Sentara College of Health Sciences

About Sentara College of Health Sciences

Sentara College of Health Sciences prepares students for careers in nursing and healthcare from its campus in Chesapeake, Virginia. The college operates as an educational arm of Sentara Healthcare, one of the Mid-Atlantic region's largest integrated health systems with hospitals, medical groups, and insurance operations across Virginia and North Carolina. This healthcare system affiliation gives students direct access to clinical learning environments that many nursing programs struggle to arrange. Approximately 285 students pursue associate and bachelor's degrees in nursing through a curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. The college traces its origins to the Norfolk Protestant Hospital School of Nursing, established in 1892, though the current institution has evolved significantly from those early diploma programs. Faculty members bring clinical expertise from their work in Sentara hospitals alongside teaching responsibilities, ensuring that classroom instruction reflects current healthcare realities. The small student body creates an intimate learning community where instructors know each student by name and provide individualized guidance. Graduates enter a healthcare system that employs them upon completion, with many beginning their careers at the same hospitals where they completed clinical rotations.

Admission to Sentara College of Health Sciences requires demonstrated preparation for the academic rigor of nursing education. The acceptance rate of approximately 65 percent reflects competitive selection among applicants who meet prerequisite requirements. Prospective students must complete anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition, and other foundational courses at accredited colleges before applying. The admissions committee reviews prerequisite GPAs carefully, with most admitted students carrying averages of 3.0 or higher in their science coursework. Beyond transcripts, applicants submit personal statements explaining their motivation for nursing and complete entrance assessments measuring reading comprehension, mathematics, and science knowledge. Background checks and drug screenings ensure that admitted students can participate in clinical experiences at Sentara facilities. Transfer credits from previous institutions count toward degree requirements when coursework aligns with program expectations. The application cycle opens annually, with cohorts beginning each fall semester. Campus information sessions help prospective students understand expectations and prepare competitive applications. Financial aid options include federal grants and loans, with some students receiving tuition assistance from employers seeking to develop their healthcare workforce. The Sentara system sometimes offers educational support for employees pursuing nursing degrees, creating additional pathways to enrollment.

Academic programs at Sentara College of Health Sciences focus exclusively on preparing competent, compassionate nurses for careers in patient care. The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN examination and entry-level registered nurse positions. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, available as an RN-to-BSN pathway for licensed nurses, develops leadership and specialized skills for career advancement. The curriculum integrates classroom instruction with extensive clinical experiences at Sentara hospitals throughout Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina. Simulation laboratories allow students to practice patient assessment, medication administration, and emergency interventions using high-fidelity mannequins before encountering real patients. Clinical rotations expose students to medical-surgical units, maternity care, pediatrics, mental health, and critical care, building broad competencies required for nursing licensure. Faculty members maintain current clinical practice, bringing real-world cases and challenges into their teaching. Class sizes remain small, typically under 30 students, enabling discussion and individualized feedback. The program maintains high NCLEX pass rates, with recent cohorts exceeding state and national averages. Graduates find employment readily in a healthcare market with persistent nursing shortages, with many beginning careers at Sentara hospitals where they trained. Academic support services include tutoring, study skills workshops, and advising that helps students balance demanding coursework with personal responsibilities.

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Strong focus on undergraduate education
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Sentara College of Health Sciences centers on the shared intensity of nursing education rather than traditional campus activities. The small student body creates cohort bonds as classmates progress through the program together, supporting each other through difficult examinations and challenging clinical experiences. Study groups form naturally, with students gathering in the library or empty classrooms to prepare for tests and review clinical skills. The Student Nurses Association provides opportunities for professional development, service activities, and networking with nursing professionals. Most students commute from throughout Hampton Roads, balancing classes and clinicals with family responsibilities and outside employment. The college does not maintain residence halls, so students live off-campus in apartments throughout Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and surrounding communities. Student events throughout the year include educational workshops, stress-relief activities during exam periods, and celebrations of achievements like pinning ceremonies. Clinical rotations at various Sentara facilities connect students with practicing nurses who serve as mentors and role models. The professional focus of the program means less traditional college social life, but the relationships formed through shared challenges often persist throughout nursing careers. Alumni networks connect graduates with former classmates now working at hospitals throughout the region.

Location & Surroundings

Chesapeake lies in the heart of Virginia's Hampton Roads region, a metropolitan area of nearly 1.8 million people centered on the harbor where the James, Elizabeth, and Nansemond rivers meet the Chesapeake Bay. The city itself spreads across 353 square miles, making it one of Virginia's largest in area, with landscapes ranging from suburban neighborhoods to rural farmland and the Great Dismal Swamp. Virginia Beach sits just to the east, offering oceanfront recreation and resort amenities. Norfolk provides urban attractions including the Chrysler Museum of Art, the Norfolk Naval Station, and the entertainment district of downtown Granby Street. Newport News and Hampton across the James River add educational and cultural resources including Christopher Newport University and Hampton University. The military presence shapes the regional economy and healthcare needs, with Navy and Air Force installations employing thousands and generating demand for medical services. The regional economy also includes ports, shipbuilding, and tourism, creating a stable job market for healthcare professionals. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel provides stunning passage to Virginia's Eastern Shore, while historical sites at Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown lie within an hour's drive. The climate features mild winters and warm, humid summers, with hurricane season occasionally threatening the coastal region. Housing costs run above national averages but remain more affordable than major East Coast metros.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Sentara College of Health Sciences offers various financial aid options including scholarships, grants, and payment plans. The financial aid office helps students explore funding opportunities. Career services connect students with employers and support professional development, with graduates finding success across diverse industries.