Learn with Purpose
Start a new and meaningful nursing career in 16 months.Start a new and meaningful nursing career in 16 months.

Stand Out in Nursing
RNs in Virginia earn higher wages and are in demand.

Get Support to Succeed
Collaborate with us to find a clinical placement in Virginia.

Marymount Accelerated BSN Admission Requirements

The demand for skilled, caring nurses continues to grow in Virginia—and across the country. Marymount University offers one of the fastest online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs in Virginia (ABSN), so you can earn a BSN in just 16 months.

All applicants must have already earned a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited U.S. college or university as well as successful completion of prerequisite courses.

To apply, you must complete an online interview and submit:

  • Transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.8
  • One letter of recommendation
  • A writing sample

Program Features At a Glance

  • 65 Credit Hours/17 courses
  • 640 Clinical Hours
  • Four semesters/16 months to complete
  • 17 courses/7 and 14-week semesters
  • Values-based education located in Virginia
  • Clinical Placement Services at no additional cost
  • NCLEX-RN prep course included at no cost and occurs at the end of the program
View Required Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite courses must have been completed within the past 10 years with a grade of C or better:

  • Anatomy & Physiology with Lab I (4 credits)
  • Anatomy & Physiology with Lab II (4 credits)
  • General Chemistry for Health Science Majors or higher-level Chemistry with Lab (4 credits)
  • Developmental Psychology (3 credits)*
  • Microbiology with Lab (4 credits)
  • Nutrition (3 credits)
  • Sociology or Anthropology (3 credits)
  • Statistical Analysis (3 credits)

* Applicants must have completed a Developmental Psychology course or courses overseeing childhood to death. This can be completed in one or multiple courses depending on the institutions an applicant has attended.

 

The Path to Become a Registered Nurse in Virginia

Study Online

1. Study 100% Online →
65 credits
in 16 months

Is This Accelerated Nursing Program Right for Me?

The online ABSN from Marymount’s Malek School of Nursing Professions is rigorous, requiring full-time work and total dedication – between 8 to 12 hours of study per day. You will use an online learning platform to complete your coursework, with direct access to your professors and cohort. The ABSN is specifically for residents of the DC metro area. It is geared toward second-career professionals who currently possess a bachelor’s in any field and are open to enrolling in a challenging and fast-paced program.

The ABSN program is not meant to be juggled with any job – full or part-time. Students find success by dedicating their time solely to this fast track program. As such, it’s strongly advised that you take a year off to dedicate all your energy to this rigorous program. Students will engage in learning through a combination of online learning activities as well as live synchronous video conferencing sessions with faculty and fellow students. All work is done online except for clinicals and one skills residency that will take place on Marymount’s main campus.

The ABSN program is for individuals who can complete their clinical experience and residency in Virginia. This program is not for employed nurses. It is specifically tailored to individuals seeking to transition to a career in nursing from another unrelated field.

Attend Residency

2. Attend One Residency →
Learn on-campus in Arlington, VALearn on-campus
in Arlington, VA

Complete Clinical

3. Complete Clinicals →
592 clinical hours
in Virginia

Graduate

4. Become an RN
Graduate, pass the NCLEX & get your licenseGraduate, pass the NCLEX
& get your license

 

Why Become a Registered Nurse in Virginia?

Limit your commute by traveling to our main campus in Arlington, Virginia, nestled among influential organizations and healthcare providers, for one in-person residency. Balance your commitments with convenient access to online courses and clinical hours in Virginia that are required to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam and become a licensed registered nurse (RN).

The Department of Health Professions found that nurses in Virginia have:

  • A BSN degree or higher (69%)
  • 91% job satisfaction
  • 1% unemployment

 

What is the Outlook for Nursing in Virginia?

By earning your accelerated BSN degree, you will benefit from a career with greater job security, fulfillment and earning potential. Nurses work in many areas and specialties, including acute care settings like hospitals, surgical centers, home health agencies, schools, and nursing homes.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks Virginia as one of the top-paying areas for registered nurses. Earning an annual mean salary of $92,800, RNs near Arlington and the D.C. area earn 19% more than the average nurse.

Virginia expects a 10% increase in RN jobs by 2033, according to Lightcast Labor Insights. With employment rates high above the national average, these Virginia counties had the most RN openings between 2022 and 2023: Norfolk, Richmond City, Fairfax and Chesterfield. 

Reasons to Become a Nurse in Virginia Infographic