Most important takeaways…
- Richmond-area NP students can choose from multiple MSN, DNP, and post-master's programs at public and private Virginia schools.
- Tuition ranges from roughly $9,210 to over $22,000 in institution-wide net price, a spread of about $13,700.
- Approximately 1,100 NPs work in the Richmond metro, earning salaries that meet or exceed national averages.
- Virginia law now allows most NPs to practice autonomously after meeting specific post-licensure experience requirements.
A public-university MSN-FNP can cost as little as $9,200 in tuition, while a private DNP-AGACNP exceeds $22,000, yet the higher price often buys online coursework that fits a full-time nursing schedule. With approximately 1,100 NPs already practicing in the Richmond metro area, local health systems are expanding advanced practice roles across most specialties.
Programs near Richmond span FNP, AGNP, PMHNP, PNP, WHNP, and AGACNP tracks at the MSN, DNP, and post-master's levels. Several Virginia schools deliver coursework online with clinical placements arranged through Richmond's major hospitals.
Virginia's updated practice laws allow most NPs to practice independently after supervised experience, making strong clinical rotations during the program a critical career lever.
NP Programs in the Richmond Metro Area
Richmond-area nurses considering an NP career have access to a strong mix of public and private Virginia institutions, from programs based right in the city to online and hybrid options at schools within a one- to two-hour drive. The programs below span every major NP specialty, including FNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGNP, and PNP, at the MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate levels. Where graduation rates are referenced, they reflect institution-wide figures rather than program-specific outcomes.
- Academic quality and graduation rates
- Breadth of NP specialty tracks
- Clinical placement support
- Tuition affordability and value
- Flexible delivery for working nurses
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
Virginia Commonwealth University
Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University anchors its NP programs at VCU Medical Center, a Magnet-designated academic health system that doubles as a primary clinical training site. VCU offers DNP concentrations in FNP, PMHNP, and Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, plus post-master's certificates in FNP and PMHNP, all delivered in a hybrid format with one on-campus day per week. The school matches students with preceptors rather than requiring them to find their own, a significant advantage for busy working nurses. Note that the FNP DNP concentration is closed to new applicants for fall 2026 due to capacity limits, so prospective students should plan accordingly or consider the certificate pathway.
- Hybrid format, 10 semesters part-time (about 3.5 years)
- 91% first-time licensure pass rate
- Clinical placements matched by VCU at Magnet-designated sites
- Graduate teaching assistantships can offset tuition costs
- Practice-focused capstone project, no dissertation required
- In-state tuition approximately $17,252 per year
- 100% first-time licensure pass rate
- 3.5-year hybrid part-time structure
- Fall start with clinical placement support provided
- Scholarships and graduate assistantships available
- Interdisciplinary collaboration across VCU health sciences campus
- No dissertation; practice-focused DNP project
- 100% licensure pass rate for recent graduates
- Hybrid format with training at Magnet-designated medical center
- Preceptors matched by the program for each student
- Capacity-limited cohort ensures focused faculty attention
- Financial aid and scholarship opportunities available
- 10-semester completion timeline
- Two-year part-time hybrid program for MSN-prepared nurses
- 91% certification exam pass rate
- Four hybrid lecture courses plus in-person clinicals
- Guaranteed admission pathway for VCU BSN graduates
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Clinical preceptors arranged by the school
- 21 credit hours with hybrid delivery
- Rolling spring admissions available
- Prepares for PMHNP national certification exam
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required for admission
- Lifespan approach to psychiatric care
- Completion within six years allowed
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP — Hybrid
Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health NP Post-Master's Certificate — Hybrid
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia, about an hour west of Richmond in Charlottesville, offers one of the broadest NP program portfolios in the state, covering FNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, and Pediatric NP across both MSN and DNP levels, along with post-master's certificates. UVA is transitioning its NP preparation to the BSN-to-DNP pathway and is not accepting new MSN NP applications for fall 2026, so Richmond-area nurses should plan for the doctoral track. All NP programs follow a hybrid model with in-person classes roughly once a month, and the school provides guidance in securing clinical placements across Virginia, including the Richmond region. With a 95.6% institution-wide graduation rate, UVA consistently ranks among Virginia's strongest research universities.
- Hybrid format with monthly in-person sessions
- $914 per credit; ~$25,756 total for Virginia residents
- 750 clinical hours with placement guidance provided
- Guaranteed admission for UVA Nursing alumni
- Full-time and part-time scheduling options
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP FNP certification
- Monthly on-campus classes plus online coursework
- 500+ clinical hours focused on underserved populations
- Two-year full-time or three-year part-time completion
- No GRE required for admission
- Virginia RN license and one year of experience needed
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- 750 clinical hours, many at UVA Medical Center
- Full-time or part-time options available
- $914 per credit for both pathways
- Prepares for AACN or ANCC certification exams
- Mentorship from expert faculty
- Evidence-based practice and leadership focus
- Three-year hybrid program with monthly campus visits
- 750 clinical hours with placements at UVA Health
- Eligible for ANCC or PNCB PNP certification
- Interdisciplinary learning across the university
- $914 per credit; capstone project required
- Full-time and part-time enrollment available
- 23 credits with 616 clinical hours
- Hybrid delivery for working APRNs
- Focus on primary care across the lifespan
- Master's in nursing and active licensure required
- Supports practice in rural and underserved communities
- Cost varies by Virginia residency status
- Hybrid format with classes about once per month
- Over 500 clinical hours required
- Active APRN license and graduate nursing degree needed
- No GRE required; January 5 application deadline
- Part-time study option available
- Prepares for PMHNP national certification
BSN-to-DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN-to-DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
BSN-to-DNP, Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP — Hybrid
BSN-to-DNP, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care — Hybrid
Post-Master's Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Master's Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
George Mason University
George Mason University in Fairfax, roughly 100 miles north of Richmond, serves the greater Northern Virginia corridor and offers NP pathways in FNP, PMHNP, and Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP. Its MSN FNP is delivered fully online at $850 per credit, while DNP concentrations use a hybrid format with both BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP entry points across 72 credit hours. George Mason also offers a PMHNP post-master's certificate for nurses who already hold an advanced degree. The university participates in NC-SARA, making its programs accessible across nearly all U.S. states.
- 49-credit fully online program, CCNE accredited
- $850 per credit plus $35 distance learning fee
- 500+ clinical hours with rolling admissions
- Two to three years to complete part-time
- BSN and one year nursing experience required
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP FNP certification
- 72 total credit hours in a hybrid format
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP entry tracks available
- 1,000 clinical hours with capstone project
- Up to 30 transfer credits accepted
- Full-time and part-time scheduling options
- Prepares for national NP certification examination
- Hybrid program with BSN-to-DNP pathway
- Active RN license and CPR certification required
- Clinical practicum with precepted hours
- Spring start available with fall deadline
- Goals statement and resume required for admission
- Two letters of recommendation minimum
- 23 graduate credits in a hybrid format
- Prepares for national certification and prescriptive authority
- Focus on serious mental illness assessment
- Part-time study available for working APRNs
- Current RN license and NP background required
- Accessible to students in 49 states via NC-SARA
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
DNP, Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP — On-Campus
PMHNP Post-Master's Graduate Certificate — On-Campus
James Madison University
James Madison University in Harrisonburg, about two hours northwest of Richmond, offers NP preparation through both its DNP program and a distinctive joint MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health with Shenandoah University. DNP students can choose FNP or Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP concentrations, completing 77 credit hours with 1,000 clinical hours across a three-year hybrid plan. The PMHNP MSN path has students complete their first year at JMU and second year at Shenandoah, graduating with both an MSN from JMU and a post-graduate certificate from Shenandoah, which broadens clinical placement networks across the state. JMU maintains strong institution-wide metrics, including a 79.7% graduation rate and a 92% retention rate.
- 77 total credit hours, hybrid format
- Three-year full-time plan with small cohorts
- 1,000 clinical hours including 650 practicum hours
- Dedicated clinical placement support
- 3.2 minimum GPA; two letters of recommendation
- Prepares for AANP or ANCC FNP certification
- Three-year full-time hybrid program
- Focus on AACN competencies
- Small cohort sizes with dedicated faculty support
- Clinical placement assistance provided
- Prepares for APRN certification
- January start date
- 22 credits at JMU, 29 credits at Shenandoah University
- Graduate with MSN from JMU plus Shenandoah certificate
- Hybrid format with part-time or full-time options
- Joint interview process in January
- Prepares for complex psychiatric healthcare roles
- Applications due January 6
DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
DNP, Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP — On-Campus
MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Joint with Shenandoah) — Hybrid
Shenandoah University
Shenandoah University in Winchester, about two hours from Richmond, offers MSN and DNP pathways in both FNP and PMHNP, along with post-graduate certificates in each specialty. Its MSN FNP is a fully online, 47-credit program delivered over seven terms with synchronous weekly class meetings and a required campus immersion. The PMHNP MSN uses a hybrid model with 600 clinical hours, and a separate post-baccalaureate DNP track in PMHNP spans three years and 77 to 78 credit hours. Shenandoah places particular emphasis on preparing practitioners for rural communities, a practical advantage for nurses serving Richmond's surrounding counties.
- 47 credits, fully online with synchronous weekly sessions
- 2.5-year cohort-based program starting each fall
- 600 clinical hours with collaborative placement process
- 2,080 direct patient care hours required for admission
- Rolling admissions with February 15 priority deadline
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP FNP certification
- 46 credits over seven semesters, hybrid format
- 600 clinical hours with lifespan focus
- Psychotherapy and psychopharmacology training included
- BSN required; 3.0 GPA recommended
- Alumni receive per-credit tuition discount
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP PMHNP certification
- 77 to 78 total credit hours, three-year program
- 1,100 clinical practicum hours required
- Synchronous online delivery with clinical immersions
- CCNE accredited; BSN prerequisite
- Professional interview required for admission
- 3.0 GPA recommended
- 25 credits with 600 clinical hours, online format
- Five semesters full-time; two curriculum tracks available
- Synchronous weekly class meetings
- MSN required; 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prepares for national FNP certification exam
- Alumni tuition discount available
- 24 to 29 credits with 600 clinical hours
- Hybrid format starting in summer cohorts
- Five semesters for current NPs; up to seven for non-NPs
- MSN degree and RN license required
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP PMHNP exam
- SU alumni receive per-credit discount
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
Post-Baccalaureate DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
FNP Post-Graduate Certificate — On-Campus
PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate — On-Campus
Liberty University
Liberty University in Lynchburg, about two hours west of Richmond, delivers its NP programs almost entirely online, making them a practical choice for Richmond-area nurses who want maximum scheduling flexibility. Liberty offers DNP pathways in FNP (78 credits) and PMHNP (59 to 73 credits depending on entry point), plus a PMHNP post-graduate certificate at just 18 credits. A distinctive feature is the allowance of up to 50% telehealth practicum hours in the PMHNP DNP program, which can help Richmond-based students complete clinical requirements locally. Tuition is set at $850 per credit regardless of state residency, and military tuition discounts are available.
- 78 total credit hours, online with one residential intensive
- BSN or MSN entry options available
- Transfer up to 50% of credits from prior coursework
- $850 per credit; military rate of $375 per credit
- No standardized test required for admission
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP FNP certification
- 59 credit hours (MSN entry) or 73 credits (BSN entry)
- Up to 50% telehealth practicum hours permitted
- Three start dates per year (spring, summer, fall)
- CCNE accredited with 8-week online course structure
- Capstone project required; no dissertation
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP national certification
- 18 credit hours, fully online with no set login times
- $850 per credit for the 2025 to 2026 academic year
- Requires active RN and APRN licenses for admission
- Practicum experience and comprehensive exam included
- Credits may apply toward a doctoral degree
- Military discounts available
DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Online
Post-Graduate Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health NP — On-Campus
Regent University
Regent University in Virginia Beach offers MSN and DNP programs focused on FNP and PMHNP, with an affordable per-credit rate of $590. The MSN FNP is a 47-credit hybrid program requiring one on-campus residency (including a White Coat ceremony), while the DNP options span 74 credit hours with both FNP and PMHNP concentrations. Regent also provides post-master's FNP and PMHNP certificates for nurses who already hold a graduate degree. Clinical partnerships with Eastern Virginia Medical School strengthen the school's practice network in the Tidewater region, and CCNE accreditation backs all nursing pathways.
- 47 credits at $590 per credit, hybrid delivery
- One on-campus residency in Virginia Beach required
- Active RN license and one year clinical experience needed
- 3.0 GPA minimum; faculty interview required
- CCNE accredited; prepares for APRN certification
- Financial aid and military benefits accepted
- 74 total credit hours, online with on-campus residency
- $590 per credit; clinical partnerships with EVMS
- BSN or MSN entry with 3.0 GPA minimum
- White Coat ceremony included in residency
- Work experience and prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for APRN licensure and FNP certification
- 74 credit hours with full-time and part-time options
- Three start dates per year (fall, spring, summer)
- Fully online with two-day on-campus residency
- $590 per credit; CCNE accredited
- One year RN experience required
- Prepares for national PMHNP certification
- 26 credits at $580 per credit; fully online
- Two-day on-campus residency before practicum
- Faculty interview and virtual admissions process
- Post-master's level for nurses with graduate degrees
- Licensure-eligible upon completion
- Next session start as early as March 2026
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP — On-Campus
Post-Master's FNP Graduate Certificate — Online
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University in Norfolk, about 90 minutes southeast of Richmond, stands out for the breadth of its MSN NP specialties, which include FNP, PNP, PMHNP, and a relatively rare Neonatal NP track. Programs are primarily online with on-campus simulation sessions at the Virginia Beach campus and a dedicated Student Clinical Services Coordinator who helps arrange local preceptors. ODU reports strong recent outcomes, including a 96% FNP certification pass rate and a 95% employment rate. In-state graduate tuition runs roughly $486 per credit, with post-master's certificates and a DNP PMHNP pathway also available.
- Hybrid online program with on-campus clinical sessions
- 96% certification pass rate and 95% employment rate
- 3.0 GPA minimum; three letters of recommendation
- Up to 12 transfer credits accepted with B or higher
- Student Clinical Services Coordinator assists placements
- In-state tuition approximately $486 per credit
- 100% licensure pass rate and 100% degree completion
- 560 clinical hours with placement assistance
- Hybrid format using synchronous and asynchronous delivery
- Primary care pediatric focus; no GRE if GPA is 3.5+
- 3.0 GPA minimum; work experience required
- Prepares for PNP certification
- 40 credit hours (22 core, 18 PMHNP concentration)
- Two-year full-time hybrid program
- Prepares for PMHNP certification across the lifespan
- Statistics and health assessment prerequisites required
- Three letters of recommendation needed
- Progression to DNP possible after MSN
- 600 clinical practicum hours in Level III/IV NICUs
- Online distance learning with synchronous options
- Two years NICU experience required for admission
- Prepares for NNP national certification exam
- Full-time and part-time study available
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA required
- $486 per credit, seven-semester program
- 3.0 GPA minimum; master's in nursing required
- Scholarships and graduate assistantships available
- Advanced diagnostics and emerging care technologies
- Application deadline September 1
- Financial aid available
- Four-semester on-campus completion
- Virginia resident cost approximately $486 per credit
- Requires APRN MSN degree and RN licensure
- Covers lifespan primary care including pediatrics
- Limited seats; August 1 application deadline
- Three letters of recommendation required
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
MSN, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health NP — On-Campus
MSN, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Post-Master's) — Hybrid
Post-Professional FNP Certificate — Hybrid
Radford University
Radford University, about three hours southwest of Richmond, offers DNP concentrations in both FNP and PMHNP through online and hybrid formats, as well as a PMHNP post-master's graduate certificate that can be completed in as little as one year full-time. The certificate program requires 23 credit hours and 540 clinical hours, and graduates qualify for the ANCC PMHNP certification exam. In-state tuition is approximately $13,762 per year, making Radford one of the more affordable public options in the state. The university's statewide online delivery model works well for Richmond-area nurses who prefer minimal travel.
- Online/hybrid format with holistic family-centered care focus
- Prepares for AANP or ANCC FNP certification
- Admissions open every semester
- Priority admission pathway available
- Primary healthcare across the lifespan
- In-state tuition approximately $13,762 per year
- Online format with lifespan mental health focus
- Psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions
- Addresses acute and chronic mental illness
- Emphasis on mental health promotion
- Post-BSN to DNP concentration available
- Prepares for PMHNP national certification
- 23 credit hours with 540 clinical hours
- One year full-time or 18 to 24 months part-time
- Online delivery; no GRE required
- 3.5 graduate GPA and current NP certification needed
- Neuropathophysiology and psychopharmacology coursework
- Qualifies graduates for ANCC PMHNP exam
DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
PMHNP Post-Master's Graduate Certificate — On-Campus
University of Virginia's College at Wise
UVA Wise, located in far Southwest Virginia, is a branch of the University of Virginia system and offers an MSN FNP program designed specifically for working nurses who cannot relocate. The three-year part-time hybrid format includes over 600 clinical hours arranged primarily within Virginia, and students can request placements closer to their home region, including central Virginia. Tuition is among the lowest in the state at roughly $8,352 per year, and the program benefits from UVA's institutional affiliation and resources. The FNP track is currently the sole NP specialty available at UVA Wise, so nurses seeking PMHNP or other concentrations will need to look elsewhere.
- Three-year part-time hybrid program for working nurses
- Over 600 clinical hours in semester-long preceptorships
- Clinical placements generally within Virginia
- Low tuition of approximately $8,352 per year
- BSN required; holistic care across the lifespan
- UVA system affiliation with regional public health focus
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
MSN vs. DNP: Choosing the Right NP Pathway
Richmond-area nurses weighing an NP career have two primary degree tracks and a third option for those who already hold an MSN. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) remains the fastest route into clinical practice, while the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) positions graduates for leadership, academic, and systems-level roles. Post-Master's certificates let practicing NPs add a new specialty without repeating an entire degree.
Online and Hybrid NP Programs Available to Richmond Students
Several Virginia universities deliver NP coursework almost entirely online, making it realistic for working RNs in the Richmond area to earn an advanced degree without stepping away from patient care. For a broader look at what the state offers, see our guide to nurse practitioner programs in Virginia.
How Online NP Programs Are Structured
Most programs split the curriculum into two components: online didactic coursework and in-person clinical hours. The classroom portion, covering pharmacology, pathophysiology, and advanced health assessment, is typically asynchronous, so you can watch lectures and complete assignments on your own schedule between shifts. Some schools layer in periodic synchronous sessions or on-campus intensives for skills labs and simulation days, but the bulk of study happens from home.
Key options Virginia students should know about:
- VCU (hybrid DNP-FNP): A 42-month track designed for working nurses, with part-time pacing and on-campus intensives in Richmond itself.1
- University of Virginia (online hybrid BSN-to-DNP): Requires in-person attendance roughly once a month, with part-time scheduling available. Note that UVA is currently preparing NP students through the DNP route and is not accepting MSN NP applications for fall 2026.23
- Radford University (online DNP-FNP): Delivered primarily online with possible hybrid components, and explicitly structured for nurses who are still working.
- Old Dominion University (online MSN-FNP): Offers a flexible online or hybrid format, though the program is currently listed as full-time only, which may require some schedule adjustments.4
Part-Time Pacing for Working Nurses
If you are balancing 12-hour shifts with coursework, part-time options matter. VCU, UVA, and Radford all offer part-time tracks that stretch the program timeline in exchange for a lighter per-semester load. Old Dominion's full-time structure can still work for nurses on a three-day clinical schedule, but you will want to map out the credit load carefully before committing.
Why Richmond Is an Advantage for Clinical Hours
Regardless of how much coursework moves online, every NP student must complete hundreds of supervised clinical hours in person. This is a non-negotiable accreditation requirement. Richmond's concentration of health systems, community health centers, and specialty practices gives you a genuine edge when it comes to securing local preceptors. Rather than commuting long distances for rotations, many students arrange placements within the metro area or in nearby communities like Petersburg, Mechanicsville, or Henrico, keeping clinical commitments manageable alongside work and family obligations.
Related Articles
Tuition and Cost Comparison for Richmond-Area NP Programs
Costs for NP programs accessible to Richmond-area students vary widely. The least expensive institution-wide net price comes in around $9,210 at UVA Wise, while some private schools exceed $22,000, creating a spread of roughly $13,700 between the most and least expensive options. Public universities generally offer lower net prices for Virginia residents, though private schools sometimes close the gap through institutional aid. Note that the net price figures below are institution-wide averages reported to the federal government and do not reflect NP program tuition specifically. Median graduate debt figures likewise represent all graduate students at each school, not only NP completers.
| School | Type | In-State Tuition | Net Price (Institution-Wide) | Median Graduate Debt | Estimated Monthly Payment (10-Year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UVA Wise | Public | $8,352 | $9,210 | $16,750 | ~$175 |
| Mary Baldwin University | Private | $18,865 | $12,756 | $26,586 | ~$278 |
| Radford University | Public | $13,762 | $14,578 | $24,000 | ~$251 |
| Old Dominion University | Public | $15,390 | $14,638 | $24,000 | ~$251 |
| George Mason University | Public | $17,964 | $17,915 | $19,500 | ~$204 |
| Regent University | Private | $17,869 | $19,923 | $24,534 | ~$257 |
| University of Virginia | Public | $23,526 | $21,565 | $17,500 | ~$183 |
| Averett University | Private | $12,090 | $22,925 | $25,000 | ~$261 |
| ECPI University | Private | $13,625 | $22,965 | $20,000 | ~$209 |
| James Madison University | Public | $13,464 | $23,322 | $20,093 | ~$210 |
Clinical Placements and Richmond Health System Partnerships
Richmond's concentration of major health systems creates a meaningful advantage for NP students seeking nurse practitioner clinical rotations compared to peers in more rural parts of Virginia.
Major Clinical Rotation Sites in Richmond
The metro area offers diverse placement opportunities across multiple health systems:
- VCU Health System: The region's academic medical center operates a centralized placement office that coordinates rotations for NP, PA, and RN students.1 VCU School of Nursing students receive priority consideration, though placements remain space-available rather than guaranteed.2
- Bon Secours Mercy Health: Multiple facilities across the Richmond metro, including St. Mary's Hospital and Memorial Regional, accept NP students for primary care and specialty rotations.
- HCA Virginia: The network includes Chippenham Hospital, Johnston-Willis Hospital, and Henrico Doctors' Hospital, offering acute care and specialty rotation opportunities.
- Community Health Centers: Federally qualified health centers throughout the area provide valuable primary care experiences with underserved populations.
Program Support for Finding Preceptors
This is often the top concern for prospective NP students, and support varies significantly by program. VCU's DNP nurse practitioner tracks provide clinical placement assistance, which the school describes as a stress-free placement process for enrolled students.3 However, VCU Health requires affiliation agreements and limits students to one preceptor per semester.2
VCU Health has also established the APP Clinical Education Consortium, partnering with regional nursing programs including James Madison University, UVA, Longwood University, Liberty University, and University of Lynchburg to expand preceptor availability.1
Online programs often require students to secure their own clinical sites, which can prove challenging even in a healthcare-rich market like Richmond. If you are considering a remote program, our guide on how online nursing programs arrange local clinical placements walks through what to expect. Before enrolling in any program, ask specifically whether clinical placements are arranged or self-sourced, and request data on how successfully recent students have secured local rotations.
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Richmond, VA
Richmond-area nurses can advance to nurse practitioner status by following a clear, structured pathway. Virginia updated its practice laws effective July 2024, allowing most NPs to practice autonomously after meeting specific experience thresholds. Here is the step-by-step process from BSN through full Virginia NP licensure.
NP Salary and Career Outcomes in the Richmond Metro
Nurse practitioners in the Richmond metropolitan area earn competitive wages that closely track or slightly exceed national figures. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, approximately 1,100 NPs are employed across the Richmond MSA, reflecting strong demand from the region's major health systems and growing outpatient networks. Richmond's median NP salary of roughly $124,990 compares favorably to the national median of $121,610, and the area's ongoing healthcare sector expansion, including new ambulatory care centers and an aging population, continues to drive demand for advanced practice providers. Note that BLS 10th and 90th percentile figures are not published for the Richmond metro specifically, so those cells reflect national benchmarks for context.
| Wage Percentile | Richmond, VA Metro | National (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | Not reported for metro | $87,340 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,020 | $103,250 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $124,990 | $121,610 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,190 | $135,470 |
| 90th Percentile | Not reported for metro | $165,240 |
| Mean (Average) | $121,000 | Not reported |
| Total Employment | 1,100 | N/A |
Additional NP Programs Available to Richmond-Area Students
In addition to the top-ranked programs, several other NP program options across Virginia are worth considering. These schools offer a range of specializations and flexible formats to suit working nurses.
Richmond Area
South University-Richmond Glen Allen, VA · Online
- RN to Master of Science in Nursing in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Hampton Roads
ECPI University Virginia Beach, VA · Online
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
South University-Virginia Beach Virginia Beach, VA · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Shenandoah Valley
Mary Baldwin University Staunton, VA · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Track (MSN)
- Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
- Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner Track (DNP)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
Northern Virginia
Marymount University Arlington, VA · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner Program
- Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Online BSN to DNP PMHNP
Southern Virginia
Averett University Danville, VA · On-Campus
- Master of Science in Nursing (Emergency Nurse Practitioner)
Bluefield University Bluefield, VA · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (Leadership/Education)
- Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- RN to BSN-MSN (Family Nurse Practitioner)
