Top Nursing Schools in Virginia
This page lists 67 schools in Virginia that reported awards in licensed nursing education to the U.S. Department of Education for 2023-24 — including 28 practical/vocational nursing (LPN/LVN), 32 associate degree (ADN), 34 bachelor's (BSN), 18 master's and 5 Doctor of Nursing Practice award levels. By ownership, 35 public, 20 private nonprofit and 12 private for-profit. 48 appear in the CCNE or ACEN accreditor directories for at least one nursing program level. The largest concentrations are in Richmond (6), Virginia Beach (5), Lynchburg (4) and Norfolk (4).
Data last reviewed: October 6, 2026
Sources: IPEDS (U.S. Dept. of Education) / CCNE directory / ACEN directory
Listing does not certify educational quality or guarantee licensure eligibility. Verify details with the school before applying.
Listed alphabetically. Inclusion is editorial selection, not a ranking — see our methodology. How schools are selected
Schools (67)
| School | Location | Ownership | Nursing awards / programs | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American National University | Salem, VA | Private for-profit | BSN | — |
| Averett University | Danville, VA | Private nonprofit | BSN, MSN-FNP | CCNE |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Weyers Cave, VA | Public | LPN/LVN, RN Diploma, ADN | ACEN |
| Bluefield University | Bluefield, VA | Private nonprofit | BSN, MSN-FNP | CCNE |
| Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing | Richmond, VA | Private nonprofit | BSN | CCNE |
| Brightpoint Community College | Chester, VA | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | ACEN |
| Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach, VA | Private nonprofit | LPN/LVN, ADN | ACEN |
| Centra College | Lynchburg, VA | Private nonprofit | LPN/LVN, ADN, BSN | — |
| Central Virginia Community College | Lynchburg, VA | Public | RN Diploma | — |
| Chamberlain University-Virginia | Vienna, VA | Private for-profit | BSN | — |
| Danville Community College | Danville, VA | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | ACEN |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Harrisonburg, VA | Private nonprofit | BSN, MSN-Leadership, Grad Cert, DNP | CCNE |
| Eastern Shore Community College | Melfa, VA | Public | LPN/LVN | — |
| Eastern Virginia Career College | Fredericksburg, VA | Private for-profit | LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| ECPI University | Virginia Beach, VA | Private for-profit | LPN/LVN, ADN, BSN, MSN, MSN-FNP | CCNE |
| Emory & Henry University | Emory, VA | Private nonprofit | BSN | CCNE |
| Ferrum College | Ferrum, VA | Private nonprofit | BSN | ACEN |
| Fortis College-Norfolk | Norfolk, VA | Private for-profit | LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| Fortis College-Richmond | Richmond, VA | Private for-profit | LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| Galen Health Institutes-Richmond | Richmond, VA | Private for-profit | ADN | — |
Before you apply in Virginia
- Prelicensure nursing programs must be approved by the state's board of nursing. Check the board's current list for the campus you will attend.
- Program accreditation (CCNE, ACEN or CNEA) is separate from state approval and from the institution's own accreditation. Each school page shows which records we found and where.
- Online programs based in another state may not accept residents of Virginia. See online coursework and clinical requirements.