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Virginia Nursing License

Virginia Nursing License

The Virginia Board of Nursing is in charge of the nurse licensing process. The given body issues licenses, organizes, sets up rules and regulations. Besides, it establishes requirements for obtaining a nursing license in the state of Virginia.

If you are interested in nursing and want to become a licensed nurse, then you must know how the whole system works. As it was mentioned, you will need to undergo a series of requirements, which are listed below.

How long does it take to get a Virginia nursing license?

To get your Virginia nursing license, you will have to wait for four to six weeks, starting from the day of submitting the application for licensure. Providing that you attach all the required documents, there will not be any license issuance delays.

If you applied for your license by endorsement, then you will get it in 5-6 business days.

However, this is only the time it will take to get the license. But, if we also take into account the time you will need to spend on obtaining appropriate nursing education, then it will definitely take you not weeks, but 2-4 years.

The number of years mostly depends on the nursing program you choose. Some programs take 2-3 years, while others take 4 or even more. In case you plan on furthering your education, it will, consequently, take much, much longer.

How do I get a Virginia nursing license?

There are different paths of becoming a nurse. The path you choose will determine what type of nurse you are going to become.

How to get a practical nurse license

If you want to become an LPN, then you should complete high school or its equivalent and earn your degree from an approved nursing program. Make sure the nursing program comprises of 400 hours, which include direct client contact.

If you have graduated from a nursing program approved by another state, you can also apply for the license by examination.

Future practical nurses may apply for license online here.

And here is the link to register for the NCLEX-PN.

How to get a registered nurse license

If you want to become a registered nurse, you are required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent the same way as an LPN. You should also attend and graduate from a professional nursing program. Always make sure the nursing program is board-approved so long as you do not want any errors concerning the licensure.

It is preferable for the nursing program to devote 500 supervised hours to spending with clients. Hereby, the students will be able to gain experience and to understand the basics of working with real life patients.

In case your professional nursing program does not offer the above-mentioned opportunity, then it is better for you to contact the Virginia Board of Nursing. The phone number is (804) 367-4555.

Submit application

Once you meet the educational standards, it is time to apply for your nursing license. You should submit the application to the Virginia Board of Nursing. You should pay $190 for application.

In the meantime, you should also register to take the NCLEX-RN. The examination fee is $200 per attempt.

If you are looking for more information, visit the official website of the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Contact information

Virginia Board of Nursing
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233
TEL: 804-367-4515
FAX: 804-527-4455

Renew your Virginia nursing license

Both practical and registered nurses must renew their nursing licenses every two years. 60 days prior to the day, when the license is due to expire, license renewal notification will be sent.

To renew the nursing license, you should complete continuing education. It must comprise of 30 hours of professional studies.

Another key point is that you can also complete 15 hours of continuing education, including 640 hours of practice as a nurse.

For LPN license, you should pay $120, and for RN license, the fee is $140. There will be an additional $40/50 fee if your renewal is late.

How do I transfer my nursing license to Virginia?

If you hold a nursing license in another state in the US, you can apply for Virginia nursing license by endorsement providing that you meet the qualifications.

To transfer your license, you will need to present proof of your home state. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you will have to contact the Board. The telephone number is (804) 367-4515.

Another option may be obtaining a paper application for Licensure by Endorsement.

Foreign program graduates or foreigner will need to take an English-proficiency test to assess their level of English. They may choose to take an internationally recognized exam, for example, TOEFL or IELTS.

The overall passing score of TOEFL is 83, and that of IELTS is 6.5.

Is Virginia a compact state for nursing?

Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) offers a multistate license, which gives nurses of member states the opportunity to practice with patients without having to obtain a new license.

As of 2021, NLC has 34 members, one of which is the state of Virginia. Thus, nurses from other member states can work and practice nursing in Virginia.

Having a multistate license increases the chance for nurses to find a suitable job. It also makes maintaining public health a lot easier.

Approved nursing colleges and schools in Virginia

If you want to find good colleges or schools to take up a nursing program, then check the following list of the best educational institutions for nursing in Virginia.

  1. University of Virginia – Main Campus
  2. George Mason University
  3. Chamberlain University – Virginia
  4. Virginia Commonwealth University
  5. James Madison University
  6. Eastern Mennonite University
  7. Shenandoah University
  8. Marymount University
  9. Old Dominion University
  10. University of Lynchburg

The nursing programs in these colleges concentrate on human anatomy, health assessment, drug classifications, managing medication, nutrition, nursing care/practice, safety and infection control.

Some of them also include health promotion and maintenance, basic care and comfort, physiological adaptation.

Pay attention to the fact that these programs are a unique guarantee for you to practice nursing in the future. Accordingly, you will be able to become a good specialist if you devote much time to your studies.

Seda S

Seda S

Seda has four years of professional experience as a multilingual content writer. She employs SEO principles and rules to come up with original and SEO-friendly articles. Seda also has editing, proofreading, researching, and translating skills, which help to produce better content. She has written a number of articles for a wide range of websites that look for unique and genuine content. She has written targeted content for consumer portions, and she is specialized in writing guest posts, digital marketing, wellness, beauty, and other articles. Furthermore, she has prepared guides and helping materials for websites, which help people seeking licensure in all areas. Seda has also used brand new writing techniques and style based on the article while contributing to readability, accuracy, and tonality.

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