Nurse, Registered License in Virginia
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in Virginia, you must graduate from an approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and complete CE for renewal. Virginia is an NLC compact state, valuable for nurses in the DC-Maryland-Virginia corridor. Estimated costs are approximately $470.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $470 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Nurse, Registered registration in Virginia
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $170
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $140
- Total Estimated Cost
- $470
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Nurse, Registered license in Virginia. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Virginia licensing board.
Nurse, Registered Salary in Virginia
Entry Level
$64,370
Median
$88,820
Experienced
$124,040
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Nurse, Registered in Virginia.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$170.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Nurse, Registered Licensing in Virginia: What to Know
Virginia's Board of Nursing, under the Department of Health Professions, oversees a 14-member board. CE is required for renewal. The board regulates RNs, LPNs, APRNs, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives. Virginia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which is particularly valuable given the DC-Maryland-Virginia tri-state employment corridor. The Northern Virginia region near DC, Richmond, and Hampton Roads all have strong healthcare sectors. Virginia has numerous military bases, making the NLC compact and military spouse provisions especially important.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Nurse, Registered license cost in Virginia?
- The estimated total cost is $470, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Nurse, Registered license in Virginia?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Nurse, Registered license in Virginia?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Nurse, Registered requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.