Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Richmond, VA (2027)

Compare MSN, DNP & Post-Master's NP pathways across every specialty in the Richmond metro area

Erin Doyle, MSN, FNP-BC

Written by Erin Doyle, MSN, FNP-BC

Reviewed by NP Editorial Team

Last Updated August 29, 2026

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

These are the Virginia schools Richmond-area nurses most often consider, starting with the one program located inside the city and expanding outward to campuses within commuting distance or reachable through online study. Each entry lists the degree levels, specialty tracks, and delivery formats available, along with the in-state and out-of-state tuition figures the schools report.

How we ranked these

Factors considered

Student to faculty ratio
Earnings ten years after entry
Range of NP specialties offered
Flexible delivery for working nurses
In-state and out-of-state tuition

Data sources

Program-level records maintained in house
Independent editorial research
National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) — nces.ed.gov
Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov

VI

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · $17,000/yr

Best for: Richmond nurses wanting local clinical placements

Virginia Commonwealth University is the only school in this group located inside Richmond, and its health sciences campus anchors clinical training at VCU Medical Center. The school offers post-master's certificates in family and psychiatric mental health practice plus DNP tracks in family, psychiatric mental health, and adult gerontology acute care. Faculty match students with preceptors and clinical sites rather than requiring students to find their own, and most DNP tracks run part-time over about three and a half years. Several concentrations are capacity limited, so applicants should confirm which cycles are open before applying.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Two-year part-time hybrid format with one on-campus day weekly
Six consecutive semesters of coursework
Prepares for FNP certification, with a reported 91% exam pass rate
Open to RNs who already hold a master's degree
Preceptors matched by the school; clinical placement support provided
Guaranteed admission for VCU BSN graduates
Four hybrid lecture courses plus in-person clinical courses

Virginia Commonwealth University

21 credit hours delivered in a hybrid format
Open to nurses with a master's or doctoral degree
Minimum 3.0 GPA and a current RN license
Rolling admissions for a spring start
Coursework covers psychiatric disorders, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology
Practicum courses span mental health across the lifespan

Virginia Commonwealth University

CCNE accredited

10-semester, 3.5-year part-time hybrid program
Reported 91% licensure pass rate
Practice-focused DNP project instead of a dissertation
One day per week on campus, rest online
Preceptors and clinical sites matched by the school
Team-based training at VCU Medical Center
Graduate assistantships can cover tuition
Capacity-limited enrollment

Virginia Commonwealth University

CCNE accredited

Part-time hybrid plan completed in about 3.5 years
Reported 100% licensure pass rate for PMHNP graduates
Practice-focused DNP project, no dissertation required
Fall start only, one cohort per year
Clinical placements arranged by the program
$85 application fee; CAS residency fee waived for current VCU students

Virginia Commonwealth University

CCNE accredited

10-semester part-time hybrid plan
Reported 100% licensure pass rate for acute care graduates
Team-based training at a Magnet-designated medical center
Capstone plus a practice-focused DNP project
Preceptors matched by the program
Prepares graduates for acute care NP certification and practice

UN

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA · $24,000/yr

Best for: Virginia RNs comparing many NP specialties

The University of Virginia sits about 70 miles northwest of Richmond in Charlottesville and offers the broadest NP specialty menu of any Virginia school in this group. Master's and post-master's certificate routes cover family, psychiatric mental health, and adult gerontology acute care practice, while the DNP adds pediatric primary care, family, and acute care options. Most formats are hybrid, with campus time ranging from monthly sessions to weekly classes depending on the track. UVA has been shifting new nurse practitioner applicants toward its BSN to DNP pathways, so it is worth confirming which entry points are currently open.

University of Virginia

CCNE accredited

Full-time in two years or part-time in three
Virginia resident total cost about $25,756
Non-resident total cost about $40,328
No GRE required; 3.0 GPA minimum
One year of full-time RN experience required
Classes on Thursdays and Fridays with weekday clinicals
January 5 application deadline and $85 fee
Hybrid format with fall and spring start terms

University of Virginia

23 credits including 616 clinical hours
Hybrid format for master's-prepared nurses
Covers family health across the lifespan
Prepares graduates for national FNP certification exams

University of Virginia

More than 500 clinical hours
Classes once a month in a hybrid format
Part-time study option for working APRNs
Open to nurses with a graduate nursing degree and active APRN license
No GRE scores required

University of Virginia

CCNE accredited

Two-year full-time or three-year part-time hybrid
500 clinical hours with rotations at UVA Medical Center
Virginia resident total cost $21,942
Non-resident total cost $35,832
Guaranteed admission for UVA Nursing alumni

University of Virginia

CCNE accredited

Monthly in-person classes with the rest online
More than 500 clinical hours, mostly in Virginia
Focus on care for underserved populations
Two-year full-time or three-year part-time option

University of Virginia

CCNE accredited

Three-year program at $914 per credit
750 clinical hours plus a capstone
Clinical placements at UVA Health
Prepares for ANCC or PNCB certification
In-person class about once a month

University of Virginia

CCNE accredited

750 clinical hours with guidance finding placements
Prepares for FNP certification through ANCC or AANPBC
Work experience required; 3.0 GPA minimum
Post-professional certificate option available
Access to interdisciplinary resources across the university

University of Virginia

CCNE accredited

$914 per credit for the doctoral track
750 clinical hours with work experience required
Prepares for AACN or ANCC certification
Monthly campus visits with hybrid coursework
Faculty experts in education and research

GE

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · $15,000 – $20,000/yr

Best for: Working nurses needing asynchronous online coursework

George Mason University in Fairfax runs a fully online MSN family nurse practitioner track and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner graduate certificate, plus DNP pathways that include psychiatric mental health and adult gerontology primary care concentrations. The DNP requires 72 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours and accepts both BSN and master's entry, with up to 30 transfer credits. Hybrid and online formats keep campus time limited, which matters for nurses living outside Northern Virginia.

George Mason University

23 graduate credits in a hybrid format
Prepares for national certification and prescriptive authority
Focus on serious mental illness, medication management, and psychotherapy
Part-time study available for working nurses
Current RN license and 3.00 GPA required
Enrollment open to students in 49 states

George Mason University

CCNE accredited

72 credit hours with 1,000 clinical hours
Four concentration options within the DNP
BSN to DNP and master's to DNP entry tracks
Up to 30 transfer credits accepted
Capstone project chaired by a faculty advisor
Precepted clinical practicum hours

George Mason University

CCNE accredited

BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP pathways available
Spring start with a November 1 application deadline
Active RN license and CPR certification required
Goals statement and resume required with the application

George Mason University

CCNE accredited

49 credits, about $43,365 total tuition
$850 per credit hour
100% online asynchronous classes with a part-time option
500 clinical hours required
Rolling admissions with a $75 application fee
Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification

JA

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · $13,000/yr

James Madison University in Harrisonburg offers a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner MSN that it runs jointly with Shenandoah University, plus a family nurse practitioner DNP. The PMHNP route splits study between the two schools, with the first year at JMU and the second at Shenandoah, and graduates earn both an MSN and a post-graduate certificate. The DNP family track requires 77 credits, 1,000 clinical hours, and a 3.2 GPA minimum.

James Madison University

CCNE accredited

Joint program: first year at JMU, second at Shenandoah
22 credits at JMU plus 29 at Shenandoah
Graduates earn an MSN plus a post-graduate certificate
Part-time or full-time first year
Applications due January 6 with joint interviews

James Madison University

CCNE accredited

77 credit hours with a 3.2 GPA minimum
1,000 clinical hours including 650 practicum hours
Two concentration options
Capstone required; prepares for FNP certification
Primary care across the lifespan

UN

University of Virginia's College at Wise

Wise, VA · $8,000/yr

The University of Virginia's College at Wise hosts a family nurse practitioner MSN built for nurses who need to keep working while they study. The three-year part-time hybrid format combines online didactic coursework with more than 600 hours of semester-long clinical preceptorships. It is the farthest option from Richmond in this group, so the distance-heavy structure is what makes it workable for nurses elsewhere in the state. Clinical placements are generally arranged within Virginia.

University of Virginia's College at Wise

Three-year part-time hybrid program
More than 600 clinical hours in semester-long preceptorships
Designed so students can keep working while enrolled
Clinical placements generally arranged within Virginia
Prepares for FNP certification
BSN required for admission

OL

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA · $15,000 – $36,000/yr

Old Dominion University in Norfolk delivers most of its NP coursework at a distance, with on-campus clinical sessions and simulation. The Ellmer School of Nursing offers MSN tracks in family, pediatric, psychiatric mental health, and neonatal practice, a post-professional FNP certificate, and a post-master's psychiatric mental health doctorate. Reported outcomes for recent FNP cohorts include a 96% certification pass rate and a 95% employment rate, and a student clinical services coordinator helps arrange placements.

Old Dominion University

CCNE accredited

Primarily online with on-campus clinical sessions
500 to 700 word essay and three recommendations required
RN license with one year of experience; 3.0 GPA
Reported 96% FNP certification pass rate
Reported 95% employment rate for 2024 graduates
Up to 12 transfer credits accepted

Old Dominion University

Four semesters with January admission
Prepares for board certification in family primary care
Requires an APRN MSN and active RN licensure
August 1 application deadline

Old Dominion University

CCNE accredited

560 clinical hours in primary care pediatrics
Synchronous and asynchronous online options
Reported 100% licensure pass rate and 91% job placement
No GRE required for applicants with a 3.5 GPA or higher

Old Dominion University

CCNE accredited

40 credit hours: 22 core plus 18 concentration
Two-year full-time hybrid program
500 clinical hours across the lifespan
Prepares for PMHNP certification; progression to the DNP possible

Old Dominion University

CCNE accredited

Seven-semester plan of study
$486 per credit for Virginia residents
Designed for nurses who already hold a master's in nursing
September 1 application deadline

Old Dominion University

CCNE accredited

600 clinical practicum hours in level III and IV NICUs
Online distance learning with full- and part-time options
Two years of NICU experience required
Prepares for NNP certification

RE

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA · ~$18,000/yr (est.)

Regent University in Virginia Beach structures its nurse practitioner offerings around online study with short on-campus residencies. Students can pursue an MSN family nurse practitioner degree, a post-master's FNP certificate, or DNP tracks in family and psychiatric mental health practice, all at $590 per credit or less. Military benefits and veteran discounts are accepted, and the DNP family program cites clinical partnerships with Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Regent University

CCNE accredited

47 credit hours at $590 per credit
Online coursework with one on-campus residency
BSN, 3.0 GPA, RN license, and one year of experience
Faculty interview required for admission
Military benefits accepted

Regent University

26 credit hours, about $15,080 total
Two-day on-campus residency before practicum
Open to nurses who already hold a graduate nursing degree
Licensure-eligible for family nurse practitioner practice

Regent University

CCNE accredited

74 total credit hours, online with an on-campus residency
Clinical partnerships with Eastern Virginia Medical School
White Coat ceremony marks the transition to practice
Military benefits and veteran discounts available

Regent University

CCNE accredited

74-credit doctoral curriculum with two concentration options
Fully online with a two-day campus residency
Three start dates per year: fall, spring, and summer
One year of RN experience required

SH

Shenandoah University

Winchester, VA · $27,000/yr

Shenandoah University in Winchester offers both MSN and post-graduate certificate routes in family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practice. The MSN family track is fully online with weekly synchronous classes and a campus immersion, while the psychiatric mental health programs use a hybrid format. Admission leans on experience: the family track expects roughly 2,080 hours of direct patient care, and the certificates are built for nurses who already hold a graduate nursing degree.

Shenandoah University

CCNE accredited

47 credits over seven terms, about 2.5 years
Fully online with weekly synchronous class meetings
Campus immersion experience required
600 clinical hours; 2,080 patient care hours required for admission
Rolling admissions with a February 15 priority deadline
Alumni receive a per-credit tuition discount

Shenandoah University

25 credits over five full-time semesters
600 clinical hours required
Prepares nurses for primary care, including rural practice
Open to nurses with an MSN; no part-time option

Shenandoah University

24 to 29 credits, hybrid with synchronous online classes
Five semesters for current NPs, up to seven for others
600 clinical hours required
Summer cohort start with an MSN prerequisite

Shenandoah University

CCNE accredited

46 credit hours over seven semesters
Hybrid format with 600 clinical hours
Fall start only
Training in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology across the lifespan
Three letters of recommendation required

RA

Radford University

Radford, VA · $14,000/yr

Radford University, including its Radford Carilion site, runs a distance-friendly MSN family nurse practitioner program and online DNP tracks in family and psychiatric mental health practice. A separate psychiatric mental health certificate lets practicing NPs add the specialty in about a year, with 540 clinical hours. The family program reports a near-perfect national certification exam pass rate and provides a clinical resource coordinator to help working nurses secure placements.

Radford University

CCNE accredited

Cohort-based, distance-friendly hybrid format for working nurses
Precepted clinical experiences plus skills workshops
A clinical resource coordinator helps arrange placements
Reported nearly 100% national certification exam pass rate
Prepares for AANP or ANCC certification
Loan forgiveness programs available to graduates

Radford University

23 credits with 540 clinical hours
One year full-time or 18 to 24 months part-time
Requires a master's degree and a 3.5 graduate GPA
Open to currently certified NPs; no GRE required

Radford University

CCNE accredited

Hybrid format with sessions on the main campus
Prepares for AANP or ANCC certification
Family-centered primary care across the lifespan

Radford University

CCNE accredited

Online format with psychopharmacology and psychotherapy focus
Treatment of acute and chronic mental illness across the lifespan
Emphasis on mental health promotion
Prepares for PMHNP certification

MA

Marymount University

Arlington, VA · $23,000/yr

Marymount University in Arlington delivers its nurse practitioner degrees online with brief on-campus residencies. Offerings include an MSN family nurse practitioner track, an MSN psychiatric mental health track, a DNP family nurse practitioner degree, and a BSN to DNP psychiatric mental health pathway. The school provides clinical placement services at no charge, and the family program reports a 100% AANP pass rate along with median regional NP earnings above $131,000.

Marymount University

CCNE accredited

Fully remote except for residencies and clinicals
Full-time and part-time options
Free clinical placement services
Reported 100% AANP pass rate
Simulation labs and faculty who practice as FNPs and PMHNPs

Marymount University

CCNE accredited

48 credits with 750 clinical hours
Online with one on-campus residency
Part-time only, seven consecutive semesters
$1,275 per credit, about $61,200 total
No GRE or GMAT required

Marymount University

CCNE accredited

63 to 70 credits over 10 semesters
About $89,250 total tuition
1,000 clinical hours plus a capstone
No entrance exam required
One on-campus residency for hands-on skills

Marymount University

CCNE accredited

66 credits over 10 semesters
About $84,150 total tuition
1,250 clinical hours plus a capstone
On-campus residencies required
Prepares for AANP or ANCC PMHNP certification

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.

Side-by-side comparison of MSN-NP, DNP-NP, and Post-Master's certificate pathways across duration, clinical hours, cost, career trajectory, and Virginia licensure requirements in 2026

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.

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.

Five-step pathway from earning a BSN to obtaining autonomous NP licensure in Virginia, with timelines ranging from one to four years per step

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

Virginia by City

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