Background: There is growing interest among academic nurse educators in using virtual reality (VR) environments as a pedagogical tool to enhance student learning.

Purpose: The aim of this scoping study was to identify the theories or conceptual models that informed the application of virtual reality technology in nursing education programs.

Methods: A scoping study using the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework was conducted. A search strategy recommended and executed by a research librarian yielded 18 final articles for review.

Findings: There is limited use of theory or a conceptual model, particularly of nursing origin, to guide the integration of VR technology for student learning.

Discussion: More research is needed to define best practices for application of VR technology for specific curricular needs, and for theory development based on specific concepts and disciplinary perspectives of learning.