University of Virginia School of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Anchored beside UVA Health in Charlottesville, the UVA School of Nursing offers multiple pre-licensure BSN pathways, a hybrid RN-to-BSN completion program, a direct-entry Clinical Nurse Leader MSN for career changers, RN-to-CNL, CCNE-accredited DNP specialties, a funded PhD, and post-master’s certificates—with simulation, global initiatives, and clinical sites spanning central Virginia and the mid-Atlantic.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
UVA combines an INACSL-recognized Clinical Simulation Learning Center with deep UVA Health integration—strong draws if you want research-intensive training, a direct-entry CNL master’s option for non-nurses, and a BSN-to-DNP ladder that advertises seven APRN specialty tracks in a hybrid format.
Overview & Why Students Choose the University of Virginia School of Nursing
Alongside UVA Health’s academic medical center in Charlottesville, the UVA School of Nursing operates as a research-intensive unit with more than 500 undergraduates and 360+ graduate students (fall/summer 2025 figures on the school’s About page). Public materials stress clinical simulation at scale, education abroad tied to community health hours, and graduate pathways that pair UVA’s academic breadth with hybrid DNP scheduling (~one in-person class per month for the post-BSN DNP track).
The school explicitly links pre-licensure BSN and master’s-entry Clinical Nurse Leader outcomes to Virginia Board of Nursing oversight, while CCNE accreditation for the baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP programs runs through June 30, 2034 per the school’s accreditation summary—always confirm renewals before you apply.
According to the Virginia Board of Nursing Testing Pass Rates Registered Nursing “Current Year” PDF (2025 fourth-quarter publication, NCSBN 2025 exam-year data for Virginia), the University of Virginia – BS program summary shows a 85.05% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate with 107 first-time candidates, and the University of Virginia – MSN summary (master’s-entry / CNL cohort reporting under the MSN education program code) shows 94.12% with 34 first-time candidates. The school’s About page also cites graduating-class snapshots (for example BSN class of 2024 at a reported 95%), which can differ from exam-year jurisdiction tables—confirm the latest figures with the Board and nursing.virginia.edu.
Reasons students choose UVA Nursing
UVA Health proximity
Pre-licensure curricula emphasize mentoring at UVA Medical Center alongside community and school-based sites across central Virginia—useful if you want integrated academic-practice exposure.
Flexible BSN entry points
UVA markets a four-year direct BSN, a six-semester three-year transfer option, and an intensive two-year transfer ABSN with published deadlines—each culminating in NCLEX eligibility.
Master’s entry for career changers
The two-year direct-entry Clinical Nurse Leader MSN targets bachelor’s graduates outside nursing; graduates pursue NCLEX-RN and CNL certification per program messaging.
DNP specialty breadth
BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways list seven nurse practitioner / CNS specialties plus a military-only dual AGAC CNS+NP track, all framed around 750 practicum hours.
Funded PhD pipeline
The PhD page advertises four years of tuition coverage plus GTA stipends for all admitted students—an important differentiator for aspiring nurse scientists.
Nursing Programs Offered
This list reflects UVA School of Nursing academics pages (BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD) as of March 2026. UVA’s MSN overview notes that MSN nurse practitioner and MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist applications are not being accepted for fall 2026 entry; prospective APRN students should follow the DNP or post-master’s certificate routes advertised on the site.
Pre-licensure (BSN and master’s entry)
Traditional BSN
Four-year, 120-credit BSN for direct entry from high school; clinical rotations across med-surg, community/public health, pediatrics, obstetrics, and psychiatric-mental health; simulation in the 10,000 sq. ft. Clinical Simulation Learning Center.
Three-Year BSN Transfer
Six-semester, 120-credit pathway for internal or external transfers with deadlines (August–March cycle) separate from freshman nursing admission.
Two-Year Accelerated BSN Transfer
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—UVA names this the 2-Year Accelerated BSN Transfer Program for students with two years of college who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree; includes summers, begins early summer, application due October 1.
Clinical Nurse Leader Direct-Entry MSN
Two-year master’s entry program for applicants with a non-nursing bachelor’s; prepares for NCLEX-RN and CNL certification per UVA.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN-to-BSN
Two-year part-time hybrid format: monthly in-person class plus online learning; cohort sites in Charlottesville, Fairfax, and Richmond; application deadline March 1 for fall entry per public BSN materials.
Graduate leadership & doctoral
RN-to-Clinical Nurse Leader MSN
Part-time MSN leadership curriculum culminating in eligibility for the CNL certification exam (RN licensure required).
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP hybrid tracks with seven advertised specialties (adult-gerontology acute care NP/CNS, family NP, neonatal NP, pediatric acute/primary NP, PMHNP) plus a military-only dual AG CNS+NP track; application deadline January 5.
PhD in Nursing
Research doctorate admitting BSN (or higher) nurses with immersive methods training; fully funded tuition + GTA stipends for four years per PhD page; application deadline December 15 (extended in public materials).
Post-master’s APRN certificates
UVA advertises post-professional certificates for nurses who already hold an MSN/NP; CCNE notes first accreditation of post-graduate APRN certificates in 2023.
Seat counts, prerequisite science freshness rules, and delivery modes can change year to year. Verify every pathway on UVA nursing admissions before budgeting time or tuition.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing Registered Nursing Programs Current Year PDF (Report 4 – Jurisdiction Program Summary, exam year 2025, report dated January 21, 2026), the University of Virginia – BS education program (NCSBN code US28505700) recorded a 85.05% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate with 107 first-time candidates tested, and the University of Virginia – MSN education program (US28509900, reflecting master’s-entry pre-licensure cohorts such as the Clinical Nurse Leader track) recorded 94.12% with 34 first-time candidates.
The Board’s table sums multiple quarterly testing windows; cohorts with lower quarterly pass rates can coexist with stronger graduate-class marketing figures. UVA’s About page additionally lists BSN class-of-2024 and CNL class-of-2024 outcomes that are labeled by graduating class rather than the Board’s exam-year extract—use both resources and align definitions before comparing schools.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| UVA BS program – first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (2025 exam year) | 85.05% (91 passed / 107 tested; Virginia DHP RN PDF) |
| UVA MSN program – first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (2025 exam year) | 94.12% (32 passed / 34 tested; same PDF) |
| School-reported class snapshot (different methodology) | About page cites BSN class of 2024 at a reported 95% NCLEX pass rate; CNL class of 2024 NCLEX outcome is described on-page—confirm definitions with UVA and the Board. |
| Source | Virginia Board of Nursing – Testing Pass Rates (PDF linked above) and UVA School of Nursing About. Confirm current cohorts with both. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Virginia Board of Nursing and the school before using a figure for high-stakes 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 the UVA graduate international admissions office, Undergraduate Admission, and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
UVA graduate nursing pages note that students in advanced-practice pathways generally need an active, unencumbered RN license issued in Virginia or a compact state—international nursing licenses are not accepted for those programs—while master’s-entry CNL students follow separate licensing rules during their pre-RN phase.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo thresholds defined by UVA for your applicant type.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Follow UVA guidance for coursework taken outside the United States.
- Virginia Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and documentation for internationally educated nurses.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical courses require legal authorization to enter patient-care settings—confirm F-1 STEM/OPT implications with the International Studies Office.
Policies change frequently. Verify with UVA’s nursing admissions team and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
UVA’s Traditional BSN admits a first-year cohort of roughly 75 students while receiving more than fifteen applications per seat, per the program FAQ—plan for holistic review of rigor, health care exposure, and academic trend lines rather than a single metric. Transfer and ABSN routes publish explicit dates (for example August 1 application opens for three-year transfer; October 1 for the accelerated two-year track).
Graduate nursing uses shared admissions contacts: nursing-admissions@virginia.edu and (434) 924-0066. DNP applicants need ≥3.0 cumulative GPA (≥3.25 BSN GPA cited as more competitive) plus an active VA or compact RN license (except master’s-entry CNL). PhD applicants apply through the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences with additional nursing requirements.
Application timeline
| Program | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN (first-year) | November 1 (Early Action) / January 1 (Regular Decision) | Decisions by January 31 / April 1 respectively per BSN FAQ. |
| Three-year BSN transfer | February 1 (internal UVA) / March 1 (external) | Application opens August 1; May 1 decision target. |
| Two-year ABSN transfer | October 1 | December 1 decision notification; program begins early summer. |
| RN-to-BSN | March 1 | Fall start; hybrid sites listed on RN-to-BSN page. |
| DNP | August 1 (application open) / January 5 (deadline) | March decision week; specialties competitive. |
| PhD in Nursing | December 15 (extended deadline listed) | Apply via GSAS; interviews Zoom or in-person. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed; described as highly competitive with rising applications. |
| Typical academic profile | FAQ avoids publishing a single average GPA because high school grading scales differ; expects challenging coursework with strong performance. |
| Graduate GPA expectation | DNP pathways list 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA (BSN applicants with ≥3.25 flagged as more competitive). |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed in Traditional BSN FAQs reviewed; confirm with admissions if a pathway adds testing. |
| GRE | Optional for PhD (“no longer required” but scores accepted). |
Applicant tips
Schedule a Zoom session or campus tour, then document nursing-relevant service with measurable impact—UVA explicitly looks for exposure to health care even if informal. For graduate applicants, align prerequisite statistics, license status, and career goals with the specialty you select because MSN NP programs are paused for fall 2026 entry.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
UVA publishes nursing-specific tuition tables on each program page. The figures below come directly from the BSN, DNP, and PhD pages for 2025–26 fall/spring terms. Add clinical fees, health insurance (if required), housing, and travel when modeling total cost.
| Category | AY 2025–26 published rates (USD) |
|---|---|
| BSN (fall + spring subtotal) | Virginia resident: tuition $20,918 + comprehensive fee $3,722 + student activities ($58 + $34 nursing) = $24,782. Non-Virginia: tuition $60,256 + fees = $64,752. |
| BSN supplemental fees (examples) | Clinical services fee $328 (traditional) or $630 (accelerated); clinical/lab courses add $100 per credit; student health insurance estimate $3,989 if needed—per BSN tuition accordion. |
| Post-BSN DNP (full-time, ≥12 credits, fall/spring) | Virginia resident total $25,756; non-Virginia $40,328 (tuition + comprehensive + activity fees). |
| Post-BSN DNP (part-time, per-credit tuition) | $914 (VA) / $1,493 (non-VA) per credit plus university/comprehensive fees listed on DNP page. |
| PhD years 1–3 (full-time) | Virginia resident subtotal $24,272; non-Virginia $38,780 before stipend offset—admitted students typically receive GTA funding. |
| Living expenses | Follow Student Financial Services cost-of-attendance estimates linked from each nursing tuition block. |
| Source | UVA BSN tuition accordion; DNP tuition; PhD tuition; UVA Student Financial Services. |
Undergraduate aid runs through UVA Student Financial Services (FAFSA + CSS Profile). The school highlights roughly $4.8 million in scholarships distributed in FY25 on its About page—confirm eligibility with the tuition & financial aid hub.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Board-published NCLEX outcomes appear in the NCLEX section. Separately, UVA’s accreditation blurb lists APRN certification pass rates “95%+ (average, 2023)” without detailing sample sizes—treat that as a high-level marketing snapshot and obtain methodology from the school before citing it externally.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN – BS programs (2025 exam year, VA BON PDF) | 85.05% first-time (107 testers). |
| NCLEX-RN – MSN entry (2025 exam year, VA BON PDF) | 94.12% first-time (34 testers). |
| School-reported class snapshots (UVA About) | Lists BSN class of 2024 NCLEX outcome at a reported 95% and describes CNL class of 2024 NCLEX performance; confirm cohort definitions. |
| APRN certification (school summary) | About page cites “95%+ (average, 2023)” for APRN exams—request the underlying report. |
| Employment / salary | Not detailed in the sources used for this guide beyond general DNP career marketing; use UVA career services and alumni interviews for localized insight. |
| Source | Virginia Board PDF + UVA About. Confirm current data with both. |
Is the UVA School of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
UVA appeals to students who want a flagship research university with an embedded academic health system, structured simulation, and graduate options that emphasize DNP-level APRN preparation (now that standalone MSN NP admissions are paused for fall 2026).
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want access to UVA Health, regional children’s hospitals, and numerous community partner sites.
- Prefer multiple pre-licensure timelines (four-year, three-year transfer, accelerated two-year).
- Are exploring master’s entry nursing via the CNL track or need a hybrid RN-to-BSN around a working schedule.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program—UVA’s pathways remain hybrid or campus-intensive.
- Expect a low-stress admit; cohort caps and application volume make UVA selective.
- Cannot budget for non-resident tuition without significant aid—out-of-state BSN totals exceed $64k in mandatory tuition/fees alone.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Charlottesville sits at the center of UVA Health’s referral region, giving nursing students access to quaternary services (transplant, Level I trauma support via partners, advanced pediatrics) alongside rural outreach via community clinics and school systems throughout Albemarle, Louisa, and surrounding counties. BSN materials explicitly name partners such as UVA Medical Center, Sentara Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Bon Secours St. Mary’s, and Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, reflecting both local and broader Commonwealth experiences.
| Organization type | Why it matters to UVA students |
|---|---|
| Academic medical center & multispecialty clinics | High-acuity med-surg, specialty, and procedural rotations with interprofessional care models. |
| Community & school health | Clinica Esperanza, county school nurses, and neighborhood clinics anchor population-health competencies. |
| Regional systems (Richmond, Northern VA) | Selected rotations expose students to large integrated networks without limiting them to a single city. |
Agreement details evolve; confirm your anticipated placements with the clinical placement office during onboarding.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing occupies the Claude Moore Nursing Education Building and McLeod Hall along Jeanette Lancaster Way, sharing proximity to the medical center for quick transitions between class, lab, and clinical briefings. The Clinical Simulation Learning Center and INACSL-endorsed programming give undergraduates deliberate rehearsal space before hospital units.
Beyond academics, UVA highlights education abroad (Valencia First, Queensland exchange, Roatan community health) and student life integration with the broader university—ideal if you want Division I athletics, large research libraries, and nursing clubs within the same ecosystem.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Charlottesville, VA
- Clinical & shipping address
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Claude Moore Nursing Education Building, 225 Jeanette Lancaster Way, Charlottesville, VA 22903, US
- General telephone
- 434-924-0141
- Admissions email
- nursing-admissions@virginia.edu
- Admissions phone
- 434-924-0066
- School website
- nursing.virginia.edu
Official links
Seven-day action list
- Attend a UVA Nursing info session for your pathway (undergraduate, CNL, DNP, or PhD).
- Open the correct application portal—ApplyCentral for most graduate programs and Undergraduate Admission for first-year BSN.
- Download the published 2025–26 tuition tables for your track and estimate clinical fees plus living costs from Student Financial Services.
- Compare prerequisite science timing: accelerated transfers must finish two college years before the structured summer start.
- Shadow clinicians in Charlottesville or your home community and log reflections for essays.
- Email nursing admissions with licensing questions if you hold an out-of-state or international RN credential.
- Save the Virginia Board PDF bookmark above; refresh after each new quarterly RN release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What first-time NCLEX-RN rates does Virginia publish for University of Virginia nursing programs?
The January 2026 Virginia DHP Registered Nursing Current Year PDF lists 85.05% for the UVA BS program (107 first-time testers in the 2025 exam-year extract) and 94.12% for the UVA MSN program (34 testers), matching NCSBN education program codes US28505700 and US28509900. Confirm the next publication on the Testing Pass Rates hub.
Can I still apply to an MSN nurse practitioner program at UVA for 2026?
UVA’s MSN page states the School is not accepting MSN nurse practitioner or MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist applications for fall 2026 entry, steering new APRN students toward the DNP. CNL and RN-to-CNL pathways remain along with post-master’s certificates.
How much does UVA’s BSN cost for 2025–26?
Official BSN tuition tables show $24,782 per academic year for Virginia residents and $64,752 for non-Virginia students once tuition, comprehensive fees, and nursing student activities are combined—before clinical course fees or living expenses. See the BSN tuition accordion on nursing.virginia.edu.
What is UVA’s Clinical Nurse Leader direct-entry MSN?
It is a two-year master’s entry program for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Graduates qualify for NCLEX-RN and CNL certification exams according to the program overview.
When are UVA Traditional BSN deadlines?
Public materials cite November 1 (Early Action) and January 1 (Regular Decision) for freshman applicants, with online notifications by January 31 or April 1.
Is UVA RN-to-BSN fully online?
No—it is hybrid. Students attend an in-person class monthly with remaining coursework online, and cohorts meet in Charlottesville, Fairfax, or Richmond per RN-to-BSN marketing copy.
Does UVA require TEAS for nursing admission?
Traditional BSN FAQs reviewed here do not mention TEAS or HESI; they emphasize rigorous coursework and health-care exposure. Always re-check the admissions PDFs for your cycle.
Where will I complete clinicals as a UVA nursing student?
The BSN page lists dozens of partner sites across central Virginia and the mid-Atlantic—spanning UVA Health facilities, community programs, other health systems (for example Sentara RMH, VCU Health), and school nurse settings.
Is UVA’s nursing school accredited?
UVA states CCNE accreditation for its baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP programs through June 30, 2034, and Virginia Board of Nursing approval for pre-licensure tracks. Independently verify with CCNE before matriculating.
How hard is it to get into UVA’s first-year nursing cohort?
The BSN FAQ cites more than fifteen applicants per first-year seat (75 seats referenced) and rising demand—expect selective review even when test scores are optional elsewhere at UVA.
References
- University of Virginia School of Nursing — homepagenursing.virginia.edu
- UVA School of Nursing — BSN programs & tuitionnursing.virginia.edu/academics/bsn
- UVA School of Nursing — MSN / CNL overviewnursing.virginia.edu/academics/msn
- UVA School of Nursing — DNP (tuition & specialties)nursing.virginia.edu/academics/dnp
- UVA School of Nursing — PhD & fundingnursing.virginia.edu/academics/phd
- UVA School of Nursing — About (accreditation, outcomes)nursing.virginia.edu/about
- UVA School of Nursing — Contact & mailing addressesnursing.virginia.edu/contact
- Virginia DHP — Board of Nursing testing pass rates hubdhp.virginia.gov — Testing Pass Rates
- Virginia DHP — RN current-year PDF (2025 4th quarter)20254thQuarterRN.pdf
- National Council of State Boards of Nursingncsbn.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, for Virginia Board NCLEX PDF alignment, UVA-published 2025–26 tuition tables, and program scope accuracy versus nursing.virginia.edu (including MSN NP pause for fall 2026).
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