Most important takeaways…
- UVA offers a DNP-FNP program in Charlottesville, while JMU and Shenandoah provide additional options within a two-hour drive.
- Six NP specialties, including FNP, PMHNP, and AGACNP, are accessible through local, regional, and online Virginia programs.
- Charlottesville-area nurse practitioners earn a median salary near $115,000, with roughly 450 NPs employed in the metro.
- Most programs use hybrid or fully online formats, letting working nurses keep full-time positions during their studies.
Charlottesville anchors a growing health-care corridor shaped by UVA Health, one of the nation's largest academic medical centers, which employs more than 2,600 nurses and draws NP students from across Virginia. The city's prominence as a training and employment hub creates strong demand for advanced practice credentials, and nurses here can choose among local on-campus programs, regional hybrid options within an hour's drive, and fully online DNP or online MSN NP programs that accept Virginia residents.
Pathways include traditional MSN-NP programs for RNs holding a bachelor's degree, accelerated DNP-entry tracks, and post-master's certificates for nurses who already hold a graduate degree but want to add a specialty. Family, adult-gerontology primary care, psychiatric-mental health, women's health, pediatric, and acute-care specialties are all available through programs accessible from Charlottesville.
The practical tension most Charlottesville nurses face is whether to pursue a local program with on-campus obligations or opt for a fully online or hybrid track that preserves work flexibility while meeting Virginia's 750-hour clinical requirement.
NP Programs Accessible From Charlottesville: Ranked by Value
For working nurses in the Charlottesville area, the path to an NP credential runs through a mix of local campuses, regional commuter schools, and online programs. These options are ranked with an eye toward value: what you pay, what graduates earn, and how flexibly a program fits your schedule. Many programs are hybrid, with limited on-campus days, which matters if you are balancing shifts.
Details
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
University of Virginia
University of Virginia anchors this list as the only NP program based in Charlottesville. The school now directs new NP students to its DNP tracks rather than MSN entry, with hybrid FNP, AGACNP, and PNP options that meet on campus about once a month. In-state tuition and fees run well under half the out-of-state rate, and the university reports a 96% graduation rate. UVA alumni also get guaranteed admission to post-master's NP certificates, making it a strong base for nurses who already hold a graduate degree.
- Full- and part-time study options
- Two-year full-time or three-year part-time plan
- Eligible for FNP certification exams
- No longer accepting new MSN NP applicants for fall 2026
- 23 credits, 616 clinical hours
- Hybrid format with online coursework
- Prepares for national FNP exams
- Focus on primary care across the lifespan
- Hybrid format with monthly classes
- Over 500 clinical hours
- Eligible for PMHNP certification
- Part-time option available
- Hybrid format, full- or part-time
- 500 clinical hours
- Eligible for AGACNP certification exams
- Clinicals at UVA Medical Center
- Hybrid format with monthly in-person classes
- 500+ clinical hours
- Focus on underserved populations
- Eligible for PMHNP certification
- Three-year DNP with full- and part-time paths
- 750 clinical hours, capstone required
- In-person class about once per month
- Prepares for PNP primary care certification
- DNP entry, about $914 per credit
- 750 clinical hours with placement guidance
- Hybrid with monthly in-person classes
- Prepares for FNP certification exams
- DNP with 750 clinical hours
- Hybrid, in-person about once monthly
- Prepares for AACN or ANCC certification
- Guaranteed admission for UVA alumni
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post-Master's) — Hybrid
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's Certificate) — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (DNP) — Hybrid
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Hybrid
George Mason University
George Mason University offers a strong mix of online and hybrid NP pathways from its Fairfax campus, about two hours from Charlottesville. Public-school tuition keeps costs relatively low, and federal data show graduates earning a median around $76,000 within a few years of leaving. The university's roughly 68% graduation rate is paired with a student-faculty ratio of 16 to 1. Mason's FNP track is fully online, while its PMHNP and DNP options use a hybrid format.
- 23 graduate credits, 3.0 GPA minimum
- Hybrid format, part-time available
- Prepares for national certification
- Covers medication management and psychotherapy
- CCNE-accredited DNP, 72 total credits
- 1000 clinical hours, capstone required
- Full- and part-time pathways
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP tracks
- DNP with adult-gerontology focus
- Prerequisite and work experience required
- Spring start available
- Goals statement and resume required
- $43,365 total program tuition
- $850 per credit, 49 total credits
- Asynchronous online classes
- 500 clinical hours, prepares for FNP certification
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice (Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner) — Hybrid
Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
James Madison University
James Madison University, about an hour's drive from Charlottesville in Harrisonburg, offers a hybrid MSN in psychiatric-mental health nursing in partnership with Shenandoah University. The DNP with an FNP concentration adds a primary care route, and the university posts a strong 80% graduation rate. Tuition is set by the state, keeping costs competitive for Virginia residents. JMU's collaborative PMHNP model is designed to expand mental health care access across the Shenandoah Valley and western Virginia.
- Year one at JMU, year two at Shenandoah
- 22 credits at JMU, 29 at Shenandoah
- Full- or part-time first year
- Earn MSN from JMU and certificate from Shenandoah
- 77 total credit hours
- 1000 clinical hours with 650 practicum
- 3.2 GPA minimum
- Eligible for FNP certification
MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
DNP in Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner) — Hybrid
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University's Richmond campus, about 70 miles from Charlottesville, offers hybrid NP certificates and a DNP with FNP, PMHNP, and AGACNP concentrations. Students train alongside VCU Medical Center teams, giving them exposure to a large academic health system. The school reports strong certification pass rates, and in-state tuition is reasonable for a public university. Its roughly 63% graduation rate reflects a large, primarily commuter student body.
- Two-year part-time hybrid program
- Four hybrid lecture courses plus clinicals
- Preceptors matched by the school
- Prepares for FNP certification
- 21 credit hours, hybrid format
- Minimum 3.0 GPA, current RN license
- Includes psychotherapy and psychopharmacology
- Rolling spring admission
- 3.5-year part-time hybrid program
- One day on campus weekly
- 91% licensure pass rate
- Practice-focused DNP project
- 3.5-year part-time hybrid program
- One day on campus weekly
- 100% licensure pass rate
- Graduate teaching assistantships available
- 3.5-year part-time hybrid program
- Clinical placements at VCU Medical Center
- 100% licensure pass rate
- Preceptors matched by program
Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Hybrid
Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
DNP with a concentration in family nurse practitioner — Hybrid
DNP in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
DNP in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Shenandoah University
Shenandoah University in Winchester, about 90 miles north, delivers a fully online MSN-FNP with weekly synchronous classes and a single campus immersion. Its post-graduate FNP certificate is specifically framed around rural practice, which fits nurses planning to work in the communities around Charlottesville. Private tuition is higher, but the program can be completed in 2.5 years. The university's graduation rate stands near 67%.
- 47 credits, 600 clinical hours
- Fully online with weekly synchronous classes
- Campus immersion in fall term
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- 25 credits, 600 clinical hours
- Online with synchronous weekly meetings
- Designed for rural primary care practice
- Five-semester full-time sequence
- 24-29 credits, 600 clinical hours
- Hybrid with online synchronous classes
- Summer cohort start
- Eligible for ANCC or AANP exam
- 46 credits, 600 clinical hours
- Hybrid online and campus format
- Seven-semester program
- Focus on lifespan mental health care
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Online
Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
MSN Psychiatric Mental-Health Practitioner (PMHNP) — Hybrid
Mary Baldwin University
Mary Baldwin University in Staunton sits just 35 miles from Charlottesville, making it one of the closest commute options. Its BSN-to-MSN FNP track uses a hybrid format with on-campus intensives, and the school's net price is among the lowest in this group. Graduates are eligible for national certification, though the institution's graduation rate is lower than most rivals at about 39%. For nurses who value low cost and close proximity, it is worth a close look.
- 47 credits, hybrid format
- 600 clinical hours in primary care
- One year of nursing experience required
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- 32-credit hour program
- Hybrid format, part-time plan
- For RNs with an MSN degree
- Includes advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment
- 74 total credit hours
- Full- and part-time options
- DNP Scholarly Project required
- Curriculum spans the lifespan
Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Track (MSN) — Hybrid
Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certification — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner Track (DNP) — Hybrid
Liberty University
Liberty University in Lynchburg, about 70 miles south, offers some of the most flexible online NP options in the region. Its PMHNP post-graduate certificate and DNP tracks use eight-week courses with no set login times, and the school accepts military benefits and transfer credit. Online students pay a flat tuition rate that is lower than many private competitors. The university's graduation rate is about 65%, but the large online enrollment makes it a popular choice for working RNs.
- 18 credits, $850 per credit
- No set login times
- Practicum and comprehensive exam included
- Credits may apply to a doctoral degree
- 78 total credit hours
- $610 per credit, 3 start dates per year
- One virtual intensive required
- Military tuition rate $375 per credit
- 59 total credit hours
- $850 per credit
- 8-week online courses
- Telehealth allowed for up to 50% of practicum hours
- 73 total credit hours
- 1000 clinical hours
- Earn DNP directly from BSN
- Prepares for PMHNP national certification
Postgraduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
BSN to DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Georgetown University
Georgetown University in Washington, DC, is outside the usual Charlottesville commute, but its hybrid and online NP programs are designed for out-of-state nurses. The school's PMHNP post-graduate certificate combines online learning with two on-campus intensives, and its online FNP DNP draws students from across the country. Tuition is premium, and the university's graduation rate is about 95%, a sign of strong student support. For nurses willing to pay more for a prestigious name, Georgetown remains an option.
- 19 credits, 750 clinical hours
- Hybrid with two on-campus intensives
- Clinicals in DC, Maryland, and Virginia
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP exams
- 40 credits, 750 clinical hours
- 23-month program, part-time available
- Requires 1 year ICU, ED, or PCU experience
- Synchronous and asynchronous online options
- 44 credits, 783 clinical hours
- 23-month program
- Synchronous online classes
- Prepares for NCC certification
- 19 credits minimum, 650 clinical hours
- $2,652 per credit
- Complete in 12 months full-time
- Online coursework plus in-person intensives
- 69 total credit hours
- 1050 clinical hours
- Eight 15-week terms
- Full- and part-time pathways
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
George Washington University
George Washington University, also in DC, offers a broad catalog of NP programs, from MSN and post-master's certificates to DNP concentrations. Most use a hybrid format that requires occasional on-campus intensives, which is a consideration for Charlottesville nurses but feasible for those who travel. GWU's graduation rate is about 84%, and its graduates report median earnings near $90,000. Tuition is high, reflecting the school's private research university status.
- 48 credits, 600 clinical hours
- Hybrid with on-campus intensives
- 20 credits, 600 clinical hours
- Post-master's certificate, part-time
- 20 credits, 600 clinical hours
- Post-master's certificate, online curriculum
- 48 credits, 600 clinical hours
- Online with required on-campus experiences
- Requires one year critical care experience
- 50 credits, 600 clinical hours
- Hybrid format
- Covers psychopharmacology and trauma-informed care
- 72 credits, 1000 total practice hours
- Fall entry, priority deadline December 1
- On-campus CLASI and OSCE required
- 72 credits, 1000 clinical hours
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification
- 72 credits, 1100 clinical hours
- Requires critical care experience
- Clinical placements in DC, MD, VA
MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
MSN in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
DNP in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
DNP in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Marymount University
Marymount University in Arlington rounds out the list with fully online MSN and DNP options that require minimal campus time. Its FNP program reports a 100% certification pass rate and free clinical placement services, which can remove a big barrier for working nurses. Private tuition is high, but the school's median graduate earnings around $67,500 help offset the cost. Marymount's graduation rate is about 54%, reflecting a largely transfer and adult-learner population.
- Fully remote except clinicals
- Full- and part-time options
- 100% AANP pass rate
- Free clinical placement services
- 48 credits, 750 clinical hours
- Online with one residency
- $1,275 per credit
- Part-time only, seven semesters
- 63-70 credits, 1000 clinical hours
- $1,275 per credit
- One on-campus residency
- Health policy advocacy focus
- 66 credits, 1250 clinical hours
- $1,275 per credit
- Part-time, ten semesters
- On-campus residencies required
MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Online BSN to DNP PMHNP — Online
NP Specialties Available in the Charlottesville Area
Charlottesville-area nurses can access a wide range of NP specialties through local, regional, and online Virginia programs. The table below maps six common NP specialties to the schools that offer them, based on current program listings. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) tracks are the most widely available, while Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) programs have expanded significantly across the state in response to growing behavioral health demand. Acute care and pediatric specialties are concentrated at the University of Virginia, which offers the broadest specialty selection in the region.
| NP Specialty | Schools Offering This Track | Degree or Certificate Level | Local Demand Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | University of Virginia, UVA Wise, Old Dominion University, Shenandoah University, Mary Baldwin University, Regent University, ECPI University, Bluefield University | MSN, DNP, Post-Master's Certificate | High demand across Central Virginia, especially in rural primary care settings surrounding Charlottesville |
| Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP) | University of Virginia, George Mason University, James Madison University (with Shenandoah), Radford University, Liberty University, Marymount University | MSN, DNP, Graduate Certificate | Among the highest demand specialties statewide; behavioral health provider shortages persist throughout Central Virginia |
| Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) | University of Virginia | DNP | Strong demand at UVA Health and regional hospitals serving aging populations in the Shenandoah Valley |
| Pediatric NP, Primary Care (PNP-PC) | University of Virginia | DNP | Moderate demand; pediatric primary care needs are notable in underserved rural communities near Charlottesville |
| Pediatric NP, Acute Care (PNP-AC) | University of Virginia | DNP | Concentrated demand at UVA Children's Hospital and specialty referral centers |
| Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP) | South University (Richmond and Virginia Beach campuses, online) | MSN (RN to MSN pathway) | Growing need driven by the aging population in Central Virginia; not currently offered at UVA |
| Neonatal NP (NNP) | University of Virginia | DNP | Specialized demand tied to Level IV NICU services at UVA Health |
| Women's Health NP (WHNP) | Not currently offered by Virginia programs in this comparison | N/A | Some demand exists, but nurses interested in this specialty may need to explore out-of-state or nationally available online programs |
DNP Vs. MSN Pathways for Charlottesville Nurses
If you are wondering whether to pursue a DNP or an MSN to become a family nurse practitioner in Virginia, the answer increasingly depends on which program you choose. UVA's School of Nursing in Charlottesville has halted MSN-FNP admissions for Fall 2026, steering applicants toward its DNP-FNP track. That means a longer timeline and a terminal degree, but the same FNP certification and scope of practice in Virginia once you pass boards. UVA's College at Wise and several other Virginia schools still offer the MSN-FNP for nurses who want a faster, lower-cost path to practice.
Online, Hybrid, and On-Campus Format Options
Most NP programs accessible from Charlottesville offer hybrid or fully online formats, which means you can realistically earn your degree while holding down a full-time position at UVA Health, Sentara Martha Jefferson, or any other local employer.
How Programs Break Down by Format
Of the Virginia-based NP programs available to Charlottesville-area nurses, the majority use a hybrid model that combines online coursework with periodic in-person requirements. A smaller but growing number are delivered entirely online, and only a handful operate as traditional on-campus programs.
- Hybrid programs: The University of Virginia's MSN-FNP, Virginia Commonwealth University's FNP certificate, Old Dominion University's MSN-FNP, James Madison University's PMHNP, Mary Baldwin University's MSN-FNP, Radford University's PMHNP certificate, Regent University's MSN-FNP, and Bluefield University's MSN-FNP all use a hybrid delivery model. On-site components vary by school but typically include skills labs, simulation days, or periodic intensive weekends.
- Online programs: Shenandoah University's MSN-FNP, Liberty University's PMHNP post-graduate certificate, Marymount University's MSN-PMHNP, ECPI University's MSN-FNP, and South University's AGNP programs are structured as online programs with required clinical hours arranged separately.
- On-campus programs: Averett University's Emergency Nurse Practitioner MSN runs as a campus-based program in Danville, roughly two hours south of Charlottesville.
Can You Work Full-Time and Complete an NP Program?
The short answer is yes, but it requires careful planning. UVA's own FNP program, for example, holds classes on Thursdays and Fridays and offers a three-year part-time track specifically designed for working nurses. Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, just 40 minutes west, uses a mix of asynchronous online courses and on-campus intensives that keeps commuting manageable. Several online programs, such as Shenandoah University's FNP, include weekly synchronous class meetings but let you attend from home.
That said, set realistic expectations around DNP-level programs. Even schools that market their doctoral tracks as "online" almost always require at least one or two multi-day campus immersion experiences per year. Reviewing DNP prerequisites before you apply can help you understand what each school expects. Shenandoah, for instance, lists a campus immersion experience as part of its otherwise online MSN, and similar requirements are common at the doctoral level.
Hybrid Programs Beyond Charlottesville
Nurses in the Charlottesville metro already commute from a wide arc that includes Staunton, Waynesboro, Orange, and Culpeper. That same willingness to drive opens up hybrid programs at campuses in Richmond (VCU, about 70 miles east), Fairfax (George Mason, roughly two hours north), Harrisonburg (JMU, about an hour west), and Norfolk (Old Dominion, farther but with minimal on-site visits). VCU's FNP certificate, for example, asks for one on-campus day per week for its lecture courses, a commitment that many Richmond-commuting nurses find workable. Old Dominion's FNP is primarily online with occasional on-campus clinical sessions in Norfolk, which may suit nurses who can batch their travel into a few concentrated trips per term.
If you are leaning toward a doctoral pathway, you can also explore online DNP programs in Virginia to compare admission timelines and format requirements across the state. The key takeaway: format flexibility is the norm rather than the exception among Virginia NP programs. Whether you prefer a mostly online experience or value regular face-to-face interaction, you have options within a reasonable distance of Charlottesville.
Cost and Financial Aid for Charlottesville-Area NP Students
Graduate nursing education represents a significant investment, and Charlottesville-area nurses have access to multiple funding strategies that can substantially reduce total program costs. Understanding the difference between sticker price and actual cost is essential: tuition listed on program websites rarely reflects what working nurses ultimately pay after employer benefits, scholarships, and federal aid.
Comparing Program Costs Across the Region
Tuition for nurse practitioner programs accessible from Charlottesville varies widely. Annual tuition ranges from approximately $8,350 at the University of Virginia's College at Wise to more than $40,000 at some out-of-state private institutions. For in-state students, UVA's School of Nursing charges $914 per credit for the 2025-2026 academic year, while out-of-state students pay $1,493 per credit.1 A typical MSN-FNP program requiring 40 to 47 credits translates to total tuition between $36,560 and $42,958 for Virginia residents at UVA, and $59,720 to $70,171 for non-residents.
DNP pathways add 12 to 18 additional credits beyond the MSN, pushing total costs higher. Expect DNP programs to run $15,000 to $25,000 more than MSN-only tracks when comparing the same institution. Net price after aid, however, often tells a different story than published tuition.
UVA Health Employee Tuition Assistance
Nurses employed by UVA Health benefit from one of the most generous tuition-assistance programs in the region. Eligible employees receive up to $5,250 per calendar year in tax-free tuition reimbursement for graduate nursing studies, along with a $375 certification expense allowance.2 Employees working at least 0.6 FTE with six months of service may also apply for the UVA Health Annual Nursing Scholarship, which awards between $250 and $1,500 per semester (up to $6,000 total) in exchange for a 12-month work commitment following graduation.3 Recipients must maintain good standing and complete the award period between January 2025 and June 2026 under current program terms.
These benefits can reduce a UVA MSN student's out-of-pocket cost by $10,500 to $12,000 over two years, bringing the effective tuition closer to $25,000 for in-state employees pursuing the FNP track.
Federal Loan Repayment Programs
Nurse practitioners willing to commit to underserved communities in central Virginia may qualify for substantial loan repayment through the HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program or the National Health Service Corps. Both programs base eligibility on the designation status of your employment site, not your home address. Approved NHSC and Nurse Corps sites in the Charlottesville area include federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, and certain critical-shortage facilities. Awards can reach $50,000 to $85,000 over two to three years of full-time service, effectively erasing most or all graduate debt for nurses who practice in high-need settings. You can explore the full landscape of nurse practitioner loan repayment programs to compare federal and state options.
Virginia-Specific Scholarships and Institutional Aid
UVA's School of Nursing administers more than 80 endowed scholarships for graduate students; all applicants who complete the FAFSA are automatically considered.1 The Virginia Nurses Foundation and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association also offer competitive scholarships to Virginia residents enrolled in advanced-practice programs. Awards typically range from $500 to $3,000 and require essays, references, and proof of Virginia residency or employment. Application deadlines fall between January and March each year.
When combining employer tuition benefits, institutional scholarships, and federal loan repayment, many Charlottesville-area nurses complete MSN programs with less than $15,000 in net debt, and some finish with zero loans if they leverage UVA Health benefits and commit to underserved practice.
FNP Salary and Job Market in Charlottesville
Charlottesville's NP job market is anchored by a strong academic medical center and a growing network of community practices. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, approximately 450 nurse practitioners are employed in the Charlottesville metro area, and local wages run above both the Virginia statewide and national medians. Major employers include UVA Health, Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, federally qualified health centers such as the Region Ten Community Services Board clinic network, and the Blue Ridge Health District. Because Charlottesville's cost of living is generally lower than Northern Virginia or the greater D.C. corridor, NP salaries here stretch further, making the area a competitive option for nurses weighing career advancement against quality of life.
| Area | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | Mean | Approx. Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA | $109,150 | $129,260 | $135,740 | $126,050 | 450 |
| Richmond, VA | $105,020 | $124,990 | $132,190 | $121,000 | 1,100 |
| Virginia Beach / Norfolk, VA | $103,780 | $125,330 | $130,850 | $117,660 | 1,290 |
| Roanoke, VA | $108,780 | $122,030 | $128,190 | $118,890 | 250 |
| Lynchburg, VA | $100,850 | $108,260 | $124,560 | $111,160 | 220 |
| National (all U.S.) | $103,250 | $121,610 | $135,470 | N/A | 258,230 |
Clinical Placements and Preceptors in Central Virginia
The University of Virginia School of Nursing DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program requires 750 clinical hours, a significant commitment that shapes where and how students find placement sites.1 UVA provides guidance in locating qualified preceptors, but many NP programs in Virginia expect students to secure their own preceptors, a task that can feel daunting in a region where multiple schools compete for the same clinical slots.2
Primary Clinical Sites in the Charlottesville Area
UVA Health serves as the anchor clinical partner for the university's NP students, offering rotations across its academic medical center. Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, a community-based facility, also hosts advanced practice nursing students from UVA. On the community health side, Central Virginia Health Services, an FQHC-style network, provides additional primary care rotation opportunities.1 While Blue Ridge Medical Center is not explicitly listed by UVA as a clinical site, the region includes other rural health clinics and free clinics that may accept NP students.
Preceptor Competition and Early Planning
Because multiple NP programs, both campus-based and online, draw from the same Charlottesville-area preceptor pool, competition can be intense. Virginia is described by placement services like NPHub as a high-demand, low-supply state for clinical preceptors.2 This reality makes it essential for students to begin their preceptor search early, often months before the rotation start date. If you are new to the process, our guide on how to find NP preceptors walks through each step. Some students turn to paid matching services, while others rely on self-arranged connections through professional networking.
Expanding Your Rotation Radius
Students willing to drive beyond the immediate Charlottesville metro often find preceptors more quickly. Rotations in Staunton (about 40 minutes west) or Waynesboro (roughly 30 minutes west) open up additional primary care practices and rural health clinics. Harrisonburg, approximately an hour northwest, expands the map further. Richmond, at about 1.5 hours east, offers a large pool of hospital systems and specialty practices, though the commute may be challenging for frequent rotations. For a broader look at clinical options across the state, explore nurse practitioner programs in Virginia. A rural placement not only eases preceptor scarcity but can also qualify graduates for state or federal loan repayment programs that target underserved areas.
