Launch Your Nursing Career in Virginia

Online ABSN for Virginia Residents

Virginia is the place to become a Registered Nurse. 

Jobs for Registered Nurses (RNs) are expected to increase 11.7 percent in Virginia by 2028, with an average of 4,500 openings each year. 

Virginia RNs earn an average annual salary of $81,860 according to the BLS, and the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area is one of the top ten metropolitan areas with the highest employment of RNs. 

There’s a lot to love about the Mother of States—including the many possibilities for your career. Engage next-level education, create new opportunities, improve patient outcomes as an RN in Virginia. 

Ready to make a change? Let’s find the online ABSN program that’s right for you. 

Get Started on Your Virginia Nursing Career Sooner

An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program can be completed in under two years.

Nurses with a BSN are becoming the industry standard, with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing strongly encouraging nurses to obtain bachelor’s degrees. Employers are also seeking to fulfill the Institute of Medicine’s recommendation of an 80 percent bachelor-holding workforce.

Universities nationwide are offering a host of accredited, online ABSN programs with various specializations open to residents of Virginia. More than ever before, you can choose a career path that best suits your interests, background, and career goals.

How to Get Your Nursing License in Virginia

According to the Virginia Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are*: 

• Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program 

• Passing score on the NCLEX exam
• Application and application fee of $190
• Criminal background check

Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. Nurses with an NLC license can practice in their home state and any other Compact state or US territory that honors the Compact.

* The information in this resource is up to date as of March 2024. Remember that state-specific requirements for licensure change often, so you should also check the official nursing board website for your state to verify the current standards.

Find Your Passion and Your Specialty as a Nurse in Virginia

Specializing gives nurses the opportunity to focus on a specific area of care and hone their clinical skills. Nurses who specialize can also choose from a wide variety of work environments.

Here are just a few examples of available nursing specialties:

• Clinical Development Specialist
• Geriatrics Specialist
• Hospice Nurse
• Home Health Care
• Infection Control
• Labor and Delivery Nurse
• Nurse Educator

With nearly 3 million nurses nationwide, those who pursue a specialty are in prime position to receive top pay in their field—especially as experience is gained.

Marymount University Online ABSN Program

Located in Arlington, Virginia, Marymount University is a private institution that U.S. News ranks as #31 for Regional Universities South. Requirements for this program include a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, and successful completion of the following prerequisite courses:

• Anatomy and Physiology I & II
• Chemistry
• Developmental Psychology 
• Microbiology with Lab
• Nutrition
• Sociology
• Statistics

If you meet the admission requirements, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of this ABSN program, including:

• NCLEX preparation – Over the past 5 years, Marymount graduates consistently pass the NCLEX at a high rate of 90%. Students at Marymount are thoroughly prepared for their licensing exam, and learn a well-rounded curriculum that covers all elements of nursing.
• Mentorship and support – Every student is appointed their own Success Advisor during their time at Marymount. Advisors help students choose the right classes, provide mentorship within the department and keep them on track for efficient program completion.
• Flexible GPA requirements – While most ABSN programs have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, Marymount allows admission with a 2.8 or above. This flexibility is proof that Marymount is concerned with your aptitude and passion for nursing, rather than focusing on your performance in a previous major.