Eastern Mennonite University Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Private university nursing in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley: multiple BSN entry paths (including Accelerated BSN), LPN-BSN, an online MSN for RNs, and a post-MSN DNP. Figures below cite Virginia Department of Health Professions pass-rate data and EMU’s published tuition schedules—confirm every detail with EMU Nursing and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
EMU’s nursing department highlights a values-based “Sacred Covenant” care model, small classes, and clinical training tied to the Harrisonburg area—students list sites such as Sentara RMH Medical Center, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, Augusta Health, Western State Hospital, and regional Virginia Department of Health placements. Graduate nursing (MSN, post-MSN DNP) is built for working RNs, with many clinical hours completed near home.
Overview & Why Students Choose Eastern Mennonite University
Set in Harrisonburg, Eastern Mennonite University is a private liberal arts university where nursing is framed as vocation-driven care across body, mind, spirit, and community. Pre-licensure students progress into a clinical major after meeting published prerequisites and GPA thresholds; second-degree and accelerated tracks help career changers and LPNs move efficiently toward the BSN and NCLEX-RN eligibility.
EMU also stacks graduate credentials for licensed RNs: an online MSN with leadership-focused concentrations and graduate certificates, plus a collaborative, fully online post-MSN DNP with Goshen College for nurses seeking a practice doctorate.
According to the Virginia Department of Health Professions baccalaureate nursing program testing spreadsheet, Eastern Mennonite University’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 84.4% in 2025 (38 of 45 first-time candidates) and 91.3% in 2024 (42 of 46). EMU’s nursing highlights page publishes a parallel year-by-year table sourced to NCSBN statistics. Confirm the latest cohort with the Virginia Board of Nursing testing pass rates page and the EMU nursing highlights page.
Reasons students choose Eastern Mennonite University
Documented NCLEX outcomes
Virginia’s public BSN testing spreadsheet shows strong recent performance (for example, a 91.3% first-time rate in 2024), with 2025 data also published for transparency.
Multiple BSN entry points
Traditional four-year, four-semester second-degree, 15-month ABSN, LPN-BSN, and dedicated transfer advising let students pick a timeline that fits prior education.
Shenandoah Valley clinical exposure
Published clinical partners include regional hospitals, behavioral health, public health, and long-term care settings around Harrisonburg.
Online MSN & post-MSN DNP
Working RNs can stay employed while completing leadership-focused graduate work; the DNP is a 33-credit post-master’s online program listed jointly with Goshen College.
Mentoring at small scale
EMU reports a 9:1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio on its Fast Facts page and emphasizes faculty accessibility in nursing materials.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below mirrors EMU’s published nursing landing page: separate pre-licensure BSN pathways, online graduate programs for licensed RNs, and a collaborative post-MSN DNP. Always confirm titles, tracks, and delivery with the official Nursing at EMU hub.
Pre-licensure (BSN)
Traditional BSN
Four-year nursing major; students apply to the clinical level (often junior year) after prerequisites, minimum cumulative GPA 2.8, and 58 earned credits per EMU clinical admission materials.
Traditional second-degree BSN
Four-semester, two-year format with summers off for applicants who already hold (or will complete) a prior bachelor’s; 2.8 cumulative GPA or alternative prerequisite GPA rule per EMU.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at EMU the program is branded Accelerated Second Degree BSN: 15 months beginning in May, prerequisite GPA 3.0, Jan. 15 application deadline, and intensive clinical scheduling including possible 12-hour or weekend shifts.
Nursing for transfer students
Dedicated transfer information guides how prior credits map into EMU core and nursing prerequisites before clinical application.
LPN to BSN
Licensed practical nurses complete bridge courses plus Level 2 curriculum with 350 direct-care clinical hours aligned to Virginia Board guidance; awards the BSN for NCLEX-RN preparation.
Post-licensure & graduate
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Fully online MSN for working RNs with concentrations in Leadership & Management, Leadership & School Nursing, and Leadership for Trauma-Awareness & Resilience; clinical hours arranged near the student’s home community.
Graduate certificates
School nurse certification and trauma-awareness/resilience certificate options published alongside the MSN.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (post-MSN)
33-credit, fully online DNP delivered collaboratively with Goshen College; designed for nurses who already hold an MSN.
New cohorts, prerequisites, or tracks can change. Bookmark the nursing handbook / policies page and verify NCLEX eligibility and clinical requirements with EMU and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Virginia Department of Health Professions baccalaureate nursing education program spreadsheet (BSN_Past5.xls), Eastern Mennonite University’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 84.4% for 2025 (38 of 45 first-time testers) and 91.3% for 2024 (42 of 46). The spreadsheet also lists 90.0% for 2023 (27 of 30) and 85.7% for 2022 (42 of 49). EMU’s nursing highlights table mirrors many of these percentages and cites National Council of State Boards of Nursing statistics.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (2025) | 84.4% (38 passed / 45 tested) — Virginia DHP baccalaureate program data file |
| First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (2024) | 91.3% (42 passed / 46 tested) — same source |
| Source | Virginia Board of Nursing — Testing Pass Rates (download “Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Education Programs — Past 5 Years”). Confirm current cohorts with the Board and EMU. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Virginia Board of Nursing and the school.
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 Eastern Mennonite University and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: EMU nursing pages for accelerated/second-degree applicants list TOEFL iBT 79 (or paper/computer equivalents) or IELTS 6.5+; the Intensive English Program may bridge lower scores.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: EMU requires a NACES evaluation for foreign university transcripts (WES is commonly referenced).
- Virginia Board of Nursing: Internationally educated nurses seeking licensure by examination or endorsement must follow DHP guidance; clinical eligibility and NCLEX paperwork are Board-regulated.
- Immigration & visa: Confirm F-1 or other visa feasibility with EMU admissions—clinical courses often require off-site hours that can affect work authorization planning.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Eastern Mennonite University’s international office and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
EMU uses a two-step process for traditional undergraduates: general admission to the university, then a competitive application to the clinical nursing sequence (typically starting the junior year, with fall or spring clinical starts). Second-degree, ABSN, and LPN pathways publish prerequisite and GPA rules separately but also require nursing-program review before clinical entry.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical nursing — Fall start | Feb. 15 (all materials) | Decisions by March 30 per EMU nursing admission page. |
| Clinical nursing — Spring start | June 15 (all materials) | Decisions by July 30 per EMU nursing admission page. |
| Accelerated Second Degree BSN (ABSN) | Jan. 15 | May cohort start; allow 4–6 weeks for review per ABSN page. |
| Traditional / LPN second-degree pathway | Feb. 15 / June 15 | Same clinical deadlines unless EMU posts an exception. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (clinical application) | Cumulative 2.8 at application for traditional clinical cohorts; ABSN requires 3.0 prerequisite GPA and completion rules for eight science prerequisites. |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed among published clinical nursing requirements on EMU’s main nursing admission page—confirm with nursing-admiss@emu.edu if a pathway-specific exam is added. |
| Credits before clinical | 58 semester hours completed before beginning the clinical level (traditional track). |
| Technology | Recent laptop (Windows/Mac/iPad) required; Chromebook/Android/Linux not supported for EMU’s testing software. |
Honest tip: Because ABSN runs condensed summer sessions, build finances and housing for continuous enrollment; for traditional applicants, map prerequisites early so you can meet the Feb. 15 or June 15 packet deadlines without surprises.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition varies by pathway and credit load. Figures below come from EMU’s 2025–26 Financial Aid/Business Office disclosures (March 2026 review). Private universities often quote a high “sticker price” before aid; EMU states that nearly all undergraduates receive assistance—use the net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Traditional undergraduate tuition (12–18 credits) | $22,400 per semester / $44,800 per academic year (2025–26) |
| On-campus subtotal (“resident” charges) | $29,545 per semester / $59,090 per year including housing/meals, student fee, and general services fee (2025–26 table) |
| Nursing program fee | $500 flat per semester while enrolled in nursing (replaces some course fees) per Business Office fee schedule |
| Accelerated / second-degree nursing tuition | $960 per credit hour (2025–26) plus applicable fees |
| MSN tuition | $652 per credit hour (2025–26 graduate schedule) plus general services tiers |
| Post-MSN DNP tuition | $880 per credit hour (2025–26, 33 credits total per DNP landing page) |
| 2026–27 undergraduate tuition (published) | $23,075 per semester / $46,150 per year for the 12–18 credit block—plan ahead if your start date crosses academic years |
| Source | EMU Financial Aid — Tuition & Fees; Business Office undergraduate fees; Business Office graduate tuition. Confirm amounts with the Business Office. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Because nursing is a licensed profession, NCLEX performance is the most transparent quantitative outcome for EMU’s pre-licensure BSN graduates. Employment or placement percentages are not summarized on this page unless EMU publishes a dated cohort report—seek those disclosures on the institutional consumer information or outcomes pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate | 84.4% (2025) and 91.3% (2024) from Virginia DHP BSN testing spreadsheet; methodology matches state nursing education reporting |
| Source | Virginia Board of Nursing testing spreadsheets + EMU nursing highlights. Confirm current cohorts with both. |
| Job placement / employment rate | Not publicly disclosed on the pages reviewed for this guide—ask EMU Career Services for graduate surveys. |
Is Eastern Mennonite University the Right Fit for You?
Use this quick screen alongside conversations with EMU nursing advisors—only you can weigh faith-informed mission language, private-college pricing, and the Shenandoah Valley clinical footprint.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want small classes and explicit mentorship within a private liberal arts setting.
- Value a BSN program that foregrounds holistic/values-based care and community engaged learning.
- Need flexible online MSN/DNP options while working as an RN elsewhere in Virginia or beyond.
- Can meet EMU’s prerequisite science expectations and laptop/testing technology rules.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Require the lowest possible published tuition without considering aid (compare net price after grants).
- Cannot travel to Harrisonburg-area clinical sites or tolerate 12-hour rotations in accelerated tracks.
- Expect a fully asynchronous pre-licensure BSN—clinical nursing remains largely face-to-face.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Harrisonburg anchors the northern Shenandoah Valley—a growing small city with Sentara-affiliated acute care, public health infrastructure, rural hospitals, and long-term care partners that align with EMU’s published clinical rotation examples.
| Facility / system | Role for EMU nursing students |
|---|---|
| Sentara RMH Medical Center | Regional hospital named on EMU’s BSN page as a core acute-care clinical site. |
| Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community | Long-term care / continuing care exposure for community-based clinical learning. |
| Augusta Health (Fishersville) | Regional medical center cited among EMU clinical training locations. |
| Western State Hospital | Behavioral health experiences listed in EMU clinical site examples. |
| Virginia Department of Health / local schools | Public-health and school nursing field experiences referenced on EMU’s nursing materials. |
Clinical placement availability can vary by semester; confirm the current agency list with EMU’s clinical coordinators.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Undergraduate nurses take science prerequisites in EMU’s biology and chemistry facilities (including cadaver-based anatomy options referenced in marketing). Once admitted to the clinical sequence, students use on-campus nursing labs and transition to all-day junior/senior clinical rotations. The nursing department office sits on the third floor of the Campus Center. EMU’s broader campus emphasizes experiential learning, study-away opportunities (for example, global health electives such as Midwives for Haiti that seniors have joined), and student organizations listed in Fast Facts—confirm which nursing-specific clubs are active during your visit.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Harrisonburg, VA
- Address
- 1200 Park Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22802-2462, US
- Admissions telephone
- +1-540-432-4118
- Nursing department
- 540-432-4022 · nursing-admiss@emu.edu
- Website
- emu.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Eastern Mennonite University nursing website and download the current nursing handbook or curriculum PDF for your pathway.
- Compare EMU’s prerequisite list to your transcripts (especially science courses taken more than 10 years ago—those may be disallowed on ABSN/LPN pages).
- Confirm whether your pathway requires a nursing entrance exam; EMU’s published clinical admission page does not list TEAS/HESI, but policies can change—ask nursing-admiss@emu.edu.
- Draft a list of questions for an admissions counselor or the nursing program advising office.
- Reach out to current nursing students or alumni (e.g. via LinkedIn) to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare interview talking points (pre-licensure applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eastern Mennonite University nursing CCNE-accredited?
EMU states that its nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and lists Virginia Board of Nursing approval on its highlights page. Confirm current accreditation and state approval documents on EMU’s nursing accreditation page and with CCNE.
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Eastern Mennonite University BSN graduates?
The Virginia Department of Health Professions baccalaureate nursing spreadsheet shows 84.4% in 2025 (38 of 45 first-time testers) and 91.3% in 2024 (42 of 46). Confirm the next published cohort on the Virginia Board testing pass rates page.
What GPA do I need to apply to the clinical nursing program at EMU?
For the traditional clinical application, EMU lists a 2.8 cumulative GPA at the time of application. The Accelerated Second Degree BSN requires a 3.0 prerequisite GPA plus progress rules on the eight science prerequisites. Policies can be updated—verify on Clinical nursing admission and the ABSN page.
Does Eastern Mennonite University require the TEAS exam for nursing?
The main clinical nursing admission page reviewed for this guide does not list TEAS or HESI among requirements. Because exams can be added by pathway, email nursing-admiss@emu.edu to confirm nothing changed for your entry term.
When are nursing application deadlines at EMU?
Clinical cohort applications are due February 15 (fall start) and June 15 (spring start). The Accelerated Second Degree BSN uses a January 15 deadline for the May cohort. See EMU’s admission pages for decision timelines.
Does EMU offer an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) in Virginia?
Yes. Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at EMU the program is the Accelerated Second Degree BSN: about 15 months, begins in May, intensive summer terms, and a published January 15 application deadline.
How much is EMU nursing tuition for 2025–26?
Traditional block undergraduate tuition is $44,800 per year (12–18 credits) with an additional $500 nursing program fee each semester. Accelerated/second-degree nursing credits bill at $960 per credit hour. MSN courses are $652 per credit and DNP courses $880 per credit on the graduate schedule—confirm on EMU Business Office pages.
Who is the EMU–Goshen College DNP for?
The online DNP described on EMU’s site is a post-MSN program (33 credits) offered collaboratively with Goshen College; nurses choose whether EMU or Goshen awards the degree. It is not an entry-to-practice doctorate.
Where do EMU nursing students complete clinicals?
EMU’s BSN page examples include Sentara RMH Medical Center, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, Augusta Health, Western State Hospital, local schools, and Virginia Department of Health sites. Final placements vary by term—confirm with EMU clinical faculty.
References
- Eastern Mennonite University — Nursingemu.edu/nursing
- Eastern Mennonite University — Clinical nursing admissionemu.edu/nursing/admission
- Eastern Mennonite University — Nursing highlights & NCLEX tableemu.edu/nursing/highlights
- Eastern Mennonite University — Financial Aid tuitionemu.edu/financial-aid/tuition
- Eastern Mennonite University — Business Office undergraduate feesemu.edu/business-office/fees
- Eastern Mennonite University — Graduate tuition (MSN, DNP)emu.edu/business-office/graduate
- Virginia Board of Nursing — Education programs & testing pass ratesdhp.virginia.gov (Testing Pass Rates)
- Virginia DHP — BSN NCLEX data file (Past 5 Years)BSN_Past5.xls
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
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 data alignment with Virginia DHP nursing education spreadsheets, tuition figures on EMU Financial Aid and Business Office pages, and consistency with EMU’s published nursing program list.
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