Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing Review (2026): Richmond Programs & Admissions
VCU’s School of Nursing sits on the university’s downtown health sciences campus, adjacent to the Magnet-designated VCU Medical Center. The school’s public program finder lists a three-year Traditional B.S. in Nursing, a direct-entry M.S. in Nursing for career changers, multiple online RN-to-B.S. pathways, hybrid and online D.N.P. concentrations, online Ph.D. tracks, and post-professional certificates—supported by Virginia Board–published NCLEX data for its baccalaureate program listing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
VCU pairs a dense academic health center (VCU Medical Center) with community, outpatient, and rural placements described on the school’s Traditional B.S. page—appealing if you want big-quaternary exposure while still rotating through non-hospital settings around central Virginia.
Overview & Why Students Choose VCU School of Nursing
Richmond’s VCU School of Nursing is embedded in a major academic medical center environment: public-facing materials highlight Sadie Heath Cabaniss Hall on the health sciences campus and repeatedly reference clinical learning at the Magnet-designated VCU Medical Center alongside community and rural sites. That layout matters if you want integrated exposure to a Magnet-designated academic medical center, outpatient networks, and population-health rotations within the region VCU describes.
Beyond geography, VCU markets a broad program stack—from a three-year Traditional B.S. in Nursing and an on-campus direct-entry M.S. in Nursing for bachelor’s graduates in other fields, through online RN completion tracks, hybrid/online D.N.P. concentrations, online Ph.D. pathways, and post-professional certificates—under CCNE accreditation the school has publicly reaffirmed.
The Virginia Department of Health Professions publishes a multi-year Excel workbook for baccalaureate nursing programs. For 2025, Virginia Commonwealth University is listed with 163 passing examinees out of 172 testers (94.77%). Confirm methodology, any program splits, and newer quarters via the Board’s Testing Pass Rates hub and downloadable BSN historical workbook.
Reasons students choose Virginia Commonwealth University
Anchor placement at VCU Medical Center
VCU’s Traditional B.S. materials emphasize experiences in a large urban medical center plus community and rural settings balancing high-acuity exposure with population-health contexts.
Direct-entry master’s option
The on-campus M.S. in Nursing targets career changers who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s—an alternative pre-licensure route alongside the Traditional B.S. (confirm how the Board reports testing for each track).
Flexible RN-to-B.S. ladders
VCU advertises standard online RN-to-B.S., an RN-to-B.S. track for VCU Health employees, and co-enrollment while finishing an associate nursing degree at partner Virginia community colleges.
Doctoral breadth
D.N.P. concentrations span acute care, primary care, psychiatric mental health, informatics, and leadership, supplemented by Post-M.S. to D.N.P. and dual D.N.P./certificate programming on VCU’s site.
Transparent board benchmarking
Virginia’s downloadable BSN workbook lets you compare VCU’s annual tester counts with other Commonwealth programs using the same reporting format.
Nursing Programs Offered
Program offerings mirror VCU’s interactive Academics finder and Apply hub reviewed for this page; the VCU Bulletin – School of Nursing remains the authoritative curriculum source.
Pre-licensure
Traditional B.S. in Nursing
VCU describes a three-year, full-time, in-person program on the MCV Campus that awards a B.S. in nursing and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN. Public materials reference clinical experiences at VCU Medical Center, community agencies, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and rural hospitals.
M.S. in Nursing (direct entry)
VCU lists an on-campus Master of Science in Nursing for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to become an RN—compare prerequisites and sequencing with the Traditional B.S. via the M.S.N. program page and bulletin.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN-to-B.S. in Nursing (multiple tracks)
Online B.S. completion pathways for licensed RNs, including a standard RN-to-B.S., an RN-to-B.S. for VCU Health employees, and co-enrollment while completing an associate nursing degree at partner Virginia community colleges (Brightpoint, Reynolds, Rappahannock, Southside) per VCU’s Academics cards.
Post-licensure graduate & doctoral
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
Hybrid D.N.P. concentrations in adult-gerontology acute care NP, family NP, and psychiatric mental health NP; online concentrations in nursing informatics and nursing leadership and organizational science—all described for RNs who hold at least a B.S.N.
Post-M.S. to D.N.P. & Dual D.N.P. / Certificate
Online Post-M.S. to D.N.P. for master’s-prepared APRNs and a hybrid Dual D.N.P. and Certificate option for those stacking an additional certification with the doctorate.
Ph.D. in Nursing
Online Ph.D. concentrations in biobehavioral research and health care quality research; VCU’s summaries reference preparation for nurses with at least a bachelor’s degree.
Post-professional & innovation certificates
Hybrid post-professional NP certificates (adult-gerontology acute care, family, psychiatric mental health) plus an online or hybrid graduate certificate in health care innovation.
VCU’s current Academics/program finder consulted for this guide does not list a standalone Accelerated B.S. in Nursing. If you need a second-degree accelerated route, confirm active programs directly with VCU_Nurse@vcu.edu and the bulletin—do not assume a pathway that is not publicly advertised.
For course-level detail, use the VCU Bulletin nursing sections (undergraduate and graduate) alongside each program’s microsite linked from nursing.vcu.edu/academics.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Virginia Department of Health Professions Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Education Programs workbook (BSN_Past5.xls linked from the Board’s Testing Pass Rates page), Virginia Commonwealth University is listed with 163 passing candidates out of 172 testers in the 2025 column—a calculated pass proportion of 94.77%.
The same spreadsheet supplies adjacent years for context (for example 94.48% in 2024 and 92.86% in 2023 from the published cells). If you apply to the direct-entry M.S.N. track, look for any separate Board listing because not every pre-licensure pathway is guaranteed to roll into the same program row.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| VCU – passers / testers (2025, Board BSN workbook) | 163 / 172 (94.77%) |
| VCU – pass proportion (2024) | 171 / 181 (94.48%) |
| Data file | Virginia BON – BSN_Past5.xls |
| Official pass-rate hub | Virginia DHP Board of Nursing – Testing Pass Rates |
| Source / confirm | Virginia Board of Nursing published spreadsheet (2025 column). Confirm the latest tester counts with the Board and VCU. |
NCLEX reporting follows the Board’s file definitions each cycle. Pass rates change by cohort; verify the newest publication before making enrollment decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with Virginia Commonwealth University (Global Education Office, admissions, and School of Nursing) and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for this school.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by the school.
- Virginia Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
This content is general guidance, not legal advice. Policies change frequently—verify with VCU and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
VCU’s nursing pathways each carry different admission checkpoints: undergraduates typically apply to the university and complete School of Nursing application steps illustrated on the Traditional B.S. page, while graduate applicants route through Graduate Admissions with concentration-specific instructions on each D.N.P. or Ph.D. microsite. Meeting published minimums is not the same as earning a seat—capacity is limited and competitiveness varies by cycle.
The Traditional B.S. materials reference prerequisite coursework (including a B minimum in human anatomy), supplemental items you upload through VCU’s nursing application portal, and mandatory information sessions or open houses. RN-to-B.S. applicants must document an active RN license; Direct-entry M.S.N. applicants should expect science prerequisites and intensive sequencing spelled out in the M.S.N. bulletin. Always pull the live checklist for your entry term.
Application timeline
| Program | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional B.S., RN-to-B.S., M.S., D.N.P., Ph.D., certificates | Not publicly disclosed in this guide | VCU’s Apply hub links to pathway-specific instructions; deadlines vary by degree and term. |
| Information sessions | Ongoing | The Traditional B.S. page links to virtual and in-person sessions—reserve early because space may be capped. |
| Graduate programs | Varies | Use VCU Graduate Admissions plus the individual nursing concentration page for priority vs. final review dates. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed on the pages consolidated here; treat pre-licensure entry as selective. |
| Science & prerequisite grades | VCU’s Traditional B.S. prerequisites include a minimum B in human anatomy; other courses carry C or better expectations per the bulletin—confirm the exact list for your catalog year. |
| Entrance exams | Not publicly confirmed in the excerpts reviewed for this guide; verify whether TEAS/HESI or other tests are required on your intended cycle’s checklist. |
| RN licensure (post-licensure programs) | RN-to-B.S., D.N.P., Post-M.S. to D.N.P., and certificate tracks assume an active Virginia or multi-state RN license unless the program page states otherwise. |
| Graduate GPA expectations | Follow Graduate Admissions and concentration-specific pages for minimum GPAs, RN experience, and statistics coursework (often required before clinical practicum). |
Applicant tips
Register for a School of Nursing information session before you finalize prerequisite plans, map anatomy/chemistry timing early (including repeats), and keep screenshots of every requirement from the official PDFs—VCU updates portals frequently. Graduate applicants should line up health clearance documentation, CPR, and liability insurance requirements before acceptances arrive.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
VCU publishes official tuition and mandatory fee totals in its annual tuition brochure and through Student Financial Services. Nursing students commonly use MCV Campus fee rows (student activity fees differ from Monroe Park). Add any nursing course or lab fees described on the School of Nursing Student Expenses page.
| Category | AY 2025–26 published rates (USD) |
|---|---|
| Full-time undergraduate (MCV, on-campus, private housing assumption) | $17,166 Virginia resident annual tuition + mandatory fees; $40,330 nonresident—per VCU’s FY 2025–2026 tuition tables (15 credits per fall/spring, includes university, technology, library, health service, student activity, academic support, and nonresident capital outlay fees). |
| Full-time undergraduate (MCV, off-campus) | Tuition + technology + library subtotal approx. $13,935 resident / $36,409 nonresident before nursing-specific fees (same document). |
| Full-time master’s (MCV, on-campus) | Approx. $17,756 resident / $32,974 nonresident annual tuition + mandatory fees (15 credits per term basis). |
| Full-time doctoral (MCV, on-campus) | Approx. $15,278 resident / $28,840 nonresident annual tuition + mandatory fees. |
| Housing, meals, books | Not bundled in the tuition subtotals above; use VCU housing/dining and the SFS estimator for a full cost of attendance. |
| Source | VCU Tuition and Fees FY 2025–2026 (May BOV) · Estimate tuition & fees (SFS) |
Review School of Nursing scholarships and VCU financial aid. VCU Health employees should confirm tuition benefits with HR when evaluating the RN-to-B.S. employee pathway.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Quantified outcome reporting for every VCU nursing track is not consolidated on a single public dashboard used here. Focus on the licensure result that is published statewide: NCLEX-RN outcomes in the Virginia Board workbook (see the NCLEX section). For employment, certification pass rates, or salary figures, rely on disclosures VCU posts in consumer information, accreditation exhibits, or alumni surveys—and capture the stated year and methodology.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (Board BSN workbook, 2025) | 163 of 172 testers passing (94.77%) for the Virginia Commonwealth University row. |
| NCLEX-RN (same source, 2024) | 171 of 181 (94.48%) for comparison only; confirm updated files annually. |
| Graduate certification / employment | Not publicly disclosed in a uniform table in the sources compiled for this guide; request the school’s latest APRN outcome brief or accreditor supplements. |
| Source | Virginia BON – BSN_Past5.xls; VCU School of Nursing outcomes or career pages for supplemental metrics. |
Is VCU School of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
VCU fits learners who want a public, research-intensive university embedded in an urban medical district and who can handle fast-paced prerequisites, dense clinical compliance, and competitive entry for pre-licensure seats.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Prioritize proximity to VCU Medical Center–level acuity and Richmond’s referral networks.
- Want multiple degree ladders (Traditional B.S., direct-entry M.S.N., online RN completion, D.N.P., Ph.D.) inside one CCNE-accredited school.
- Plan to live or commute in central Virginia while rotating through rural and community partners.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a guaranteed part-time or fully online pre-licensure B.S.—VCU’s Traditional B.S. is full-time and on campus.
- Expect the lowest absolute tuition—public flagship pricing plus health-science fees can exceed regional community college ADN routes.
- Prefer a small private cohort environment without the bustle of a large health sciences campus.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Richmond anchors Central Virginia’s referral region: VCU Health’s flagship hospitals, Bon Secours and HCA facilities, pediatric specialty centers, psychiatric services, Veterans Affairs medical resources, FQHCs, and rural hospitals within driving distance for rotations. VCU’s own Traditional B.S. copy explicitly mentions urban med-surg, rehabilitation, clinics, and rural hospitals—use that diversity to plan housing and transportation, especially if you lack a car.
| Organization type | Why it matters to VCU students |
|---|---|
| Academic medical center & specialty institutes | High-acuity exposure, research-active units, and advanced simulation partnerships. |
| Community & rural affiliates | Builds primary care, population health, and care-coordination skills outside the flagship towers. |
| Virginia state policy hub | Richmond places students near public-health agencies and advocacy organizations relevant to nursing leadership rotations. |
Clinical contracts change; confirm current agencies through VCU’s clinical placement office.
Student Experience & Campus Life
VCU combines a broad undergraduate campus experience on Monroe Park with health sciences instruction near downtown. Nursing highlights include Sadie Heath Cabaniss Hall resources, interprofessional education alongside other health professions, and the cultural amenities of Virginia’s capital city (arts districts, riverfront redevelopment, and internships beyond bedside nursing).
Student life spans university-wide organizations, service learning, and nursing-specific affinity groups—check VCU RamLife tooling and School of Nursing announcements for recruitment cycles, volunteer clinics, and graduate student governance.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Richmond, VA (VCU Health Sciences / MCV district)
- School address
- 1100 E. Leigh St., Richmond, VA 23298-0567, US
- Telephone
- 804-828-0724 (School of Nursing main line per contact directory)
- VCU_Nurse@vcu.edu
- School website
- nursing.vcu.edu
Official links
Seven-day action list
- Register for a Traditional B.S. information session or the relevant graduate webinar.
- Download VCU’s FY 2025–2026 tuition PDF and run the undergraduate or post-undergraduate calculator for your pathway.
- Open the supplemental application portal linked from the Traditional B.S. page and list every prerequisite with grades.
- Compare your sciences against VCU’s B-or-better anatomy rule and catalog repeats policy.
- Shadow or volunteer within Richmond health systems to anchor your personal statement in observed practice.
- Email VCU_Nurse@vcu.edu with pathway-specific questions after reviewing bulletin language.
- Save the Virginia Board BSN workbook locally and note the publication date each time it updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What NCLEX-RN pass rate does the Virginia Board list for VCU in 2025?
The Board’s baccalaureate workbook (BSN_Past5.xls) shows 163 passing out of 172 testers—94.77%—for Virginia Commonwealth University in the 2025 column. Confirm the latest file and tester definitions with the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
Does VCU advertise an Accelerated B.S. in Nursing on its program finder?
As of this review, nursing.vcu.edu/academics does not list a separate Accelerated B.S. card; focus on Traditional B.S., direct-entry M.S.N., and RN completion tracks unless admissions announces otherwise.
How long is VCU’s Traditional B.S. in Nursing?
VCU describes it as a three-year, full-time, in-person program (after prerequisites), differing from a stretched four-year model—still budget prerequisite semesters separately.
Can RNs earn a B.S. online through Virginia Commonwealth University?
Yes. VCU lists online RN-to-B.S. tracks, an RN-to-B.S. option for VCU Health employees, and co-enrollment while attending partner Virginia community colleges (Brightpoint, Reynolds, Rappahannock, Southside).
What tuition should I budget for an MCV undergraduate nursing student in 2025–26?
VCU’s FY 2025–2026 tuition tables list roughly $17,166 for resident tuition plus mandatory on-campus fees and $40,330 for nonresidents at 15 credits per semester (before housing or nursing lab fees). See the cost section PDF link.
Where is VCU School of Nursing located?
Sadie Heath Cabaniss Hall at 1100 E. Leigh St., Richmond, VA 23298-0567 on VCU’s health sciences campus near VCU Medical Center.
Is VCU nursing CCNE-accredited?
The School of Nursing publicly describes CCNE accreditation across its programs and posted a renewal announcement in 2021. Always confirm with CCNE and the Virginia Board before matriculating.
What D.N.P. concentrations can I pursue at VCU?
Hybrid options include adult-gerontology acute care NP, family NP, and psychiatric mental health NP; online options include nursing informatics and nursing leadership and organizational science, plus Post-M.S. to D.N.P. and Dual D.N.P./certificate tracks per VCU pages.
Do I need a B in anatomy for VCU Traditional B.S.?
VCU’s prerequisite summary for Traditional B.S. specifies a minimum B in human anatomy; other courses have different minimums—verify the full list on the official program site and bulletin.
References
- Virginia Commonwealth University — School of Nursingnursing.vcu.edu
- VCU School of Nursing — Academicsnursing.vcu.edu/academics
- VCU School of Nursing — Apply hubnursing.vcu.edu/academics/apply
- VCU — Traditional B.S. in Nursingnursing.vcu.edu/…/traditional-bs
- VCU Bulletin — School of Nursing (graduate)bulletin.vcu.edu/graduate/school-nursing
- VCU — Tuition and Fees FY 2025–2026 (May BOV)VCUTuitionandFees2025-2026MayBOVwebversion.pdf
- VCU Student Financial Services — Tuition estimatorsfs.vcu.edu/…/estimate-your-tuition-and-fees
- VCU School of Nursing — Student expensesnursing.vcu.edu/academics/student-expenses
- Virginia DHP — Board of Nursing testing pass ratesdhp.virginia.gov — Testing Pass Rates
- Virginia DHP — BSN historical NCLEX workbook (BSN_Past5.xls)BSN_Past5.xls
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)aacnnursing.org/CCNE
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX alignment with the Virginia Board BSN workbook, VCU FY 2025–2026 tuition tables, and program-list consistency with nursing.vcu.edu academics pages.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Published: April 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: April 1, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy