How to Become a Registered Nurse in Virginia

Nurses in the US need a license to work professionally. They also need to have certain educational qualifications and some special skills to do their jobs properly. Nursing is a tough profession and if you think you have what it takes to become a nurse, then read the following article for more information.

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 66,040 Registered Nurses were working in Virginia. The employment level for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in the state was 21,700.

If you want to become a nurse in Virginia as well, then go through the following guide.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ estimates show a very positive job outlook for nurses across the US. Registered Nurses will enjoy 12% growth in employment opportunities between 2018 and 2028 whereas Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses will experience an 11% growth during the same period.

You have to complete the following steps to become a nurse in Virginia.

1. 1. Get the Required Education

If you want to become a Registered Nurse, you will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to start your career. For Licensed Practical Nurses, a postsecondary nondegree award will suffice to enter the field in most cases.

2. 2. Clear the Licensing Test

Nurses in the US need to clear the NCLEX test to apply for a license. Registered Nurses should clear the NCLEX-RN whereas Licensed Practical Nurses need to pass the NCLEX-PN. This is a mandatory requirement all across the US.

3. 3. Apply for Your License

Once you clear the NCLEX, you will need to apply with the relevant board/authority to get your license. At this stage, you might have to go through a few more steps like clearing background scrutiny and submitting your fingerprints to get your license. Once you get through these stages, you will be given your license.

It takes around 4 to 6 years to become a Registered Nurse while the duration to become a Licensed Practical Nurse is 1 to 2 years.

The requirements to become a nurse in Virginia are:

Registered Nurses working in the state of Virginia earned $71,870 as annual mean income in 2019. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses made $46,070 in annual mean income in Virginia. These figures have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.