Arlington Nursing School
Earn Your BSN Degree in 3 Years with No Prerequisite Coursework
Classes begin January 4th
What Our Arlington Nursing School in Virginia Can Do for You
Arizona College of Nursing gives you a direct path to your BSN degree, built around your schedule and your goals. A high-quality nursing education, no waitlist, personalized support, and multiple ways to learn are part of what you’ll find at our nursing school in Arlington.
- No waitlist to start at our Arlington campus
- Scholarships of up to $5,000 available at our Arlington campus
- Earn your BSN in 3 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 where faculty are invested in your individual success
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). 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 Career Begins at Our Arlington Campus
Arizona College of Nursing – Arlington is focused on preparing you for a career as a registered nurse (RN). You’ll build your skills at our school of nursing through classroom instruction, hands-on simulation training, and clinical rotations in actual healthcare settings, giving you the preparation you need to move confidently into the workforce. Students at our Arlington campus benefit from dedicated faculty, access to financial assistance for those who qualify, and ongoing professional development throughout the program.
Graduate in Less Time With Eligible Transfer Credits
Gain Hands-On Experience in Guided Labs
NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation From Day One
How Arizona College of Nursing – Arlington Supports Your Success
Scheduling Flexibility at Our Nursing School in Virginia
Nursing students are often balancing work, family, and other responsibilities at the same time. Our accredited three-year BSN program offers multiple start dates, evening gen ed classes, and online courses designed with working adults in mind.
Blended learning and virtual course options give you the flexibility to keep moving toward your nursing degree without putting everything else on hold. Learn more about how our program structure can work for you.
A Welcome Community for Providing Care
When you join our Arlington nursing school, you become part of a close community in the nursing profession. Our nursing classes include students from Washington, DC, Old Town Alexandria, and Annapolis, Maryland.
You’ll find yourself supported by dedicated faculty, peers, and mentors who understand the unique challenges and rewards of pursuing a nursing degree in Virginia.
Learn Hands-On Skills
Virginia nursing students build confidence through hands-on training in labs and realistic clinical environments. You’ll develop the skills to assess patients, think critically, and deliver effective care in fast-paced settings.
Our courses prioritize real-world learning, so you’re prepared for clinical application—and a strong start in your nursing career.
Support Resources and a Clear Admission Process
Our Arlington nursing school keeps the application process clear and focused on you. We’ll guide you from your first question to your final step so you can stay focused on your 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!
Nursing Salary Potential in Virginia
Registered Nurses in Virginia earn a median annual wage of $93,600 per year. While new graduates typically start below the median, earnings often grow steadily with experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area range from $80,750 to $132,900 annually.
Updated August 2026. Source: Local Wages: 29-1141.00 – Registered Nurses
Nursing Experience in Clinical Rotations
During your BSN program, you’ll learn in clinical rotations. You’ll be working with healthcare professionals that may include registered nurses, nurse managers, and clinical nurse specialists.
These nursing program experiences strengthen your clinical skills and understanding. Clinical rotations may provide insights into how RNs and nurse managers collaborate in real medical environments.
Making the Most of Your Transfer Credits
At Arizona College of Nursing, we want to help you make the most of the coursework you’ve already completed. Qualifying gen ed transfer credits may allow you to progress through our BSN program of study in less than three years. Our academic advisors will review your transcripts carefully and work to apply as many qualifying credits as possible.
In-Person, Blended, and Online Nursing Courses
Nursing school should fit your life while giving you the preparation you need for patient care. Our BSN program delivers coursework in formats designed to support both.
- Flexible learning format – Arlington students have access to a mix of in-person, blended, and online courses designed to accommodate different schedules and learning styles
- Online classes for non-clinical coursework – Non-clinical courses are available fully online in an asynchronous format, so you can complete them when your schedule allows
- Clinical training – Courses with a clinical component are conducted in person to ensure you develop the hands-on patient care skills required for nursing practice
- Blended general education courses – General education requirements are structured around a combination of evening classes and virtual sessions to give you added scheduling flexibility
Nursing School Curriculum
Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program gives you a clear progression from foundational coursework to advanced clinical practice. Each stage of your education builds on the last, moving through classroom instruction, skills lab training, real-world clinical rotations, and NCLEX-RN preparation.
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)
Getting You Ready for the NCLEX-RN Exam
National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) preparation is woven into your coursework from the start. Our faculty incorporate NCLEX-RN-style questions and clinical judgment scenarios into our curriculum consistently, so the format feels familiar well before you sit for the exam. For tips on testing format and study strategies, our blog post Mastering the NCLEX: A Comprehensive Guide to Preparation is a good place to start.
Clinical Partnerships at Our Nursing School in Arlington
Hands-on clinical experience is one of the most important parts of your education, and we’ve made it a priority. Students spend the majority of their final year in clinical rotations, training in real-world healthcare environments. We’ve partnered with healthcare providers across Virginia to give our students the opportunity to work directly alongside patients and experienced nurse leaders, building the practical skills that carry you through your entire nursing career.
Visit Our BSN Program Curriculum Page for More Details.
Arizona College of Nursing – Arlington Campus Events
Our Arlington campus is located at 2800 Crystal Dr, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22202, just minutes from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Upcoming events include:
Next Start Date
Date: January 4th
New classes for the BSN program at AZCN start approximately every 8 weeks. You can begin your nursing degree without waiting for a traditional semester schedule.
Summer Break
Date: August 24th – 30th
Our campus will be closed for Summer Break from August 24th to August 30th.
Labor Day
Date: September 7th
Our campus will be closed for Labor Day on September 7th.
An Arlington Nursing School Serving the DC Metro Area
Located in Crystal City, just across the Potomac from the nation’s capital, our campus serves nursing students throughout the DC metro area, including Alexandria, Virginia, and Waldorf and Bowie, Maryland.
Additional hours available upon request.
BSN Program in Virginia
Our nursing school in Arlington is built around the reality that most students are managing work, family, and other responsibilities at the same time. Conveniently located near the intersection of Route 1 and I-395, our campus offers easy access to the entire DC metro area, especially if you live in Arlington, Alexandria, or Washington, DC.
During the first four semesters, general education courses are held in the evenings and each one wraps up in just eight weeks. With new sessions starting six times per year, you can choose an entry point that fits your life rather than rearranging your life around a fixed semester calendar.
Stop by when you’re ready and see our campus for yourself. Head over to our Arlington Campus Life page to explore student life and learn more about us.
Final approval from the Virginia Board of Nursing
How Our Arizona Nursing School Faculty Bring Real-World Experience into the Classroom
Faculty at our Arlington campus bring genuine clinical backgrounds into every course they teach. Through mentorship, simulation lab instruction, and hands-on guidance, you’ll have the opportunity to connect what you’re learning to real nursing practice scenarios throughout your time in our program.
Meet Our Arlington Nursing School Leadership
Melissa L. Weir
Dean of Nursing
As a student Nurse I was fortunate to have exceptional Nurse Faculty Members who instilled the virtue of ‘lifelong learner’ as a professional Nurse. As a practicing Nurse, I gravitated to professional development and assumed the role of Clinical Educator. It seemed the more I learned and taught my colleagues, the better outcomes were for our patients and families. Having exceptional Nurse Faculty throughout my nursing education journey provided inspiration for me to eventually pursue nursing academia. Nursing education is the foundation for nursing excellence, and I am fortunate to be able to share that with aspiring student nurses.
Arizona College of Nursing – Arlington campus places the student front and center in all that we do. The individualized attention given to each student and the resources available for student success are unparalleled. The academic preparation and experience of the faculty body, program leaders, and the support staff are intentional in creating a culture of student-centered academic experiences.
Resources at the Arlington campus focus on supporting student success from the general education to the core nursing portions of the program. There is a learning resource center, IT support, campus counselor, tutoring support, online lab resources, various testing platforms, science and nursing labs, and a state-of-the-art simulation center. The resource that makes the most impact is our incredible team who work towards the goal of helping students reach their highest potential.
Nursing School Scholarships in Virginia
Tuition is one of the most common questions prospective students bring to us when they’re comparing nursing schools in Virginia. Students can receive up to $5,000 in scholarship support.
Take a look at the scholarships listed below to learn more and find out whether you qualify.
- Futures Scholarship
- Advancement Scholarship
- Working Parent Scholarship
- Achievement Scholarship
- Opportunity Scholarship
Common Questions About Our Arlington Nursing School
Have questions about attending a nursing school in Arlington? You’ll find answers to the ones we hear most often right here. To find a school near you, visit our Campus Locations page.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Arizona College of Nursing – Arlington is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org). All Arizona College of Nursing campuses are also institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Knowing how a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) school and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) school compare is an important part of planning your career path. The education requirements between RNs and LPNs vary significantly. An LPN school typically prepares students for entry-level nursing roles in about one to two years, providing basic patient care carried out under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. A BSN school covers a broader scope of nursing education, preparing you to work as a registered nurse with a wider range of clinical responsibilities and more room to grow throughout your career.
To learn more read our blog article detailing the differences between an LPN Program and BSN Program.
You can take it again. Candidates who don’t pass may retest after 45 days from their original test date and may retest up to 8 times in a year. Virginia does not restrict the number of attempts, so you can retake the exam regardless of how many times you’ve tested or how long it’s been since you graduated. Expect additional fees with each attempt. You’ll also receive a Candidate Performance Report reviewing how you performed in each area of the exam, which shows you where to focus before testing again.
Source: https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/how-many-times-take-nclex-rn-exam
Salary is a practical consideration when you’re planning your nursing career, and Arlington is a strong market for registered nurses. Registered Nurses in the Washington, DC-Arlington-Alexandria area have a median annual salary of $102,710.
Looking at the state as a whole, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses in Virginia earn between $67,830 on the lower end and $125,580 for the highest earners. As someone entering the workforce for the first time, your starting salary will likely fall below the median, and your earnings will grow as you gain experience in the field.
Updated 08/2026. Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?zip=22202
View our Arlington nursing market outlook for details.
While both roles work within patient care settings, the scope of responsibility between a nursing assistant and a registered nurse (RN) differs considerably. Nursing assistants focus on basic patient care and support, such as helping with daily activities and monitoring vital signs, under the supervision of an RN. Registered nurses take on a broader clinical role that includes developing and implementing patient care plans, administering medications, performing complex nursing procedures, and overseeing the work of nursing assistants and other healthcare staff, reflecting the full scope of professional nursing practice.
Earning a BSN degree positions you for that expanded scope of practice and opens up more advanced career opportunities in the nursing field. Our BSN program gives you the comprehensive education and clinical experience you need to move your career forward.
Our admissions process is designed to be clear and move at a pace that keeps you informed along the way. To apply to our three-year BSN program, you’ll need a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher from high school or college, along with a qualifying score on the HESI A2 assessment. A GPA waiver may be available depending on your HESI A2 score.
From transcript submission to entrance testing, our admissions team is available to guide you through every part of the application, while our finance team can walk you through financial aid options for those who qualify. You’ll have a clear picture of where you stand at every point along the way. You can read more about our admissions requirements on our Admissions page.
At Arizona College of Nursing, we’ve put together a support system designed to be there for you throughout your educational experience. You’ll have access to a student success coach, tutoring sessions, peer mentoring, faculty office hours, a dedicated NCLEX-RN exam prep class, and more. We also offer resources and support for students who may need assistance with housing, childcare, transportation, and social support.
Reach out to our admissions team to learn more about the full range of resources available to you and how we support students from enrollment all the way through to graduation. We’re committed to helping you pursue your goal of becoming an RN.
Learn more about why Arizona College of Nursing is right for you.
Arizona College of Nursing – Arlington is not a 100% online nursing school in Virginia, though online learning is part of how our curriculum is delivered. Most of our campuses offer some online nursing courses, and our 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 courses with a clinical component are held in person.
General education courses also incorporate a blended learning experience, with night and virtual classes providing flexibility as you work through our program. Reach out to our admissions team with any questions about online nursing course formats at AZCN Arlington and how you can earn your BSN degree in just three years.
Both are national licensing exams developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), but they apply to different nursing credentials and career paths. The NCLEX-RN is the exam you’ll take after completing a BSN or ADN nursing program, and passing it qualifies you for registered nurse licensure. The NCLEX-PN applies to graduates of LPN or LVN programs and leads to practical or vocational nurse licensure. Whichever path you choose, passing the corresponding exam is required for nursing licensure in the United States.
In Virginia, RN licensure gives you greater clinical autonomy, access to higher-level responsibilities, and more room for career advancement than LPN licensure, where practice is typically supervised by registered nurses or physicians.
Completing your nursing degree is a major milestone, and passing the NCLEX-RN is what takes you from graduate to licensed registered nurse. Passing the exam shows that you’ve met the minimum competency standards required for entry-level nursing practice, and it is required for licensure in every state. Because the NCLEX-RN is a standardized test used across all states, it ensures consistent nursing practice standards nationwide. Successfully completing it allows you to apply for your nursing license and begin your professional career in Virginia.
After earning a BSN in Arlington, Virginia and passing the NCLEX-RN for licensure, graduates can pursue a wide range of nursing careers, from hospital units to specialized care, leadership, and community health roles. Many nurses begin in settings like medical-surgical or emergency department nursing, then move into other specialties or advance into leadership positions as they gain experience.
See a detailed breakdown of nursing career paths and what each role involves.
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: 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