How to Get an RN License in Virginia

Working as a registered nurse (RN) can be a really rewarding career where you physically and emotionally support patients so they receive the best care. If you live in Virginia and you want to work as an RN, you’ll have to apply through Virginia’s Board of Nursing in order to get approved. If you’re applying for the first time, you’ll also have to complete the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to receive your license. As long as you put in hard work and study, you can get your license within a few months!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Getting an Education

1
Earn your high school diploma or GED. Focus on science, math, and English courses since those are the standard prerequisites for most nursing schools. If you can, opt to take advanced placement courses since it will show you’re a good student and you may be able to earn college credits. If you aren’t currently in high school and you don’t have a diploma, sign up for GED courses instead so you can get a high school equivalency.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Most GED courses are offered at night so you can still work a regular job while getting your education.
- Take the ACT or SAT before you graduate since it’s normally required to get into nursing school. The minimum score requirement varies between schools.ref>https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/guide-to-become-a-rn/</ref>
2
Enroll in a 2-year associate’s nursing program for the quickest path. Look for schools that offer associate programs in nursing and fill out an application. Check the nursing program’s plan to find out what classes you need to take, which usually involves science with labs and clinic training. Work and study hard during your schooling so you can earn the best grades and graduate.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Associate’s degrees work well for getting entry-level nursing positions.
- You do not have to attend nursing school in Virginia to get licensed there, but it may make the application process more streamlined since you won’t have as much paperwork.
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3
Earn a 4-year bachelor’s degree in nursing if you want more competitive pay. Look for a program at an accredited university to ensure you’re eligible to practice after graduation. Take all of the required courses listed for the program, which usually involve clinical studies, science labs, math, and English. Pay attention in class and take notes so you’re able to do your best.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Nursing school can be stressful, so be sure to take some time so you can relax and spend time with friends.
Variation: If you already have an associate’s degree and want your bachelor’s, then check for an RN-to-BSN program since you’ll be able to transfer your credits.^{[4]XResearch source}
You’ll work directly with patients so you have hands-on experience treating and caring for them. Keep track of how many hours you spend in clinics, since you’ll need at least 500 hours to become an RN in Virginia. Consult with your instructors to ensure that you’re meeting the required hours for the program.^{[5]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying for a License

1
Fill out the application on the Virginia Board of Nursing website. Go to the Virginia Board of Nursing website and click the “Apply Now” button under the Registered Nurse section. Create an account and password so you can log into your application form. Fill out all of your personal information in the required fields, making sure you spell everything correctly. Double-check all of your information to ensure you entered it properly before you click the Save or Submit button.^{[6]XResearch source}
- You can find the online application form here: https://www.license.dhp.virginia.gov/apply/.
- You may also print out the application form to submit by mail if you’d rather fill it out by hand.
2
Include a proof of residence if one is requested. Make a copy of your Virginia driver’s license, state ID, or a voter registration card. You may also use a federal income tax return or a W2 from the government. Upload the proof of residence onto your application or include a copy in the envelope if you plan on mailing it in.^{[7]XResearch source}
- You do not need to submit a proof of residence if the nursing board doesn’t request one.
- If you’re an active duty member of the military, you can also submit military form #2058.
3
Pay the application fee when you submit the form. The license application fee is $190 USD whether you’re applying for the first time or if you’re registered in another state. Use a credit or debit card if you’re submitting your application online, or write a check payable to the Treasurer of Virginia if you’re submitting the form by mail.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Your application will not be considered until you pay the fee.
- The application fee is non-refundable even if you don’t get your license.
4
Submit your final transcripts to [email protected]. Contact your university and request a copy of your final transcripts. Pay any fees to your university for the transcripts so you can get a copy of them. Email the transcripts to [email protected] and put your name followed by “Official Transcript” in the subject line.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Your nursing program may also send a letter of attestation, which is another proof of graduation. If your program sends a letter of attestation, you do not need to submit your transcripts.
Variation: If you’re already licensed in another state, you don’t need to submit your transcripts. Instead, talk to the nursing board in the state where you originally got licensed and ask them to send your license verification.^{[10]XResearch source}
5
Complete a fingerprint-based background check. When you submit your application, check your email for a confirmation that contains a VBON Fieldprint Code, which is a unique number assigned to you for your background check. Go to the Fieldprint website and enter your code so you can schedule an appointment. When you arrive, someone will take your fingerprints to submit for the background check. You’ll usually receive your results within 1–2 days, but it may take longer if you have a criminal record. You must pass the background check in order to get your license.^{[11]XResearch source}
- If you’ve been convicted of violent crimes or have repeated charges for drug possession and DUIs, you won’t be eligible for a license.^{[12]XResearch source}
6
Check your application status on the Board of Nursing website. Your application usually will take 30–45 days to process. Log in to your Virginia Board of Nursing site to see the status of your application. If there are still unchecked items on the application, then it’s still pending.^{[13]XResearch source}
- If you don’t complete all the steps of your application within 1 year, you’ll have to start a new one and pay another fee.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking the Registration Exam

1
Apply for the NCLEX exam online or over the phone. After you submit your application to the Virginia Board of Nursing, log on to the NCLEX site to start your registration. Fill in your personal information in the text boxes on the site before continuing with the application. If you’d rather register by phone, call 1-866-496-2539 on a weekday between 7 AM–7 PM CST to talk to set up your account.^{[14]XResearch source}
- You can start your NCLEX registration form here: http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex/.
- You will not be eligible for the NCLEX if you haven’t submitted your license application.
2
Pay the testing registration fee with a credit or debit card. Registering for the NCLEX exam costs $200 USD. If you’re applying online, enter your credit or debit card information into the corresponding box. If you called for your application, state the name on the card, the card number, and the expiration date when you’re prompted.^{[15]XResearch source}
- You can only use Visa, MasterCard, or American Express cards for your payment.
3
Schedule the exam at the nearest NCLEX test center. Check your email for an Authorization to Test, or ATT, and make note of the number you’ve been assigned. Sign in to the NCLEX site and request a day and time when you’d like to take the exam. Choose the testing center that’s closest to you so you don’t have to travel as far. After you request an appointment, you’ll receive a confirmation email for your exam.^{[16]XResearch source}
- You can also call 1-866-496-2539 if you’d like to request a test date over the phone. Be sure you have your ATT number ready, or else you won’t be able to schedule the exam.
Tip: If the date of time you request isn’t available, you’ll be rescheduled for the next closest date.
4
Read through the test plan to study key concepts. The NCLEX test plan lists all of the subjects covered on the exam so you know what information you need to go over. Typically, the multiple-choice exam will cover basic nursing care, safety information, and treatment questions, but it may vary. Carefully read through the entire test plan and write down any areas that you don’t feel confident about so you can study them.^{[17]XResearch source}
- You can find the test plan here: https://www.ncsbn.org/2019_RN_TestPlan-English.pdf.
- You may also buy practice exams directly from the NCLEX website so you can see how the test is formatted.^{[18]XResearch source}
5
Complete the exam on your scheduled day and time. Arrive 30 minutes earlier than your scheduled time so you have time to get the exam and get comfortable. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and you’ll take it on a computer. Complete the test within the 4-hour time limit. When you finish your test, raise your hand so you can be dismissed.^{[19]XResearch source}
- You will be able to see an unofficial score as you complete the test, but it may not be the same as your final score.
- You're allowed to take a short break within the first 2 hours of the test and another one near the end of the testing period.
- You cannot return to questions, so be sure to pick the best answer before moving on to the next one.
6
Wait 6 weeks to get the official results of your licensing. Check your email to see if you’ve received your test results. If you’ve passed, then your licensing application will be finalized and you can start nursing in Virginia. If you didn’t pass, you can schedule to retake the test, but you will have to pay another fee and schedule it later.^{[20]XResearch source}
- If you need to retake the exam, you must first wait 45 days.
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Tips

If you’re licensed in another state, check if it’s part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), since you may be able to practice in Virginia on your current license.^{[21]XResearch source}
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Warnings

Even if you’re licensed in another state, you cannot work as an RN until you get approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing.^{[22]XResearch source}
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