Virginia Western Community College Nursing Programs: What to Know (2026)
Roanoke-based Virginia Western (VCCS) runs a Practical Nursing certificate, a traditional Nursing A.A.S. (ADN) track, and an LPN-to-RN summer transition—all with Kaplan-based ranking for the RN program, published VCCS tuition rates, and Virginia Board of Nursing pass-rate reporting. Figures cite official VWCC and Virginia DHP sources reviewed March 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Virginia Western stacks an entry LPN option beside a concept-based ADN and a summer-start LPN-RN transition—all in Roanoke’s Carilion-heavy clinical market. RN admission is numerically tight (90+ qualified applicants in 2025) and depends on Kaplan performance plus prerequisite GPA, so plan Navigate notifications and mandatory information sessions early.
Overview & Why Students Choose Virginia Western Community College
Virginia Western Community College anchors health-professions training in Roanoke, where large integrated systems and community hospitals supply diverse clinical rotations. Nursing is housed in the School of Health Professions (Fralin Center) and spans three entry points: a practical nursing certificate, a traditional four-semester RN sequence after acceptance, and an LPN-to-RN transition that begins each summer for licensed practical nurses.
Unlike many single-track ADN programs, Virginia Western lets students stack credentials—start as an LPN, work, then return for the bridge—while still emphasizing the same concept-based curriculum and Virginia Board of Nursing accountability.
According to the Virginia Department of Health Professions, Board of Nursing Registered Nursing Programs Current Year PDF (2025 fourth quarter), the Virginia Western ADN program summary shows 32 first-time NCLEX-RN candidates, all passing (100%) in the totals column. Virginia Western’s Program Outcomes page also tables multi-year RN pass rates by cohort. Confirm the next publication on the Testing Pass Rates hub.
Reasons students choose Virginia Western Community College
Triple-pathway nursing ladder
Students can earn the practical nursing credential first, move directly into the A.A.S. RN track, or enter the dedicated LPN-to-RN summer transition—useful for adult learners balancing work and family.
Transparent Board-reported NCLEX data
Virginia publishes program-level RN spreadsheets/PDFs that name each school; Virginia Western also maintains a public NCSBN-aligned outcomes table for multi-year comparisons.
Kaplan + prerequisite GPA model
Admission materials spell out minimum Kaplan composite scores, preferred percentiles, healthcare credentials, and patient-care experience bonuses—clearer than generic “holistic” statements.
Roanoke clinical density
Proximity to flagship hospitals and multispecialty networks supports high-acuity experiences; expect 12-hour day/evening clinical shifts plus occasional weekend rotations.
Nursing Programs Offered
Virginia Western does not award a BSN on campus; degrees and certificates below come from its Health Professions pages and Nursing FAQ. Throughout this guide we use ADN as the shorthand for the associate degree leading to RN licensure even though the official diploma reads Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.
Pre-licensure & entry practical nursing
Practical Nursing (LPN)
Virginia Western advertises spring and fall starts for an approximately 18-month practical nursing curriculum that culminates in NCLEX-PN eligibility. The program page documents multi-year NCLEX-PN pass percentages and states Virginia Board of Nursing approval.
Nursing A.A.S. — Traditional ADN
After competitive admission, students complete sequential nursing courses (roughly four semesters) with daytime lectures/labs and 6–12 hour clinical shifts. The FAQ stresses mandatory information sessions, Navigate-based Kaplan instructions, and March 1 application timing for fall entry.
LPN-to-RN transition (same A.A.S.)
Licensed practical nurses apply by October 1 for the next summer cohort and finish nursing coursework across summer, fall, and spring—about one year after acceptance per the FAQ. See the dedicated LPN to Nursing (AAS) Bridge page for checklist details.
Post-licensure & graduate
Not offered on campus. RN-to-BSN completion occurs through partner universities after graduation; coordinate transfer credit with Virginia Western advisors and your target baccalaureate program.
Virginia Western’s Practical Nursing page notes a coming common VCCS curriculum beginning Fall 2026. Applicants after that term should read the updated catalog and application site rather than relying solely on earlier checklists.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Virginia Board of Nursing Registered Nursing Programs Current Year report (2025 fourth quarter PDF), the Virginia Western Community College ADN row lists 32 first-time NCLEX-RN testers with 32 passes and zero failures (100%) in the program summary totals. This is jurisdiction-reported examination data, not marketing copy.
Virginia Western’s Program Outcomes table adds context by graduate year: for example, it shows 100% program-level first-time pass rates for 2023 and 2024 graduates and continues the 2025 row at 100%, citing national associate-degree benchmarks alongside institutional results. Confirm the latest cohort counts with the Board PDF and the college.
NCLEX-PN (Practical Nursing)
The Practical Nursing page lists five-year NCLEX-PN pass rates (2019–2023), ending at 100% for 2023. Download the Board’s PN PDFs and Excel workbooks from the Testing Pass Rates page for independent confirmation.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (VA BON 2025 RN current-year PDF) | 100% (32/32 first-time testers in program summary column), Virginia Western ADN |
| NCLEX-RN — graduate-year context (school table) | 2023: 100% program total; 2024: 100% program total; per Virginia Western Program Outcomes (updated July 13, 2026) |
| NCLEX-PN (school-disclosed 5-year list) | 2019 87.5%; 2020 88.2%; 2021 88.9%; 2022 90.91%; 2023 100% — per Practical Nursing page |
| Source | VA DHP BON RN 2025 4th quarter PDF; VWCC RN Program Outcomes; VWCC Practical Nursing. Confirm current rates with the Virginia Board of Nursing and Virginia Western. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort, examination version (NGN), and applicant preparation. Always confirm the newest Board publication and speak with program advisors before drawing conclusions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Virginia Western’s Nursing FAQ states the college does not accept students on F-1 or M1 visas for degree or certificate programs tied to another school, and it bars B1/B2 visitors from enrolling. Other visa categories still require clearance for clinical placements. Foreign high-school credentials may need evaluation through a NACES member or GED scores as described in the FAQ.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm current ESL or proficiency policies with admissions—clinical affiliates may require additional documentation.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Align foreign transcripts early; March 1 RN deadlines leave little room for translation delays.
- Virginia Board of Nursing: Internationally educated nurses seeking licensure by examination or endorsement must follow Board rules for CGFNS, English exams, and NCLEX eligibility.
- Immigration & visa: Even if eligible on paper, clinical site contracts can limit participation—ask Health Professions advising before committing.
This section is guidance, not legal advice. Verify policies with healthprofessions@virginiawestern.edu and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Virginia Western treats the RN program as selective. The Nursing FAQ states more than 90 qualified applicants were considered for 2025—evidence that meeting minimum standards does not guarantee a seat. Admission blends Kaplan composite performance (45% minimum with percentile targets in each section), prerequisite GPA calculated from BIO 141, ENG 111, PSY 230, and SDV 101 (2.50 minimum on those four), plus points for CNA/CCMA, EMT/paramedic, corpsman, phlebotomy, or 12 months of supervised patient-care experience.
Mandatory information sessions remove applicants who skip them; Navigate emails announce Kaplan registration and testing in late March/April with decisions usually emailed in late May once spring grades post. Traditional lectures and labs stay daytime; clinical rotations can run weekdays, evenings, or weekends at 6–12 hour blocks.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Key milestones | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional RN (fall start example) | Prerequisites such as BIO 141, ENG 111, PSY 230, SDV 101, chemistry with lab, cumulative GPA ≥2.0 on recent 12 credits, plus March 1 application materials per FAQ | Fall 2026 FAQ cycle referenced on nursing FAQ; confirm exact year on Apply page. |
| LPN-to-RN bridge | October 1 annual deadline for the following summer transition; about one year of nursing semesters once admitted | See bridge application for checklist updates. |
| Practical Nursing | Spring and fall cohorts; follow Practical Nursing menu for program-specific deadlines | 18-month sequence; separate application flow from RN. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed; FAQ cites >90 qualified 2025 RN applicants |
| Prerequisite GPA | ≥2.50 across BIO 141, ENG 111, PSY 230, SDV 101 (each course C or better); note FAQ warning that straight Cs may still fall below 2.50 |
| Entrance exam | Kaplan nursing entrance examination—not TEAS on the reviewed FAQ; composite ≥45% with 45th percentile targets in Reading, Writing, Math, English, Critical Thinking |
| Other requirements | Mandatory info session; age 18 by June 1 prior to fall RN start; compliance with clinical partner immunization/drug screen policies |
Honest tips for applicants
Track Navigate email aggressively—Kaplan instructions arrive there, not necessarily your personal inbox. Aim above the minimum Kaplan percentiles because the pool is large. If you lack healthcare credentials, secure a supervisor letter documenting 12 months of direct patient care before March 1. Bridge applicants should verify Virginia LPN licensure status early to avoid summer start delays.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Virginia Western publishes Tuition & Fees rates for Virginia Community College System students. Nursing pages also link to Cost of Attendance worksheets used for financial aid packaging. Actual bills add institutional, technology, student activity, or auxiliary fees beyond base tuition—line items change when the State Board updates VCCS rates.
Per-credit tuition (website figures)
- Virginia residents: $184.89 tuition per credit hour (Tuition & Fees page, as captured March 2026).
- Non-Virginia residents: $401.99 tuition per credit hour on the same page.
- Program length guidance: Nursing (AAS) marketing blocks cite about 65 credit hours over two years; Practical Nursing cites 48 credits—multiply credits by your residency rate, then add fees, books, uniforms, Kaplan costs, and clinical compliance charges.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| In-state tuition per credit | $184.89 (Virginia Western Tuition & Fees) |
| Out-of-state tuition per credit | $401.99 (same source) |
| Fees, books, supplies, clinical costs | Not summed on this guide—use Student Accounts + nursing FAQ cost discussions + financial aid COA |
| Source | Virginia Western Tuition & Fees; Cost of Attendance. Confirm balances each term. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Virginia Western’s Program Outcomes page combines NCLEX tables with graduate employment surveys. The page explicitly notes that employment figures are self-reported rather than audited by an independent agency—interpret percentages alongside response rates.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (program totals, school table) | 100% for graduate years 2023 and 2024 in the “Total Program” column; 2025 row also shows 100% (confirm cohort sizes on source page) |
| RN employment within 12 months (graduate survey, school-reported) | 2024 row: reported 89.5% (43 employed / 48 respondents) with response rate labeled TBA/48; 2023: reported 97.43% (38/39) with 97.5% response (39/40). Confirm methodology on Program Outcomes. |
| Program outcome goal | Listed as ≥90% of job-seeking graduates employed as RNs within 12 months (Program Outcomes) |
| Source | Virginia Western Nursing Program Outcomes; pair with Virginia Board Testing Pass Rates for licensure data. |
Is Virginia Western Community College the Right Fit for You?
Roanoke’s community college works best for applicants who thrive in structured, fast-paced clinical semesters and can comply with strict drug-screen and immunization policies.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an LPN certificate, ADN, or LPN-to-RN bridge within the same institution.
- Prefer Kaplan-style entrance testing and transparent prerequisite GPA math.
- Plan to work in western/southwest Virginia healthcare networks fed by Roanoke clinical sites.
- Can attend daytime classes plus extended clinical shifts (evenings/weekends possible).
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need F-1 study—the Nursing FAQ excludes common student visa categories.
- Expect a fully online pre-licensure track; this is face-to-face + clinical.
- Want a direct BSN without transferring after the A.A.S.
- Cannot meet mandatory information sessions or Navigate communication requirements.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Roanoke anchors the Blue Ridge Mountains’ largest acute-care market. Major employers include integrated systems such as Carilion Clinic (with Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and dozens of ambulatory sites) and HCA Virginia’s LewisGale facilities, alongside community hospitals, behavioral-health centers, federally qualified health centers, and long-term care operators throughout the New River and Shenandoah Valleys.
Virginia Western assigns hospitals and community agencies according to semester learning objectives; the FAQ makes clear that students must honor each clinical site’s vaccine and background-check policies or risk losing placement.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Acute & specialty care | Level I trauma center operations, cardiovascular institutes, oncology programs, and numerous med-surg units create high-acuity learning opportunities when assigned. |
| Community & post-acute | Home health, school nursing, parish programs, and skilled nursing remain important employers for LPN and ADN graduates alike—align with Practical Nursing marketing copy. |
| Regulatory note | Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state; multistate eligibility still requires meeting VBON and NLC rules. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Health Professions staff operate from the Fralin Center (HP 339) with general advising in Chapman Hall for new students. Nursing students should expect simulation/skills laboratories, concept-based classroom models, and strict professional conduct policies—including a warning that cannabis metabolites trigger positive drug screens even where marijuana is legal for nearby clinical partners.
Student life is largely commuter-driven, but cohorts often form tight study teams because of shared clinical days. Review the nursing FAQ’s discussion of employment while enrolled; faculty discourage heavy work schedules during core nursing semesters.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Roanoke, VA
- Main address
- 3091 Colonial Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24015, US
- Health Professions mail
- School of Health Professions, Attn: Pam Woody — 3091 Colonial Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24015
- Telephone
- Main: (540) 857-8922 · Health Professions: (540) 857-7341 / (540) 857-6644
- Nursing email
- healthprofessions@virginiawestern.edu
- Website
- virginiawestern.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Register for a mandatory nursing information session through the Extended Services Application as described on the FAQ.
- Download the Kaplan Prep Guide (2025–2026) and schedule study blocks before April testing.
- Map prerequisites for your target entry (Fall ADN vs. Summer bridge vs. Practical Nursing) against the VWCC catalog.
- Build a budget from per-credit rates plus nursing-specific fees discussed in info sessions.
- Open a Navigate account alert pathway so you do not miss Kaplan registration emails in late March.
- Save the Virginia Board PDF/spreadsheet links for the cycle you plan to test so you can compare schools objectively.
- Add March 1 (fall ADN materials) or October 1 (bridge) deadlines with buffer for transcript mailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pathways exist for nursing at Virginia Western Community College?
You can pursue a Practical Nursing certificate, a selective traditional Nursing A.A.S. that prepares you for the NCLEX-RN, or—if you already hold an LPN license—a summer-start bridge that finishes the A.A.S. in about a year. Each pathway uses different application deadlines and checklists on the Health Professions site.
Does Virginia Western use TEAS or Kaplan for RN admission?
The Nursing FAQ specifies the Kaplan nursing entrance examination with a composite minimum of 45% and preferred 45th-percentile performance in Reading, Writing, Math, English, and Critical Thinking—not the TEAS. Details typically post through Navigate near the end of March. Confirm current minimums with Health Professions.
What was Virginia Western’s latest Virginia Board-reported NCLEX-RN performance?
The Board’s 2025 fourth-quarter RN “current year” PDF lists Virginia Western’s ADN program with 32 first-time testers, all passing (100%) in the program summary row. Follow future quarterly files on the Virginia Department of Health Professions Testing Pass Rates hub.
How much is Virginia Western tuition for nursing students?
The Tuition & Fees page lists $184.89 per credit for Virginia residents and $401.99 for non-Virginia residents (figures captured March 2026). Additional mandatory fees, books, uniforms, Kaplan costs, and clinical compliance charges are billed separately—see Student Accounts and nursing information sessions.
When are Virginia Western nursing applications due?
The Nursing FAQ references a March 1 application deadline for fall RN consideration alongside prerequisite completion timelines (example cohort cycles through Spring 2026). LPN-to-RN applicants must apply by October 1 for the following summer per the same FAQ. Re-check the official Apply pages every cycle.
How hard is it to get into Virginia Western nursing?
The FAQ reports more than 90 qualified applicants in 2025 and ranks students using Kaplan scores, prerequisite GPA on four courses, healthcare certifications, and documented patient-care experience. Skipping mandatory information sessions or missing spring prerequisite grades can remove you from consideration.
Can I attend Virginia Western nursing on an F-1 visa?
The Nursing FAQ states students on F-1 or M1 visas cannot pursue VWCC degree or certificate programs and B1/B2 visitors are barred from enrollment. If your immigration status is complex, resolve it with admissions before paying seat deposits.
What NCLEX-PN history does Virginia Western publish?
The Practical Nursing page lists NCLEX-PN pass percentages from 2019 through 2023, with 100% in 2023. Update newer cohorts from refreshed VWCC pages or Virginia Board PN workbooks.
Does Virginia Western disclose job placement after graduation?
Yes—the Program Outcomes page includes graduate survey employment with response rates and notes the data are self-reported. For example, the 2024 table reports 89.5% RN employment among responding graduates (43/48) with some response-rate cells still marked TBA—confirm updates on the source page.
Where should I send transcripts for Virginia Western nursing?
The FAQ directs official transcripts to the Health Professions Advising office (Attention Pam Woody, 3091 Colonial Ave., Roanoke VA 24015) and explains evaluation timing relative to March deadlines.
References
- Virginia Western — Nursing (A.A.S.)virginiawestern.edu/…/nursing
- Virginia Western — Nursing FAQvirginiawestern.edu/…/nursing/faq
- Virginia Western — Program outcomesvirginiawestern.edu/…/program-outcomes
- Virginia Western — Practical Nursingvirginiawestern.edu/…/practical-nursing
- Virginia Western — LPN to RN bridgevirginiawestern.edu/…/nursing-bridge
- Virginia Western — Tuition & feesvirginiawestern.edu/pay/tuition
- Virginia Dept. of Health Professions — BON RN 2025 4th quarter pass rates PDF20254thQuarterRN.pdf
- Virginia Board of Nursing — Testing Pass Rates hubdhp.virginia.gov/…/TestingPassRates
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses
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, with emphasis on Virginia Western’s Kaplan admissions criteria, ACEN disclosure language for the A.A.S. program, March 2026 tuition figures from virginiawestern.edu/pay/tuition/, and the Virginia Board of Nursing 2025 fourth-quarter RN pass-rate PDF.
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 Virginia Western Community College and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Published: April 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: April 1, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy