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Online ADN Programs in Virginia: Your Guide to Top Schools in VA

Considering making a transition to the healthcare industry? Getting there is made convenient and easy with one of the toponline ADN programs in Virginia, giving you options for flexible hybrid formats, NCLEX preparation, and pathways to nursing careers. Learn about accreditation, clinical requirements, financial aid, and job prospects to help you choose the best program for your needs by reading on.

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Author: Taylor Cromwell, BA
Editor: Edumed Editing Staff

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ADN programs in Virginia offer a hybrid approach, combining the flexibility of online learning with the essential in-person components needed for nursing education. While your core coursework, such as anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals, is typically completed online, you’ll also attend in-person labs and clinical rotations at healthcare facilities. This structure ensures students are well-prepared for hands-on patient care.

Compared to CNA and LPN programs, ADN programs offer more advanced training and qualify graduates for becoming RNs, with higher earning potential and greater career opportunities. However, ADNs are shorter and more affordable when comparing RN vs ADN vs BSN programs, making them an attractive option for those seeking to enter the nursing field quickly.

When choosing a school, you should consider the nursing program’s accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, clinical placement opportunities for online students, and costs. A well-rounded ADN program not only provides quality education, it also prepares you for licensure and future career growth as a nurse.

Here are some top programs to consider:

Germanna Community College

The ADN Program at Germanna Community College blends in-person training with online coursework that prepares students to sit for and pass their licensure exams, and land in-demand jobs in allied healthcare.

The estimated cost of this degree is $11,260 — on par with the 2024 national average cost of an ADN program at a public university, which Forbes indicates is between $8,000 and $14,000.

The in-person components of Germanna’s nursing programs are facilitated at its Locust Grove and Stafford campuses as well as partnering medical facilities. The college notes that its nursing programs’ varying clinical and lab hours are demanding and not meant to be completed on top of full-time jobs.

Duration: 2 years

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $11,260

Admissions Requirements:

  • Achieve a C or higher in all prerequisite courses
  • Pass the TEAS exam
  • Complete a background test

Curriculum:

  • Introduction to Nursing Concepts
  • Health/Illness Concepts
  • Complex Health Concepts

Mountain Empire Community College

Mountain Empire Community College’s ADN program is designed for students with responsibilities outside their educational pursuits. The community college’s ADN program offers a combination of online courses and in-person courses that take place exclusively during evenings and weekends.

Because the program’s coursework is offered exclusively during evenings and weekends, it is considered part-time. Graduates have the same qualifications as their peers in traditional ADN programs and are equally eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam and pursue licensure as registered nurses.

As of 2022, nearly 80% of Mountain Empire program graduates went on to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, higher than the national average.

Duration: 2 years

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $166.90/credit hour for in-state students

Admissions Requirements:

  • Pass the TEAS exam
  • High school or GED graduate
  • Complete a background check and drug screening

Curriculum:

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I
  • Introduction to Nursing Concepts
  • Competencies for Nursing Practice
  • Health Promotion & Assessment
  • Introductory Microbiology

Everything You Need to Know: Student FAQs

When exploring online ADN programs in Virginia, you likely have questions about how the programs work, what they cost, what clinical requirements you’ll need to complete, and what career opportunities await after graduation. Below, you’ll find detailed answers to help guide your decision and find the program that’s right for you.

How long do VA ADN programs take to complete?

The duration of your studies will depend on the program you choose. Most colleges offer two-year ADN programs, as is the case at Northern Virginia Community College. Some, however, do offer longer programs that are designed to better fit busy schedules by offering in-person classes, labs, and clinicals at night or over weekends. On the other end of the spectrum, some schools offer accelerated ADN programs that can be completed in as few as 12 to 18 months.

How much do online associate nursing programs cost in VA?

Again, the cost of your online ADN In Virginia will vary depending on certain factors such as school, learning format, and length. For example, Germanna Community College’s two-year ADN program costs just over $11,000. At private career colleges in Virginia, though, the Department of Education estimates the cost of an associate degree in nursing totals roughly $27,500.

What does the job market look like for graduates of Virginia associate in nursing programs?

The job market is very promising for students who graduate from a Virginia ADN program and go on to pursue roles as RNs. According to the state’s Registered Nurse Workforce report, 90% of all RNs in the state are employed.

Additionally, industry leaders report that Virginia has a statewide RN shortage and will need nearly 8,000 new RNs by 2028 in order to meet demand.

Is financial aid available to help me fund my ADN program in Virginia?

Yes! Many schools offer financial aid for nursing students, and, of course, federal financial aid is always available through FAFSA. However, there are also many grants and scholarships available for Virginia nursing students in particular, such as those from the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority and the Virginia Department of Health.

Are there any resources available for ADN students in Virginia?

Yes, there are plenty of organizations that can help you in all aspects of your journey, from financial aid and scholarships to your job search. Here are a few you can check out:

  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing – The American Association of Colleges of Nursing can provide you with information regarding Virginia ADN online programs, as well as available financial aid and scholarships and different nursing career pathways.
  • The Virginia Board of Nursing – The Virginia Board of Nursing provides prospective students with a wealth of resources, including information on approved educational programs across the state and their NCLEX pass rates.
  • The Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority – The Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority offers quick insights into what you can expect from a registered nursing career, including what an RN does in an average workday, how much they earn in Virginia, and more.
  • The Virginia Nurses Association – The Virginia Nurses Association welcomes student members preparing for careers in nursing with scholarships, networking opportunities, and more, via their local chapter. They also offer general information about the industry and challenges Virginia RNs face, so you can get an idea of the local landscape.
  • The Virginia Nursing Students Association – Similarly, the Virginia Nursing Students Association offers information on nursing student-specific scholarship opportunities, industry events, and news. It also invites interested parties to contact the Association’s pre-nursing representative, who can answer questions about the career path.

Salary & Career Overview: ADN Nurses in Virginia

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for ADN-registered nurses (RNs) in Virginia is approximately $78,491, which equals roughly $37.74 per hour. Salaries typically range from $24.31 (25th percentile) to $40.68 (75th percentile), with Arlington and Alexandria offering the highest pay within the state.

While ADN nurses earn slightly less than BSN-prepared counterparts, their income can increase based on location, experience, and employer type. Common roles include staff nursing positions in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Here are the top-paying cities for ADN RNs in Virginia:

  • Arlington: $84,177 annually
  • Alexandria: $82,215 annually
  • Richmond: $78,300 annually

The demand for RNs in Virginia remains strong due to ongoing nursing shortages, ensuring job stability. Many ADN graduates advance their careers by pursuing RN-to-BSN programs, opening doors to leadership roles, specialty certifications, and higher salaries. ADN programs remain a practical choice for quick entry into the nursing profession while leaving opportunities for future advancement.

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Taylor Cromwell, BA AUTHOR

Taylor is a freelance writer and content strategist with a passion for empowering students and professionals to confidently navigate their education and careers. With over 7 of experience, she has written extensively on topics ranging from healthcare degree programs and student resources to career pathways in nursing and allied health professions. A former journalist with a strong storytelling background, Taylor specializes in making complex topics accessible and engaging for a wide audience. She has previously held roles at The Wall Street Journal, LinkedIn, and Bloomberg News. Her work has appeared on HubSpot, Yahoo, The Seattle Times, Money.com, and various other publications. Taylor holds degrees in broadcast journalism and international affairs from The University of Georgia. She stays up-to-date on industry trends by collaborating with healthcare professionals, attending webinars, and conducting in-depth research to ensure her work reflects the latest developments in education and healthcare. Whether breaking down degree program options or guiding readers through the nuances of healthcare careers, Taylor is dedicated to helping readers make informed decisions that align with their goals.

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