Why Choose Our Nursing Program in Chesapeake Virginia?
Our Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) nursing campus in Chesapeake, Virginia offers more than just a degree in nursing — it’s a vibrant and uplifting community dedicated to preparing the next generation of nursing professionals.
With quality education at the forefront, every resource at our Chesapeake campus is designed to foster the growth of aspiring nurses into compassionate caregivers and leaders in the nursing field.
Join a Growing Community of Nursing Students in Virginia
Learn and grow with a passionate community of current and aspiring future nurses. During your nursing education experience, you’ll have a chance to make new friends and potential future colleagues, all preparing to become registered nurses.
Our core nursing faculty are registered nurses themselves. They understand what it takes to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and start a career in the nursing practice. They’re healthcare professionals here to provide you with individualized support, share their career experience, give you practical guidance, and connect you with helpful resources like study groups and peer mentoring
100% Focused on Nursing Education
Our college offers a single degree program — a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). It means every member of our faculty and staff understands your goal of becoming a registered nurse and can offer you practical guidance every step of the way.
Our entire focus is building the most effective BSN program we can and helping prepare students for a fulfilling career in the nursing profession. Our BSN curriculum was designed by experienced nurses and healthcare professionals committed to preparing the next generation of nursing leaders – could you be one of them?
Personalized Attention in the Classroom
Our Chesapeake nursing school intentionally limits class sizes to ensure you receive a more personalized nursing education and feedback from our dedicated faculty. You deserve the time and attention needed to learn concepts from nursing and health sciences, practice nursing skills, and set yourself up for a thriving nursing career.
Class Sessions Begin Six Times Per Year
In our accredited BSN program, new general education sessions begin about every eight weeks, and new nursing major cohorts start three times per year. With multiple session starts throughout the year, you’re not restricted to starting school in just Fall or Spring. You have the chance to start the BSN program when the timing is right for you.
To learn more about Arizona College of Nursing in Chesapeake or schedule a campus tour, click below.
Contact Us
Learn from knowledgeable leaders at our nursing college campus in Chesapeake who have years of experience putting their skills to use in the medical field.
Santia Tatum
Assistant Director of Enrollment Services
Santia Tatum
Assistant Director of Enrollment Services
Santia Tatum joined Arizona College of Nursing in May 2023 bringing more than seventeen years of experience in Business Operations, Marketing and Sales, and three years of experience in Higher Education to the team. Santia previously served as Director of Sales and Operations, Sales and Operations Manager and Assistant Director of Admissions where her focus was on delivering an exceptional experience for clients and students.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Santia is deeply committed to prioritizing students’ needs, contributing to the fulfillment of the demand for skilled Registered Nurses, and offering mentorship and support.
Currently, Santia serves as the Assistant Director of Enrollment Services for the Chesapeake campus, where she plays a key role in overseeing the Admissions department and ensuring a memorable enrollment process for students.
Alyssa C. Baldwin, Ph.D.
Academic Records Manager
Alyssa C. Baldwin, Ph.D., Ed.S, M.Ed.
Academic Records Manager
Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration/ Educational Leadership, Liberty University
M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning, Liberty University
B.S in Interdisciplinary Studies, Maranatha University
Prior to joining Arizona College of Nursing in 2023, Alyssa served in academic and registrar operations for Adtalem Global Education driving continuous process improvements where she incorporated initiatives to increase efficiency and streamlined operations for the organization. Moreover, she has served as a Student Success Advisor where she assessed students’ unique needs while helping them reach their full potential through actionable paths steps. She is also a veteran of the United States Navy where she was commended and awarded for her exceptional leadership during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Alyssa has a diversified background with extensive experience in higher education and business operations and is committed to student success.
As Academic Records Manager, Alyssa provides data support to campus leadership and assists with the logistical guidance of student movement through the BSN program.
Robert F. DeFinis
Senior Campus President
Robert F. DeFinis, Ed.D.
Senior Campus President
Ed.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership, Argosy University
Prior to joining Arizona College in 2022, Dr. DeFinis served as the Campus Director at Carrington College, Boise Campus. Dr. DeFinis has been working with children, athletes, coaches, teams, leaders, and organizations for over twenty years while consistently leveraging optimal performance strategies into success stories. He has a diversified background with extensive experience in education, nonprofit leadership, law enforcement, and behavior analysis. Dr. DeFinis has also served on the Board of Directors for several organizations that promote literacy initiatives, workforce development solutions, and educational opportunities. Dr. DeFinis believes in a student centric approach to operations where service excellence is the primary focus.
As Senior Campus President, Dr. DeFinis oversees the day-to-day operational execution and outcomes for the campus academic team.
Shannon T. Harrington, PhD, RN
Dean of Nursing
Shannon T. Harrington, PhD, RN
Dean of Nursing
PhD in Nursing, University of Virginia
Dr. Harrington joined Arizona College of Nursing in 2024 bringing more than 22 years of progressive nursing leadership experience. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of clinical, faculty, and administrative roles. Dr. Harrington completed her undergraduate education at Old Dominion University and holds graduate degrees from the University of Virginia, a master’s in nursing with a concentration in Health Systems Management, and a nursing doctorate. Dr. Harrington also completed a post-doctoral research fellowship with a joint appointment at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Cancer Center/UMass Boston. Her research interests include healthcare disparities, quality of care, breast cancer, health promotion/disease prevention, and the impact of poor nutrition and lack of exercise on health outcomes.
Dr. Harrington is very active in her community serving in a variety of health advocacy and leadership roles, she is a mentor for young women and emerging nurse leaders, and she serves on the board for the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Harrington is passionate about student and faculty success, and she believes that a good leader will take you from where you are to where they want to be, but a great leader will help you attain success that you never imagined. She aspires to be a great, servant leader.
Convenient Location in Chesapeake
Experience a vibrant campus life that set us apart from other nursing programs in Virginia, offering a supportive community and a focus on academic and personal growth. Conveniently situated near Interstate 64, our nursing program in Chesapeake, Virginia offers easy access for students from surrounding areas such as Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Newport News. Our Chesapeake campus provides a welcoming environment for students looking for a nursing degree in a vibrant city.
We realize that nursing students are often busy. That might mean eating a quick lunch or dinner before your next nursing school class or taking a coffee break. Luckily, you’ll find several places near the Arizona College of Nursing Chesapeake, Virginia campus.
Dining:
- Neat Bird Chicken & Whiskey
- Cork & Bull Chophouse
- Luce Secondo
- Urban Hot Pot
- Biscuit Belly
- Pale Horse Coffee
- Starbucks
- Look Up Dessert Cafe.
AZCN campuses are focused on student support and collaboration, so we have designed our spaces with you in mind. We have large student gathering areas for taking a break, eating lunch, or just grabbing a snack. Throughout the AZCN campus, you will find multiple sitting areas and private small conference rooms available for studying including a dedicated student learning center. Our window-lined classrooms also help you stay energized with plenty of natural light and views of the surrounding area.
If you are one of our students who ride the HRT public transportation, our campus is conveniently located at stop 1110 (Volvo & Crossway. https://gohrt.com/system-map/
Student Involvement Opportunities
Our Social Scrubs Squad is an exciting opportunity for passionate students to contribute to the Arizona College of Nursing – Chesapeake community. The mission of this program is to gather and showcase authentic content from our students’ nursing journeys and experiences on social media platforms. We aim to empower student leaders who will share their stories with prospective students, their families, and the wider community. If you’re interested in participating, reach out to your local campus leadership team for more information.
Nursing Programs and Your Collegiate Nursing Education
The mission of the AZCN BSN degree program is to prepare professional nurses who are competent in delivering evidence-based patient and community-centered care as members and leaders of an interprofessional healthcare team with an emphasis on quality improvement that drives desired patient, systems, and population outcomes.
From day one, our nursing program is built to prepare you for a thriving nursing career as a registered nurse (RN). You’ll combine classroom teaching with real-world scenarios, all while developing the professionalism and soft skills demanded in the nursing practice.
Our dedicated admissions representatives are ready to answer your questions about nursing education options, admission requirements, transfer credits, and financial aid.
Connect With Admissions
Finally, A Nursing School Near Me in Chesapeake, VA
We strive to be one of the best nursing programs 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.
Directions from Your Area
Select your area below to view step-by-step directions and a helpful map to our Chesapeake, Virginia campus, including landmarks to guide your way. We want your path to our BSN program to be smooth—starting with the drive.
Driving from Virginia Beach to the Arizona College of Nursing – Chesapeake campus is a journey of approximately 18 miles, taking about 30 minutes via Interstate 264 and I-64 West.
- Start your journey near Neptune’s Park in Virginia Beach, make your way onto I-264 West.
- Travel on I-264 West for about 9 miles. You’ll pass the Lynnhaven Parkway exit and see Lynnhaven Mall to your right.
- Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 14A for I-64 E toward Chesapeake/Suffolk. Merge onto I-64 W and continue for another 8 miles.
- Take exit 290-B to merge onto US-13 N/S Military Hwy toward VA-166 S/Battlefield Blvd.
- After about half a mile, turn right onto Belaire Ave, and Arizona College of Nursing – Chesapeake will be on your right at 545 Belaire Ave.
A Nursing School That Understands Your Nursing Goals
At Arizona College of Nursing, we have a single focus — a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. It means every member of our faculty and staff understands your goal of becoming BSN-prepared nurses and every resource is designed to support students with this specific goal.
Our BSN program does not require prerequisite coursework, so whether students are just getting started on your educational journey to becoming nurses or have transfer credits, there’s a potential pathway to your goal at Arizona College of Nursing.
We understand that students who pursue a BSN degree sometimes have an associate degree or prior experience in nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or ADN-prepared Registered Nurse (RN) or prior education in the nursing process. If you do have prior general educational credits, you may be able to transfer those credits. Transferring credits can get you on track to complete your program in less time and at a lower cost.
Learn More About Transfer Credits
Visit Our Arizona College of Nursing – Chesapeake Campus
Evaluating nursing schools with BSN programs doesn’t have to be difficult. Our dedicated admissions team can help you understand how our baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN) fits into your lifestyle, education and career goals.
Looking for more information about our three-year nursing program? Our website includes additional details on financial aid, campus locations, NCLEX-RN exam prep, scholarships, and transfer credit.
Contact UsAccreditations
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.
