Virginia offers a broad range of nurse practitioner education opportunities through public universities, private institutions, academic health systems, and healthcare-focused nursing schools located throughout the Commonwealth.
This guide explores Virginia NP programs, specialty options, and key considerations to help prospective students identify a pathway that aligns with their professional goals and interests.
Featured NP Programs in Virginia
These featured programs highlight different educational models, specialty offerings, clinical training approaches, and progression pathways. Comparing these schools can help prospective students better understand the range of opportunities available before exploring the broader directory section that follows.
| University of Virginia | |
| Nursing School | UVA School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | BSN to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner; MSN to DNP |
| Learning Format | The DNP program uses a hybrid format with in-person classes approximately six times per semester and the remainder of coursework completed online. The BSN-to-DNP pathway includes in-person classes about once per month with the balance of learning conducted online. |
| NP Specializations | Students in the BSN-to-DNP pathway may choose from seven APRN specialty tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. |
| Clinical Placement Support | The program includes 750 clinical practicum hours and provides guidance in securing qualified preceptors and clinical placements. UVA guarantees practicum placements within Virginia, although placement locations may vary based on site availability and specialty needs. |
| Financial Support | Two-thirds of graduate students received scholarships or financial aid in fiscal year 2024. The school also offers guaranteed admission to eligible UVA School of Nursing alumni pursuing advanced nursing education. |
| Accreditation & Recognition | UVA’s DNP program is ranked as Virginia’s top DNP program and among the top 3% of graduate nursing programs nationally. |
| Overview | The University of Virginia School of Nursing offers BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways designed for nurses seeking the highest level of clinical nursing practice. The hybrid-format program combines online learning with periodic on-campus sessions and includes 750 clinical practicum hours. Students can pursue multiple nurse practitioner specialties, including Family, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Neonatal, Pediatric, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks. Clinical placement guidance, scholarship opportunities, and flexible scheduling support working nurses pursuing doctoral education. |
| About the School | Founded in 1901, the University of Virginia School of Nursing is part of a public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia. The school is recognized nationally for nursing education, research, and clinical leadership and recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | |
| Nursing School | School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Nursing Informatics, Nursing Leadership and Organizational Science; Post-Master’s to DNP; Dual DNP and Certificate |
| DNP Pathways | The DNP program offers three entry pathways: Post-B.S. to DNP for bachelor’s-prepared RNs, Post-Master’s to DNP for master’s-prepared nurses, and a Dual DNP and Certificate pathway for advanced practice nurses seeking an additional nurse practitioner certification. |
| NP Specializations | Nurse practitioner concentrations include Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. These tracks prepare graduates for advanced clinical practice across primary care, acute care, and psychiatric settings. |
| Financial & Academic Support | VCU School of Nursing awards more than $4 million annually in scholarships. Graduate teaching assistantships are available and include tuition coverage and a stipend for eligible students. |
| Additional Learning Opportunities | VCU is a member of the Nursing Education Xchange (NEXus), a consortium that allows doctoral nursing students to take selected courses from participating institutions to enhance their educational experience. |
| Student Advancement | Graduates of VCU’s BSN and entry-to-practice MSN programs are guaranteed admission to VCU nursing doctoral and post-professional certificate programs if admission requirements are met and space is available. |
| Overview | Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Nursing offers multiple pathways to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree for both bachelor’s- and master’s-prepared nurses. Advanced practice options include Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrations, alongside leadership and informatics tracks. Students benefit from scholarship opportunities, graduate assistantships, and access to expanded doctoral coursework through the NEXus consortium. |
| About the School | Virginia Commonwealth University is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia. The university is recognized for its health sciences programs and research activity, with the School of Nursing offering education from entry-level nursing through doctoral study. |
| George Mason University | |
| Nursing School | School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHN); Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP – currently on hold); MSN to DNP Pathway; BSN to DNP Pathway |
| DNP Pathways | Registered nurses may enter the DNP program through either a BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP pathway, providing options for both bachelor’s- and master’s-prepared nurses. |
| Program Format | Classes are offered on the Fairfax campus in flexible hybrid or executive formats. Advanced clinical expertise development is available in a traditional format. |
| Clinical Experience | Students complete 1,000 precepted/mentored clinical hours and two Practice Inquiry Project (PIP) courses. Clinical experiences include work in nurse-led MAP clinics serving underserved populations such as homeless shelters, community centers, and correctional settings. |
| Special Learning Opportunities | The College of Public Health houses Virginia’s first interdisciplinary Virtual Reality and Simulation Lab, allowing DNP students to develop clinical skills through immersive simulation experiences. |
| Certification & Accreditation | Graduates are eligible for certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). |
| Overview | George Mason University’s School of Nursing offers Doctor of Nursing Practice pathways for both BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses, with concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The program emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, advocacy, and patient-centered care through a combination of hybrid coursework, extensive clinical experiences, and innovative simulation training. Students complete 1,000 clinical hours and gain experience serving diverse and underserved populations throughout the Washington, D.C. region. |
| About the School | George Mason University is a public research university located in Fairfax, Virginia, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Its School of Nursing is part of the College of Public Health and emphasizes interdisciplinary education, innovation, and community engagement. |
| Old Dominion University | |
| Nursing School | Ellmer School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP); DNP Advanced Practice; DNP Nurse Executive |
| Learning Format | Graduate nursing programs, with the exception of Nurse Anesthesia, are delivered in a hybrid format. Students complete didactic coursework online and clinical requirements in their own geographic area. Some programs include on-campus immersion days for workshops and face-to-face engagement with faculty and peers. |
| NP Specializations | The MSN Nurse Practitioner program offers Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks. |
| Clinical Experience | Graduate programs combine academic coursework with clinical experiences designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles. Clinical requirements are completed within students’ local communities. |
| School Highlights | The school reports a 1:6–8 faculty-to-student ratio for clinical practicum instruction and supervision, 98% of didactic courses taught by full-time faculty, and consistently high pass rates on licensing and certification examinations. |
| Accreditation | The baccalaureate, master’s, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. |
| Overview | Old Dominion University’s Ellmer School of Nursing offers graduate nursing education through hybrid programs that combine online coursework with local clinical experiences. Nurse practitioner students can pursue Family, Neonatal, Pediatric, or Psychiatric Mental Health specialties at the MSN level, while doctoral options include Advanced Practice and Nurse Executive pathways. The school emphasizes advanced practice preparation, leadership development, and flexible learning formats supported by clinical experiences and occasional on-campus immersion opportunities. |
| About the School | Old Dominion University is a public research university located in Norfolk, Virginia. The Ellmer School of Nursing, established in 1967 and housed at the Virginia Beach Higher Education Center, offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral nursing education supported by modern simulation and instructional facilities. |
| James Madison University | |
| Nursing School | School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Nurse Midwifery; DNP: Post-BSN Family Nurse Practitioner, Post-BSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master’s DNP |
| Program Format | The MSN program is designed for working nurses, with some concentrations meeting one day per week and others offered entirely online except for required intensive sessions. Full-time and part-time study options are available, along with flexible practicum placements. |
| NP Specializations | MSN students may pursue Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or Nurse Midwifery concentrations. The PMHNP and Nurse Midwifery programs are offered in conjunction with Shenandoah University. |
| Clinical & Certification Preparation | Graduates of the nurse practitioner concentrations are eligible to sit for certification examinations through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). |
| DNP Pathways | The Post-BSN DNP offers Advanced Practice concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, as well as a Healthcare Systems Leadership concentration. Post-Master’s DNP students complete 40–46 credit hours, while Post-BSN students complete 69–77 credit hours, including 1,000 course-related practice hours. |
| Alumni Benefit | JMU School of Nursing offers guaranteed admission consideration for qualified JMU nursing alumni applying to MSN, Post-Master’s DNP, or Post-BSN DNP programs, provided they meet admission requirements and deadlines. |
| Overview | James Madison University’s School of Nursing offers MSN and DNP pathways that prepare nurses for advanced clinical practice, leadership, and healthcare innovation. Nurse practitioner students can specialize in Family or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care at both the MSN and DNP levels, while additional MSN options include Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwifery. Programs are designed with flexibility in mind, offering online coursework, part-time study options, flexible practicum placements, and certification preparation for advanced practice nursing roles. |
| About the School | James Madison University is a public university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The School of Nursing is housed within the College of Health and Behavioral Studies and offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs focused on clinical excellence, leadership, and service. |
| Shenandoah University | |
| Nursing School | Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, MSN Nurse-Midwifery, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Post-Graduate Certificates: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery |
| Learning Format | Graduate nursing classes are delivered online. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and students from diverse professional backgrounds learn alongside experienced faculty and clinical preceptors. |
| Clinical Training & Simulation | Students learn through clinical experiences and work with clinical preceptors. The school also features a high-fidelity simulation suite with settings that replicate labor and delivery, medical-surgical, ER/ICU, and community-based environments to support clinical judgment and skills development. |
| Graduate Certificate Options | Post-graduate certificates are available in Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse-Midwifery. Additional initiative pathways are available in Nurse-Midwifery and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. |
| Faculty & Student Support | Graduate students are taught by experienced and practicing faculty who provide mentorship and professional guidance. The program emphasizes close faculty-student relationships and collaborative learning experiences. |
| Accreditation | Shenandoah University’s baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Nurse-Midwifery program and certificate are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). |
| Overview | Shenandoah University’s Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing offers graduate nursing pathways for advanced practice nurses through MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate programs. NP-focused options include Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs, alongside Nurse-Midwifery offerings. Graduate courses are delivered online, while clinical experiences, simulation training, and mentorship from practicing faculty help prepare students for advanced nursing roles and certification. |
| About the School | Shenandoah University is a private university located in Winchester, Virginia. The Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing serves students across undergraduate and graduate levels and emphasizes evidence-based, compassionate care, with modern simulation facilities and online graduate learning options. |
| Liberty University | |
| Nursing School | School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | MSN, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), DNP–Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), DNP–Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Post-Graduate APRN Certificate |
| Learning Format | Nursing programs are offered in residential and/or online formats. The DNP programs are offered online. |
| Simulation & Clinical Training | The School of Nursing Simulation Center is accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) and provides hands-on learning experiences using high-fidelity simulators, standardized patients, and skill trainers. |
| Mission & Educational Approach | The School of Nursing emphasizes a holistic approach that blends nursing science, research, and patient care while addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. |
| Accreditation | The baccalaureate, master’s, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Simulation Center is accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). |
| Program Options | Doctoral offerings include the DNP, DNP–Family Nurse Practitioner, DNP–Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-BSN and Post-MSN), and post-graduate APRN certificate pathways. |
| Overview | Liberty University’s School of Nursing offers graduate and doctoral nursing education through residential and online formats. NP-focused options include Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner pathways at the doctoral level. Students benefit from accredited simulation-based training, a holistic nursing philosophy, and programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. |
| About the School | Liberty University is a private Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. The School of Nursing integrates faith-based principles with nursing education and serves students through both campus-based and online programs. |
Virginia NP Program Directory
| Institution | Pathway Options | Selected Specializations | NP Certificates |
| Bluefield University Bluefield, VA | RN to Master’s, Master’s | Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| ECPI University Virginia Beach, VA | Master’s | Family Nurse Practitioner | |
| George Mason University Fairfax, VA | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | |
| James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | |
| Liberty University Lynchburg, VA | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Mary Baldwin University Fishersville, VA | Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Marymount University Arlington, VA | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Old Dominion University Virginia Beach, VA | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | |
| Radford University Radford, VA | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Regent University Virginia Beach, VA | Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Shenandoah University Winchester, VA | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA | Entry-Level Master’s, RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Family Nurse Practitioner Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary CarePsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | |
| Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
How to Choose an NP Program in Virginia
Virginia offers one of the most diverse nurse practitioner education landscapes in the Mid-Atlantic, with programs available through major public research universities, academic medical centers, private institutions, and faith-based universities. Students can choose from MSN, BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, post-master’s certificate, and doctoral pathways across a wide range of specialties. As you compare programs, focus on specialty availability, learning format, clinical support, and how each pathway aligns with your long-term career goals.
Match your specialization to your goals
Virginia schools collectively offer nearly every major NP specialty. The University of Virginia offers BSN-to-DNP pathways in Family, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Neonatal, Pediatric Acute Care, Pediatric Primary Care, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialties. Old Dominion University provides MSN pathways in Family, Neonatal, Pediatric, and Psychiatric Mental Health practice, while James Madison University offers Family, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Nurse-Midwifery concentrations. George Mason University focuses on Family and Psychiatric Mental Health DNP preparation, and Virginia Commonwealth University offers Family, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, and Psychiatric Mental Health DNP concentrations. Students comparing Virginia schools with other nurse practitioner programs should prioritize programs that align with their desired patient population, certification pathway, and practice setting.
Consider how the program is delivered
Virginia offers numerous flexible options for working nurses. UVA’s hybrid DNP combines online coursework with approximately six in-person class sessions per semester. Old Dominion University delivers most graduate nursing coursework online while allowing students to complete clinical requirements in their own communities. Shenandoah University offers online graduate nursing courses, Liberty University provides both online and residential options, and James Madison University offers several concentrations online with limited intensive sessions. Nurses researching how to become an NP should compare campus visit requirements, online flexibility, residency expectations, and clinical scheduling before selecting a program.
Think about your geographic context
Virginia’s healthcare landscape varies considerably by region. Northern Virginia students may benefit from clinical opportunities associated with George Mason University and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Charlottesville students have access to the University of Virginia Health system, while Richmond offers opportunities through Virginia Commonwealth University. Hampton Roads students may find flexible regional options through Old Dominion University, and Shenandoah University serves the northern Shenandoah Valley. Programs such as UVA and George Mason also emphasize experiences serving rural, underserved, and vulnerable populations throughout the Commonwealth.
Look at program pathways and long-term flexibility
Virginia schools offer multiple educational entry points depending on prior education and professional goals. UVA provides BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate pathways. Virginia Commonwealth University offers Post-BSN, Post-Master’s, and Dual DNP-and-Certificate options. George Mason supports both BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP progression, while James Madison University offers MSN, Post-BSN DNP, and Post-Master’s DNP pathways. Before selecting a program, students should review the nurse practitioner accreditation guide and confirm that the curriculum aligns with Virginia NP licensure requirements and national certification standards.
Evaluate clinical support and experiential learning
Clinical support varies among Virginia institutions. UVA provides guidance securing preceptors and guarantees practicum placements within Virginia while requiring 750 clinical hours. George Mason students complete 1,000 precepted clinical hours that include experiences in nurse-led clinics serving underserved populations. Shenandoah University combines online learning with high-fidelity simulation and clinical preceptors, while Old Dominion allows students to complete clinical requirements within their own geographic areas. Liberty University emphasizes simulation-based education through its Society for Simulation in Healthcare-accredited Simulation Center, and James Madison University offers flexible practicum placements for working nurses. Before enrolling, students should ask whether the school coordinates clinical placements, how preceptors are assigned, whether travel is required, and what simulation and clinical support resources are available.
Finding Clinical Placements and Preceptors in Virginia
Virginia offers NP students access to one of the most diverse clinical training environments in the Mid-Atlantic. Clinical experiences may take place in nationally recognized academic medical centers, regional health systems, military treatment facilities, community hospitals, federally qualified health centers, behavioral health organizations, rural clinics, and specialty practices serving urban, suburban, and medically underserved populations.
Major Clinical Training Environments
Several Virginia nursing schools emphasize strong clinical partnerships, simulation resources, and structured experiential learning.
- University of Virginia provides clinical placement guidance and guarantees practicum placements within Virginia while leveraging partnerships across the University of Virginia Health system.
- George Mason University incorporates 1,000 precepted clinical hours, including experiences in nurse-led MAP clinics serving homeless shelters, community centers, and correctional settings.
- Old Dominion University allows students to complete clinical requirements within their own geographic communities while combining online coursework with hybrid learning.
- Shenandoah University pairs online graduate coursework with clinical preceptors and high-fidelity simulation experiences.
- Liberty University supports clinical preparation through its Society for Simulation in Healthcare-accredited Simulation Center.
- Virginia Commonwealth University connects students with Richmond’s major academic health system while offering advanced practice doctoral pathways.
Students may complete clinical experiences within healthcare organizations such as:
- UVA Health
- VCU Health
- Sentara Health
- Inova Health System
- Carilion Clinic
- Bon Secours Virginia
- Valley Health
- Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
- Community health centers
- Veterans Health Administration facilities
- Military treatment facilities serving Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads
How Geography Can Affect Placements
Virginia’s diverse regions create different clinical opportunities depending on where students live.
Students in:
- Northern Virginia
- Richmond
- Charlottesville
- Hampton Roads
- Roanoke
may have access to:
- academic medical centers
- specialty hospitals
- military healthcare facilities
- pediatric and neonatal services
- large integrated healthcare systems
Students in rural and southwestern Virginia may encounter:
- broader primary care responsibilities
- rural health and community-based practice settings
- longer travel distances for some specialty rotations
- increased exposure to medically underserved populations
- interdisciplinary practice in smaller healthcare systems
These varied settings allow students to develop experience across multiple models of healthcare delivery.
Online and Hybrid Program Considerations
Many Virginia NP programs offer flexible online or hybrid coursework, but clinical education remains an in-person requirement.
Before enrolling, students should ask:
- whether the school coordinates clinical placements
- if students are responsible for securing preceptors
- whether clinical experiences can be completed close to home
- what travel may be required for specialty rotations
- whether campus immersion sessions are required
Programs such as Old Dominion University, Shenandoah University, Liberty University, and James Madison University are designed to accommodate working nurses while maintaining supervised clinical training.
Program-Specific Placement Models
Clinical support differs across Virginia institutions.
- University of Virginia provides clinical placement guidance and guarantees practicum placements within Virginia.
- George Mason University combines extensive precepted clinical experiences with service-learning opportunities in nurse-managed clinics.
- Old Dominion University allows students to complete clinical requirements within their local communities.
- Shenandoah University emphasizes faculty mentorship, simulation, and clinical preceptor relationships.
- Liberty University supplements clinical preparation with nationally accredited simulation experiences.
- Virginia Commonwealth University expands learning opportunities through the Nursing Education Xchange (NEXus) consortium while preparing students in Richmond’s academic healthcare environment.
Before enrolling, students should ask detailed questions about placement responsibilities, travel expectations, preceptor availability, simulation resources, and specialty-specific clinical requirements.
Professional Networking Resources
Virginia’s large and diverse healthcare workforce offers numerous opportunities for NP students to build professional relationships before graduation.
- Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners (VCNP) — The state’s leading NP organization, offering conferences, networking events, legislative advocacy, and continuing education.
- Virginia Nurses Association (VNA) — Provides statewide nursing advocacy, leadership development, and professional education opportunities.
- Virginia Community Healthcare Association — A valuable resource for students interested in federally qualified health centers and community-based primary care.
- Virginia Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) — Help connect healthcare students with rural and underserved clinical experiences throughout the Commonwealth.
- Major health systems such as UVA Health, VCU Health, Sentara Health, Inova, and Carilion Clinic frequently offer educational partnerships, residency programs, and networking opportunities that can lead to future employment.
Because Virginia’s healthcare system spans major metropolitan regions, military healthcare, and rural communities, students who actively participate in these organizations and clinical partnerships often build strong networks that support future preceptor relationships, mentorship, and career advancement.
NP Programs in Virginia FAQ
Do NP programs in Virginia require the GRE?
GRE requirements vary by school and degree pathway. Many Virginia nursing programs have eliminated the GRE for experienced nurses and doctoral applicants, while others evaluate applicants using a holistic admissions process. Students should always verify current admissions requirements directly with each institution.
Can I complete an NP program online in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia offers numerous online and hybrid NP pathways. Old Dominion University delivers most graduate coursework online with local clinical experiences, Shenandoah University offers online graduate nursing classes, Liberty University provides online doctoral NP pathways, and James Madison University offers several concentrations online with limited intensive sessions. Hybrid options are also available at schools such as the University of Virginia and George Mason University. Regardless of format, all NP students must complete supervised clinical experiences in person.
How difficult is it to find a clinical preceptor in Virginia?
Preceptor availability depends on your specialty, geographic location, and school. Some universities provide substantial support. For example, the University of Virginia offers guidance in securing preceptors and guarantees practicum placements within Virginia, while George Mason University incorporates structured precepted clinical experiences through community partnerships. Students should ask whether clinical placements are coordinated by the school, whether travel is required, and what responsibilities they have in identifying preceptors.
What NP specialties are available in Virginia?
Virginia schools offer a broad range of specialties, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Psychiatric Mental Health, Pediatric Primary Care, Pediatric Acute Care, Neonatal, and Nurse-Midwifery pathways. Some institutions also offer post-graduate certificates, dual-degree options, and doctoral pathways that allow currently certified APRNs to add a new population focus. Specialty availability varies by institution and degree level.
Can nurse practitioners practice independently in Virginia?
Virginia is classified as a restricted practice state. Newly licensed nurse practitioners must practice under a written or electronic practice agreement with a physician. After meeting Virginia’s experience requirements, APRNs may apply for autonomous practice authority under state law. Because practice authority requirements can change, students should review the current Virginia Board of Nursing regulations before graduation and entering practice.