A Tradition of Excellence in Nursing Education
Launch your nursing career with Laurel Ridge Community College’s highly-regarded Nursing program. Designed to prepare students for success as registered nurses (RNs), the program combines classroom instruction, simulation experiences, laboratory training, and hands-on clinical practice. Students develop the knowledge, skills, clinical judgment, and professional behaviors needed to provide safe, compassionate, and evidence-based patient care.
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing prepares graduates for entry-level RN positions in hospitals, physician practices, long-term care facilities, community health organizations, and other healthcare settings. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and pursue licensure as an RN.
With a long-standing reputation for nursing excellence, Laurel Ridge provides students with experienced faculty, state-of-the-art simulation experiences, and real-world clinical training that prepares graduates for in-demand nursing careers throughout Virginia and beyond.
Two Pathways. One Nursing Career.
Choose the format that fits your life and goals. Complete your Nursing degree through a traditional full-time pathway with weekday instruction, or a flexible hybrid weekend option that combines online coursework with in-person labs, simulations, and clinical experiences.
The nursing program is approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing, Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, (804) 367-4515. The nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, (404) 975-5000
Andy Bacik
Since losing his older brother to cancer, Andy Bacik has wanted to help other children facing the dreaded disease. Laurel Ridge is helping him reach that goal.
Program Options
| | Traditional Program Option | New Weekend Program Option |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4 semesters (Fall / Spring / Fall / Spring) | 4 consecutive semesters (Spring / Summer / Fall / Spring) |
| Didactic | In-person and online | Online |
| Schedule | Weekdays, occasional weekends | Asynchronous |
| Labs, Simulation, Clinicals | In-Person | In-Person |
| Schedule | Weekly: Weekdays, Occasional Weekends | Every Other Week: Weekends, Optional Weekdays |
| Testing | During class | Friday evenings |
Program Information and Curriculum
In Demand G3 Program - $$ for Tuition and Fees
Discover our IN-DEMAND and STACKABLE credentials and education programs that are eligible for more funding than ever before through the G3 Scholarship! Learn more about the G3 program.
Explore Careers and Job Outlook
Tuition and Funding Options
Tuition rates for this program are approximately one-third the cost of attending a four-year college or university in Virginia. Compare savings now!
An estimated $15.2 million dollars in grants, loans, work-study and scholarships are awarded to Laurel Ridge Community College students each year. We are committed to using all available funds to help you gain access to a college education.
Payment plans are offered to break down tuition payments.
View all financial aid, payment options, and more HERE.
Application Information
Students must apply for admission to health professions programs (practical nursing, nursing, surgical technology, dental hygiene, medical laboratory technology, phlebotomy, emergency medical services, advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT) emergency medical technician intermediate, paramedic and central services) in addition to applying for admission to the College. Admission requirements and application materials are available through the Health Professions Division. Specific requirements can be found within the catalog pages under the “Program Information” section.
Application Dates
| | Spring Admission Cycle Weekend Option Program | Fall Admission Cycle Traditional Program |
|---|---|---|
| HESI Testing | July and August | December and January |
| Application Open | September 1 | February 1 |
| Application Due | October 1 | March 1 |
Application Materials
Admission Testing
Completion of the required HESI admission assessment (A2) exam, scoring at or above the 45th percentile on the following test components:
- Reading Comprehension
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Math
- Overall Score
- Achievement of a minimum score of 800 on the Critical Thinking component of the HESI A2 Exam.
- Learning style is a required component but is for education purposes only.
- There is a 4-hour time limit.
- Two attempts on the HESI admission exam are permitted per application cycle.
- HESI A2 exams are considered individually and as a complete test. Applicants may submit their best total attempt for consideration but must meet minimum required scores in all categories in a single attempt.
- Students must wait a period of one week between attempts on the HESI admission exam.
- HESI admission exams are good for two application cycles only. Note: Needed entrance exam scores (at or above the 45th percentile) change on a yearly basis; therefore, scores from a previous year must meet or exceed the benchmark for the current year.
- Testing costs are the responsibility of the student.
Tutoring is available. Contact [email protected].
Register for Testing
- Middletown Campus – Book a seat at the Middletown Testing Center.
- Fauquier Campus – Book a seat at the Fauquier Testing Center.
Testing Instructions
HESI Minimum Scores
Current HESI Required Minimum Scores (updated Spring 2026)
Student HESI scores must be at or above the minimum scores in all the categories listed below to be considered for admission to the nursing programs.
AAS Nursing
| HESI Category | Required Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Reading | 82% |
| A&P (Anatomy & Physiology) | 68% |
| Math | 78% |
| Overall | 81% |
| Critical Thinking | 800 |
Certificate Practical Nursing
| HESI Category | Required Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Reading | 78% |
| A&P (Anatomy & Physiology) | 60% |
| Math | 64% |
| Overall | 72% |
| Critical Thinking | N/A |
Note: The overall score is the average of reading, A&P, and math.
Attend an Information Session
Prospective students are encouraged to attend a session to learn more about the application requirements and procedures. Sign Up HERE.
Interested in this program?
This form is for those who would like to pursue this program at Laurel Ridge or need details on how to get started. If you have general questions, please visit our Contact Us page. A member of our staff will respond as soon as possible.
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