Online BSN Programs in VA: Discovering Top Schools

Virginia’s Online BSN Programs Uncovered

Online learning for BSN programs is typically only available for RN to BSN or accelerated BSN programs, and all online BSN programs will have in-person clinical requirements essential for obtaining licensure. Traditional BSN programs take four years, while RN to BSN and accelerated BSN take one to two years. To provide some context, typical Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) programs take four to 12 weeks, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs that roughly a year, and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs usually take two years. The higher the nursing degree, the longer it takes. But your added time results in skills and knowledge that typically offer added opportunities for advancement and higher salaries. Here we’ll explore three top-notch schools with online BSN programs, examining accreditation, curriculum focus, costs, and more.

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Arizona State University
PROGRAM: Health Sciences, BS

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Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Arizona State University offers 300+ top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs online. As an online student, you'll have access to the same robust curriculum designed and taught by the ASU's award-winning and globally acclaimed faculty. Always pushing the boundaries of education, ASU is repeatedly ranked #1 for innovation in the U.S. for making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students and technology. That's a degree better.

Rasmussen University
PROGRAM: Health Sciences - Undecided - Bachelors

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For nearly two decades, Rasmussen University has invested in online degrees so that students like you can balance work, life, and school. Not only is it important to find an online program that fits your schedule, but it's also important to find one that prepares you to pursue your career goals with confidence. With over 50 fully online degree programs our learning options allow you to earn your credential your way.

About Our Partners EduMed.org is supported in part by advertisements. Featured programs and school matching are for institutions that compensate us. This compensation will never influence our school rankings, in-depth guidebooks, or any other information or resources published on this site.

All You Need to Know: BSN Student FAQs

Most students in your shoes have similar questions about online BSN programs in Virginia. Below are answers to many of those questions, including the benefits and program options available. You’ll also find criteria for evaluating programs, help deciding whether you can work while enrolled, and comparisons of the various program options.

What are the benefits of BSN programs in Virginia?

Virginia BSN programs offer many advantages for current and aspiring nurses. Virginia’s diverse population enriches the educational experiences of BSN students through unique opportunities to interact with a broad spectrum of patients and populations. In addition, some of the best BSN programs in Virginia place a strong emphasis on research and innovation, a compelling draw for students interested in cutting-edge healthcare advancements. Also, BSN students in Virginia can lean on professional nursing connections to enhance their careers at every step of their journey. These associations offer abundant resources, unwavering support, and valuable networking opportunities.

What criteria should I consider when choosing a BSN program in Virginia?

By prioritizing accreditation, NCLEX-RN pass rates, and a holistic curriculum, future nurses can lay a sturdy foundation for their careers while positioning themselves for leadership roles. Accreditation for online colleges is essential to the program’s reputation, ensuring that students receive a quality education that meets licensing requirements. High NCLEX-RN pass rates demonstrate a program’s effectiveness in preparing nursing students for licensing exams. A well-rounded curriculum goes beyond textbooks, fostering critical thinking, ethical care, and a comprehensive understanding of foundational nursing topics. Exploring diverse subjects and healthcare challenges teaches students to approach healthcare challenges holistically while also being adaptable to the needs of individuals and populations.

What types of BSN programs are available in Virginia?

Accelerated BSN programs help students with unrelated bachelor’s degrees earn nursing credentials in a relatively short time frame, while direct entry BSNs focus on new college students studying nursing. LPN to BSN programs get you into a registered nursing position in two to three years, earning both an RN and a bachelor’s, while RN to BSN programs allow practicing registered nurses to earn a bachelor’s degree in about two years. Fully online BSN programs don’t exist for students without previous clinical experience since labs and clinical experiences must be completed in person. However, many hybrid BSN programs are available.

Can I work while pursuing a BSN in Virginia?

It depends on the program you select and its scheduling flexibility. Some schools provide part-time BSN options designed to accommodate students who want to work while completing their studies. In these programs, online learners visit campus much less often than in a full-time program and complete much of their coursework online. Some programs require in-person attendance but provide a curriculum with fewer courses per semester. Fast-track programs like ABSNs usually offer flexible scheduling for better work-life balance since most students work in other professions. This is also true for some LPN to BSN bridge programs since students are usually working as nurses.

How do BSN programs differ from other nursing programs?

BSN programs differ from other nursing degrees (e.g., RN and ADNs) in many ways, including program length and potential salaries. BSN programs can last one to four years, depending on the level of experience and type of credential you have when you begin the program, while ADN programs take an average of two years. Graduates of BSN programs qualify for RN positions that offer average annual salaries upwards of $86,000, while graduates of MSN programs that require students to possess BSNs make six figures, on average as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and nurse midwives. Nurses without RN licenses make an average of $59,730 per year.

Virgina’s BSN Pay and Opportunities

Training to become a nurse is a significant step, so if you're considering the return on investment of your education, you're not alone. The data below can help you decide. In Virginia, registered nurses earn between $63,710 and $115,120, with an average salary of $84,100. However, keep in mind that salaries vary by location. In Harrisonburg, nurses earn between $61,270 and $122,730, with an average of $78,610. In the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford region, the lowest earners make $55,280, the average earn $77,350, and the highest earn $95,370. Additionally, if you're concerned about job prospects after graduation, the data we compiled can provide insight into the future landscape. In Virginia, there will be a 4.30% increase in jobs, equating to 4,160 new positions annually. Nationwide, 193,100 new jobs will be added per year, representing a 5.60% increase. For more details, review the following tables.

Ranking Virgina’s Best Online BSN Programs

The following ranking of the best online BSN programs in Virginia helps you focus your search for a quality BSN program by listing only those programs that are accredited, have an online component, and offer academic counseling and career placement services. Schools are weighted based on their online presence, in-state tuition rate, financial aid, and student/faculty ratio.