Best Virginia LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
Virginia’s programs prepare LPNs for expanded roles through advanced coursework and clinical rotations. Students build on prior knowledge and gain skills needed for RN licensure. Programs emphasize readiness for professional practice in healthcare settings.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Virginia
Eastern Mennonite University
Harrisonburg, VA - Private 4-year - emu.edu
Associate - LPN to BSN Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Eastern Mennonite University's LPN to BSN program offers a four-semester, campus-based pathway for licensed practical nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It includes 350 direct care clinical hours and awards 7 credits for prior LPN experience, covering areas like obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health, and medical-surgical nursing. Admission requires a current LPN license, a 2.8 GPA, and completion of prerequisite courses. As a bachelor's level program, it does not require the ACT or SAT entrance exam. The program is military-friendly and affiliated with the Mennonite Church, focusing on holistic healthcare preparation.
- Four-semester nursing program
- 350 direct care clinical hours
- 7 credits for prior LPN experience
- 2.8 minimum GPA requirement
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Multiple prerequisite courses needed
- Campus-based program
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Eastern Mennonite University provides an LPN to BSN program designed for working professionals, featuring a four-semester curriculum with 350 clinical hours and 7 portfolio credit hours for prior experience. It includes mentorship with faculty and comprehensive clinical training in pediatrics, mental health, and medical-surgical nursing. Admission necessitates a current LPN license, a 2.8 GPA, and prerequisite courses. This bachelor's level program does not require the ACT or SAT entrance exam. It is military-friendly and Mennonite-affiliated, emphasizing expanded nursing roles.
- 4-semester LPN to BSN pathway
- 350 direct care clinical hours
- 7 portfolio credit hours
- Mentorship with faculty
- Comprehensive clinical experiences
Mountain Empire Community College
Big Stone Gap, VA - Public 2-Year - mecc.edu
Associate - Nursing - Track 4: Part-Time Evening/Weekend Advanced Placement Option for LPN Transition
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mountain Empire Community College offers a part-time hybrid LPN to RN program designed for working professionals, with classes held evenings and weekends. This advanced placement option allows LPNs to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing in about two years, covering 56 credits. The curriculum integrates rigorous academics with clinical experiences, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Estimated costs range from $12,000 to $13,000, including tuition and materials. No entrance exam is required, as this is an associate-level program, and it features a competitive admission process with a focus on flexible learning.
- Part-time evening/weekend option
- Advanced placement for LPNs
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Hybrid learning format
- 56 total credit hours
- Clinical experience included
- Flexible progression pathway
- Accredited nursing program
- Competitive admission process
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Richmond, VA - Public 2-Year - reynolds.edu
Associate - Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Registered Nursing (RN)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College offers a hybrid LPN to RN Advanced Placement Option, a fast-tracked 3-semester program for licensed practical nurses. It features a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2023, flexible learning formats, and state-of-the-art simulation labs. With in-state tuition at approximately $176 per credit hour and strong financial aid support, over 91% of students graduate debt-free. The program is ACEN accredited and includes diverse clinical experiences, allowing for prior learning credits to expedite the transition to registered nursing.
- 3-semester advanced placement
- 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- 67 total credit hours
- Hybrid learning options
- $176 in-state tuition/credit
- Clinical experience varied settings
- State-of-art simulation lab
- Prior learning credits
- ACEN accredited program
Brightpoint Community College
Chester, VA - Public 2-Year - brightpoint.edu
Associate - Nursing, LPN to RN Bridge Specialization, AAS
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Brightpoint Community College's LPN to RN Bridge program is a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to become registered nurses. It features a hybrid learning model, blending online coursework with in-person clinical experiences to develop skills in patient care and clinical judgment. The program includes transfer options for further education and is eligible for G3 tuition assistance, offering a flexible and affordable path for career advancement without a specified concentration.
- Two-year AAS degree
- Hybrid learning format
- Clinical experience included
- Transfer options available
- G3 tuition assistance eligible
Rappahannock Community College
Glenns, VA - Public 2-Year - rappahannock.edu
Associate - LPN to ADN Advanced Placement
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rappahannock Community College's LPN to ADN Advanced Placement program provides licensed practical nurses with an efficient route to become registered nurses through a campus-based curriculum. It emphasizes NCLEX-RN exam readiness and leverages G3 tuition assistance for affordability, offering a focused educational experience without a specific concentration. This program is designed for seamless career progression in nursing, enhancing skills and opportunities in the healthcare field.
- LPN to ADN Advanced Placement
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- G3 tuition assistance available
- Campus-based program
- Pathway to registered nursing
Virginia LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
In Virginia, LPN to RN bridge admission typically requires:
- An active, unencumbered LPN license in Virginia or a multistate LPN license through the Nurse Licensure Compact with Virginia as the state of practice.
- Completion of college prerequisites with minimum grade requirements, commonly including Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology with lab, English composition, lifespan development or psychology, nutrition, and introductory math such as statistics or college algebra.
- Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers certification, proof of immunizations and physical exam clearance required by clinical partners, and ability to meet essential technical standards for clinical practice.
- Criminal background check and drug screen as required by clinical facilities, plus professional liability insurance as specified by the program.
- Placement or credit for prior LPN coursework through standardized transition exams or skills validation. Many Virginia programs give advanced standing to experienced LPNs, and some prefer six to twelve months of recent LPN employment.
- Program specific requirements such as a competitive GPA and a preadmission test such as TEAS or HESI, depending on the institution.
Graduates of Virginia Board of Nursing approved RN programs are eligible to apply for RN licensure and take the NCLEX RN. For current rules on education approval and licensure, see the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN bridge curricula in Virginia build on practical nursing experience and expand into the full RN scope. Expect coursework and clinical learning in:
- Nursing transitions and role development that award advanced placement for LPN competencies.
- Adult medical surgical nursing across acute and chronic conditions, including complex care and prioritization.
- Mental health, maternal newborn, and pediatric nursing with family centered and developmental care.
- Health assessment with emphasis on comprehensive, head to toe assessment and clinical reasoning.
- Pharmacology, pathophysiology, and safe medication management at the RN level.
- Gerontology, community and population health, leadership, and evidence based practice.
- High fidelity simulation and supervised clinical rotations in Virginia healthcare settings.
Virginia requires RN programs to be approved by the state Board of Nursing. Many programs also hold national accreditation from bodies such as ACEN or CCNE. State approval is necessary for eligibility for RN licensure in Virginia, while national accreditation can improve transferability of credits, employer recognition, graduate school options, and access to certain financial aid or military and federal positions.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Across Virginia, LPN to RN bridge options are offered by community colleges, public universities, and private colleges. Programs may lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing for eligibility to sit for the NCLEX RN or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those seeking a four year degree pathway with advanced standing for LPNs. Admission is competitive and regional availability varies.
Common courses include transition to professional nursing, advanced adult medical surgical nursing, family centered nursing across the lifespan, psychiatric mental health nursing, health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, nursing research or evidence based practice, leadership and management, community health, and a capstone or preceptorship. Clinical experiences take place in hospitals, long term care, community clinics, and other settings, with simulation used to reinforce skills and judgment.
Career Outlook
Registered Nurses in Virginia work in hospitals, ambulatory care, long term care, home health and hospice, public health, schools, corrections, and federal facilities. Schedules vary by setting, with options that include 12 hour shifts in acute care and more traditional daytime hours in ambulatory or community settings.
Demand for RNs remains steady statewide due to population growth, aging patients, chronic disease management, and workforce turnover. Urban markets in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, and Charlottesville offer diverse specialty roles, while rural regions may provide broad generalist opportunities and tuition assistance through employers.
Compared with LPNs, RNs in Virginia have a broader scope of practice that includes comprehensive assessment, independent nursing diagnosis, development of nursing plans of care, greater responsibility for patient education, and leadership and delegation. This expanded scope often leads to higher earnings potential and more pathways into specialties, advanced certifications, and future graduate education. LPNs who become RNs typically gain access to more settings, including many hospital units and case management roles.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full time bridge, commonly three to four academic terms after prerequisites for the ADN route, often 12 to 18 months of nursing coursework.
- Part time bridge, designed for working LPNs with lighter course loads, often 18 to 30 months after prerequisites depending on clinical sequencing.
- Evening and weekend formats, offered by selected Virginia institutions, typically extend timelines similar to part time programs to accommodate clinical scheduling.
- LPN to BSN pathways, for students seeking the bachelor’s degree, generally two to three years of upper division nursing after prerequisites and accepted transfer credits.
Exact duration depends on prerequisite completion, advanced standing awarded, term availability of clinical courses, and whether summer terms are used.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Virginia
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Gateway Community College |
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| Virginia Western Community College |
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| Southwest Virginia Community College |
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Tuition and Costs
Tuition varies by institution type and residency:
- Public community college LPN to ADN bridges are often the most affordable in state options, with total in state tuition commonly in the low five figures depending on credits remaining after transfer and prerequisites.
- Public university LPN to BSN pathways cost more than community colleges but may be competitive for in state residents, especially when substantial transfer credit reduces total credit hours needed.
- Private institutions typically have higher tuition, though employer tuition assistance and scholarships may offset costs.
Additional expenses include textbooks and electronic resources, uniforms, shoes, watch and stethoscope, clinical on boarding costs such as immunizations, background checks and drug screens, liability insurance, health insurance if required by clinical partners, transportation and parking, and application and testing fees for RN licensure and the NCLEX RN. Housing and living costs vary widely across Virginia, with higher expenses common in Northern Virginia and other metropolitan areas. Sharing housing, using campus affiliated housing when available, and planning for commuting to clinical sites can help manage costs.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Virginia
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College |
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| Rappahannock Community College |
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| Brightpoint Community College |
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
In Virginia, many LPN to RN programs offer didactic coursework online or in hybrid formats to support working LPNs, while labs and clinical rotations are completed in person at approved facilities. Simulation labs are used to supplement, not replace, direct patient care experiences.
Any RN program delivering education to Virginia residents or placing students in Virginia clinical sites must be authorized and meet state approval requirements. Prospective students should verify that a program is approved and leads to RN licensure eligibility in Virginia through the Virginia Board of Nursing.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Virginia
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
After completing an approved ADN or BSN bridge program, LPN-to-RN graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse in Virginia. You apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing for licensure by examination and, once made eligible, register for the NCLEX through the official NCLEX site. Exam policies, candidate rules, accommodations, and test security information are available on the NCLEX site at NCLEX.
Virginia-specific steps generally include submitting your application to the Board, completing a criminal background check with fingerprints, arranging for your official nursing school transcript showing degree conferral to be sent to the Board, and registering for the NCLEX. The Board receives your official results directly from the testing program and will issue your RN license if all requirements are met.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
After completing an approved ADN or BSN bridge program, LPN-to-RN graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse in Virginia. You apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing for licensure by examination and, once made eligible, register for the NCLEX through the official NCLEX site. Exam policies, candidate rules, accommodations, and test security information are available on the NCLEX site at NCLEX.
Virginia-specific steps generally include submitting your application to the Board, completing a criminal background check with fingerprints, arranging for your official nursing school transcript showing degree conferral to be sent to the Board, and registering for the NCLEX. The Board receives your official results directly from the testing program and will issue your RN license if all requirements are met.
Licensure Requirements
The Virginia Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure and nursing education programs in the Commonwealth. Key requirements for initial RN licensure by examination include:
- Completion of an approved RN program such as an LPN-to-ADN or LPN-to-BSN bridge that meets Virginia standards
- Application for licensure by examination with required fees
- Criminal background check with fingerprints as directed by the Board
- Official transcript sent directly from the nursing program showing degree awarded
- Registration for and passage of the NCLEX-RN
For licensure by endorsement, applicants must hold an active RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction, have passed the NCLEX-RN, complete a criminal background check with fingerprints, and provide verification of licensure and education as required by the Board.
License Renewal
Virginia RN licenses are renewed every two years, typically by the last day of your birth month. To renew, you must meet the Board’s continued competency requirement during each two-year renewal cycle. You may satisfy this by completing one of several options, including:
- 30 contact hours of Board-accepted continuing education
- 15 contact hours of continuing education plus 640 hours of active nursing practice
- Current national nursing specialty certification
- 3 semester hours of post-licensure academic coursework related to nursing
- A Board-approved refresher or reentry course
- Academic teaching or authoring a nursing-related publication as specified by the Board
Keep documentation of your chosen option for the renewal cycle, as the Board may audit compliance. Start renewal activities well before your expiration date to prevent a lapse in licensure. Clinical practice hours are not required unless you choose the 15 hours plus 640 hours practice option above.
Average LPN State Salary in Virginia
$63,380
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 12 to 24 months. Many programs can be completed in about three semesters.
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Concentrates on foundational, entry-level nursing knowledge and the essential clinical skills required for direct patient care in various healthcare settings.
Average In-State Tuition in Virginia:
The average annual cost for an ADN program in Virginia is approximately $12,300. Tuition at Virginia's community colleges, where these programs are commonly offered, generally ranges from about $4,000 to $6,000 per year.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest and most affordable route to becoming a Registered Nurse, allowing for a faster entry into the RN workforce.
School Types:
Primarily offered at community colleges throughout Virginia.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Generally 2 to 3 years of full-time study, which is shorter than a traditional four-year BSN due to credit for prior LPN education and experience.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Provides a more comprehensive education that includes leadership, management, research, and public health, in addition to advanced clinical skills.
Average In-State Tuition in Virginia:
The average cost for a BSN program in Virginia is around $30,884 per year. However, costs can vary significantly between public and private universities. For example, the annual in-state tuition at a public university like the University of Virginia is approximately $20,918.
Best For:
LPNs aiming for broader career opportunities, including leadership roles, specialized fields, and a direct path to graduate studies.
School Types:
Offered at four-year colleges and universities, including both public and private institutions.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Role: These programs offer the quickest route to becoming eligible for the NCLEX-RN and working as a Registered Nurse.
- Lower Cost: The overall tuition for an LPN to ADN program is significantly less than that of a BSN program, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Foundation for Further Education: An ADN serves as a solid foundation for later pursuing a BSN through an RN to BSN bridge program, allowing individuals to work as an RN while continuing their education.
- Accessibility: LPN to ADN programs are widely available at community colleges across Virginia, providing convenient local options for many students.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Expanded Career Opportunities: A BSN is often preferred or required for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles. Many healthcare employers in Virginia are now expressing a preference for BSN-prepared nurses.
- Higher Earning Potential: Nurses with a BSN degree typically have a higher earning potential over the course of their careers.
- Deeper Knowledge Base: The curriculum is broader, covering topics like nursing research, public health, and healthcare policy, which prepares graduates for a wider range of responsibilities.
- Direct Path to Advanced Degrees: A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree in nursing.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Virginia
Abingdon, VA
Virginia Highlands Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition Day Program
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to RN career transition
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Associate of Applied Science
- G3 scholarship eligible
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Day program format
- Accredited nursing program
Alberta, VA
Southside Virginia Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge
Campus Based - Website
- Approved by Virginia Board of Nursing
- Accredited by ACEN
- Multiple campus locations
- Comprehensive academic support
- Simulation lab training
- High NCLEX pass rates
- Flexible learning environment
Annandale, VA
Northern Virginia Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Pathway
Campus Based - Website
- Three-semester nursing pathway
- Located at Medical Education Campus
- State-of-the-art simulation lab
- VBON and ACEN accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Full-time program structure
- Dedicated nursing laboratory
Big Stone Gap, VA
Mountain Empire Community College
- Associate - Nursing - Track 4: Part-Time Evening/Weekend Advanced Placement Option for LPN Transition
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time evening/weekend option
- Advanced placement for LPNs
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Hybrid learning format
- 56 total credit hours
- Clinical experience included
- Flexible progression pathway
- Accredited nursing program
Cedar Bluff, VA
Southwest Virginia Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month accelerated program
- State board approved nursing track
- Clinical experience included
- ACEN accredited program
- Multiple healthcare career paths
Chester, VA
Brightpoint Community College
- Associate - Nursing, LPN to RN Bridge Specialization, AAS
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two-year AAS degree
- Hybrid learning format
- Clinical experience included
- Transfer options available
- G3 tuition assistance eligible
Clifton Forge, VA
Mountain Gateway Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition Pathway
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to RN pathway
- 12 credits prior learning
- NCLEX-RN eligibility
- Three nursing semesters
- Virginia Board of Nursing approved
Dublin, VA
New River Community College
- Associate - LPN-to-Associate Degree Nursing Advanced Placement
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to RN pathway
- Concept-based curriculum
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- Advanced placement option
- Campus-based program
Glenns, VA
Rappahannock Community College
- Associate - LPN to ADN Advanced Placement
Campus Based - Website
- LPN to ADN Advanced Placement
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- G3 tuition assistance available
- Campus-based program
- Pathway to registered nursing
Harrisonburg, VA
Eastern Mennonite University
- Associate - LPN to BSN Program
Campus Based - Website
- Four-semester nursing program
- 350 direct care clinical hours
- 7 credits for prior LPN experience
- 2.8 minimum GPA requirement
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Multiple prerequisite courses needed
- Campus-based program
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Program
Campus Based - Website
- 4-semester LPN to BSN pathway
- 350 direct care clinical hours
- 7 portfolio credit hours
- Mentorship with faculty
- Comprehensive clinical experiences
Locust Grove, VA
Germanna Community College
- Associate - LPN-RN for Advanced Standing
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year LPN to RN pathway
- Located at Locust Grove Campus
- High-fidelity simulation training
- Requires current LPN license
- Competitive GPA requirement 2.5
- Prerequisites include science courses
- TEAS and HESI exam required
Martinsville, VA
Patrick & Henry Community College
- Associate - LPN to ADN Advanced Placement
Campus Based - Website
- Full state nursing board approval
- ACEN accredited program
- Advanced placement for LPNs
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Comprehensive pre-admission testing
- Requires current LPN license
- Located in Martinsville, VA
Norfolk, VA
Tidewater Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN role transition
Campus Based - Website
- Nationally accredited nursing program
- 4 semester Associate degree
- 64 total credit hours
- Small class sizes
- Advanced simulation labs
- LPN to RN transition available
- Portsmouth campus location
- Prepares for NCLEX exam
Richmond, VA
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
- Associate - Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Registered Nursing (RN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-semester advanced placement
- 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- 67 total credit hours
- Hybrid learning options
- $176 in-state tuition/credit
- Clinical experience varied settings
- State-of-art simulation lab
- Prior learning credits
Roanoke, VA
Virginia Western Community College
- Associate - LPN to Nursing (AAS) Bridge Program
Campus Based - Website
- Advanced Placement for LPNs
- Complete AAS in 2.5 semesters
- Bridges LPN to RN knowledge
- Summer bridge courses available
- Sophomore level entry possible