Why Become a Nurse in Virginia?
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.
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.
Admission Requirements
All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited U.S. college or university. Prerequisite courses are required. For a complete list of prerequisite courses, please see the FAQ section below.
To apply, you must complete an online interview and submit:
- Transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.8 (TEAS required if cumulative GPA is lower)
- One letter of recommendation
- A writing sample