Chesapeake Nursing School
3-Year BSN Program: Become a Nurse Faster With No Prerequisite Coursework
Classes begin March 2nd
Why Our Nursing School in Virginia is Right for You
- Up to $5,000 scholarships available at our Chesapeake campus
- Earn your BSN in three years or less with qualified transfer credits!
- Flexible scheduling with gen ed night classes and a mixture of in-person, online, and blended nursing classes
- Your success is our priority: tutoring, open lab time, and academic support
- Small class sizes with personalized attention
The Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org). Official accreditation notification to CCNE for Chesapeake is submitted prior to first Semester 5 class start. All Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
Your Nursing Education Dream Can Start Now
Our nursing program in Chesapeake, VA is designed with one goal: to prepare you for a future career in the health sciences as a registered nurse (RN). We strive for academic excellence through classroom teaching, hands-on simulations, and training in real-world healthcare environments to give you the nursing skills you need.
Graduate in Less Time With Eligible Transfer Credits
Gain Hands-On Experience in Guided Labs
NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation From Day One
What You Get from Arizona College of Nursing
Convenient Scheduling for Nursing School in Chesapeake
Looking for convenient scheduling for nursing school in Virginia? Our accredited 3-year BSN program in Chesapeake offers multiple start dates and evening gen ed night classes, plus online nursing program courses designed for working adults like you.
With convenient scheduling that includes blended learning and virtual classes, you can earn your nursing degree without putting everything on hold. Discover how our nursing program works with your busy schedule.
A Welcoming Community for BSN Degree Students
When you join our Chesapeake nursing school, you become part of a close-knit community in the nursing profession. Our nursing classes include students from Virginia Beach, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and surrounding areas.
You’ll find yourself supported by committed faculty, mentors, and peers who understand the unique rewards and challenges of pursuing a nursing degree in Virginia.
Learn Hands-On Skills to Meet Nursing School Requirements
Our nursing courses prioritize real-life experience so you’re prepared for clinical environments and a strong beginning to your nursing career.
Starting on day one, students in our nursing program in Virginia build self-confidence through hands-on training in realistic clinical environments and labs. You’ll be able to think critically, evaluate patients, and deliver effective patient care in fast-paced settings.
Support Resources and Clear Admissions
Our Chesapeake nursing school has a straightforward nursing application process that focuses on nursing students. We’ll guide you from your first questions as a future nursing student to your final step so you can stay focused on your RN goals.
You’ll have access to personalized nursing program support and resources to help you succeed. We can even help with NCLEX-RN exam prep and scholarships!
Competitive Registered Nurse Salary in Chesapeake
Registered Nurses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach earn a median annual wage of $81,170 per year. While new nursing program graduates typically start below the median, earnings often grow steadily with experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for RNs near Chesapeake range from $63,550 to $115,710 annually.
Updated June 2025. Source: O*NET Online
Nursing Experience in Clinical Rotations
During your BSN program in Virginia, you’ll gain experience in clinical rotations. You’ll work with healthcare professionals that may include nurse managers, registered nurses (RN), and clinical nurse specialists (CNS).
These nursing program experiences strengthen your clinical skills and understanding. Clinical rotations may provide insights into how nurse managers and RNs collaborate in real medical environments.
Nursing School Curriculum
From day one, our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program is built to prepare you for a thriving career as a registered nurse (RN). Our curriculum combines classroom teaching, hands-on labs, real-world clinical experience, and extensive NCLEX-RN exam prep to get you ready for a successful nursing career.
Sample Classes in Our BSN Curriculum:
- Fundamentals of Biology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Human Anatomy/Physiology I
- College Mathematics
- First Year Composition (Writing) I
- Human Pathophysiology
- Human Nutrition
- Critical Thinking in Clinical Decision-Making
- Pharmacology I
- Evidence-Based Practice I
- Community Health Nursing + Practicum
- Maternal Health Theory and Application + Practicum
- Transition to the Nursing Profession
- Professional Seminar (NCLEX-RN Preparation)
How Transfer Credits Work for Your BSN Degree
At Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN), we understand that you want to get the most out of your previous education experience on your journey through nursing school. Students can progress through our BSN program of study in three years or less with qualifying general education transfer credits. The Virginia campuses do not accept nursing course transfer credits at this time. Our academic advisors will work closely with you to review transcripts and transfer as many credits as possible.
Clinical Partnerships at Our Nursing School in Virginia
In the final year of the program, students spend most of their time in clinical rotations, training in real-world healthcare environments. Hands-on experience with patients and medical professionals is one of the most powerful ways to learn. We make it a priority for our students. We’ve partnered with healthcare providers in Virginia to provide students with opportunities for clinical experience and nursing research by working with nurse leaders.
Visit Our 3-year BSN Program Curriculum Page For More Details.
Complete NCLEX-RN Exam Prep
Our nursing school in Chesapeake, Virginia is designed to start preparing you for the NCLEX-RN exam on day one. Instructors introduce students to NCLEX-RN-style questions and clinical judgment throughout our curriculum to get them comfortable. To learn more about testing format and study strategies, read our blog post Mastering the NCLEX: A Comprehensive Guide to Preparation.
Finally, a nursing school near me in Chesapeake!
We strive to be one of the best nursing schools in Virginia, helping students achieve their nursing career dreams. Our nursing degree program proudly serves the entire Hampton Roads metropolitan area, including Norfolk, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth. Our college campus is conveniently located about 15 minutes from the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge in Chesapeake.
Additional hours available upon request.
Our Nursing Program in Chesapeake
Among nursing schools in Virginia, our program stands out for its commitment to providing hands-on training and personalized support to help you succeed in your nursing career. At Arizona College of Nursing, we know nursing students. You dream of becoming a nurse, but your life is already extremely busy, so you ask yourself how you can make it happen.
We have tailored our courses to match your busy life. During the first four semesters of general education classes, they are held in the evenings and each course is completed in just eight weeks. New sessions start six times per year, so you are not restricted to starting school in just Fall or Spring. Start when the timing is right for you.
Our nursing campus is conveniently located in Chesapeake, Virginia. We’re just 30 minutes from Virginia Beach, 20 minutes from Norfolk, and 40 minutes from Hampton.
Stop by our nursing school to learn more about our three-year BSN degree program, which prepares you to take on a wider range of responsibilities than an ADN, CNA, LVN or LPN nursing program. Visit our Chesapeake Campus Life page for more information on our nursing program and student life in the Chesapeake, Virginia area.
Initial approval from the Virginia Board of Nursing
Learn How Our Nursing School Leadership Bring Practice to the Classroom
Our faculty and leadership have real-world nursing experience and want to help equip you for a successful career. With mentorship and hands-on guidance in in-person labs and simulations, you can apply what you’re learning to advanced nursing practice scenarios.
Meet Our Nursing School Leadership
Amber Kool
Assistant Vice President of Assessment and Development
I pursued a career in nursing education because I believe in the power of nursing to change lives, not just for patients, but for the nurses themselves. Throughout my career, I’ve seen nurses step into leadership roles, improve patient outcomes, and shape healthcare policy. Teaching future nurses is my way of giving back to the profession and ensuring that the next generation is well-prepared, supported, and inspired.
At Arizona College of Nursing, we believe that anyone with the passion to become a nurse should have the opportunity to do so. Our year-round BSN program means students can earn their degree sooner than traditional programs. We produce graduates to be leaders in nursing education, who will improve healthcare and make a lasting impact.
Success in nursing school requires more than just dedication, it takes a strong support system. At Arizona College of Nursing, we provide a range of resources to help students thrive academically and professionally. With the right support in place, our students are empowered to focus on what matters most—becoming confident, capable nurses ready to make a difference in healthcare. By investing in students today, we’re shaping the profession for tomorrow.
Nursing School Scholarship Opportunities in Chesapeake
As you consider nursing schools in Virginia, we know that the cost of the program is an important factor in your decision. Students can receive up to $5,000 in scholarship support.
Click the button below to learn more about our nursing scholarships in Virginia and to determine eligibility:
- Futures Scholarship
- Advancement Scholarship
- Working Parent Scholarship
- Achievement Scholarship
- Opportunity Scholarship
BSN Degree FAQs at Our Chesapeake Campus
Browse below to learn about nursing concepts or click on the following link to view the most frequently asked questions at our Chesapeake nursing school. To find a nursing school near you, visit our Campus Locations page.
The Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org). Official accreditation notification to CCNE for Chesapeake is submitted prior to first Semester 5 class start. All Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
Understanding the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) school and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) school is crucial to planning your nursing career path. This because the education requirements between RNs and LPNs vary significantly. An LPN program in Virginia typically takes about one to two years to complete. It is intended to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurse (RNs) and physicians.
Registered Nurses in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk area of Virginia have a median nursing salary of $81,170 per year.
As you will be newly entering the workforce, it’s important to know that you will likely not start at the median rate but would likely increase your earnings with experience. To view our Chesapeake nursing market outlook click here.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Registered Nurses in Virginia range from a low rate of $64,370 per year, to the highest-paid Nurses earning as much as $124,040 per year for their nursing salary.
Updated 05/2025. Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?zip=23320
If you fail your first attempt at the NCLEX-RN Exam, you may retake it after 45 days from your original test date. You may retest up to 8 times per year.
Source: https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/how-many-times-take-nclex-rn-exam
Arizona College of Nursing – Chesapeake has built a full support system to help you at every step of the program. Our student support resources include a student success coach, tutoring sessions, peer mentoring, faculty office hours, NCLEX-RN exam prep class, and more.
Contact our admissions team to learn more about how we support you throughout your nursing education. We’re committed to helping you pursue your goal of becoming an RN.
You can read more about our admissions requirements here [https://www.arizonacollege.edu/admissions/]. For detailed information about the nursing prerequisites for our BSN program, please contact our admissions office. They can provide you with the specific details and answer any questions you may have about our application process.
A nursing assistant provides basic patient care and support, such as helping with daily activities and monitoring vital signs, under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). An RN, on the other hand, typically has more advanced training and responsibilities, including developing and implementing patient care plans, administering medications, and performing complex medical procedures. RNs also oversee and coordinate care provided by nursing assistants and other healthcare staff.
Earning a BSN degree can open doors to more advanced roles and opportunities in the nursing field as an RN. Our BSN program in Virginia is designed to provide the comprehensive education and clinical experience to help advance your career.
Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) – Chesapeake is not a 100% online nursing program in Virginia. However, most of our campuses offer some online nursing courses. The AZCN curriculum includes a mixture of in-person, online, and blended classes. At the majority of our campuses, many non-clinical courses are offered asynchronously and delivered fully online, while nursing courses with a clinical component are held in person.
Our general education courses also incorporate a blended learning experience, including night and virtual classes, providing flexibility for our students. Contact our admissions team to learn more about our online nursing course formats at AZCN Chesapeake and how you can earn a BSN degree in just three years.
After completing your BSN degree and fulfilling Virginia’s licensing requirements, many nursing career paths may become available to you in the Chesapeake area.
The following roles represent potential career directions for those who have completed BSN education, passed the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtained proper state licensure. These roles span hospitals, community settings, specialized units, and leadership positions.
Hospital-Based Roles in Virginia
Registered Nurse (RN) – The foundation of nursing practice, working in various healthcare settings.
Emergency Room Nurse – Providing urgent care in fast-paced emergency department settings.
ICU Nurse / Critical Care Nurse – Caring for patients with life-threatening conditions requiring intensive monitoring.
Labor and Delivery Nurse – Supporting mothers and newborns through the childbirth process.
OR Nurse / Perioperative Nurse – Assisting in surgical procedures and providing pre/post-operative care.
Specialized Care Roles in Virginia
Pediatric Nurse – Focusing on the healthcare needs of children and adolescents.
Hospice Nurse/Palliative Care Nurse – Providing compassionate end-of-life and comfort care.
Home Health Nurse – Delivering care to patients in their homes, often following hospital discharge.
Forensic Nurse – Working at the intersection of healthcare and the legal system.
Nurse Manager & Administration Roles in Virginia
Charge Nurse – Overseeing nursing operations for a unit during a specific shift.
Nurse Manager – Supervising nursing staff and handling administrative responsibilities. Learn more about becoming a Nurse Manager.
Utilization Review Nurse – Evaluating the necessity and efficiency of healthcare services.
Community & Public Health Roles in Virginia
Public Health Nurse – Addressing community health needs through education and preventative care.
School Nurse – Providing healthcare services in educational settings.
Occupational Health Nurse – Focusing on workplace health and safety.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), registered nurses held about 3.3 million jobs in 2023, with the largest percentage (58%) working in hospitals. Other significant employment settings include ambulatory healthcare services (19%), government agencies (6%), nursing and residential care facilities (5%), and educational services (3%). Data last updated April 18, 2025. Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3
Important Note: A BSN degree itself does not qualify individuals to work as registered nurses. Additional steps including passing the NCLEX-RN examination and obtaining state licensure are required before pursuing these career opportunities.
The NCLEX-RN is for registered nurse licensure after you complete a BSN or ADN nursing program, while the NCLEX-PN is for practical/vocational nurse licensure after completing an LPN or LVN program. Both exams are developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and are required for nursing licensure in the United States. For RNs in Virginia, licensure allows for greater autonomy, higher-level clinical responsibilities, and more opportunities for career advancement compared to LPN licensure. Licensed practical nurses typically work under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians.
The NCLEX exam is the licensing examination that you must pass to become a registered nurse and practice legally. Passing this exam demonstrates that you’ve met the minimum competency standards required for entry-level nursing practice. The NCLEX exam is a standardized test used across all states to ensure consistent nursing practice standards. Successfully completing it allows you to apply for your nursing license and begin your professional nursing career in Virginia.
Accreditations
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.aacnnursing.org).
All Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
Virginia NCLEX Pass Rate Data: BaccalaureatePastFiveYears.xls (live.com)
*Nevada NCLEX Pass Rate Data: https://nevadanursingboard.org/education/
*Florida NCLEX Pass Rate Data: https://floridasnursing.gov/education-and-training-programs/
*Texas NCLEX Pass Rata Data: https://www.bon.texas.gov/
*California NCLEX Pass Rata Data: https://www.rn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
*Michigan NCLEX Pass Rata Data: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/health/hp-lic-health-prof/nursing/lic-info/nursing-education-programs
*Utah NCLEX Pass Rate Data: https://dopl.utah.gov/nursing/
*Arizona NCLEX Pass Rate Data: https://www.azbn.gov/nursing-programs/arizona-nclex-pass-rates
*Virginia NCLEX Pass Rate Data: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/EducationPrograms/TestingPassRates/
National NCLEX Pass Rate Data: https://www.ncsbn.org/exams/exam-statistics-and-publications/nclex-pass-rates.page