Healthcare Resource
Virginia NP License 2026: Autonomous Practice Pathway, NCSBN Process, Salary
In brief
Virginia NPs can achieve autonomous practice after a 5-year supervised attestation period. New graduates still require collaborative agreements. Virginia Board of Nursing processes in 8-12 weeks. Average salary $113,000/year.
Steps at a glance
Complete NP program and national certification
Graduate from accredited NP program and pass ANCC or AANP certification. Virginia Board of Nursing requires graduation from a nationally accredited program.
Submit Virginia NP license application
Apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing for NP licensure. Fee: $130. Apply online through the Department of Health Professions (DHP) portal.
Practice under collaborative agreement for first 5 years
Virginia NPs must practice under a practice agreement with a physician or licensed independent practitioner for a minimum of 5 years before applying for autonomous practice status.
Apply for Autonomous Nurse Practitioner designation
After documenting 5 years of collaborative practice (SB1326 pathway), submit attestation to the Virginia Board of Nursing for autonomous practice. This removes the collaboration requirement permanently.
In this article
Virginia nurse practitioners operate under a transitional practice authority model, collaborative practice required for 5 years, after which NPs may apply for autonomous practice status under Virginia's 2021 legislation (SB1326). Average NP salary in Virginia is $113,000/year in 2026, with Northern Virginia (DC suburbs) reaching $130,000-$145,000 for specialty NPs.
Virginia NP Practice Authority
| Phase | Requirement |
|---|---|
| First 5 years of practice | Practice agreement with collaborating physician or independent practitioner required |
| After 5 years (Autonomous NP) | Submit attestation to Virginia Board of Nursing, no collaboration required thereafter |
Virginia Board of Nursing Application Requirements
- Active Virginia RN license
- Graduation from nationally accredited NP program (master's or doctorate)
- National certification from ANCC, AANP, NCC, PNCB, AACN, or other Board-approved body
- NP license application fee: $130
- Online application through DHP portal
Processing Timeline
Virginia Board of Nursing NP applications typically process in 8-12 weeks.
NP Salary in Virginia (2026)
| Region | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Northern Virginia (DC suburbs) | $140,000 |
| Arlington / Alexandria | $137,000 |
| Richmond | $115,000 |
| Virginia Beach / Norfolk | $110,000 |
| Roanoke | $104,000 |
| Rural Southwest VA | $95,000-$106,000 |
Top VA Health Systems for NPs
- Inova Health System, Northern Virginia; largest health system in Northern VA; strong APP integration
- VCU Health, Richmond; academic medical center; Level I trauma
- Sentara Healthcare, Hampton Roads / statewide; strong NP hiring across all specialties
- UVA Health, Charlottesville; academic system with NP residency programs
- Ballad Health, Southwest Virginia / Appalachia; rural NP hiring with loan repayment
What We See at Ava Health
Northern Virginia's proximity to DC drives the highest NP compensation in the state, Inova and the Virginia Hospital Center command top-of-market salaries. Rural southwestern Virginia (coalfields, Appalachian communities) has persistent FNP shortages with NHSC loan repayment eligibility. Virginia's 5-year pathway to autonomous practice is well understood by major employers who provide collaborative physician arrangements as a standard employment benefit.
Related: NP License Maryland 2026, NP License North Carolina 2026, RN Salary Virginia 2026.
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