In Spring 2025, Virginia Wesleyan University signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Sentara to establish a new academic unit: Sentara College of Health Sciences of Virginia Wesleyan University. This partnership builds on a longstanding collaboration between VWU and Sentara in nursing education, student wellness, and health-focused academic programs—while responding to growing workforce needs across the healthcare industry.
Founded as Norfolk's first nursing program and backed by more than 130 years of educational excellence, Sentara College of Health Sciences at VWU prepares skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals through real-world learning, hands-on clinical experience, and meaningful community impact. (Accreditation pending.)
Become part of the first ever nursing cohort at Sentara College of Health Sciences of Virginia Wesleyan University—and make history in nursing education.
Limited spots available. Secure your founding student discount and gain advantages that won't be available to future cohorts.
Sentara College of Health Sciences at VWU offers career-focused healthcare programs designed to prepare students for leadership, licensure, and long-term professional success. Additional program details will be published following final accreditation approvals.
Hands-on programs designed to prepare students for specialized careers in diagnostic and surgical technologies.
Building on more than 130 years of nursing education excellence, these programs prepare compassionate, highly skilled leaders in patient care and professional nursing practice.
BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing Now enrolling for Fall 2026
MSN Master of Science in Nursing Now enrolling for Fall 2026
Flexible certificate programs that provide targeted training for entry-level healthcare careers and professional advancement.
Virginia Wesleyan University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees.
Sentara College of Health Sciences (SCOHS) of VWU is pending accreditation by SACSCOC. SCOHS is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and is certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). The baccalaureate and master's degrees in nursing at Sentara College of Health Sciences are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and are approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
The Cardiovascular Technology Program at Sentara College of Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology.
The Surgical Technology Program at Sentara College of Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
The Sentara College of Health Sciences Surgical Technology Program meets the standards of the Association of Surgical Technologists Core Curriculum, 7th Edition.
Sentara College of Health Sciences has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
The Patient Care Technician Program at Sentara College of Health Sciences is approved by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
Sentara College of Health Sciences is approved by the National Healthcareer Association to administer certification exams for the Medical Assistant program.
