nurse (RN) or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license, and salary expectations.

The Best Nursing Schools in Virginia

How We Rank Schools

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list has not been updated for 2026.

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Virginia

When choosing from the many nursing schools in Virginia, consider how well the school matches your needs and background. The NCLEX-RN pass rate, for example, is an excellent measure of program quality.

Financial aid and costs, including tuition, make up important considerations, as do the logistics of attending. If you plan to attend an online nursing program in Virginia, find out about getting clinical placement in your community.

Why Become a Nurse in Virginia

More than 70,000 nurses work in Virginia. While annual earnings may rank slightly below national figures, the cost-of-living index is 100, which is at the national level.

Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your nursing license can transfer to all participating states.

Virginia is also full of beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation, and charming cities. The close proximity to Washington, D.C. allows for access to its many historical attractions as well.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Virginia

The average annual salary for an RN in Virginia is $88,350, which is slightly lower than the national average of $94,480 for RNs, according to BLS data. For NPs, the average salary increases to $120,870, which is also slightly lower than the national average NP salary of about $128,000, reports the BLS.

RN jobs in Virginia are projected to grow 4% from 2022-2032, which is slightly below national average projections. Since Virginia is an NLC state, you can attend nursing school in Virginia, earn your license, and work in another participating state if you choose.

The highest-paying cities for nurses in Virginia vary greatly in total population and number of nursing positions available. More than 12,000 nurses work in Richmond alone, while Charlottesville has just 3,440, by comparison. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area offers the highest average salary for nurses at $83,490, though the cost of living in this area is much higher.

Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Virginia
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas	Median Salary for RNs
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria	$83,490
Richmond	$77,210
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News	$70,620
Winchester	$70,550
Staunton-Waynesboro	$69,590
Charlottesville	$68,940

Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Virginia

Virginia only accepts online applications for a new RN license. You must have a nursing degree, pass a criminal background check, submit an application fee of $190, and pass the NCLEX-RN examination.

RN Requirements

RN requirements in Virginia remain similar to other state requirements. You need either a license from an NLC state or a Virginia license, an ADN or a BSN degree, a passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam, and a criminal background check. Include evidence of at least 500 direct-care hours from your clinical placement or experience as an RN in another state. The Virginia State Board of Nursing website includes the full process and licensure requirements.

APRN Requirements

To become an APRN in Virginia, you need an existing Virginia RN license or a multistate license from an NLC state. You must also have an MSN or a DNP degree.

If you attended nursing school in Virginia, your school should send an attestation that you graduated. If you didn't attend a nursing program in Virginia, your school must send a full transcript. Submit proof of your board certification as well.

If you are applying for prescription authority, include evidence that you took the required pharmacology courses or continuing education. The state's board of nursing lists the full requirements and process.