Those aspiring to become registered nurses or licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in Virginia have a wide selection of training options. Students may also choose specialized career paths related to nursing, such as teaching and training, health care administration, forensic nursing, or advanced studies to become a nurse practitioner or doctor of nursing practice.

Virginia nursing schools online include University of Phoenix, Kaplan University, Walden University, Herzing University and others. Some campus-based colleges offer continuing education and online options. Local institutions with nursing programs include these:

• George Mason University
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Strayer University
• Virginia College

Life and work in Virginia

The U.S. Census Bureau reports a populace of over 8 million in 2010, with rapid growth in the state. The Virginia population increased by 13.0 percent from 2000 to 2010, compared to the national average of 9.7 percent growth for that decade. Out of Virginia residents aged 25 or older, 33.4 percent held a bachelor's degree or higher, which was well above the national average of 27.5 percent. This suggests that education is a competitive factor in the job market in this state.

Virginia's economy is built on a unique combination of business sectors, from aerospace and technology to automotive manufacturing and warehouse distributing. Virginia offers lush countryside and the Appalachian Trail for the outdoorsy type, while Virginia Beach promises summertime fun and night life. Urban mingles with colonial in Richmond, Jamestown and Williamsburg. The vicinity to the nation's capital opens infinite entertainment possibilities, while other towns boast proximity to beaches and the Chesapeake Bay.

Careers for graduates of Virginia nursing schools online

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for RNs in Virginia rose from $63,270 in 2009 to $65,020 in 2010. LPNs and LVNs in the state earned a mean yearly salary of $38,600 as of May 2010.

Graduates of nursing schools in Virginia can seek positions at physicians' offices, nursing and residential care facilities, and home health care services. Central Virginia Health Services, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, University of Virginia Health System, Inova Health System and HCA Virginia are among the state's largest medical employers.