What are the requirements to become an RN in Virginia?

Aspiring nurses in Virginia need to have an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). including the completion of required clinical hours. Nurses in Virginia will also need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for licensure through the Virginia Board of Nursing.

How do I become a nurse in Virginia if I already have a bachelor’s degree in another field?

People who already have a non-medical bachelor’s degree can leverage their previous education through an accelerated bachelor’s program (ABSN). This type of program, though it requires some prerequisites, is much shorter than traditional BSN programs. It’s designed to use what you already know and put you in the nursing field much faster.

Will the state of Virginia accept an online nursing program for licensure?

Yes, online programs are accepted by the state of Virginia. The Marymount University Online ABSN program requires clinical hours to be completed in-person in the state of Virginia. There is also a two-week on-campus residency requirement.

How long does it take to complete an online accelerated BSN (ABSN)?

Marymount University’s Online ABSN can be completed in 16 months, the equivalent of four consecutive semesters.

Can I have a full-time job while I study to become a nurse in Virginia?

A full-time job is not recommended for ABSN students. The rigorous curriculum is like a job itself and requires full attention. Faculty estimate that it takes 8 to 10 hours of dedicated time each day to be a successful ABSN student.

How much does it cost to become a registered nurse in Virginia?

For the 2023-24 academic year, the Online ABSN Program tuition is $18,700 per semester. Additional fees do apply.

Become a Registered Nurse in Virginia

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View the full course curriculum, tuition info, admission requirements and more. One of our admissions advisors will be in touch to support you and discuss next steps.

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What would you like to study?

I have or will have at least a bachelor’sbachelor’smaster's degree, as required for Marymount University’s online programs.

I am a licensed RN

I understand that this program is a full-time commitment, and my clinical placement must be completed in Virginia.

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Become a Nurse Quickly with a Second-Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing - ABSN

*The Marymount Online Second-Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is currently designed for students who can come in person to Virginia to complete their clinicals.

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.

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

Transfer Credits

Marymount University generally accepts credits for courses taken at a regionally-accredited institution within the last ten years and completed with a grade of C or higher.

Want to know how your credit will transfer? Search our equivalency database to find out.

Search Our Database

Please note that just because a course is not listed in the equivalency database, that does not mean it will not be accepted. Credit acceptance is at the discretion of Marymount University.

Tara Peterson

"Prior to enrolling in the ABSN program at Marymount, I graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and served for 8 years on active duty in the US Coast Guard. It was an experience with a family member that really influenced my decision to separate from the Coast Guard and become a nurse."

- Tara Peterson

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.

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

Access Your Program Guide to Learn More

"Throughout the program, I was impressed with the professors' attention and devotion to students with genuine concern for our success. Through mentorship and guidance of professors, I successfully navigated and passed classes with flying colors."

- Phyo Myo

Connect and Learn During the On-Campus Residency

The on-campus residency is an immersive experience and will engage ABSN students in hands-on learning experiences, skills training and practice including but not limited to: