Virginia APRN Salary and Job OutlookÂ
Virginia offers four APRN licenses: certified Nurse Practitioner (NP), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), clinical nurse specialist, and certified nurse midwife. Certified NPs who specialize in psychiatric/mental health are in high demand in Virginia. Â
The state is divided into 133 regions and nearly 70% are considered federally designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas. About 37% of Virginians live in these areas. Fifty-seven regions have fewer than five psychiatric NPs, and 51 regions do not have a psychiatric NP at all. Job outlook for Virginia RNs interested in becoming a psychiatric NP is highly promising.Â
The average APRN salaries in the U.S. include $126,000 for NPs, $130,000 for nurse midwives, and $213,000 for nurse anesthetists. APRN jobs in the U.S. are expected to grow 40% by 2033, which is much faster than the average growth rate of most jobs.Â
Not every graduate nursing degree is an APRN degree. APRNs serve in advanced clinical roles and diagnose patients. Nurse educators, administrators, informaticists, researchers, clinical nurse leaders, and public health nurses may also hold graduate nursing degrees but are not considered APRNs. Scholarships are available to Virginia RNs interested in these roles as well.Â
Virginia APRN Tuition Costs
Virgnia is one of the Top 10 states with the most expensive college tuition at public institutions. Virginia tuition for graduate nursing programs can cost up to $15,000 per year at public institutions. Should you choose to attend a public school out of state as a Virginia resident, tuition costs can be even higher. Â
These numbers do not reflect tuition costs at private institutions. Neither does it include costs for books, uniforms, and equipment for clinical training like stethoscopes, second-hand watches, and pen lights. Â
While these numbers can be intimidating, scholarships can cover some if not all costs of returning to school, especially if you apply for multiple ones. Keep in mind that some scholarship sponsors may require you to be a member of a nursing organization before you can even apply. Fortunately, some membership dues are as low as $80 per year, and you’ll have access to other membership benefits like free continuing education credits, job boards, retailer discounts.Â
