Virginia RN Programs

For those who are interested in becoming a registered nurse, Virginia offers an array of RN programs. Virginia RN programs offer degrees ranging from 2 to 4 years, depending on the level of education one is interested in achieving.

Though some sectors were devastated when the economy went into recession, there is still demand in the healthcare industry. Despite economic forces, people still need medical care. Enrolling in RN programs in Virginia gives one the chance to make a difference in his or her career and offers job security.

Becoming an RN in Virginia

In order to become an RN in Virginia, one must first complete an approved nursing program. The state requires a minimum of 500 contact hours of direct supervised patient care. All licensing services are online.

Virginia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. An RN registered in one compact state can obtain multi-state privilege to practice in another compact state without being licensed there. An RN who resides in a compact state must be licensed in his or her primary state of residence.

Those who are recent graduates or who have not yet been licensed as an RN can become licensed by examination. The licensing examination used is the NCLEX-RN.

An individual who has been licensed in another state and either passed the NCLEX or is scheduled to take it may become licensed by endorsement if Virginia is his or her primary state of residence. He or she must obtain license verification in order to do so.

Renewing an RN License

RN licenses are valid for 2 years. Renewal dates depend on the applicant's birth date.

Additional Resources

• Virginia Board of Nursing

The Best RN Schools in Virginia

By offering the most complete directory of nursing schools, NurseGroups.com helps Virginia residents find the best local RN programs, as well as the best online RN schools whose accreditation is accepted by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Why Online RN Classes?

Being a registered nurse is a great career. But many working adults who want to become an registered nurse have an extremely busy schedule - balancing a full-time job, family commitments and other personal responsibilities. The traditional classroom setting offered by most local nursing schools doesn't offer the same flexibility as taking their RN classes online.

Online nursing programs allow each student to fit their education into his or her already busy schedule. Online students can participate in discussion forums and take exams when it's convenient for them. RN nursing students can access their virtual classroom 24 hours per day / seven days per week.

Also, taking RN courses online saves students even more time, as online students don't need to commute to school. Online schools enable busy people to get an RN degree, without interfering with their current professional and personal life.

Virginia RN Resources

• Virginia Department of Health