2 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Virginia – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Just because you don’t have a BSN doesn’t mean you can’t earn a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree in Virginia. RN-to-MSN programs in Virginia help ADN-educated nurses like you raise their earning potential and qualify for high-demand clinical nursing, administrative nursing, and nursing education jobs. Quite a few of these programs are offered as hybrid or online options, which makes it easy to fit study around existing obligations. On average, graduates of RN-to-MSN programs in the Old Dominion State earn $112,400 annually. The list below of the 2 best RN-to-MSN programs in Virginia for 2025 can help you begin evaluating your options.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RN-TO-MSN PROGRAMS IN VIRGINIA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
(Based on our
ranking methodology, the following are the 2 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Virginia (Online & Campus).)
1. University of Virginia - Charlottesville
Specialties Offered: Clinical Nurse Leader
Program Details: If you are searching for one of the best RN-to-MSN programs in Virginia, then the University of Virginia is an excellent place to start. The school seamlessly allows an RN to transition into an advanced practice nursing career as a clinical nurse leader. The program is grounded in interprofessional collaboration, positioning graduates for healthcare leadership in a variety of interdisciplinary healthcare environments.
The program is a fast-track coursework that builds on your RN education and experience. The program is part-time, allowing RNs to continue working while pursuing their advanced practice nursing education. If you enter the program after completing your BSN, you’ll require completing a 35-credit coursework, whereas students after an ADN must earn 43 credits.
The post-ADN coursework requires completing courses in pathophysiology, health policy, advanced pathophysiology, research & evidence-based practice, nursing ethics, epidemiology, and care environment management. On the other hand, students entering after a BSN will directly start with graduate-level courses.
The program also includes clinical experiences in the final semester. Students practice clinical nurse leadership skills at the UVA Medical Center, besides local hospitals and other global sites.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for University of Virginia RN-to-MSN program, you must either complete a BSN or an ADN program with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program also requires applicants to have completed a college-level course in statistics. The RN-to-MSN program in Virginia also requires the submission of three recommendation letters, a resume, and two complete essays. Also, a copy of your valid and unencumbered RN license in the U.S. is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Virginia RN-to-MSN Students
• University of Virginia not only ranks among the best MSN programs in the nation but also ranks for offering one of the best CNL programs in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• The University of Virginia offers generous financial aid to its RN to MSN-CNL students, having more than 90% of them receiving some sort of funding assistance.
• The University of Virginia RN-to-MSN students excel on the CNL certification exam, having more than 90% of students pass the exam on the first attempt.
• The University of Virginia CNL program is one of the affordable options in Virginia for RNs keen on entering the nursing leadership workforce. Besides, RNs who are working in partner hospitals may be eligible for a tuition discount.
• University of Virginia RN-to-MSN students are provided with global learning opportunities at partner clinical sites in other countries.
Specialties Offered: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Administrator, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Details: James Madison University offers registered nurses in the Old Dominion State six career paths to advance their nursing careers. The school offers one of the two RN-to-MSN programs in Virginia that lead to a career either as a CNL, nurse administrator, family health NP, adult gerontology NP, nurse-midwife, or psychiatric mental health NP.
Regardless of the specialization you choose, you can complete this program part-time or full-time. While the full-time plan takes two years to complete, the part-time schedule spans three years.
The Clinical Nurse Leadership track comprises 38 credits, whereas the nurse administration specialization requires you to complete 32 credits. On the other hand, if you choose either the FNP, nurse midwifery, adult-gerontology primary care, or psychiatric mental health concentration, you’ll require completing 49 to 51 credits.
Some of the common core courses that all RN to MSN must finish include advanced concepts in health assessment, pathophysiology, organizational behavior, health care policy, educational methods, and nursing leadership. Upon completion of this RN-to-MSN program in Virginia, you will earn an MSN and gain the eligibility to take the certification exam within your chosen specialization.
Admission Requirements: James Madison University RN-to-MSN program follows a holistic admission process, reviewing all aspects of your application. To qualify for admission, you must submit your personal statement, a resume, two professional recommendations, and all your official transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential James Madison University RN-to-MSN Students
• James Madison University RN-to-MSN students are provided ample practice at its state-of-art simulation lab before transitioning to real-world clinical training.
• James Madison University RN-to-MSN students gain an overall engaging learning experience. Students participate in service learning projects, both at local sites and selected sites in other countries.
• James Madison University RN-to-MSN students not only boast an excellent pass rate on the national certification exams but graduates also report a promising placement rate.
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