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Top Virginia RN to BSN Programs

Increasingly, RNs who began their healthcare careers by earning associate's degrees are headed back to college to advance their educational credentials via a bachelor's degree. Today, more and more healthcare employers are requiring their new-hire nurses to hold a minimum of a BSN. The increased demand for nurses with BSN degrees has prompted scores of forward-thinking, ADN-educated nurses to consider enrolling in RN to BSN bridge programs. Finding the right RN to BSN program in Virginia can be daunting. To help, we have created a list of the top programs in the state.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Virginia

Not all RN to BSN programs are created equal. To find a quality program, take the following factors into consideration:

  • Cost of tuition
  • Acceptance and graduation rates
  • Proper program accreditation
  • Length of program
  • Age of the institution
  • Financial aid options
  • Graduate employment data
  • Class and cohort sizes
  • Hospital affiliations

Testing and Certification

RN to BSN graduates are not required to pass any additional licensing examinations, as these students would have already taken the NCLEX-RN exam upon completion of the ADN or nursing diploma program.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Virginia

1. James Madison University

Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public research university located in Harrisonburg. JMU features an online RN to BSN bridge program that offers working nurses the flexibility required to study and maintain employment. The program, which consists of 30 semester credit hours, places a strong emphasis on rural and underserved communities, culturally diverse patient care, and research. The program can be completed in 3 semesters of full-time study, or 5 semesters of part-time study. Coursework includes Issues in Contemporary Nursing, Concepts in Aging, and Health Assessment, and more. New cohorts are admitted twice a year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Rockingham Memorial Hospital
  • Sentara RMH Medical Center

Tuition:

Virginia residents will pay around $12,150 plus fees to attend JMU's RN to BSN program. Out-of-state residents will pay approximately $12,450 plus fees.

2. Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing

Founded in 1961, Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing is a private nursing college in Richmond that's affiliated with the Catholic-based non-profit Bon Secours Health System. BCMCN offers a 33-credit fully online RN to BSN program built for working RNs. Students who take at least two courses per semester can finish the program in just two years, while those that opt to take just one class per semester will take four years to complete the program. Enrolled students take courses in Vulnerable Populations and Global Health, Business of Health Care in Complex Systems, and Nursing Research, and more.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Henrico Doctor's Hospital
  • Johnston-Willis Hospital
  • Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital

Tuition:

Students who enroll in BSMCN's RN to BSN program can expect to pay around $13,200 in tuition plus additional fees.

3. University of Virginia's College at Wise

Established in 1954, the University of Virginia's College at Wise is a public liberal arts college. UVCW offers an online, 30 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that's designed specifically to help facilitate the success of working nurses. The program is flexible and can be completed in two to four semesters. Unlike most RN to BSN programs, UVCW allows its nursing students to minor in Leadership studies, which sets them up for roles as nursing administrators or leaders. The curriculum includes classes such as Genomics in Nursing Practice, Evidence-Based Practice, and Nursing Theory.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Norton Community Hospital
  • Lonesome Pine Hospital
  • Bon Secours St Mary's Hospital

Tuition:

Students who enroll in UVCW's RN to BSN program can expect to pay $5,059 per semester.

4. Radford University

Established in 1910, Radford University is a public university that's been educating nurses for over 40 years. The school offers a 31 semester credit, online RN to BSN program that can be completed in just three semesters of full-time study. Some courses that students can expect to take include Gerontological Nursing, Holistic Nursing Practice, and Theoretical Foundations of Nursing, and others. New students are admitted at the beginning of every fall and spring semester.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • LewisGale Hospital Montgomery
  • Carilion Occupational Medicine

Tuition:

Radford University's RN to BSN program tuition is roughly $10,230 plus fees.

5. Norfolk State University

Established in 1935, Norfolk State University is a historically black, public university. NSU offers two types of RN to BSN programs: traditional and online. Both emphasize concepts in African American Health, telecommunications, and leadership, along with the traditional BSN foundational courses. If taken in the online format, students can complete the program at their own pace. While full-time students tend to finish in just two semesters, part-time students can finish in three. The 30 semester credit hour program features courses like Health Assessment, Conceptual Models for Nursing, and Providing Complex Nursing Systems for Families and Groups, among others. New students are admitted at the beginning of every fall and spring.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
  • Sentara Leigh Hospital
  • Portsmouth General Hospital

Tuition:

Students who enroll in NSU's RN to BSN program can expect to pay $13,110 in tuition plus additional fees.