Radford University Nursing: What to Know (2026)
Radford’s College of Nursing delivers pre-licensure BSN education on the main campus and in Roanoke (with an Accelerated BSN option), a fully online RN-to-BSN completion track, and graduate nursing programs. This guide uses 2025–26 figures from Radford’s Bursar and 2025 first-time NCLEX-RN data from the Virginia Board of Nursing baccalaureate workbook—confirm everything with Radford and the Board before applying.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Differentiator: Radford invests in the Jo Ann Bingham Clinical Simulation Center, runs a dual-site pre-licensure model (traditional fall/spring sequencing in Radford vs. year-round nursing courses in Roanoke for traditional and accelerated students), and publicly highlights new articulation work with Virginia Tech (2026 news) for students seeking a structured pathway into Highlander nursing.
Overview & Why Students Choose Radford University
Between the New River Valley main campus and the Roanoke instructional delivery site, Radford’s College of Nursing combines in-person skills laboratories, high-fidelity simulation, and acute-care clinical rotations that the program advertises at regional magnet hospitals with trauma designations. Public materials emphasize workforce-ready graduates for Virginia employers.
The department structures pre-licensure nursing as a Traditional pathway (four years with continuous fall/spring registration on the Radford campus) and an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) schedule that compresses upper-division nursing into 16 months across four consecutive semesters, including summer, with year-round classes noted at Roanoke. Licensed RNs can finish the 100% online RN-to-BSN track in seven-week sessions, while graduate students pursue MSN administration, MSN–FNP, DNP, or a post-graduate PMHNP certificate per the College of Nursing listings.
Official first-time NCLEX-RN data appear in the Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Education Programs spreadsheet (BSN_Past5.xls). The 2025 column shows 57 of 65 first-time testers passed (87.69%) on the Radford University program row; additional Board lines track Radford’s Carilion Traditional and Accelerated BSN approvals separately. Confirm the newest file on the Testing Pass Rates page.
Reasons students choose Radford nursing
Dual-site pre-licensure delivery
Traditional coursework is anchored in Radford, while Roanoke offers both traditional (year-round) and accelerated options—helpful if you need summer nursing semesters without relocating to another institution.
Simulation-heavy preparation
The Jo Ann Bingham Clinical Simulation Center gives structured practice before live patient care, complementing skills labs and health assessment coursework.
Board-tracked NCLEX performance
Virginia publishes multi-year NCLEX workbooks by approved program code—compare Radford’s rows against statewide peers when benchmarking outcomes.
Online RN-to-BSN flexibility
Working RNs can stay employed while progressing through accelerated seven-week online sessions once university admission and nursing progression rules are met.
Graduate ladder with administration + NP focus
MSN offerings include Nursing Administration (online) and Family Nurse Practitioner, plus a DNP and PMHNP graduate certificate for APRNs expanding scope.
Nursing Programs Offered
Radford’s public nursing pages and academic catalog list the programs below. The page separates pre-licensure (NCLEX-bound), post-licensure (RN licensure already held), graduate MSN, and doctoral/certificate APRN offerings so admissions rules stay pathway-specific.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-bound)
Traditional BSN
Four-year, face-to-face pre-licensure sequence with continuous fall/spring registration for nursing coursework on the Radford campus; Roanoke offers the same curriculum with nursing courses running year-round.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at Radford, upper-division nursing runs 16 months across four consecutive semesters, including summer, after general education and prerequisites. Year-round nursing classes are offered at Roanoke for this model.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN-to-BSN
100% online completion track with seven-week sessions; eligible students need an unencumbered RN license (and either a nursing AAS/diploma or defined VCCS co-enrollment per Radford’s RN-to-BSN page).
Graduate (MSN)
MSN – Nursing Administration (online)
Post-licensure MSN focused on leadership and administration delivered online through Radford’s graduate nursing offerings.
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
FNP track listed under graduate nursing prepares APRNs for primary-care practice (confirm certification exam eligibility with the program).
Doctoral & post-graduate certificate
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Practice-focused doctoral program listed on Radford’s graduate nursing pages for nurses seeking terminal practice preparation.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner graduate certificate
Post-graduate certificate pathway for APRNs adding psychiatric mental health competencies; details appear on Radford’s PMHNP certificate program page.
The Board of Nursing maintains separate NCLEX reporting lines for Radford’s main baccalaureate program and Radford University Carilion traditional/accelerated approvals. Always match the workbook row to your admitted track.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing — Testing Pass Rates page, the downloadable Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Education Programs spreadsheet (BSN_Past5.xls, “2025 Pass Rates” columns) lists first-time NCLEX-RN results for each approved program. The entries relevant to Radford as of that workbook extract include:
- Radford University — 57 passed / 65 testers = 87.69% (2025 column).
- Radford University Carilion Traditional BSN — 47 passed / 48 testers = 97.92% (2025 column).
- Radford University Carilion Accelerated BSN — 27 passed / 27 testers (2025 column; Virginia DHP workbook labeling).
An additional Board row titled Radford University (Roanoke) shows historical years in the same spreadsheet but no 2024–2025 values in the extracted columns reviewed here—download the current file for updates. Always match the workbook program title to your admit letter because the Commonwealth approves multiple Radford-associated codes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Radford University — first-time NCLEX-RN (2025, VA BON workbook) | 87.69% (57 passed / 65 testers) |
| Radford University Carilion Traditional BSN (2025) | 97.92% (47 passed / 48 testers) |
| Radford University Carilion Accelerated BSN (2025) | 27 passed / 27 testers per workbook (confirm next cohort on the Board site) |
| Source | Virginia DHP — Nursing Testing Pass Rates (download BSN_Past5.xls). Confirm current rates with the Board and Radford. |
Workbook rows are program-specific; “perfect” workbook rows for small cohorts should still be interpreted alongside tester counts. Confirm the latest publication year with the Virginia Board of Nursing before relying on any percentage for high-stakes decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
International applicants and internationally educated nurses must satisfy Radford University admission rules, clinical clearance policies, and Virginia Board of Nursing licensure prerequisites. Fully online programs may not meet visa-based residency requirements, pre-licensure clinical courses require placement in approved U.S. agencies, and Virginia may require CGFNS evaluation or additional documentation before NCLEX eligibility.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other minimum scores with Radford’s admissions or graduate office for your program level.
- Credential evaluation: Plan for transcript evaluations (e.g., WES or other Radford-approved services) and any CGFNS steps required by Virginia for foreign-educated nurses.
- Virginia Board of Nursing: Review the Board’s NCLEX eligibility checklist and advanced-practice documentation policies before assuming admission equals licensure exam authorization.
- Immigration & clinical placement: F-1 students must verify that required face-to-face labs and clinical rotations are compatible with their visa status; hybrid tracks still embed in-person components.
This section is guidance, not legal advice. Policies change—verify each item with Radford, the international programs office, U.S. immigration counsel as needed, and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Radford combines direct admission for select high-achieving first-year students with pre-nursing progression routes that require a secondary, competitive application to upper-division nursing coursework. The Nursing BSN overview spells out Traditional vs. Accelerated sequencing, dual-site delivery, and RN-to-BSN eligibility. Graduate applicants follow separate graduate admissions steps for MSN, DNP, and certificate tracks.
Pre-licensure essentials
The Nursing, B.S.N. catalog excerpt lists science and general-education prerequisites (for example anatomy & physiology, microbiology, nutrition, statistics, psychology, chemistry options, and NURS 321 Pathophysiology) plus a 2.5 minimum GPA in the nursing major for graduation. Upper-division admission remains competitive; meeting catalog minimums does not guarantee placement.
Application timeline (public nursing page)
| Entry Term | Window (per Radford Nursing page) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall upper-division / progression readiness | Historically early January – early March (example: Jan. 5 – Mar. 6 on the 2024–2025 notice) | Applies to both Roanoke and Radford; confirm the active academic year dates on radford.edu/programs/nursing.html. |
| Spring upper-division / progression readiness | Historically early August – mid-October (example: Aug. 5 – Oct. 10) | Same multi-site rule; verify annually. |
| RN-to-BSN online | Six starts per year (seven-week sessions) | Review eligibility paths (licensed RN with AAS/diploma vs. co-enrolled VCCS student) on Radford’s online RN-to-BSN page. |
| Graduate nursing | Varies by MSN/FNP/DNP/certificate cycle | Use the relevant graduate program page and Graduate Admissions for deadline tables. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing major) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Nursing major GPA for graduation | 2.5 minimum on all NURS-prefix coursework (catalog) |
| RN-to-BSN prerequisites | Grade of C or better in listed prerequisites; active RN license (or defined VCCS co-enrollment pathway) |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed in the Nursing, B.S.N. catalog excerpt reviewed here—confirm with College of Nursing if an exam is added. |
| Clinical clearance | Nursing program page cites ~$600 estimated clinical clearance bundle (background checks, health documentation, etc.) |
Tips for applicants
Because progression hinges on both science GPA and the published application window, build a semester-by-semester plan that finishes prerequisites before the January or August openings. Roanoke ABSN candidates should expect summer nursing courses. RN-to-BSN applicants should keep licensure unencumbered and confirm transcript evaluation early if transferring from multiple institutions.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Radford’s Tuition and Fees page publishes 2025–26 full-time rates for undergraduates (12–16 credits) alongside mandatory technology and comprehensive fees. Nursing students should also use the program page’s estimated clinical clearance, ATI, textbooks, supplies, uniforms, graduation, and NCLEX application line items when budgeting.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition (2025–26, annual) | $8,698 in-state / $22,012 out-of-state (12–16 credits) |
| Mandatory fees (2025–26, annual) | Technology fee $120; Comprehensive fee $4,134; Capital fee $468 (out-of-state only) |
| Combined tuition + mandatory fees (calculated) | $12,952 in-state / $26,734 out-of-state before housing, meal plans, course-specific charges, or nursing estimates |
| Graduate tuition (2025–26, annual, general table) | $10,132 in-state / $19,820 out-of-state for full-time graduate study (see Bursar note on differential Carilion graduate rates) |
| Nursing-specific estimates (program page) | Clinical clearance ~$600; ATI ~$2,000; textbooks ~$1,500; supplies ~$325; uniforms ~$350; graduation $100–$400; NCLEX & Board application ~$400 (all labeled estimates) |
| Source | Radford University Bursar — Tuition & Fees; Radford Nursing — estimated prelicensure costs. Confirm current figures with the Bursar. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Start with the NCLEX-RN section for board-documented licensure exam outcomes by approved program row. Radford’s marketing materials state that employers frequently recruit its graduates, but treat employment claims broadly unless Radford publishes a dated consumer-information rate.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (2025 workbook snapshot) | See detailed percentages in NCLEX section; sourced to Virginia DHP BSN_Past5.xls |
| Clinical hour exposure (program claim) | Radford cites 500+ direct care hours spanning multiple populations and settings |
| Job placement / salary | Not publicly disclosed with methodology on this page; review Radford career services or consumer disclosures for any published employment statistics. |
| Source | Virginia Board Testing Pass Rates; Radford Nursing program page. |
Is Radford University the Right Fit for You?
Radford fits students seeking a public university experience with hands-on simulation, Blue Ridge / Roanoke clinical access, and the option to accelerate through summer nursing terms when admitted to the Roanoke ABSN-style schedule.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want CCNE-accredited pathways coupled with explicit Virginia Board approval language on Radford’s disclosures.
- Prefer a campus nursing home base in the New River Valley with optional Roanoke delivery for year-round courses.
- Need an online RN-to-BSN completion track built around seven-week sessions.
- Plan to continue into MSN administration, FNP, DNP, or PMHNP certificate study within the same college.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect automatic progression without meeting Radford’s competitive upper-division application windows.
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program (Radford’s BSN remains face-to-face at clinical placement sites).
- Cannot commit to the ATI bundle, clinical clearance costs, and travel between Radford-area and Roanoke systems.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Radford sits in the New River Valley between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the larger Roanoke metropolitan area, giving nursing students access to rural, suburban, and high-acuity urban hospitals within a reasonable drive. Radford’s BSN page references clinical partnerships with magnet-designated hospitals that operate Level 1 and Level 2 trauma centers alongside community hospitals—ideal for students who want exposure to both tertiary referrals and local continuity-of-care settings.
Virginia’s long-term demand for bedside nurses, outpatient navigators, and public health nurses supports strong clinical placement demand; confirming your specific rotation list each semester with the College of Nursing is essential because contracts evolve.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Carilion Clinic (Roanoke anchor) | Large integrated system with flagship hospitals and specialty centers—common employer and clinical partner for Roanoke-based instruction. |
| LewisGale facilities (HCA Virginia) | Multi-campus network in the Roanoke / New River Valley region providing med-surg, critical care, and surgical volume. |
| New River Valley Medical Center (LewisGale) | Radford-area acute care hospital supporting local emergency and inpatient experiences. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
On the main campus, Radford blends a residential undergraduate experience with quick access to outdoor recreation along the New River and Blue Ridge trails—helpful stress relief during intensive clinical rotations. Nursing-specific learning centers on skills labs, health assessment spaces, and the Jo Ann Bingham Clinical Simulation Center for immersive scenarios prior to hospital placements.
Roanoke-based students may utilize housing such as the Patrick Henry arrangements listed on Radford’s housing rate tables; review the Bursar’s Roanoke room/board lines when estimating cost of attendance. Student leadership opportunities (for example, Student Nurses Association chapters or service projects) vary by year—check the College of Nursing student resources for active organizations.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Primary campus
- Radford, VA
- University address
- 801 East Main Street, Radford, VA 24142, US
- Admissions phone
- (540) 831-5371 (per Radford Admissions contact page)
- Nursing email
- nursing@radford.edu
- College of Nursing
- radford.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the latest Virginia DHP
BSN_Past5.xlsworkbook and locate every Radford-related program row relevant to your admit track. - Map prerequisite courses from the Nursing, B.S.N. catalog entry against your transcripts.
- Confirm whether the upcoming application window matches Radford’s published January–March or August–October cycle before scheduling campus visits.
- Budget ATI, clinical clearance, uniforms, and travel between Radford and Roanoke if you pursue the accelerated Roanoke schedule.
- Email nursing@radford.edu with campus-specific questions (Radford vs. Roanoke cohort planning).
- Review financial aid and scholarship opportunities via Radford’s financial aid office concurrent with nursing departmental awards.
- Bookmark the Virginia Board Testing Pass Rates page for future workbook releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pre-licensure options does Radford University nursing offer?
Radford offers a Traditional BSN track (continuous fall/spring registration for nursing major coursework in Radford; year-round nursing classes possible in Roanoke) and an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) that Radford describes as 16 months across four consecutive semesters, including summer, with accelerated sequencing positioned at Roanoke. Confirm your admit pathway and campus in your offer letter.
What NCLEX-RN rates does the Virginia Board publish for Radford in 2025?
According to the downloadable BSN_Past5.xls workbook on the Virginia DHP Testing Pass Rates page, the 2025 column lists 87.69% first-time pass (57/65) on the Radford University line, 97.92% (47/48) for Radford University Carilion Traditional BSN, and 27/27 first-time testers passed on the Radford University Carilion Accelerated BSN row. Download the newest file for later cohorts and confirm cohort size with the Board.
How much is Radford University tuition for undergraduates in 2025–26?
The Bursar lists $8,698 in-state and $22,012 out-of-state annual tuition for full-time undergraduates plus $4,254 in mandatory technology and comprehensive fees (and a $468 capital fee for non-residents), yielding roughly $12,952 in-state or $26,734 out-of-state before housing, meal plans, or nursing estimate lines like ATI (~$2,000) and clinical clearance (~$600).
When should I apply to Radford’s upper-division nursing program?
Radford historically opens fall application/progression windows in early January through early March and spring windows in early August through mid-October, applying equally to Roanoke and Radford applicants per the public nursing program page. Always confirm the exact dates posted for your academic year.
Does Radford University require TEAS scores for nursing?
The Nursing, B.S.N. catalog excerpt reviewed here does not list TEAS or HESI; Radford’s marketing page stresses prerequisites, progression, and competitive application timing. If the college adds an entrance exam, it should appear in the official nursing admissions packet—ask nursing@radford.edu for the current cycle.
How does Radford’s online RN-to-BSN program work?
Radford describes a 100% online RN-to-BSN with seven-week courses and up to six start dates per year. Eligibility requires an unencumbered RN license with an associate or diploma (or defined Virginia community-college co-enrollment). NURS 400 must begin your first session and NURS 409 closes the sequence per the RN-to-BSN catalog language.
Is Radford University Carilion the same as main-campus nursing?
Students may see Radford University Carilion labels on Virginia Board spreadsheets—those rows reflect separately approved baccalaureate program codes with their own NCLEX histories. Use the workbook row that matches your program acceptance, and ask the College of Nursing if you are unsure which code aligns with your cohort.
Where can I verify Virginia RN licensure and official NCLEX publications?
Use the Virginia Board of Nursing and its Testing Pass Rates resources; Radford’s disclosures supplement but do not replace board workbooks.
References
- Radford University — College of Nursingradford.edu/nursing
- Radford — Nursing BSN program overviewradford.edu/programs/nursing
- Radford — academic programs (MSN, DNP, certificates)radford.edu/nursing/academic-programs
- Radford University Catalog — Nursing, B.S.N.catalog.radford.edu — Nursing BSN
- Radford — Bursar Tuition & Feesradford.edu/bursar/tuition-fees
- Virginia DHP — Nursing Testing Pass Rates (BSN_Past5.xls)dhp.virginia.gov — Testing Pass Rates
- 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 figures cross-checked against the Virginia DHP BSN_Past5.xls workbook, Radford Bursar tuition tables, College of Nursing program listings, and sourced URLs.
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 Radford University and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Published: April 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: April 1, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy