Overview: CRNA Programs in Virginia
Virginia is home to 2 accredited nurse anesthesia programs: Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond and Old Dominion University in Norfolk. With tuition ranging from $85,000 to $92,000, both programs fall below the national average for doctoral-level nurse anesthesia education, making the Commonwealth one of the more cost-effective states for aspiring CRNAs. Virginia's average CRNA salary of $206,750 delivers a strong return on investment, particularly when factoring in the state's moderate cost of living outside the Northern Virginia corridor.
The two programs offer distinct degree pathways. VCU awards a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP), while Old Dominion grants a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Both are accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and prepare graduates to sit for the National Certification Examination. Virginia's healthcare landscape provides robust clinical training environments, from the academic medical centers of Richmond to the large hospital systems and military medical facilities that span the state.
Virginia's geographic position between the Mid-Atlantic and the Southeast creates a uniquely flexible career landscape. Graduates gain access to the high-paying Northern Virginia and Washington DC healthcare market, the expanding hospital systems of Richmond and Hampton Roads, and underserved rural communities in the Shenandoah Valley and Southside regions. The state's strong military presence, including the largest naval base in the world at Norfolk, also generates consistent demand for nurse anesthetists in both military and Veterans Affairs facilities.
Key Advantages of Virginia Programs
- Affordable tuition: Both programs under $95K, well below the national average for CRNA education
- Strong clinical training: Access to VCU Medical Center (a Level I trauma center), Sentara Healthcare's multi-hospital network, and military medical facilities
- Proximity to DC market: Northern Virginia provides access to some of the highest CRNA salaries on the East Coast
- Military opportunities: Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Fort Barfoot, and multiple VA hospitals create steady federal employment
- Nurse Licensure Compact: Virginia participates in the NLC, enabling multistate practice without additional licenses
- Quality of life: Four distinct seasons, Blue Ridge Mountains, Chesapeake Bay coastline, and a lower cost of living than neighboring Maryland and DC
Program Considerations
- Limited program options: Only 2 accredited programs means fewer seats and higher per-program competition
- Competitive admissions: Average 19% acceptance rate requires strong ICU experience and academic credentials
- Supervised practice: Virginia requires physician supervision for CRNAs, which may limit independent practice compared to opt-out states
- Regional salary variation: Salaries in rural Virginia can be $30,000-$40,000 lower than Northern Virginia and DC-adjacent positions
Virginia CRNA Programs
CRNA Career Outlook in Virginia
Salary & Compensation
Virginia nurse anesthetists earn competitive salaries that reflect the state's diverse healthcare economy and proximity to the federal government:
- Average salary: $206,750/year ($99/hour)
- Salary range: $175,000 (entry-level) to $250,000+ (experienced, Northern VA)
- Northern Virginia/DC corridor: Highest-paying region at $220,000-$240,000, driven by federal facilities and cost of living
- Richmond metro: $195,000-$215,000, with strong academic and private practice options
- Hampton Roads/Norfolk: $185,000-$210,000, boosted by military and Sentara Healthcare demand
- Rural Virginia: $170,000-$195,000 base, often supplemented with sign-on bonuses and loan repayment incentives
- National comparison: Roughly 2% above the U.S. average of $202,470
Job Market & Demand
Virginia's CRNA job market benefits from a combination of population growth, aging demographics, expanding surgical volumes, and a major military healthcare footprint:
- Population growth: Virginia's population exceeds 8.6 million, with Northern Virginia among the fastest-growing regions in the country
- National growth projection: 40% projected growth for CRNAs by 2033, well above the average for all occupations
- Anesthesiologist shortage: A projected national shortage of 12,500 anesthesia providers by 2033 increases reliance on CRNAs
- Military demand: Virginia has the third-highest concentration of active-duty military personnel, generating consistent CRNA positions at military treatment facilities and VA hospitals
- Surgical volume growth: Ambulatory surgery centers in Virginia have expanded steadily, creating new outpatient anesthesia positions
- Rural access gaps: Southwestern Virginia and the Eastern Shore face provider shortages, offering incentive packages for CRNAs willing to practice in underserved areas
Top Employers & Practice Settings
- VCU Health System: Richmond's academic medical center and Level I trauma center, one of the state's largest employers of CRNAs
- Sentara Healthcare: 12-hospital system based in Norfolk, spanning Hampton Roads and beyond
- Inova Health System: Northern Virginia's largest not-for-profit health system, operating 5 hospitals in the DC suburbs
- HCA Virginia: Multiple hospitals across the Richmond and Northern Virginia markets
- Carilion Clinic: Western Virginia's largest health system, anchored by Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth: One of the oldest and largest military hospitals in the country
- Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center: Richmond-based VA facility serving veterans across central Virginia
- Ambulatory surgery centers: Growing sector across Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Virginia Beach
- Private anesthesia groups: Contract-based practice with multiple facilities throughout the state
Virginia RN License Requirements
Before applying to CRNA programs in Virginia, you need an active Virginia RN license. Virginia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses with a multistate license to practice in all compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
Requirements
- Graduation from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited nursing program (BSN preferred for CRNA admission)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN examination
- Criminal background check (fingerprint-based through Virginia State Police and FBI)
- Official transcripts submitted to the Virginia Board of Nursing
- Verification of licensure from other states (if applicable)
Timeline & Costs
- Processing time: 4-6 weeks for complete applications (can be faster with electronic verification)
- Application fee: $190 for initial RN license by examination
- Renewal fee: $140 every 2 years
- Background check: Approximately $30-$50 for fingerprinting
- Compact license: Virginia RN license automatically confers multistate privileges if primary state of residence is Virginia
Board contact: Virginia Board of Nursing (Department of Health Professions)
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Virginia-Specific Programs
- Virginia Nursing Scholarship Program: State-funded awards for nursing students enrolled in Virginia schools. Recipients must commit to practicing in Virginia after graduation, with priority given to students entering underserved areas.
- Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission: Scholarship and loan repayment programs targeting healthcare providers who practice in southwestern Virginia and Southside communities historically dependent on tobacco revenue.
- Employer tuition assistance: Major Virginia health systems including Sentara, Inova, and VCU Health offer tuition reimbursement or educational leave for employees pursuing advanced practice degrees.
- Virginia Commonwealth University scholarships: VCU offers graduate assistantships and need-based financial aid for nurse anesthesia students enrolled in the DNAP program.
National Programs
- HRSA Nurse Anesthetist Traineeships (NAT): Federal program designed to increase the supply of CRNAs, with priority for students committed to practicing in underserved areas
- AANA Foundation Scholarships: Approximately $297,000 awarded annually across 100 scholarships to AANA student members nationwide
- Federal student loans: Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans available for doctoral nursing students
Loan Forgiveness & Military Programs
Virginia's strong military and federal presence creates exceptional loan forgiveness opportunities for CRNAs:
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Full loan forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments while employed by a government or nonprofit employer. Virginia's many VA hospitals, military facilities, and nonprofit health systems qualify.
- NHSC Loan Repayment: Up to $50,000 for working 2 years in a Health Professional Shortage Area, with extensions available
- NURSE Corps Loan Repayment: Up to 85% of qualifying nursing education debt for work in critical shortage facilities
- Military education benefits: Active duty and veteran educational benefits through the GI Bill, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill covering full tuition at public institutions. The Yellow Ribbon Program extends benefits at private schools.
- VA Employee Education System: Tuition support and loan repayment for CRNAs employed within the Veterans Health Administration network
- Army, Navy, and Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program: Full tuition coverage in exchange for military service commitment post-graduation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CRNA programs cost in Virginia?
Virginia CRNA programs range from $85,000 (Old Dominion University) to $92,000 (Virginia Commonwealth University), with an average around $88,500. Both programs fall below the national average for doctoral nurse anesthesia education, making Virginia one of the more affordable states for CRNA training. When combined with the state's $206,750 average salary, the return on investment is favorable compared to higher-cost programs in neighboring states like Maryland and the District of Columbia.
What is the average CRNA salary in Virginia?
The average CRNA salary in Virginia is $206,750 per year, roughly 2% above the national average. Significant regional variation exists within the state. Northern Virginia and the Washington DC suburbs offer the highest compensation at $220,000-$240,000 annually, driven by federal healthcare demand and a high cost of living. Richmond-area CRNAs earn $195,000-$215,000, while Hampton Roads positions pay $185,000-$210,000. Experienced CRNAs in high-demand settings or with overtime can exceed $250,000.
How competitive are Virginia CRNA programs?
Virginia programs have an average acceptance rate of 19%, making them moderately competitive. VCU is somewhat more selective at 16%, while Old Dominion accepts approximately 21% of applicants. Competitive candidates typically present a BSN with a 3.3+ GPA (science GPA weighted heavily), at least 1-2 years of adult critical care experience in a high-acuity ICU setting, CCRN certification, strong GRE scores, and well-prepared interviews. Shadowing a practicing CRNA and obtaining letters of recommendation from CRNAs or anesthesiologists strengthens applications considerably.
Is Virginia a good state for CRNAs?
Virginia is an excellent state for CRNAs across several dimensions. Salaries are above the national average at $206,750. The diverse employer base spans academic medical centers, large private health systems, military treatment facilities, and VA hospitals. Virginia's location along the East Coast corridor provides access to the lucrative DC, Richmond, and Hampton Roads markets. The state's participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact simplifies mobility. The primary limitation is that Virginia requires physician supervision for CRNAs, which restricts independent practice compared to full practice authority states.
What are the Virginia RN license requirements for CRNA applicants?
CRNA applicants need an active Virginia RN license, which requires graduation from an accredited nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN, completing a background check, and submitting an application to the Virginia Board of Nursing. Processing takes 4-6 weeks with approximately $190-$220 in fees. Virginia is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses whose primary state of residence is Virginia receive a multistate license that allows practice across all compact member states.
How long does it take to become a CRNA in Virginia?
The standard timeline is 7-9 years from entering a BSN program to completing nurse anesthesia training: 4 years for the BSN, 1-2 years of critical care nursing experience in an ICU setting (both Virginia programs require this), then 3 years for the DNAP or DNP program. After graduation, candidates must pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) to obtain the CRNA credential. Virginia's relatively fast RN license processing at 4-6 weeks helps minimize delays between stages.
Related State Programs
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