Sure, “Virginia is for Lovers,” with its scenic mountain vistas and numerous beaches; however, Virginia also hosts history and genealogy addicts, sports buffs, politicians who live in this state and work in Washington DC, and medical centers that are growing and gaining status as some of the best places to work in the country. This eighth-largest state in the Union provides student nurses with great places to learn, and management, geriatric and neonatal jobs abound for the graduate. Roanoke, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Richmond and Arlington are counted among many urban centers in this state. But, the nurse who seeks rural life can find this in abundance throughout this state as well.

Becoming a Nurse in Virginia

Nurses who wish to study in Virginia can find opportunities in major urban centers and in smaller communities. For instance, a nurse who wishes to study near the nation’s capital can earn an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in nursing at George Mason University in Fairfax. Going further south, the Hampton University near Norfolk offers the BSN, MSN and doctoral degrees in nursing with specialties in administration, education, family care and geriatrics. In the western part of the state, College of Health Sciences/Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley provides students with opportunities to earn certifications and a BSN in programs such as adult care, anatomy, community health and family care. Many smaller schools also exist to earn certifications and an associate’s degree, such as Dabney Lancaster Community College in Clifton Forge and John Tyler Community College in Chester.

Nursing Jobs in Virginia

Some of the largest health care employers in Virginia include SEntara in Norfolk, the largest integrated health care provider in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina; Inova Health System, a not-for-profit health care system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services including emergency and urgent care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes; and, Amerigroup Corporation, headquartered in Virginia Beach. Amerigroup Corporation improves healthcare access and quality for low-income Americans by developing innovative managed health services for the public sector. Nursing salaries in Virginia vary, depending upon the nurse’s experience and degree earned, and the job description and location. LPNs in Virginia can earn between $29,000 and $59,000 per year, and RNs in this state can earn between $56,000 and $124,000 per year.