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.
2027 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 offers a four-semester LPN to BSN program built to help licensed practical nurses transition confidently into registered nursing roles. Two dedicated bridge courses open the curriculum, addressing care planning, research-based practice, and patient education, before advancing into complex care management and family and community health. Clinical training spans obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health, and medical-surgical settings, totaling 350 direct care hours. Prerequisites—including anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, statistics, developmental psychology, and sociology—must be completed with a C or higher. LPNs receive 7 portfolio credit hours recognizing prior learning. Faculty mentors provide personalized guidance throughout. Graduates sit for the NCLEX-RN.
- 4-Semester program
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- 350 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Faculty mentors guide LPNs
- Bridge courses for RN transition
- 7 credit hours of portfolio credit
- Clinicals in Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Mental Health
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Designed exclusively for working LPNs, Eastern Mennonite University's LPN to BSN program admits students each fall and spring, offering flexible entry points across its four-semester structure. The program opens with two bridge courses focused on research-based practice, patient education, and care planning, progressing into coursework on complex and community-centered care. Students accumulate 350 clinical hours across obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health, and medical-surgical environments. A 2.8 GPA minimum and a valid LPN license are required for admission. Notably, LPNs are awarded 7 portfolio credits for prior nursing education, accelerating the path to degree completion. Graduates are fully prepared to attempt the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
- 4-Semester program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- 350 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Bridge courses for RN role transition
- Faculty mentors guide LPNs
- Portfolio credit for LPN education
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 pathway offers licensed practical nurses a streamlined route to earning an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. Rather than starting from scratch, LPNs enter with credit for prior learning and progress through a curriculum that deepens clinical competencies across hospital, community, and long-term care settings. The program culminates in eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Notably, Virginia's G3 (Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back) tuition assistance program may significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs, making RN advancement financially attainable for working nurses seeking to broaden their scope of practice and career opportunities.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Tuition assistance via G3 program
- LPN to ADN advanced placement option
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 offers an LPN to RN Bridge Specialization leading to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS). This two-year program is tailored for licensed practical nurses seeking to become registered nurses, with a curriculum centered on patient-centered care, nursing judgment, safety, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students gain practical experience through clinical placements in diverse healthcare settings. The program is delivered in both hybrid and fully in-person formats to accommodate working professionals. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue entry-level RN positions. The program holds accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing and meets Virginia Board of Nursing requirements. Eligible students can receive G3 tuition assistance, and transfer pathways to BSN programs are available. Applicants must take the TEAS entrance exam.
- Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2-Year program
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
- Clinical and field experience included
- Prepares for nursing career
- Patient-centered care focus
- Collaborate with medical team
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's ACEN-accredited LPN-to-RN Bridge program offers a focused three-semester hybrid pathway for working practical nurses ready to advance their credentials. Spanning 67 total credit hours, the curriculum covers healthcare concepts across the lifespan and concludes with a required nursing capstone experience. Simulation-based training is woven into every semester through a state-of-the-art lab, while clinical placements across diverse healthcare settings reinforce real-world competency. Prospective students should note that the TEAS entrance exam is required for admission. The program boasts an impressive 94% NCLEX-RN licensure pass rate in 2025, and over 91% of graduates complete the program debt-free thanks to available financial aid and scholarships.
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 1-Year program
- 67 total credit hours
- 94% licensure pass rate
- Capstone required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Virginia Western Community College
Roanoke, VA - Public 2-Year - virginiawestern.edu
Associate - LPN to Nursing (AAS) Bridge Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Virginia Western Community College's LPN to RN Bridge Program offers licensed practical nurses an accelerated pathway to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. Rather than completing a traditional two-year program, LPNs receive advanced placement credit for existing competencies, finishing in just two and a half semesters. The program kicks off with a required summer bridge term, followed by focused coursework covering advanced nursing theory, patient care, and clinical practice aligned with registered nursing standards. Graduates are NCLEX-RN eligible and prepared for roles across hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. Virginia's G3 program funding may help offset tuition costs for qualifying students.
- 1-Year program
- Complete in two and one-half semester period
- Starts summer
- Prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid available
- Advanced placement for LPNs
- Bridge between LPN and RN knowledge
- Summer bridge courses required
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.
2027 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Virginia
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Mennonite University |
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| Brightpoint Community College |
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| J Sargeant Reynolds 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.
2027 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Virginia
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Highlands Community College |
|
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| Virginia Western Community College |
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| Rappahannock 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
- Virginia Board of Nursing, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Apply by 2026-03-15
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Alberta, VA
Southside Virginia Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Bridge
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Financial aid available
- Mandatory nursing information session
- Bridge program starts May 2027
- Weekend program option available
Annandale, VA
Northern Virginia Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Pathway
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN, Virginia Board of Nursing accredited
- Apply by 2026-06-01
- Starts fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Credit for prior learning accepted
- Active LPN license required
- State-of-the-art simulation lab
Chester, VA
Brightpoint Community College
- Associate - Nursing, LPN to RN Bridge Specialization, AAS
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2-Year program
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
- Clinical and field experience included
- Prepares for nursing career
Clifton Forge, VA
Mountain Gateway Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition Pathway
Campus Based - Website
- Virginia Board of Nursing, ACEN accredited
- 67 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- 12 credits for prior LPN licensure
- Three nursing semesters
- Separate application required
- Conditional approval by VA Board of Nursing
- ACEN continuing accreditation
Dublin, VA
New River Community College
- Associate - LPN-to-Associate Degree Nursing Advanced Placement
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Advanced placement for LPNs
- Earn associate degree in nursing
- Prepare for NCLEX-RN
- Application deadline November 1
- TEAS exam required for admission
Glenns, VA
Rappahannock Community College
- Associate - LPN to ADN Advanced Placement
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Tuition assistance via G3 program
- LPN to ADN advanced placement option
Harrisonburg, VA
Eastern Mennonite University
- Associate - LPN to BSN Program
Campus Based - Website
- 4-Semester program
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- 350 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Faculty mentors guide LPNs
- Bridge courses for RN transition
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Program
Campus Based - Website
- 4-Semester program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- 350 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Bridge courses for RN role transition
Martinsville, VA
Patrick & Henry Community College
- Associate - LPN to ADN Advanced Placement
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- LPN must hold current Virginia license
- Mandatory nursing advisor meeting
- Limited seat availability
Norfolk, VA
Tidewater Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN role transition
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- Starts spring/fall
- 386 clinical hours
- LPN to RN role transition path
- Prior learning credit accepted
- Small class sizes
- Simulation labs
- Spring and fall admission cycles
Richmond, VA
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
- Associate - Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Registered Nursing (RN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 1-Year program
- 67 total credit hours
- 94% licensure pass rate
- Capstone required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Roanoke, VA
Virginia Western Community College
- Associate - LPN to Nursing (AAS) Bridge Program
Campus Based - Website
- 1-Year program
- Complete in two and one-half semester period
- Starts summer
- Prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid available
- Advanced placement for LPNs
- Bridge between LPN and RN knowledge
- Summer bridge courses required
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