How to Get an RN License in Virginia

Intermediate 5 min 16 steps 32001 views Rating: 3.7/5 Published: 2026-06-19

Earn your high school diploma or GED.. Enroll in a 2-year associate's nursing program for the quickest path.. Earn a 4-year bachelor's degree in nursing if you want more competitive pay.

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Steps

1

Earn your high school diploma or GED.

Step 1

Earn your high school diploma or GED.

2

Enroll in a 2-year associate's nursing program for the quickest path.

Step 2

Enroll in a 2-year associate's nursing program for the quickest path.

3

Earn a 4-year bachelor's degree in nursing if you want more competitive pay.

Step 3

Earn a 4-year bachelor's degree in nursing if you want more competitive pay.

4

Complete 500 clinic hours while you're in school.

Step 4

Complete 500 clinic hours while you're in school.

5

Fill out the application on the Virginia Board of Nursing website.

Step 5

Fill out the application on the Virginia Board of Nursing website.

6

Include a proof of residence if one is requested.

Step 6

Include a proof of residence if one is requested.

7

Pay the application fee when you submit the form.

Step 7

Pay the application fee when you submit the form.

8

Submit your final transcripts to transcriptbyexam@dhp.virginia.gov.

Step 8

Submit your final transcripts to transcriptbyexam@dhp.virginia.gov.

9

Complete a fingerprint-based background check.

Step 9

Complete a fingerprint-based background check.

10

Check your application status on the Board of Nursing website.

Step 10

Check your application status on the Board of Nursing website.

11

Apply for the NCLEX exam online or over the phone.

Step 11

Apply for the NCLEX exam online or over the phone.

12

Pay the testing registration fee with a credit or debit card.

Step 12

Pay the testing registration fee with a credit or debit card.

13

Schedule the exam at the nearest NCLEX test center.

Step 13

Schedule the exam at the nearest NCLEX test center.

14

Read through the test plan to study key concepts.

Step 14

Read through the test plan to study key concepts.

15

Complete the exam on your scheduled day and time.

Step 15

Complete the exam on your scheduled day and time.

16

Wait 6 weeks to get the official results of your licensing.

Step 16

Wait 6 weeks to get the official results of your licensing.

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