Virginia Online NP Programs
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“NPs provide holistic, compassionate, patient-centered care and lead initiatives to improve health equity and population health.”
Kelli Garber, DNP, Associate Professor, Old Dominion University
In Virginia, nurse practitioners are positioned to play a pivotal role in reshaping the state’s healthcare delivery system. The state has implemented a phased approach to practice autonomy, allowing NPs with at least three years of clinical experience to apply for autonomous practice licensure. This policy shift is especially impactful in rural parts of Virginia, where access to primary care remains limited. Online NP programs offered by universities in the state help bridge this gap by preparing nurses to assume advanced clinical roles while continuing to serve their local communities.
Workforce projections highlight the urgency of expanding NP education. According to data from CareerOneStop.org (2025), Virginia had approximately 7,170 nurse practitioners in 2022. That number is expected to grow to 11,160 by 2032, reflecting a 56 percent increase.
This growth reflects both demographic changes and a broader shift toward team-based, patient-centered care. Online NP programs offer flexible, accredited, and practice-focused curricula that are central to meeting this surge in demand and ensuring that all Virginians have access to high-quality healthcare providers.
Meet the Expert: Kelli Garber, DNP, APRN, PPCNP
Dr. Kelli Garber is an associate professor and director of the DNP advanced practice program at the Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University. She is a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner with three decades of experience, including private practice, school-based health, and virtual care.
Internationally recognized, Dr. Garber is a published author and an accomplished presenter on telehealth best practices, APRN telehealth practice, telehealth policy, telehealth education, and school-based telehealth. Previously, she was a seminal member of the Medical University of South Carolina School-based Telehealth program, facilitating the development and expansion of the statewide program in South Carolina, bringing healthcare to rural and underserved children. She is passionate about telehealth education and empowering providers to improve access to care via technology.
Dr. Garber is a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) and a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). She received her BSN at Johns Hopkins University, her MSN at the University of Maryland, and her DNP from Old Dominion University.
NPSchools.com: What’s something you wish people knew about NP practice in Virginia?
Dr. Garber: NPs practice in rural and urban areas, providing high-quality patient care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, offices, nursing homes, schools, and more. NPs provide holistic, compassionate, patient-centered care and lead initiatives to improve health equity and population health.
NPSchools.com: Do you have any advice for aspiring NPs?
Dr. Garber: I would encourage aspiring nurse practitioners to stay true to their passion, recognize their inherent value, and consistently strive to understand their patients’ unique experiences. It’s essential to approach patient care with both compassion and expertise.
For those already practicing, pursuing a post-master’s DNP degree—such as the program at Old Dominion University—can be a transformative step. Even experienced NPs can gain fresh perspectives and elevate their careers through the advanced knowledge and leadership development the DNP provides.
NPSchools.com: What does the future of NP practice look like to you?
Dr. Garber: The demand for NPs will continue to grow, especially as the U.S. faces ongoing shortages of primary care providers. To fully leverage their contributions to healthcare, it’s crucial to remove barriers that restrict NP practice. These limitations hinder their ability to serve in rural and underserved communities, reducing access to essential care for many patients. Notably, states that grant full practice authority (FPA) to NPs consistently achieve higher rankings on state health report cards compared to those without FPA.
Overall, the future of NP practice will be defined by greater autonomy, expanded practice authority, and growing influence in healthcare policy and innovation. Exciting times ahead!
Most Affordable Online NP Programs in Virginia (Ranked by In-State Tuition)
| School | Degrees | Specializations | Programs & Tuition | Programs | Tuition (in-state) |
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| George Mason University |
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| Old Dominion University |
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| Marymount University |
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| Liberty University |
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NP Practice Authority in Virginia
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in Virginia?
| United States | Virginia | |
| Number of NPs Employed | 307,390 | 6,470 |
| Average Salary | $132,000 | $122,180 |
| 10th Percentile | $97,960 | $85,020 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,940 | $106,690 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $129,210 | $124,210 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,570 | $132,940 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,950 | $155,800 |
| Source: BLS May (2024)—the latest data available as of June 2025 | ||
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Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAmong her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California, and he believes nurse practitioners (NP) are an indispensable component of America’s current and future healthcare workforce. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about the work and advocacy of NPs, with a particular focus on the rapid growth of specialization programs, residencies, fellowships, and professional organizations. As part of an ongoing series on state practice authority, he’s worked with NP leaders, educators, and advocates from across the country to elevate policy discussions that empower NPs. His articles have featured interviews with the leadership of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP), and many other professional nursing associations.