how long to become an rn

how to become an rn in Virginia

How to become an RN in Virginia is a relevant question asked by people who choose nursing as their career path. Like every other state in the United States, completing an accredited nursing educational program and passing the licensure exam for nurses allows a person to become an RN or professional nurse in Virginia.

The state of Virginia offers prospective nursing students multiple programs ranging from an associate or ADN level to a baccalaureate or BSN level. Whatever the choice of educational path, all the nursing programs involve adult care, pediatric, mental health, perinatal care, and pediatrics. Learning all these nursing subjects prepares a candidate to apply and take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

Students that already have a previous career or degree and opt to take nursing as a second degree are very much valued in Virginia. The ever increasing demand for nurses not only in Virginia but throughout the country makes the state value every candidate.

An accelerated BSN program is the educational path open to second-degree nursing students. This fast-track nursing program allows a candidate to complete the BSN program in as little as 16 months. However, Virginia recommends that second-degree students choosing the nursing path should not hold jobs while studying.

However, a slower-paced BSN program is still offered to second-degree nursing students that need to hold down jobs while schooling.

Contents

0.1 How long does it take to become an RN in Virginia?
0.2 How do I get a Nursing License in Virginia?
0.3 Can you hold a Nursing License in Multiple States?
- 0.3.1 How many times can you take the NCLEX in Virginia?

1 Conclusion

How long does it take to become an RN in Virginia?

While the process of how to become a nurse in RN in Virginia seems pretty straightforward, how long would it take?

Associate degree in Nursing (ADN)

An RN career in Virginia can be fast-tracked when you start with the two-year ADN or Associate's Degree in nursing program. Getting into the nursing field the quickest way makes the ADN program the most attractive of all.

In Virginia, the ADN program does not only offer students the fastest way to become an RN; it is also the most cost-effective route. The more than 40 technical and community colleges offering the ADN program make it possible for students living in cities or rural areas to get the most suitable school for their needs.

The cost and length of an ADN are, arguably, the top advantages provided to nursing students. Taking only two years to complete, it is the fastest route for a student to become an RN. The astounding number of technical and community schools in Virginia offering an ADN program also makes the cost considerably less expensive than the 4-year BSN programs.

Licensed Practical Nurse to RN

The "bridge" programs available to LPNs that want to accelerate to RN is the shortest route to become an RN in Virginia. However, only those who have completed an LPN program are allowed to take advantage of the LPN-RN program.

Taking less than a year to complete, the LPN to ADN is the first option open to students with first-degree LPN degrees. If the target is a BSN degree, LPN-BSN programs are also available in Virginia. However, it is not the fastest route to become an RN for it takes up to three years to complete the program.

While LPN-BSN programs take longer to complete, more advantages in terms of salary rates and career advancements are offered to students choosing this option.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is always an excellent option for students that want bigger career opportunities in the medical world. Nursing careers such as nurse educators or public health nurses with substantially higher pay are expected job opportunities for BSN-RNs.

The 4-year BSN program could be a long and expensive journey for many nursing students. However, the rewards at the end of the journey more than compensate for the expense, time, and effort put into the program.

How do I get a Nursing License in Virginia?

Qualifying for a nursing license in Virginia becomes possible when you have graduated from a state-approved RN nursing program that has prepared you to take the NCLEX exam for nurses.

First-time RN license application

The requirements for applying for a first-time nursing license in Virginia include:

CBC or fingerprint-based criminal background check is the first requirement for RN/LPN licensure applicants.
The candidate is required to carefully review the application procedures and the Laws and Regulations of the Nursing practice before proceeding with the application
Immediate registration with Pearson Vue after the Licensure by Examination has been submitted to prevent delays with Pearson Vue issuance of ATT or Authorization to Test.
Online applications for licensure as a Registered Nurse by Examination are now exclusively accepted.

RN license in another state and applying for RN license in Virginia

The participation of Virginia in the eNLC or Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact allows them to endorse you to qualify for licensure. The requirements for Virginia to endorse your licensure include:

Complete the required CBC or Criminal Background Check
Request from the state where you took and pass the NCLEX license verification
Proof of state of residence
Review the practice of Nursing in Virginia regulations and laws

Can you hold a Nursing License in Multiple States?

The flexibility of nursing has evolved into another specialization: the travel nurse. There's no end in sight when it comes to exciting opportunities for travel nurses. The opportunity to travel anywhere in the United States and being employed in top hospitals make this one of the most exciting nursing careers.

However, it can be an overwhelming challenge in trying out to figure the nursing license requirements for every state you travel to. The good news: 2000 saw the development of the NLC or Nursing Licensure Compact by the NCSBN or National Council of State Boards of Nursing to allow nurses possessing one license to practice as a nurse in participating states.

What the NLC was in 2000 was further enhanced to the eNLC or Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact in 2018. The lack of standards for licensure that was not included in NLC is with eNLC. It means that no additional licensing fees have to be paid by nurses holding one license to practice in participating states.

The way for a nurse to become eligible to practice within the 30 participating states include:

Meet the licensure requirements in their state of residency
Graduate of an approved and accredited international program or a board-approved nursing education program
Graduates of an international program where English is not the first language must pass an English proficiency exam
Passer of either the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN exam
Holds an encumbered and active nursing license
Submitted the required federal and state fingerprint-based criminal background checks
Free from federal or state felony convictions
Free from convictions or misdemeanors related to the nursing practice
Free from active participation in alternative programs
Social security number is valid in the United States

How many times can you take the NCLEX in Virginia?

Applying and passing the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX) is a requirement for nursing students on top of attending and completing nursing school for them to practice as registered nurses.

One of the most trying and challenging times for nursing grads, even from the top nursing schools, is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam their first time around. Based on a 2018 statistics study, while 88.29% of first-time nursing grads passed the NCLEX exam, the remaining 12% failed.

Before you feel discouraged, a candidate that did not pass during the first take is permitted, after 45 days, to retake the test. Not only that. As many as 8 times a year is allowed for candidates to retake the test.

While some states limit the number of times a candidate can retake the exam, Virginia is not one of them. The preparation for taking the NCLEX begins at nursing school. A student that seriously focuses on the multiple things learned at nursing school stands a better chance of cinching the exam on the first take.

As with everything in this world, good, effective, and ample preparations and practices are always the best weapons to bring during the exam date.

Conclusion

How to become an RN in Virginia goes the same nursing education route as that of other states. There simply is no short-cut when it comes to a nursing career. And well it should, when patients' lives depend on safe and effective care from nurses.

Yet again, hard as nursing requirements are in Virginia and anywhere else in the United States, it is amply justified and rewarded when one becomes an RN. The choice of a longer or shorter nursing educational route matters, a lot.

In the meantime, Virginia welcomes and values all potential nursing students.