How to Get Into Nursing School in Virginia (2026 BSN Admissions Guide)

Virginia offers a deep mix of BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) programs, from the large public schools like VCU, UVA, George Mason, JMU, and Old Dominion to strong private and regional options. The catch is that these programs split into two very different models: some admit you straight from high school into the nursing major, while others have you finish prerequisites first and then apply to enter the upper division. Knowing which type you are aiming at changes everything. Here's how to get in. Want a fast read on where you stand? Check your odds free before you go further.

1. Know the two admission models first

Virginia programs fall into two camps, and the data shows it clearly.

• Direct-admit (freshman) tracks bring you into nursing from high school. UVA, Longwood, and Marymount admit first-year students through general undergraduate admission. Longwood, for example, asks for roughly a 3.2 high-school GPA plus one standardized test (SAT, ACT, or TEAS 60) and requires nursing applicants to apply Early Decision (Nov 1) or Early Action (Dec 1).
• Prerequisite-then-apply (upper-division) tracks have you complete a science-heavy course block, then compete for a seat. Old Dominion, JMU, Hampton, and Liberty work this way.

If you are a high-school senior, the direct-admit schools want strong stats now. If you are already in college, the upper-division schools care most about your prerequisite GPA and entrance exam.

2. Hit the GPA targets

Where a minimum is published, Virginia BSN programs cluster around a 3.0, though several schools list no fixed number and a couple sit lower.

• George Mason requires a 3.0 overall and a 3.00 prerequisite GPA, with no grade below C.
• Old Dominion sets a 3.0 departmental prerequisite GPA and notes that a 3.6 is competitive.
• Norfolk State, Liberty, Shenandoah, and Hampton each list a 3.0 minimum (Shenandoah also wants a 3.0 in prerequisite sciences).
• VCU is the notable lower floor: a 2.5 cumulative minimum with no prerequisite grade below C-.
• UVA, JMU, Radford, and Marymount publish no separate numeric cutoff for the track in our data; JMU does require a 3.0 prerequisite GPA.

As of 2026, treat every number as a floor and confirm it on the school's official page, since competitive admits usually land well above the minimum.

3. Prepare for the right entrance exam (or none)

Virginia is split on exams, so check each school carefully. See TEAS vs HESI A2 if you are deciding which to study for.

• HESI A2 is required at Old Dominion (80 composite), Norfolk State (75 percent in all categories), and Liberty (75 percent).
• TEAS is required at Shenandoah (65 percent overall, max two attempts) and Hampton (required, no numeric minimum published). Longwood accepts a TEAS 60 as one of its standardized-test options.
• No entrance exam is required at VCU, George Mason, JMU, or Radford.
• Marymount suspends its TEAS for many applicants, but the requirement can change, so confirm before assuming.

None of the Virginia programs in our data require CASPer, but always verify on the official page as of 2026.

4. Complete the prerequisite sequence

The Virginia prerequisite block is consistent: Anatomy & Physiology (I and II at most schools), Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, Nutrition, Lifespan/Developmental Psychology, and English Composition. A grade of C or better (sometimes C-) in each is standard.

A few quirks worth noting from the data:

• VCU uses biology rather than a standalone chemistry course and requires its Focused Inquiry composition.
• Old Dominion lists a leaner set (A&P I, microbiology, chemistry, statistics, developmental psychology, written communication).
• JMU and Radford do not require English composition in the listed block.

Our nursing prerequisites checklist walks through the full sequence so you don't miss a course.

5. Plan your application timeline

Deadlines vary widely across Virginia, and missing one can cost a full year:

• VCU: application closes August 1; notifications October 1.
• UVA: November 1 Early Action, January 1 Regular Decision.
• Old Dominion: February 15 for Fall, July 15 for Spring.
• JMU: Fall applications due Dec 1; Spring applications due July 1.
• Norfolk State: March 1 for Fall, October 5 for Spring.
• Liberty: Spring applies Aug 1 to Oct 1; Fall applies Dec 1 to Feb 15.
• Shenandoah runs rolling admissions; Radford uses fixed Fall and Spring windows.

Map each school's cycle early, especially the direct-admit schools where the deadline arrives in your senior fall.

6. Round out a competitive file

• A focused personal statement helps in holistic review.
• Healthcare experience (CNA, volunteering) strengthens borderline applications.
• Keep immunizations, background check, and transcripts ready, since many programs require them at or shortly after admission.

Compare your odds across every Virginia school

Requirements swing a lot from VCU's 2.5 floor to George Mason's 3.0-with-prereq-GPA standard to Old Dominion's HESI A2 80. Not sure where you fit? Start with what GPA you need for nursing school, then check your odds free and use the Nursing School Planner to test your GPA and prerequisites against real Virginia BSN requirements. You can also browse all Virginia nursing programs in one place.

*This guide is for planning purposes only. Always confirm current requirements on each school's official admissions page before applying.*