University of Virginia

What you'll study

The undergraduate nursing programme combines biological and behavioural sciences with core nursing theory, clinical practice and research methods. Early years focus on anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment, together with courses in psychology, ethics and communication. Later years emphasise nursing care across the lifespan, including adult, paediatric, maternal‑child and mental health nursing, community and public health, and complex care for chronic and acute conditions.

Students take modules in evidence‑based practice, nursing leadership and quality improvement that prepare them for roles in administration and service development. The curriculum also includes nursing research and statistics, enabling graduates to interpret and contribute to clinical research and improvement projects. Practical components include simulation‑based skills labs and supervised clinical placements in hospitals, community settings and outpatient clinics, providing substantial direct patient care experience.

The programme is typically structured as a multi‑year degree that integrates classroom learning, laboratory simulation and progressively advanced clinical rotations. Optional or embedded learning opportunities may include honours projects, undergraduate research with nursing faculty, interprofessional learning with other health disciplines, and elective modules that allow exploration of administration, informatics, public health or specialised clinical practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to meet the University of Virginia's standard undergraduate admission criteria plus competitive preparation in science and numeracy. Typical academic preparation includes senior‑level high school coursework in biology and chemistry, and strength in mathematics; strong performance in these subjects is beneficial. Admissions assess overall academic record, personal statement, and evidence of commitment to healthcare — for example, volunteer work, paid caregiving or healthcare shadowing.

Because nursing programmes are professionally accredited and cohort‑based, selection is competitive and may involve additional programme‑specific materials or selection steps after general admission to the University. Mature applicants or those already holding college credit should ensure prerequisite science and maths requirements are met. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in English according to the University’s standard requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to sit for the national licensure examination to become Registered Nurses and to practise in a wide range of clinical settings. Common entry roles include staff nurse positions in acute hospitals, community and primary care, mental health services, and specialised clinics.

Beyond bedside clinical roles, the degree provides a foundation for careers in nursing administration, case management, clinical education, quality improvement, and research support roles. Graduates often pursue postgraduate study (such as master’s or doctoral programmes) to specialise in advanced clinical practice, nursing leadership, nursing research, public health, or nurse practitioner pathways. Other career directions include healthcare policy, healthcare informatics, and roles within healthcare organisations and non‑profit agencies.

Why study at University of Virginia

UVA offers nursing students close clinical partnerships with its major teaching hospitals and regional healthcare providers, ensuring diverse placement opportunities and exposure to complex care environments. The School of Nursing emphasises evidence‑based practice, interprofessional learning and undergraduate research, with access to simulation facilities and faculty engaged in clinical and translational research.

Students benefit from a campus culture that supports leadership development, community engagement and multidisciplinary collaboration across health professions. The programme’s clinical and research links, combined with opportunities for honours projects and continuing professional development, position graduates to enter clinical practice confidently or to continue into specialised postgraduate training.