West Virginia Nursing Colleges, Degrees & Licenses
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“As a former RN, transitioning to an NP role through an online nursing program was a game-changer for me. It wasn’t just about suggesting patient care plans anymore—I was now implementing and monitoring them, making a tangible difference in patient outcomes.”
Rachel Stouffer, MSN, WVU Medicine’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in the Movement Clinic
Nurses are critical professionals within the healthcare system. The early 2020s have proven challenging, characterized by nursing workforce shortages and professional burnout. Many states were already experiencing a strain on their healthcare systems. The Covid-19 pandemic was stressful for America’s already burdened healthcare system.
West Virginia has not been immune to the challenges many other state healthcare systems have experienced in recent years. Indeed, according to U.S. News & World Report, West Virginia ranked last among the states in overall healthcare in 2023. U.S. News reviewed federal data sources to assess healthcare access, quality, and public health outcomes. Based on that review, West Virginia ranked 49th in care quality, 50th in public health, and 32nd in healthcare access, and thus landed the state in last place in its overall healthcare performance.
Retention of nursing staff is an issue throughout the United States. Nurses consistently cite issues with compensation as a factor that drives them to leave the profession. Compensation problems include low pay, high levels of indebtedness (due to student loan debt), and pay discrepancies between nurses employed by third parties versus those employed by a hospital or doctor’s office. One way to incentivize people to become nurses and build enduring careers in the profession is to improve financial compensation and offer mechanisms for student debt relief. Because education has become so expensive for so many, it now too often happens that many individuals who might enter critical professions like nursing decline to do so due to fear of the student debt burden they may bear upon completing their education.
The projected long-term high demand for nurses means new nurses will have substantial power in choosing their roles and under what conditions. Because the labor market for nurses now tilts strongly in their favor, nurses are more likely to succeed in their demands for better compensation and improved benefits.
Read on to discover West Virginia’s top undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, salary expectations, and licensing requirements for nursing careers in this state.
Meet the Expert: Rachel Stouffer, MSN, APRN, NP-C
Rachel Stouffer, MSN, APRN, NP-C is a distinguished nurse practitioner and holds a BSN and MSN from West Virginia University (WVU). Currently serving at WVU Medicine’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in the Movement Clinic, Stouffer specializes in neurology movement disorders, conducting thorough patient evaluations, devising treatment plans, interpreting lab results, and managing patient inquiries and prescriptions. Her role is expanding to include programming and managing Deep Brain Stimulators as of February 2024.
Previously, she excelled as an RN in the Neurology Step-Down Unit at WVU Medicine, where from August 2017 to November 2021, she provided exceptional care for stroke patients. Additionally, Stouffer has enriched the nursing field through her contributions as a Clinical Instructor at the WVU School of Nursing, where she utilized varied teaching methods to engage students in critical thinking and skill acquisition, further showcasing her dedication to patient care and nursing education.
NursingColleges.com: How has graduating from an online nursing program enhanced your career?
Stouffer: As a former RN, transitioning to an NP role through an online nursing program was a game-changer for me. It wasn’t just about suggesting patient care plans anymore—I was now implementing and monitoring them, making a tangible difference in patient outcomes. The shift also allowed me to work in a clinic where I could build lasting relationships with patients and their families, leading to more comprehensive care planning.
This change has been incredibly rewarding. The autonomy in practice that comes with being an NP is another aspect I value, as it allows me to consult with doctors when needed, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth in my practice.
NursingColleges.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective online nursing student?
Stouffer: One of the greatest advantages of an online nursing program is its asynchronous nature, which offers flexibility. This flexibility allowed me to continue working full-time while pursuing my studies. However, it’s important to remember that success in an online program requires discipline and time management. I found it beneficial to set aside specific hours each week to study and make school a priority in my routine.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia University is dedicated to improving healthcare for all West Virginians. To fulfill this mission, the West Virginia University School of Nursing offers students a number of different options to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Some options are the LPN-to-BSN, an accelerated BSN (ABSN), and the traditional BSN program.
The LPN-to-BSN program features afternoon, evening, and weekend courses offered on the WVU Potomac State College campus in Keyser, WV. Didactic courses are offered online, while hands-on clinicals are offered throughout the region. Upon program completion, students earn escrow credits towards their LPN licensure and become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam after receipt of their BSN.
The ABSN program is designed for college graduates who wish to pursue a nursing career via a BSN degree. This full-time program is offered on the Morgantown and Bridgeport campuses and can typically be completed in 18 months.
The traditional BSN degree is offered on three different campuses. The curriculum includes courses in humanities, social sciences, basic sciences, and nursing science, which are taken in conjunction with nursing clinical courses. Students also complete a rural clinical practice requirement in their senior year. Both academic and clinical requirements seek to develop students’ competencies in five core areas: critical thinking, nursing interventions, professional role, caring, and communication.
- Location: Multiple campus locations
- Duration: 18 months to two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
West Virginia State University
West Virginia State University offers students two pathways to attain a BSN degree. These are the LPN to BSN and traditional BSN pathways.
The LPN to BSN program is designed for practicing LPNs who wish to attain their BSN and advance their careers. The curriculum is a 120-credit program featuring a combination of general education courses, supporting courses and content area courses. The required 30 credit hours of general education courses include English, math, humanities, psychology, international perspectives, and biology. There are 60 hours of content area coursework and 30 hours of supporting coursework.
The traditional pre-licensure BSN program features a 122-credit curriculum consisting of categories of coursework identical to the LPN-to-BSN program. There are slight differences in the total number of hours required in each category. Supporting coursework for this track includes biology, microbiology, statistics, and chemistry. In recognition of the ever-evolving nature of nursing, students learn via traditional classroom methods and state-of-the-art technologies. This track prepares students to become nurse generalists proficient in the knowledge and skills necessary to work with diverse populations in various practice settings.
- Location: Institute, WV
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Fairmont State University offers students affordable nursing education. The university’s nursing program has approximately 350 students currently pursuing nursing degrees. Students seeking a BSN can choose one of two tracks. These are the traditional BSN track and the RN-BSN track.
The traditional BSN program began and was also accredited in 2023. Students can generally complete this program’s curriculum in eight semesters, though some students can finish in a shorter time depending on completed college coursework. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and, upon successfully passing the exam, work as registered nurses.
The RN-BSN track offers associate’s degree and diploma nurses the chance to advance their careers beyond bedside and clinical practice duties. Upon graduation, students have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to work in nursing management and leadership or perhaps pursue graduate-level nursing study. This program features asynchronous online learning and flexible practicum experiences. The program’s design permits students to maintain full-time employment while completing their studies part-time or full-time.
- Location: Fairmont, WV
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Nursing School Almanac ranked Shepherd University the seventh-best nursing school in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Shepherd University offers nursing education programs to students from West Virginia and the neighboring states of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Students seeking a BSN degree have two options: the BSN and RN-BSN programs.
The BSN program is a 120-credit, four-year program that features a patient-centered curriculum designed to provide students with the training necessary to practice in all areas of professional nursing. Of the required credit hours, 58 credits are specific core curriculum and nursing prerequisite courses and the remaining 62 credits derive from upper division nursing coursework. This program features strong NCLEX pass rates for recent graduating cohorts.
The online RN-BSN program track is designed for associate’s degree-trained nurses who hold a valid, unencumbered license to practice and wish to expand their skills and future career possibilities. The program’s objectives are to enhance nurses’ education, improve patient care outcomes, prepare nurses for additional education and advancement, and increase their mobility and value in the nursing workforce. The program’s recent transition to an online learning delivery model made it more accessible to students who need flexible course scheduling so they may continue working while completing the curriculum. Students of this track nonetheless also have the option to learn alongside students of the other BSN program track rather than learn just online.
- Location: Shepherdstown, WV
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Wheeling Jesuit University, also known as Wheeling University, features a student body of approximately 1,100 students. The small student body size offers the advantage of a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class of just 15 students. The university’s Department of Nursing is guided by its commitment to fulfilling the Catholic tradition of educational excellence and service to others. Wheeling offers two undergraduate nursing programs. These are a traditional BSN program, a 16-month accelerated second-degree BSN, and an online RN-BSN.
The traditional BSN program is a four-year 120-credit-hour program consisting of 33-35 of core coursework and 69 credits of nursing coursework. The accelerated BA/BS to BSN program offers individuals with a baccalaureate degree the opportunity to transition into a nursing career without repeating general education requirements. This path can usually be completed in four semesters over a 16-month period.
The online RN-to-BSN/MSN program is designed for motivated adult learners working as registered nurses seeking to expand their careers. The curriculum consists of distance based coursework as well as clinical rotations completed in the student’s local community. The course plan students follow depends on whether they seek a BSN or MSN.
- Location: Wheeling, WV
- Duration: 16 months to four years, depending on program choice
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia University offers a fully online, 46-credit-hour master of science in nursing (MSN) degree to baccalaureate-prepared nurses seeking to advance their education and career possibilities. Students may complete the curriculum on a part- or full-time basis. Upon graduation students have the training necessary to complete all activities associated with an advanced practice family nurse practitioner (FNP) on behalf of diverse patient populations in various practice contexts. Graduates also meet the requirements to take the national certification exam from ANCC of AANP.
Students are expected to actively collaborate with faculty to identify appropriate clinical practicum course preceptors. During their last two semesters, students are expected to complete at least 570 direct clinical practice hours under the supervision of a faculty-approved advanced practice provider or physician. Within these practicum courses students will gain experience caring for individuals and families not just across the lifespan but also in cases of acute and chronic health issues. Most clinical hours will be completed in a primary care clinical setting. Through both theoretical learning and direct experience, students will apply evidence-based practices and collaborate with other health professionals to create optimal patient health outcomes.
- Location: Morgantown, WV
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
West Virginia Wesleyan College
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 “Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States.” West Virginia Wesleyan College offers several graduate-level nursing education programs. These include the accelerated RN to MSN program, a standard MSN program, and a master of science in advanced practice.
The accelerated RN-to-MSN program and the standard MSN program offer two concentration options. These are the family nurse practitioner (FNP) and nursing leadership concentrations. The accelerated program option offers baccalaureate nursing content into the program’s front-end, thereby providing an effective bridge to graduate study. After completing 20 credits of bridge coursework, students can matriculate into the MSN coursework aligned with their chosen concentration. Depending on the area of study, students complete between 35 to 47 MSN credits of coursework. Coursework is offered using online and hybrid learning methods. Some brief on-campus residencies are required. Practicum experiences will be arranged in students’ home communities.
The master of science degree in advanced practice is a program made possible through a collaboration with Shenandoah University. Students may choose the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMNHP) or nurse-midwifery concentration. After completing graduate core courses at West Virginia Wesleyan, students enroll at Shenandoah University to complete specialized coursework. Clinical practicum experiences are arranged in students’ home communities. Graduates receive a master of science in nursing degree from West Virginia Wesleyan and a post-graduate APRN certificate from Shenandoah University. They are eligible to sit for the appropriate national certification exam.
- Location: Buckhannon,WV
- Duration: One to two years, depending on degree and pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Wheeling Jesuit University offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program designed to provide an affordable online path to professional leadership and advanced practice roles in nursing. The curriculum accommodates registered nurses who wish to remain employed while completing their studies. All courses are offered online. Students complete clinical and practicum requirements in their home communities. The curriculum emphasizes training in systems thinking, critical thinking, and advanced practice concepts, with graduates expected to successfully apply their skills to enhance individual patients’ healthcare outcomes and improve healthcare system processes.
The MSN program has two focus areas. These focus areas are family nurse practitioner and nursing administration. The MSN-FNP prepares students for advanced practice family nurse practitioner roles and national certification. This track incorporates nursing, scientific and family practice concepts to give nurses the advanced knowledge to serve as a provider of primary healthcare. The MSN-NA prepares nurses for leadership and management positions in various settings. The program curriculum incorporates material from nursing, business and management. Opportunities for graduates include working in nursing personnel management and serving as an executive management team member.
- Location: Wheeling, WV
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Marshall University offers advanced education and training for professional nurses via its master of science in nursing (MSN) program. The mission of the MSN program is to provide RNs with the training necessary to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in various healthcare settings. The curriculum consists of three major elements. These are the core curriculum component, the area of emphasis component, and an elective component. The core component consists of nursing theory, leadership, research, and practice courses.
The MSN degree program offers five specialization areas. These are family nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nursing administration and nursing education. The nursing administration and education specializations are offered online. The nurse-midwifery and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specializations are offered in cooperation with Shenandoah University, located in Winchester, Virginia.
Though there are some differences in the exact number of credits and other requirements students must fulfill to graduate, all specializations feature a curriculum composed of the aforementioned three components, namely core, emphasis, and elective components. Upon graduation students are prepared to pass the certification examination that corresponds to their specialization successfully.
- Location: Huntington, WV
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing school accreditation is a voluntary but important step programs take to demonstrate that nurses who complete their program have received a quality education. When looking for a nursing program, it is important to ensure that it is accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These organizations ensure that nursing programs meet certain standards and provide students with a quality education.
In West Virginia, nursing program graduates obtain their license through the West Virginia RN Board. Applicants must have satisfactorily completed an appropriately accredited nursing program to be eligible for licensure. Additional steps applicants typically need to complete include passing a criminal background check, completing the West Virginia RN Board application for licensure, and passing the NCLEX exam. Requirements often differ by state. It is, therefore, important for prospective nursing students and graduates of such programs to thoroughly research the options they are interested in.
It is wise for nurses to be open to continuing education as a fundamental part of their careers. This is true for nurses regardless of their particular education, specialization, and experience level. If a nurse decides to move out of state or pursue work in a different specialization, there is a good chance the nurse will be confronted with additional education or other requirements. Pursuing continued education at a suitable pace can make the demands of a new position or other change easier to accept and complete.
How Much Do Nurses Make in West Virginia?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest data available as of April 2024.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 630,250 | 6,560 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $60,790 | $50,090 |
| 10th percentile | $45,670 | $38,320 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,730 | $47,610 |
| 90th percentile | $77,870 | $63,240 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,175,390 | 20,860 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $94,480 | $75,990 |
| 10th percentile | $63,720 | $50,650 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $86,070 | $78,730 |
| 90th percentile | $132,680 | $99,440 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 47,810 | 470 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $214,200 | $232,410 |
| 10th percentile | $139,980 | $190,160 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $212,650 | $219,880 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 | >$239,200 |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 6,960 | Data unavailable |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $131,570 | Data unavailable |
| 10th percentile | $87,320 | Data unavailable |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,650 | Data unavailable |
| 90th percentile | $177,530 | Data unavailable |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 280,140 | 1,860 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,490 | $113,450 |
| 10th percentile | $94,530 | $82,540 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $126,260 | $108,830 |
| 90th percentile | $168,030 | $147,250 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in West Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses | The requirements for West Virginia LPN license applicants are:
| LPN license holders in Virginia must renew their license annually by June 30th. They must submit a renewal application and pay the $90 fee. Every two years, they must obtain 24 contact hours of continuing education and have 400 hours of LPN practice. |
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in West Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
The requirements for West Virginian RN license applicants are:
|
All RN in Virginia must renew their license annually by October 31st. They must submit a renewal application, pay the $35 fee, and obtain 12 contact hours each year |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in West Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In the state of West Virginia, a CNS is licensed as an APRN and eligibility requires:
To obtain prescriptive authority, applicants must submit a RXA application and provide proof of completion of an advanced pharmacology graduate-level course approved by the Board of not less than 45 pharmacology contact hours, document the use of pharmacology in clinical practice in the education program,15 graduate level pharmacology contact hours in advanced pharmacology completed within two years prior to application for prescriptive authority, and a collaborative agreement with a licensed physician holding an unencumbered West Virginia license or an unencumbered license from a contiguous state or the Veterans Administration for the first three years of active prescriptive authority, or evidence of at least three years of active prescriptive authority in WV or another state |
All APRN licenses and RXA privileges expire June 30 of every odd year. The APRN/RXA renewal period for 2019 will begin May 1 and end June 30. APRNs must complete a minimum of 24 contact hours of continuing education (CE), specifically 12 hours in pharmacotherapeutics, eight of which may be used for renewal and reinstatement of limited prescriptive authority, and 12 hours in the clinical management of patients from an approved continuing education provider recognized by the Board. APRNs must also complete two contact hours of CE for mental health conditions common to veterans and their families, complete three contact hours initially and then one contact hour, thereafter, during each license renewal period of CE for drug diversion training, best-practice prescribing of controlled substances training and training on prescribing and administration of an opioid antagonist if they prescribe, administer or dispense controlled substances. The renewal fee is $35 |
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Licensure in West Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In the state of West Virginia, a CNM is licensed as an APRN and eligibility requires:
|
All CNM licenses expire June 30 of every odd year. CNMs must complete a minimum of 24 contact hours of continued education (CE), specifically 12 hours in pharmacotherapeutics, eight of which may be used for renewal and reinstatement of limited prescriptive authority, and 12 hours in the clinical management of patients from an approved continuing education provider recognized by the Board. APRNs must also complete two contact hours of CE for mental health conditions common to veterans and their families, complete three contact hours initially and then one contact hour, thereafter, during each license renewal period of CE for drug diversion training, best-practice prescribing of controlled substances training and training on prescribing and administration of an opioid antagonist if they prescribe, administer or dispense controlled substances. The renewal fee is $35. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in West Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In the state of West Virginia, an NP is licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and eligibility requires:
|
All APRN licenses and prescription privileges expire June 30 of every odd year. APRNs must complete a minimum of 24 contact hours of continued education (CE), specifically 12 hours in pharmacotherapeutics, eight of which may be used for renewal and reinstatement of Limited Prescriptive Authority, and 12 hours in the clinical management of patients from an approved continuing education provider recognized by the Board. APRNs must also complete two contact hours of CE for mental health conditions common to veterans and their families, complete three contact hours initially and then one contact hour, thereafter, during each license renewal period of CE for drug diversion training, best-practice prescribing of controlled substances training and training on prescribing and administration of an opioid antagonist if they prescribe, administer or dispense controlled substances. The renewal fee is $35. |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in West Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In the state of West Virginia, a CRNA is licensed as an APRN and eligibility requires:
|
All APRN licenses in West Virginia expire June 30 of every odd year. APRNs must complete a minimum of 24 contact hours of continued education (CE), specifically 12 hours in pharmacotherapeutics, 8 of which may be used for renewal and reinstatement of limited prescriptive authority, and 12 hours in the clinical management of patients from an approved continuing education provider recognized by the Board. APRN’s must also complete two contact hours of CE for mental health conditions common to veterans and their families, complete three contact hours initially and then one contact hour. Thereafter, during each license renewal period of CE for drug diversion training, best-practice prescribing of controlled substances training, and training on prescribing and administration of an opioid antagonist if they prescribe, administer or dispense controlled substances. The renewal fee is $35 |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterAt NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.