Northern Virginia Community College ADN: What to Know (2026)
NOVA’s ACEN-accredited Associate of Applied Science in Nursing runs at the Medical Education Campus in Springfield with competitive TEAS admission, VCCS tuition tables, and published first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes tied to Virginia Board of Nursing reports. Confirm every requirement and cohort outcome with NOVA and the Board.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
NOVA delivers the VCCS Common Nursing Curriculum at the Springfield Medical Education Campus—one metro location for nursing lectures, skills labs, and simulation—while maintaining Washington, D.C.–area clinical access and transparent competitive admissions (TEAS plus prerequisite grades).
Overview & Why Students Choose Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), part of the Virginia Community College System, anchors much of its Health Sciences & Nursing work at the Medical Education Campus (MEC) in Springfield—still within commuting distance of Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and the District of Columbia. That positioning matters for nursing students who want high-acuity clinical exposure across major hospital systems while paying VCCS tuition rates.
The nursing program uses the VCCS Common Nursing Curriculum approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and ACEN. After one prerequisite semester, accepted students move through four levels of nursing coursework leading to the Associate of Applied Science and eligibility for the NCLEX-RN. Admission is competitive; meeting posted GPA and TEAS minimums does not guarantee a seat.
NOVA publishes a five-year table of first-time NCLEX-RN pass percentages (2021–2025) on its aggregated student achievement outcomes page with a direct link to the Virginia Board of Nursing testing pass rates. The most recent value shown there for 2025 is 97% first-time. Confirm methodology and newer cohorts with those sources.
Reasons students choose NOVA
Regional clinical depth
NOVA situates pre-licensure students in Northern Virginia’s dense hospital market, partnering with major health systems for diverse med-surg, specialty, and community rotations.
Modern simulation facilities
The nursing division highlights dedicated nursing labs and a simulation center at MEC for skills practice before live patient care.
Published cost transparency
Beyond the statewide tuition grid, NOVA publishes a nursing-specific expenses worksheet covering books, uniforms, background checks, and licensure fees.
ACEN-accredited ADN credential
Graduates leave with an associate degree that meets Virginia BON approval standards—useful for employment and RN-to-BSN transfer planning.
Nursing Programs Offered
Official NOVA materials reviewed here describe one active pre-licensure pathway: the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) aligned with the VCCS Common Nursing Curriculum. NOVA does not list stand-alone BSN, MSN, or DNP degrees on its nursing program overview—those would be pursued after licensure at a four-year partner.
Pre-licensure (RN)
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN)
NOVA describes a five-semester model: semester one covers prerequisites, followed by four semesters of nursing courses (Levels 1–4). The curriculum totals 67 credits; lectures and labs occur at the Medical Education Campus in Springfield. Graduates may apply to take the NCLEX-RN. Catalog reference: Nursing AAS.
LPN to RN pathway
Although NOVA has historically referenced an LPN-to-RN route, the public nursing program page currently states that the LPN to RN Pathway is on pause and is not accepting new applications. Treat any earlier marketing about that track as inactive until NOVA posts a reopening notice.
Post-licensure & graduate
Not offered as nursing degrees at NOVA in the materials reviewed. Plan RN-to-BSN or graduate nursing through transfer partnerships or universities after obtaining RN licensure.
Teas minimums, prerequisite codes, and pathway availability change. Before applying, download the current Nursing Application Checklist and Nursing Division announcements.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to Northern Virginia Community College’s aggregated student achievement outcomes—which links readers to the Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing testing pass-rate hub—published first-time NCLEX-RN pass percentages were 92% (2021), 86% (2022), 93% (2023), 99% (2024), and 97% (2025). For school-by-school detail, download the Board’s RN pass-rate workbooks or quarterly PDFs from the Virginia Board of Nursing — Testing Pass Rates page and locate Northern Virginia Community College.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (2025) | 97% (NOVA aggregated outcomes table) |
| Recent trend (2021–2024) | 92%, 86%, 93%, 99% (same NOVA table) |
| Source | NOVA aggregated outcomes; Virginia Board of Nursing Testing Pass Rates. Confirm current cohorts with both. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Virginia Board of Nursing and NOVA before making decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
NOVA’s Health Sciences application materials note that international transcripts must be evaluated through approved services (for example IERF or WES) before College Records can post credit. Clinical nursing programs also require proof of high-school completion comparable to a U.S. diploma. Use the checklist below, then confirm every requirement with NOVA Admissions, the College Records Office, and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: Institutional minimums for degree admission and any program-specific nursing language standards.
- Credential evaluation: Official international evaluations sent to NOVA Records; allow processing time before nursing deadlines.
- Virginia Board of Nursing: For internationally educated nurses seeking U.S. licensure, confirm credential review, English testing, and NCLEX eligibility steps with dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing and CGFNS where applicable.
- Visas & clinical affiliation rules: Some sites restrict observers or students by immigration status; confirm with NOVA International Student Services and the nursing division.
This section is guidance, not legal advice. Policies change—verify with NOVA and official regulatory offices.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
NOVA nursing admission is a two-step process: (1) apply to the college as a degree-seeking student, (2) complete Health Sciences & Nursing prerequisites, attend a nursing information session for the required attendance code, then submit the online HSN application with attachments during the narrow window. Applicants are ranked; higher grades in science prerequisites and stronger TEAS performance earn more points.
The April 2025 Nursing Application Checklist lists prerequisite courses, high school course requirements, competitive criteria (grades in BIO 141 and PSY 230 plus TEAS), and optional “bonus point” courses (for example BIO 142, BIO 150, select CST courses, and a humanities elective if completed before applying).
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| August start | March 1–March 15 (HSN application) | Second window May 1–May 15 only if cohort does not fill (per Health Sciences deadlines table). |
| January start | September 1–September 15 | Midnight-to-11:59 p.m. ET deadlines; late submissions are not accepted. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum cumulative GPA | 2.5 at NOVA or 2.5 from last college attended; must be in good academic standing (checklist). |
| TEAS (Version 7) | Required. Minimums on April 2025 checklist: Reading 73%, English 62%, Math 65%, Science 58%; higher scores are more competitive. Nursing division also posts Science 58 for Spring 2026—confirm live TEAS page. |
| Other requirements | HS diploma/GED evidence, HS algebra/biology/chemistry at C or better (or college equivalents), SDV 101 Orientation to Healthcare (or approved alternatives), ENG 111 (C or better), PSY 230 (C or better), BIO 141 within 10 years, 3-credit elective, eligibility for MTH 154; students must be 18+ before clinicals. |
Tips for applicants
Finish TEAS early enough to retest within NOVA’s one-month wait and three-attempts-per-calendar-year rule. Post all transfer credit well before the deadline—applications pending evaluation are marked ineligible. Attach TEAS results as the ATI Individual Performance Profile PDF, not screenshots.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
NOVA publishes per-credit totals effective Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 on its Tuition & Costs page. Figures below include mandatory educational & general fees and the default NOVA All Access instructional materials fee ($22.50/credit) used unless a student opts out during the published window.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Virginia residents — total per credit | $224.56 (tuition $195.36 + capital fee $3.70 + student activities $3.00 + NOVA All Access $22.50; student groups fee $0 on chart reviewed) |
| Out-of-state students — total per credit | $444.38 (includes out-of-state tuition $386.68, capital fee, activities fee, All Access) |
| Illustrative program tuition (67 credits) | 67 × $224.56 ≈ $15,046 in-state; 67 × $444.38 ≈ $29,773 out-of-state, before nursing-specific expenses or aid—rounding for readability. |
| Nursing-specific expenses (2025 worksheet) | NOVA lists additional estimates (book bundles & clinical tools about $2,400–$2,600, uniforms ~$124–$200, supplies, CPR, background checks, NCLEX application ~$390, etc.) in NOVA Nursing Program Expenses 2025. |
| Source | NOVA Tuition & Costs; nursing expenses PDF above. Confirm current rates with NOVA Student Accounts. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
NOVA’s aggregated outcomes page pairs NCLEX data with on-time completion percentages: 70.5% (2021), 66% (2022), 60% (2023), 59% (2024), and 56% (2025) for graduates listed as on-time completion. Those figures are program-specific but not the same as job-placement rates.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (2025) | 97% (NOVA aggregated outcomes table referencing Virginia BON materials) |
| On-time program completion (2025 graduates) | 56% (same NOVA outcomes page) |
| Job placement / salary | Not publicly disclosed on the pages reviewed; confirm with NOVA Career Services. |
| Regional demand | The D.C. metro corridor employs large hospital networks; NCLEX-eligible ADN graduates typically find roles across inpatient and ambulatory settings, subject to employer requirements. |
Is Northern Virginia Community College the Right Fit for You?
Choose NOVA if you want a single-campus nursing sequence in Springfield with the economics of a community college, can handle competitive TEAS-based admission, and plan to work in the capital region after licensure. Reconsider if you need a paused LPN-RN track, cannot commute to MEC for all nursing classes, or expect a guaranteed clinical seat without ranking highly.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an ACEN-accredited ADN at VCCS tuition with NCLEX-focused disclosures.
- Can attend the Medical Education Campus reliably for labs, simulation, and clinical coordination.
- Thrive in competitive, points-based admissions and can reach strong TEAS section scores.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need an active LPN-to-RN bridge immediately (NOVA lists that pathway as paused).
- Require a fully online pre-licensure program (NOVA nursing is face-to-face at MEC).
- Prefer guaranteed admission after meeting minimum GPA alone—NOVA still ranks applicants.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Northern Virginia anchors one of the country’s largest concentrations of hospitals, federal health systems, and community clinics. NOVA nursing students routinely rotate through and eventually work inside integrated delivery networks serving Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, and nearby Maryland/D.C. communities—settings that expose learners to diverse languages, high patient acuity, and rapid throughput common to major metros.
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Major hospital systems (examples) | Inova Health System, HCA Virginia / Dominion Hospital, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic, and MedStar facilities serve large portions of NOVA; Mary Washington Healthcare and Sentara facilities sit slightly farther south/west but remain part of regional hiring pipelines. |
| Federal & specialty care | Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, NIH Clinical Center, and Veterans Affairs medical centers offer specialized exposure for some learners depending on affiliation agreements each term. |
| Community partners | Federally qualified health centers, school health programs, and home health agencies provide primary-care and population-health rotations that complement acute-care experiences. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
All nursing lectures and labs take place at the Medical Education Campus at 6699 Springfield Center Drive in Springfield, Virginia—equipped with dedicated nursing skills labs and simulation space highlighted on the division website. Clinical rotations extend across partner hospitals and community sites, so expect daily travel throughout the term. After acceptance, students must satisfy clinical clearance (background check, drug screen, immunizations, American Heart Association BLS, and more) as outlined in Health Sciences policies.
Student life differs from a residential university: most attendees commute, work part time, and leverage NOVA advising, tutoring, and MEC-specific student support. Organizations such as student nursing associations may be available through campus life offices—confirm active chapters with MEC student engagement staff.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Main college
- Annandale, VA — general switchboard
- Address
- 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003, US (public campus address)
- Nursing division (MEC)
- Medical Education Campus, 6699 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 22150 — advising 703.822.6531
- virtualadvising@nvcc.edu (MEC Advising)
- Website
- nvcc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the latest Nursing Application Checklist and compare every prerequisite to your transcripts.
- Register for a nursing information session and save the attendance code required on the HSN application.
- Schedule TEAS at the MEC Testing Center (mectesting@nvcc.edu) or another ATI site, leaving time for a possible retake.
- Request official transcripts for any non-NOVA coursework early—transfer credit must post before the deadline.
- Budget using the tuition chart plus NOVA Nursing Program Expenses 2025.
- Review Virginia Board criminal background expectations for nursing students and clinical affiliates.
- Add the correct HSN application window (March or September) with calendar alerts—late submissions are rejected automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Virginia Community College nursing accredited?
Yes—NOVA states the Associate of Applied Science nursing program at the Medical Education Campus holds ACEN continuing accreditation and meets Virginia Board of Nursing approval standards. Confirm the latest accreditation actions with ACEN, NOVA, and the Board.
What GPA do you need for NOVA nursing?
The April 2025 nursing checklist requires a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA from NOVA or, if none exists yet, a 2.5 from your last institution, plus good academic standing. Higher science grades increase ranking points.
Does NOVA nursing require TEAS?
Yes. Applicants must submit TEAS Version 7 scores. The nursing checklist lists minimum section scores of 73% Reading, 62% English, 65% Math, and 58% Science, with higher scores more competitive. The division also announced a 58% Science floor for Spring 2026—double-check the live TEAS page.
When are the NOVA nursing application deadlines?
Typically March 1–15 for an August start and September 1–15 for a January start. A second August window May 1–15 opens only if seats remain.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Northern Virginia Community College?
NOVA’s aggregated outcomes table lists 97% first-time NCLEX-RN (2025) along with prior-year percentages and links to the Virginia Board of Nursing pass-rate publications. Confirm the newest cohort there and on the Board’s site.
Where does NOVA hold nursing classes?
All nursing lectures and labs occur at the Medical Education Campus in Springfield, VA, even though NOVA operates multiple campuses elsewhere.
Is NOVA’s LPN to RN pathway open?
As of the official nursing program page reviewed here, the LPN to RN Pathway was paused and not accepting applications. Check NOVA’s program announcement for reopening status before planning that route.
How much does NOVA nursing cost?
Use the 2025–26 tuition chart ($224.56/credit in-state total with default All Access, $444.38/credit out-of-state) plus the NOVA Nursing Program Expenses 2025 PDF for uniforms, books, compliance, and licensure fees. Opting out of All Access changes the per-credit total.
How competitive is admission to NOVA nursing?
Very. Meeting minimum GPA and TEAS scores still leaves you in a ranked pool where science grades, TEAS strength, and optional completed courses add points. Cohort size is limited by clinical and lab capacity.
References
- Northern Virginia Community College — Nursing Divisionnvcc.edu/…/nursing/index.html
- NOVA — Nursing (AAS program overview)nvcc.edu/academics/programs/nursing.html
- NOVA — Aggregated nursing student achievement outcomesnvcc.edu/…/aggregated-student-achievement-outcomes.html
- NOVA — Nursing Application Checklist (PDF)nsg-checklist.pdf
- NOVA — Health Sciences application requirements (2025–26)application-requirements-2526.html
- NOVA — TEAS informationteas-test.html
- NOVA — Tuition & costsnvcc.edu/tuition
- NOVA — Nursing Program Expenses 2025 (PDF)NOVA-Nursing-Program-Expenses-2025.pdf
- Virginia Board of Nursing — Testing Pass Ratesdhp.virginia.gov/…/TestingPassRates
- 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, with emphasis on NOVA’s published TEAS minimums, 2025–26 tuition table, LPN-RN pause notice, and NCLEX figures cross-linked to Virginia DHP sources.
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 Northern Virginia Community College and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Published: April 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: April 1, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy