Your Guide to the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in VA

Join the growing number of Virginia RNs with their bachelor’s degrees by completing one of the many online RN to BSN programs in the state. As an RN, a bachelor’s degree can increase your career opportunities and earnings potential as well as expand your healthcare knowledge. This guide tells you about the best programs available, answers the most common questions RNs like you have, and gives details on the types of position and pay you can expect as a BSN. Learn about everything from admissions requirements to program content to program cost by reading EduMed’s comprehensive guide.

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Virginia’s Online RN to BSN Programs Uncovered

Many Virginia schools offer affordable online registered nurse (RN) to Bachelor Science in Nursing (BSN) programs that give working nurses an immense amount of flexibility in terms of time and cost. Programs are completely online for coursework with clinical opportunities taking place in person, often where a student already works as an RN. Asynchronous courses allow you to schedule classes around your current work commitments and family obligations. You can choose how long you want to be in the program, whether that’s as short as a year (full-time) or taking it slowly over a few years (part-time). Additionally, some programs offer free credits toward a BSN simply for having an RN license and/or experience working as an RN. The three programs highlighted below exemplify the quality RN to BSN programs available in Virginia.

RN to BSN Online – Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University’s RN to BSN Online program prepares RNs to become community leaders and lifelong learners. Emphasizing scholarship of professional nursing, graduates are eligible for both career and educational advancement. Doctoral-level faculty ensure students learn from experienced professionals, and the program’s asynchronous learning accommodates working RNs. Admission to this program is competitive, and 100% of graduates obtain jobs in their last semester or within 60 days of graduating. Additionally, diverse clinical opportunities give hands-on experience that will prove invaluable in an advanced nursing practice. Continue reading below for more information on this program.

Duration: 9 to 18 months

Mode: Online

Cost: $5,752 per year

Admissions Requirements:

  • University admission
  • Nursing department application packet
  • Official transcripts
  • Current RN license
  • General education courses
  • GPA and grade minimums

Curriculum:

  • Nursing research
  • Nursing pathophysiology
  • Multiculturalism/bioethics
  • Nursing models
  • Health assessment
  • Providing complex nursing systems
  • Nursing leadership and management
  • Contemporary issues in nursing and healthcare

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing for RNS: Post Licensure – Liberty University

Whether seeking to advance in your current role or explore other areas of nursing, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing for RNS: Post Licensure program offered at Liberty University builds your knowledge, critical thinking, leadership skills, and clinical skills. An RN license earns you 39 hours of transfer credit, and all online programs are taught by nursing professionals. The program’s flexibility allows you to keep up with job, family, and community responsibilities while earning your degree. Though one class does require community-based clinical observation, this program does not have any practicum requirements. See below for additional details on this online RN to BSN program.

Duration: 2 years

Mode: Online

Cost: $330 per credit

Admissions Requirements:

  • School transcripts
  • Proof of RN license
  • Associate degree or nursing diploma

Curriculum:

  • Medical terminology
  • Health assessment
  • Pathophysiology
  • Nursing communication
  • Strategies for adult health care
  • Pharmacology
  • Nursing concepts
  • Caring for the childbearing family
  • Population health care
  • Leadership in nursing
  • Nursing management
  • Advanced concepts in nursing practice

Nursing RN to BSN Degree Online – Old Dominion University

The Nursing RN to BSN online degree at Old Dominion University is for licensed RNs with some college credit and offers concurrent enrollment for those enrolled in associate degree nursing programs. This bachelor’s program requires 66 total nursing credits with 36 awarded at no cost for having an RN license. The program’s student-centered learning approach means asynchronous online classes with faculty and student success personnel available when you need it. Students receive letter grades – not pass/fail grades – to prepare them for graduate education. Old Dominion’s program is not specific to any state-level license, so make sure it meets the requirements in the state where you plan to work. Continue reading for more details on this RN to BSN program.

Duration: 4 to 7 semesters

Mode: Online

Cost: $408 to $439 per credit

Admissions Requirements:

  • RN license
  • Acceptance as a degree-seeking student

Curriculum:

  • Health assessment
  • Professional development as a BS educator
  • Theoretical foundations of professional nursing
  • Ethics, law, and economics of health
  • Nursing science
  • Community health nursing
  • Nursing leadership
  • Transition to BSN practice
  • Nursing informatics
  • Clinical nursing concepts

FAQs from Future RN to BSN Students

Most RNs considering an RN to BSN program in Virginia have many of the same questions, including those related to the opportunities and increased pay that are possible. They also wonder about program length, cost, and financial aid, in addition to what the process entails and how to make sure a program is of high quality. Find answers to many of those questions below.

How will an RN to BSN program in Virginia prepare me for more opportunities?

Earning a BSN degree strengthens the foundations you’ve developed as an RN. RN to BSN programs cover a range of topics from healthcare leadership and management to clinical decision-making, and most provide clinical training for hands-on experience in a variety of settings. All of these set you up for success as an RN with a BSN and the more challenging roles as case managers, nurse educators, and charge nurses. Earning your BSN also puts you on track for higher education, and many programs even plan specifically for that opportunity within the bachelor’s degree itself.

How long does it take to complete an RN to BSN program in Virginia, and are they affordable?

Many factors influence affordability as well as how long it takes to complete an RN to BSN program in Virginia. Those include tuition, number of transfer or experience credits you have, and if you enroll part-time or full-time. Full-time students at some Virginia schools can finish their BSNs in as little as a year, but a BSN could take two or three years with part-time classes. On average, RN to BSN programs require around 30 credits beyond an associate degree. Costs range from $300 to $500 per credit, and most programs are eligible for financial aid.

Is there financial aid available to Virginia RN to BSN students?

A range of financial aid options, including scholarships and loans, are available to students in RN to BSN programs. The Virginia Department of Health is a great resource for more information on nursing scholarship programs in the state. Opportunities include a one-year student loan repayment program in exchange for service in Virginia after graduation and scholarship awards of $2,000 per year. This is in addition to the scholarships through the specific school you attend. Because of the financial aid opportunities available, it’s important to do your research to find out all the general and nursing-specific scholarships you qualify for.

What should I look for in a quality RN to BSN program in Virginia?

The Virginia Board of Nursing recommends looking at the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) pass rates for the past few years. A pass rate of 80% is a strong indicator of the program’s success. The state’s board also requires 500 hours of direct client care experience, so a program emphasizing clinical experience is also important. In addition to being approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing, check for accreditation status through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) since these organizations help set standards for nursing education. Most colleges also post this information on their websites.

How do I become an RN with a BSN in Virginia?

You need your RN license to complete an RN to BSN program in Virginia, though some allow you to begin classes if you plan to pass your NCLEX-RN soon. You want your BSN program to be accredited and to have the flexibility you need to continue working as an RN while taking classes. Schools with accessible faculty and student services are also key for completing a BSN program. Most programs also require clinicals and fieldwork to give you a wide range of experience and deepen your knowledge, making you prepared for a variety of roles available only to nurses with BSNs.

RN vs. BSN Careers: Virginia Salary Insights

Higher salary potential is one of the biggest benefits of going from an RN to a BSN in Virginia. On average, RNs in Virginia earn $88,350 compared to RNs nationwide at $86,070. While the data does not differentiate between RNs with and without bachelor’s degrees, RNs with bachelor’s degrees are sought out to fill higher-paying positions such as nurse executives, roles in federal agencies and the military, and case management and health promotion because of their wide-ranging abilities, critical thinking skills, and leadership ability. Keep in mind, too, that RNs with BSNs can work outside the traditional healthcare arena and make even more in consultant and other positions that command nearly $90,000 per year.

A BSN increases employment opportunities by expanding the options to those unavailable without a bachelor’s degree. You can also choose to continue your studies to earn a master’s in nursing degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — which would open up even more leadership roles in healthcare. RNs without bachelor’s degrees still have plenty of opportunities and make good money, so it’s important to choose the right path for you, but having a BSN does prepare you for the highest level of professional growth and opportunity.

Ranking Virginia’s Online RN to BSN Bridge Training Options

To make sure you choose the right program for you, the rankings below of the best online RN to BSN programs in Virginia includes vetted schools that check all the boxes. They were chosen based on accreditation, online components, academic counseling, and career placement services. For details on the selection process, check out the About the Rankings popup below; otherwise, continue reading for a list of the best online RN to BSN programs in Virginia.

Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing offers a 100% online RN to BSN program designed for working nurses. Students can complete the program in two years by taking two courses per semester, but they have the flexibility to adjust their schedules and take up to four years. The program includes 33 credits of nursing and general education courses and 41 credits for prior learning. Admission requires an accredited nursing diploma or associate degree, a valid RN license, and a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Why We Selected Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing:

  • The program offers a flexible online format with no mandatory log-in times, enhancing work-life balance.
  • The curriculum includes specialized career tracks aligned with Magnet-recognized certifications, enhancing professional credibility.
  • Employer partnerships provide valuable networking opportunities and real-world clinical practice experiences.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$12,600
  • Average Institutional AidN/A
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award80%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
Virginia Commonwealth University offers a 100% online RN to BSN completion program, allowing registered nurses to earn a BSN in six semesters. The program includes 121 total credit hours and is designed for working nurses, offering flexibility to balance work and study. Ranked in the top 4% of undergraduate nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report, it emphasizes quality education and professional development. Admission requires an accredited nursing diploma or associate degree and an active RN license.

Why We Selected Virginia Commonwealth University:

  • The program offers flexible online learning, allowing students to continue working while earning their degree.
  • VCU's RN to BS program is ranked in the top 4% of nursing undergraduate programs nationwide.
  • The program provides multiple start dates per year, offering students greater flexibility in planning their academic journey.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$12,094
  • Average Institutional Aid$7,266
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course88%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award67%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
3

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

George Mason University’s RN to BSN program is a flexible, online pathway allowing registered nurses to earn their BSN in as little as two full-time semesters. The program includes 32 nursing credit hours and is designed for working professionals, offering seven-week courses and opportunities for local practicums. Admission requires an active RN license, an associate degree in nursing, and completion of prerequisite courses. The program also supports veterans and provides various scholarships.

Why We Selected George Mason University:

  • The RN to BSN program offers flexible online courses, allowing completion in as little as two semesters.
  • The program provides opportunities for practicum experiences, enhancing practical skills in real-world settings.
  • Admission occurs twice a year, offering students multiple entry points throughout the year.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$9,510
  • Average Institutional Aid$7,796
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course86%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award70%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
4

Norfolk State University

Norfolk, Virginia

The RN to BSN program at Northeastern State University is designed to enhance the skills of associate degree or diploma-prepared nurses. It requires 30 upper division credit hours and can be completed in as few as 10 months. The curriculum emphasizes family nursing, community health, leadership, and research, preparing graduates for professional nursing careers and further education. Admission requires a state-approved associate degree or diploma in nursing, a current RN license, and a minimum GPA of 2.0. The program provides experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to apply course content in clinical settings. Graduates are equipped to provide primary healthcare in diverse settings and contribute to professional development through lifelong learning. The program offers a strong foundation for career advancement and graduate studies in nursing.

Why We Selected Norfolk State University:

  • The program prepares students as community leaders and lifelong learners in professional nursing.
  • The RN to BSN program offers competitive post-licensure education, enhancing career and educational advancements.
  • Norfolk State University's faculty provides expert guidance, supporting students in achieving their nursing goals.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$5,752
  • Average Institutional Aid$4,993
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course98%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award41%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
5

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University’s RN to BSN program is designed for licensed RNs seeking to advance their education. The program allows students to transfer up to 75% of the degree total, including 39 credits for RN licensure. It typically takes 12 months to complete and costs $330 per credit hour. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, leadership, and clinical skills, covering subjects like microbiology, statistics, and biomedical ethics. The program is well-suited for those aiming to enhance their career prospects in nursing management or community health. Liberty University is regionally accredited, ensuring the degree is recognized by employers and other institutions. The program’s flexibility allows students to balance work, family, and studies effectively.

Why We Selected Liberty University:

  • Liberty University offers a reduced tuition rate of $330 per credit hour for RN to BSN to MSN tracks.
  • The program provides an accelerated completion option, allowing students to earn both BSN and MSN degrees in 24 months.
  • Liberty University's RN to BSN program is taught by nursing professionals with real-world clinical experience in leadership settings.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$15,409
  • Average Institutional Aid$10,834
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award41%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
6

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia

Old Dominion University’s RN to BSN program is designed for licensed RNs seeking to advance their careers. The program offers flexible enrollment options, allowing students to start in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Students can complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis, typically taking two years part-time. The program awards 33 experiential learning credits to RNs, reducing the total nursing credits required. Admissions involve an online supplemental nursing application. Career outcomes include enhanced leadership and clinical skills, preparing graduates for advanced roles or further education. The program emphasizes practical application and community partnerships, equipping students for diverse healthcare settings. Financial aid and transfer credit evaluations are available to support students.

Why We Selected Old Dominion University:

  • The program offers 33 experiential learning credits at no cost to RNs upon licensure.
  • Experienced faculty provide personalized support through various communication channels.
  • The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$7,029
  • Average Institutional Aid$4,386
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course76%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award52%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
7

Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia

The RN to B.S. in Nursing program at Regent University is designed for licensed registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. The program requires 120 credit hours, with up to 90 credits transferable. It includes 30 credits of general education, 60 elective hours, and 30 credits specific to the RN to B.S. curriculum. Admission requires an active RN license and a minimum GPA of 2.0. The program focuses on developing leadership skills, integrating faith and ethics into nursing practice, and applying evidence-based care. Graduates can pursue roles such as charge nurse, health educator, or health administrator. Financial aid is available, and the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Why We Selected Regent University:

  • Regent University's RN to BSN program offers a highly affordable tuition rate of $4,425 per year online.
  • The program allows for flexible online learning with 8-week sessions, accommodating working nurses' schedules.
  • Regent provides specialized Career & Talent Management to support professional growth and advancement opportunities.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$17,220
  • Average Institutional Aid$9,367
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course91%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award57%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
8

Radford University

Radford, Virginia

Radford University’s RN to BSN program is designed for working registered nurses seeking to advance their education. The program requires completing 10 nursing courses totaling 30 credit hours, along with general education and other required courses for a total of 120 credit hours. Admission requires an associate degree or diploma in nursing and an active RN license. The program emphasizes collaborative relationships, evidence-based practices, leadership principles, and healthcare policy advocacy. Graduates can pursue careers as public health/community nurses, charge nurses, hospice nurses, nursing managers, and case managers. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring a high standard of education. Radford offers a generous transfer credit policy and supports lifelong learning with resources like the Harvey Knowledge Center and 24/7 online tutoring.

Why We Selected Radford University:

  • Radford University's RN to BSN program offers a generous transfer credit policy, reducing additional coursework.
  • The program features six annual start dates with accelerated seven-week courses, ideal for working professionals.
  • Radford's RN to BSN is recognized for its affordability, with a total annual cost of $10,320.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$7,922
  • Average Institutional Aid$4,819
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course67%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award55%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
9

Mary Baldwin University

Staunton, Virginia

The RN to BSN to MSN Administration & Leadership program at Mary Baldwin University is designed for registered nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. It combines a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Administration & Leadership, typically completed in two years. The program requires 120 credits for the BSN and 30 credits for the MSN, with up to 90 transfer credits accepted. Admission requires an Associate Degree in Nursing, a cumulative GPA of 2.5, and a current RN license. Tuition is $333.33 per credit hour for the BSN and $650 for the MSN. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Graduates gain skills in strategic decision-making and healthcare innovation, enhancing career prospects as nursing directors or chiefs. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Why We Selected Mary Baldwin University:

  • Mary Baldwin offers generous financial aid packages and accepts up to 90 transfer credits.
  • The program provides flexible online and local group meetings, allowing students to work while studying.
  • Students benefit from personalized academic plans tailored to their educational background and employment history.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$30,690
  • Average Institutional Aid$19,739
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course71%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award43%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
10

Bluefield University

Bluefield, Virginia

Bluefield University offers a hybrid RN to BSN-MSN program, combining flexibility with in-person experiences. The RN-BSN portion requires 42 credits and costs $16,590. The MSN component adds 44 to 48 credits, depending on the concentration, with costs ranging from $36,000 to $41,890. Financial aid is available, with 99% of students qualifying. Admissions do not require GRE or GMAT scores. The program prepares students for advanced roles in nursing, such as Family Nurse Practitioner, Leadership/Education, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams, opening pathways to leadership and specialized nursing careers. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring high educational standards.

Why We Selected Bluefield University:

  • The program offers an affordable tuition rate of $395 per credit hour.
  • The RN-BSN program allows students to complete nursing courses in just 12 months.
  • The program is CCNE-accredited, ensuring high standards of nursing education.

Program Details

  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average In-State Tuition$27,050
  • Average Institutional Aid$15,788
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course79%
  • % of Students Receiving an Award33%
  • Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
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Kari has 15 years of copy editing and writing experience on topics that include allied health, nursing, healthcare, business, education, and engineering. She has also edited eight fiction manuscripts of over 80,000 words, with four published. Kari taught writing and communication as an adjunct professor at the community college level for five years and currently does workforce training in topics like technical and professional writing for computer support technicians and communication skills for manufacturing administrators. Additional writing and editing experience include her work in nonprofits, business services, and manufacturing. Kari’s education strengthens her 30 years of experience in writing, editing, and teaching. She earned a bachelor’s degree in practical writing from Western Michigan University in 1993 and a master’s degree in technical and professional writing from Bowling Green State University in 2020.

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