Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Virginia | 2025

As patient care models and complexities shift, the demand for advanced and specialized nursing skills continues to grow in Virginia. To stay ahead of these changes and make a significant impact in your community, consider pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This guide will provide insights into the prospects of earning an MSN in Virginia and highlight the top programs available in the state.

Best MSN Programs in Virginia - Online & On-Campus

What Is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program?

An MSN is a graduate-level nursing degree program designed for nursing professionals or individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who wish to advance their careers in the nursing profession. MSN degrees provide nurses with advanced education and training in theory, research, evidence-based clinical practice, leadership, and management in the healthcare setting.

After completing an MSN, RNs can pursue clinical nursing roles as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists, or nurse midwives. Alternatively, post-MSN graduates can opt for non-clinical roles in nursing education, healthcare administration, informatics, or research.

MSN Program Pathways

MSN pathways include:

• Entry-Level Master's Degree: For non-nurses with a bachelor's in a field other than nursing.
• ADN-RN Master's Degree: For nurses with an ADN.
• BSN-RN Master's Degree: For nurses with a BSN.
• Direct Entry Master's Degree: For non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in another related field. 
• Dual Master's Degree: An option to choose dual concentration specialties, such as Family and Psychiatric NP  or Family NP and Nurse Midwifery.

Where Do MSN-Prepared Nurses Work in Virginia?

MSN degree holders work in most healthcare settings, depending on their specialty and interests. Some of the most common include:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient Care Centers
• Physicians Office
• Nursing Schools
• Home Health Care Services
• Public Health and Community Clinics
• Research Institutions

Can MSN Programs Be Taken Entirely Online in Virginia?

Many MSN programs can be taken online. However, it's important to note that some online programs may have in-person requirements such as exams, hands-on training, and more, so students should check the specific requirements of a program to ensure it fits their needs.

Certain specializations, such as NP, typically require a certain number of clinical hours that need to be completed in person, under the supervision of licensed professionals. Some programs may also arrange clinical placements for their students.

Before selecting a program, it's important to research to ensure that it fits your needs, whether entirely online, hybrid, or in-person.

MSN Program Admission Requirements in Virginia

Typical MSN admission requirements include:

• Active RN License in good standing
• Transcripts from accredited ADN or BSN programs
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• 1-3 Letters of recommendation
• Responses to essay questions or equivalent writing projects
• RN experience of 3 to 5 years
• Graduation Record Examinations 
• Interview to enter the program

MSN RN Salary Expectations in Virginia

MSN graduates can expect varying salaries depending on their specialization. To give you a clearer picture, we've compared salaries of the top MSN RN roles in Virginia with the national averages, highlighting how they stack up.

Nurse Practitioner

Virginia NP compensation:

• Mean Hourly Wage: $58.11
• Mean Annual Wage:: $120,870

Compared to the national nurse practitioner salary (BLS):

• Low: $94,530 or $45.45 per hour
• Mean: $128,490 or $61.78 per hour
• High: $168.030 or $80.79 per hour

Top NP salaries by state: 

• California: $161,540
• Nevada: $148,670
• Washington: $145,400
• New Jersey: $145,030
• Oregon: $144,950

Nurse Midwife

Virginia nurse midwife compensation:

• Mean Hourly Wage: $57.09
• Mean Annual Wage:: $118,750

Compared to the national nurse midwife salary (BLS):

• Low: $87,320 or $41.98 per hour
• Mean: $131,570. or $63.26 per hour
• High: $177,530 or $85.35 per hour

Top nurse midwife pay by state: 

• California: $183,740
• Hawaii: $161,820
• Massachusetts: $154,080
• Maine: $140,440
• Oregon: $139,490

Nurse Administrator

Virginia nurse administrator compensation: 

• Mean Hourly Wage: $65.56
• Mean Annual Wage:: $136,370

Compared to the national nurse administrator salary (BLS):

• Low: $67,900 or $32.65 per hour
• Mean: $134,440 or $64,64 per hour
• High: $216,750 or $104.21 per hour

Top nurse administrator salaries by state:

• New York: $179,160
• District of Columbia: $170,710
• Delaware: $164,190
• New Jersey: $162,430
• Massachusetts: $158,540

Nurse Educator

Virginia nurse educator compensation:

• Mean Annual Wage:: $79,950

Compared to the national nurse educator salary (BLS): 

• Low: $49,120
• Mean: $86,530
• High: $130,320

Top nurse educator pay by state: 

• District of Columbia: $111,130
• Oregon: $109,110
• New York: $102,980
• New Jersey: $101,540
• Nevada: $99,320

When evaluating salary expectations, it's crucial to consider factors like experience, MSN specialty, location, cost of living, and pay variances across different healthcare systems.

Are MSN Programs Worth It in Virginia?

Deciding whether an MSN program is worth it in Virginia depends on your career goals and preferences. Below, we provide their key advantages and disadvantages for your consideration.

Pros of MSN Programs in Virginia

1. Strong Healthcare Systems & Academic Centers: With institutions like UVA Health, VCU Health, and Inova, Virginia offers excellent clinical partnerships and research opportunities.
2. State-Funded Scholarships & Loan Repayment: Programs such as the Virginia Nursing Scholarship and the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program help offset tuition for those committing to underserved regions.
3. Compact-State Licensing Advantages: As a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, Virginia allows nurses from other compact states to practice without seeking separate endorsement.
4. Rural & Military Practice Settings: From Appalachian community clinics to military treatment facilities at Fort Belvoir and Norfolk, students gain diverse practicum experiences.

Cons of MSN Programs in Virginia

1. High Metro Cost of Living: Northern Virginia and Richmond-area program costs and living expenses can drive overall debt higher.
2. Competitive Clinical Placements: Securing slots at top hospitals in the DC and Richmond metros often requires early application and strong academic credentials.
3. Collaborative Practice Requirements for APRNs: Unlike full practice states, APRNs in Virginia must maintain written collaboration agreements with physicians, which can limit independence early in practice.
4. Extended Program Duration for Part-Time Students: Part-time or working-RN tracks can stretch to 3–4 years to accommodate clinical hours and capstone requirements.

Tips to Choose an MSN Program

Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of the education, while others may place greater emphasis on certification pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.

Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:

1. Cost
2. High Pass Rate
3. Location
4. Academic Reputation
5. Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
6. Length of Time to Obtain Degree
7. Flexibility of Schedule
8. Curriculum
9. Campus and Surroundings
10. Nursing Clinicals Location
11. Availability of Online Course

Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that are the best fit for them.

MSN Programs Near Me

Discover the best MSN programs in the following states:

FAQ and Additional Readings

Is it better to have an MSN or DNP in Virginia?

Whether an MSN or DNP best suits you depends on your career goals and interests. Some key things to consider are whether you prefer to work in direct patient care and become an APRN or are interested in more leadership-focused roles, influencing policy, implementing evidence-based practice at the system level, or considering a career in academia. If you're interested in a career as an APRN, an MSN may be sufficient for you. If you're interested in more leadership-focused roles, a DNP may be preferable.

Can I become a Nurse Anesthetist with an MSN in Virginia?

CRNAs are APRNs who administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery, requiring a high level of expertise. Therefore, an MSN is not sufficient for this career. As of January 1, 2022, all CRNA programs require enrollment in a doctoral program, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). By 2025, a doctoral degree will be mandatory for entry into the field.

How do online or hybrid Virginia MSN programs handle clinical requirements?

Didactic coursework is delivered asynchronously, while schools coordinate local preceptors and on-campus intensives for hands-on and simulation hours tailored to students' home regions.

What level of APRN autonomy can Virginia MSN graduates expect?

After securing a collaborative practice agreement, APRNs may diagnose, prescribe, and manage patient care—but must maintain that agreement until legislative changes grant full practice authority.

How long does it typically take to complete a Virginia MSN program?

Full-time students generally finish in 2–2.5 years; part-time or working-RN paths may extend to 3–4 years to accommodate clinical, capstone, and coursework requirements.