ACNP Programs in Virginia (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
As a graduate of one of the many fine ACNP programs in Virginia, you'll have a multitude of employment options at your fingertips! You'll have the knowledge base and the skills to work in intensive care units, emergency departments, surgical units, specialty ICUs, and long-term care facilities in urban and rural areas across the state. Jobs in this specialty area are projected to rise by 56 percent within the next 10 years. Annual salaries for acute care NPs in the Old Dominion State average $123,810. Learn more by reading through our list of the best ACNP programs in Virginia.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN VIRGINIA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Virginia.)
1. University of Virginia - Charlottesville
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Professional Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care CNS + NP
Post-Professional Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care
The University of Virginia offers options for some of the best BSN-to-DNP, primarily online ACNP programs in Virginia. At UVA, you can choose one of two Adult Gerontology Acute Care pathways: AGAC Nurse Practitioner or Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist + AGACNP, or you can pursue the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program.
The program is considered a hybrid learning model, with most didactic coursework completed online and in-person classes approximately once each month.
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program features a 62-credit pathway. The Pediatric ACNP program requires the completion of 63 credits.
The dual Adult Gerontology Acute Care CNS + Nurse Practitioner program is a specialty track designed for full-time military students only. This program combines all requirements of the AGCNS and AGACNP tracks with DNP coursework. A total of 95 credits is required for this pathway. Your study plan will include 29 core courses and 33 credits for each specialty track.
Each BSN-to-DNP pathway includes core courses, such as Culturally Sensitive Care & Population Health, Health Policy, Economics & Finance, and Evidence-Based Practice. You will then take specialty track concentration and elective courses to complete the curriculum requirements. Further, all DNP students complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. At least 750 of your practicum hours will be in direct patient care.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: to be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or NLN-accredited nursing school and have an active, unrestricted nursing license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or an NLC state. You are required to complete an online application and submit a resume or curriculum vitae and official transcripts with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Candidates with a BSN grade point average of 3.25 or higher, an active membership in a national nursing organization, a clinical certification, excellent writing skills, and leadership skills are most competitive. Some applicants are required to participate in an interview with program faculty before receiving a final offer of admission.
Post-Professional Certificate Program Details: If you are an advanced practice nurse seeking post-professional certification in Adult Gerontology or Pediatric Acute Care, the Post-Professional Certificate program at the University of Virginia is an excellent option. Admission for both ACNP Post-Professional Certificate pathways occurs each fall. The programs are designed with a full-time schedule and completed in two years. The program is offered in an executive hybrid format designed with working nurses in mind. You will come to campus approximately once each month to participate in hands-on learning and simulations.
Each student undergoes a GAP analysis upon admission to review previous academic records and facilitate the development of an individualized plan of study. Students complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours to satisfy national certification requirements. All clinical activities are facilitated by the University of Virginia School of Nursing faculty in collaboration with students.
Post-Professional Certificate Admission Requirements: Admission to the Post-Professional Certificate program requires having a graduate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing school (ACEN or CCNE), an active, unencumbered license to practice as an RN in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a Nurse Licensure Compact State and possess a state license and certification to practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at the program's start.
You are required to submit a completed application, a CV or resume, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. An admission interview with program faculty may be required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Clinical practicums are an essential part of any quality nursing program. Nurses in the ACNP programs at the University of Virginia have opportunities to earn clinical hours with experienced preceptors at various sites, including Children's Hospital (a.k.a. CNMC), KidMed Urgent Care, Sentara Obici Hospital, Revolution Healthcare, LLC, Inova Health System, and Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital.• If you are a new BSN graduate ready to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice, the University of Virginia is an awesome choice. Because no previous clinical experience is required, you can apply to and enroll in the program right after earning your BSN degree.
• Your success is a main priority at the University of Virginia. The School of Nursing helps promote your academic and professional success by partnering you with academic and faculty advisors, preceptors, and mentors who have the knowledge, abilities, and skills needed to guide you throughout the program. From the time you are admitted until you graduate and pass the national certification exam, you will have ongoing support from faculty and staff.
• The ACNP programs at the University of Virginia are led by faculty members who are experts in the field as clinicians, educators, and researchers. Each faculty member brings experiences enriched by collaboration across disciplines at the university, including medicine, contemplative sciences, mindfulness, ethics, and religion. As a student in the program, you will learn the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and its impact on patient, personal, and organizational outcomes.
• Graduates of the ACNP programs at the University of Virginia have excellent success rates. The school reports exceptionally high pass rates among first-time testers on national certification exams. This is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a program, as board certification is required to practice as an ACNP legally.
2. Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Professional Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Professional Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The BSN-to-DNP Adult Gerontology ACNP program features a 65-credit curriculum. You will take classes, including Managing Complex Co-Morbid Conditions in the Adult Gerontology Population, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Considerations for the Nurse Practitioner, Managing Physiologically Unstable Patients, and Complex Clinical Decision Making in Acute and Critical Care. A total of 1,390 practicum hours is included in the curriculum. A minimum of 750 clinical hours must involve direct patient care. Indirect clinical hours are earned through the creation, implementation, and dissemination of the DNP Scholarly Project.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must have a minimum baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by the ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA and hold a current, unrestricted Virginia or Multi-State Registered Nurse license. Applicants are required to submit letters of recommendation, a Statement of Intent, a resume or CV, and transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required. A personal interview with program faculty may be required.
Post-Professional Certificate Program Details: At Virginia Commonwealth University, you can leverage your experience and previous nursing education to earn a Post-Professional Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care. This program is another excellent option for RNs searching for an ACNP program in Virginia. The program will prepare you to incorporate new knowledge and skills to care for patients from adolescence to geriatrics with acute and chronic illnesses.
The program is a two-year, part-time pathway featuring a hybrid learning format. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and new classes are admitted each spring semester.
The Adult Gerontology ACNP Post-Professional Certificate requires a minimum of 21 graduate credit hours. A GAP analysis is required to develop a personalized study plan. Students who have not completed the courses Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, Pharmacotherapeutics, and Advanced Practice Nursing Roles will have these courses added to their study plan. The curriculum includes 600 clinical hours.
Post-Professional Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Professional Certificate program, you must have earned a master's or doctoral degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited nursing program and have a current Virginia or Multi-State RN license. You must meet the general admission requirements for the VCU Graduate School, including submitting a curriculum vitae or resume, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation, along with official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing takes pride in having a long history of service in nursing education. The School of Nursing was established within the University College of Medicine in 1893. Since that time, the educational programs the S.O.N. offers have evolved to include multiple undergraduate, graduate, and post-professional pathways.• Finding a nursing school with a reputation for offering high-quality instruction and producing well-prepared graduates is crucial for your success. As a nurse educator, I encourage you to look for schools that not only have a long history of nursing education but are also ranked highly by reputable sources. For instance, the Virginia Commonwealth University is ranked in the Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice category of U.S. News & World Report.
• Another key factor to consider when choosing an ACNP program in Virginia is whether students are satisfied with the school/program. For example, according to GradReports, 95% of students who earned their degree at Virginia Commonwealth University reported that their career prospects improved. Also, 96% of students said they would recommend the school to others. This percentage is based on reviews of 254 students.
• Virginia Commonwealth University reports that, according to post-graduation surveys, students who complete the ACNP programs have outstanding job placement rates, with many receiving employment offers before graduation. The high job placement rate indicates employer satisfaction with the program and the quality of education provided to students, making graduates sought after.
• If you want to earn a doctorate in nursing or a post-professional certificate, finding resources to pay for your education is likely a priority. When I worked in student recruitment and retention, many prospective students said affordability was one of their major concerns when deciding whether to return to school. At Virginia Commonwealth University, there are several avenues of financial assistance available, which could make reaching your academic and professional goals easier. Financial assistance is available through assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships administered by the School of Nursing.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN VIRGINIA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN VIRGINIA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $43.79 |
| Weekly | $1,752 |
| Monthly | $7,590 |
| Annual | $91,090 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN VIRGINIA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $43.79 | $1,752 | $7,590 | $91,090 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $49.55 | $1,982 | $8,590 | $103,060 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $58.49 | $2,340 | $10,140 | $121,660 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $65.14 | $2,606 | $11,290 | $135,490 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $77.84 | $3,114 | $13,490 | $161,910 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN VIRGINIA?
| Hourly | $59.52 |
| Weekly | $2,381 |
| Monthly | $10,320 |
| Annual | $123,810 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF VIRGINIA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | $57.77 | $2,311 | $10,010 | $120,160 |
| Charlottesville | $62.88 | $2,515 | $10,900 | $130,790 |
| Harrisonburg | $56.38 | $2,255 | $9,770 | $117,260 |
| Lynchburg | $56.03 | $2,241 | $9,710 | $116,550 |
| Richmond | $62.00 | $2,480 | $10,750 | $128,970 |
| Roanoke | $56.00 | $2,240 | $9,710 | $116,480 |
| Staunton-Waynesboro | $61.26 | $2,451 | $10,620 | $127,430 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News | $58.23 | $2,329 | $10,090 | $121,110 |
| Winchester | $57.19 | $2,288 | $9,910 | $118,950 |
ACNP SALARY IN VIRGINIA VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN VIRGINIA VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Virginia ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $123,810 | $131,620 | -$7,810 | -5.93% |
ACNP SALARY IN VIRGINIA VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$41,670 | -25.18% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$28,480 | -18.70% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$25,130 | -16.87% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$24,750 | -16.66% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$24,670 | -16.62% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$23,710 | -16.07% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$22,500 | -15.38% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$16,510 | -11.77% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$16,290 | -11.63% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | -$14,490 | -10.48% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | -$14,320 | -10.37% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | -$12,900 | -9.44% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | -$12,030 | -8.86% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | -$11,980 | -8.82% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | -$10,490 | -7.81% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | -$10,200 | -7.61% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | -$10,110 | -7.55% |
| Texas | $133,180 | -$9,370 | -7.04% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | -$7,650 | -5.82% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | -$7,300 | -5.57% |
| Utah | $130,930 | -$7,120 | -5.44% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | -$7,060 | -5.39% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | -$6,740 | -5.16% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | -$6,180 | -4.75% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | -$5,430 | -4.20% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | -$5,360 | -4.15% |
| Montana | $127,680 | -$3,870 | -3.03% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | -$3,770 | -2.96% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | -$3,550 | -2.79% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | -$2,760 | -2.18% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | -$2,510 | -1.99% |
| Maine | $125,930 | -$2,120 | -1.68% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | -$2,050 | -1.63% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | -$1,150 | -0.92% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | -$830 | -0.67% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | -$740 | -0.59% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | -$290 | -0.23% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | -$120 | -0.10% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$190 | +0.15% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$1,180 | +0.96% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$1,630 | +1.33% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$2,250 | +1.85% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$3,460 | +2.87% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$4,020 | +3.36% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$4,290 | +3.59% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$7,600 | +6.54% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$7,640 | +6.58% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$10,750 | +9.51% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$11,110 | +9.86% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$17,560 | +16.53% |
ACNP SALARY IN VIRGINIA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN VIRGINIA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $232,250 | -$108,440 | -46.69% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $123,810 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $118,750 | +$5,060 | +4.26% |
| Registered Nurse | $88,350 | +$35,460 | +40.14% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $79,950 | +$43,860 | +54.86% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $57,810 | +$66,000 | +114.17% |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,440 | +$86,370 | +230.69% |
ACNP SALARY IN VIRGINIA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN VIRGINIA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $187,950 | -$64,140 | -34.13% |
| Pharmacist | $138,390 | -$14,580 | -10.54% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $123,810 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $120,010 | +$3,800 | +3.17% |
| Veterinarian | $118,940 | +$4,870 | +4.09% |
| Occupational Therapist | $102,550 | +$21,260 | +20.73% |
| Physical Therapist | $99,850 | +$23,960 | +24.00% |
| Radiation Therapist | $99,710 | +$24,100 | +24.17% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $95,640 | +$28,170 | +29.45% |
| Dental Hygienist | $91,800 | +$32,010 | +34.87% |
| Audiologist | $78,970 | +$44,840 | +56.78% |
| Chiropractor | $75,570 | +$48,240 | +63.83% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Virginia?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Virginia?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Virginia?
| $59.52 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Virginia?
| $2,381 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Virginia?
| $10,320 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Virginia?
| $123,810 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Virginia?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +55.65% |
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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