[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advance your nursing career in the Mountain State. As a Nurse License Compact (NLC) state, West Virginia nursing graduates can apply for a multistate RN license.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about the top nursing programs in West Virginia, how to earn your license, and the salary and job outlook.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With more than 40 [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/applying-to-nursing-school/”]nursing programs[/hen-ui-link] in West Virginia, students can explore an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a bachelor’s in nursing, and a master of science in nursing (MSN). This guide can help you find the best nursing schools for your career goals and background.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in West Virginia, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text] 
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”py-4 my-0 text-center border-b md:pb-8 md:border-none”]You might be interested in[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-layout ids=”76218,76212,76202″][/hen-ui-article-layout]
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
- Martinsburg, WV
- 2 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Students at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, a top nursing school in West Virginia, can earn their associate of science in nursing and qualify to take the NCLEX-RN.
The 60-credit curriculum includes courses in human anatomy and physiology and microbiology with labs, along with nursing care that includes clinical experiences.
- Program(s): Associate of science in nursing (ASN)
- Campus: Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $172 per credit hour for in-state students; $211 neighboring counties in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania; $311 per credit hour for out-of-state residents
- Admission Requirements: Prerequisite course completion or enrollment; 2.5 GPA; TEAS score of 63.3 or higher
- Minimum Time Commitment: 5 semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $58,823 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
47%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
61%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 3,912
- Institution Type
- Public
#2
West Virginia University
- Morgantown, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
West Virginia University offers a traditional bachelor of science in nursing and programs for non-nursing bachelor's-holders and registered nurses.
Graduate study includes a master of science in nursing (MSN), MSN/MBA, a doctor of nursing practice with a nurse anesthesia concentration option, and a Ph.D.
Programs feature 100 hours of community service and clinical experiences with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); RN-to-BSN; master of science in nursing (MSN); MSN/MBA; post-master's specialty certificates; doctor of nursing practice (DNP); Ph.D.
- Campus: Morgantown, West Virginia
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition:
- BSN: $5,208-$5,868 per semester in state; $13,620-$14,040 out-of-state
- MSN, MSN/MBA, Ph.D.: $6,192 per semester in-state; $14,202 out-of-state
- DNP-anesthesia: $11,259 per semester in-state; $19,272 out-of-state
- DNP, post-master's certificate: $715 per credit
- Admission Requirements:
- BSN: College 3.0-3.2 GPA or high school 3.6-3.8 GPA; SAT or ACT scores
- RN-to-BSN: Associate degree or diploma in nursing; 2.5 GPA; RN license
- MSN: BSN; 3.0 GPA; RN license
- DNP/Ph.D.: MSN; 3.0-3.25 GPA; RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 3 semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.4% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,454 for bachelor's graduates and 94,763 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
94%
Online Enrollment
$10,134
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
82%
Retention Rate
$26,154
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 84%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,269
- Institution Type
- Public
#3
Davis & Elkins College
- Elkins, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Nursing programs in West Virginia include Davis and Elkins College, which offers traditional associate and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degrees, along with advanced placement tracks for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs).
D&E partners with area hospitals for 4-6-week supervised summer externships. Online RN-to-BSN students can complete their clinical hours at their workplaces.
- Program(s): Associate degree in nursing (ADN); bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); RN-to-BSN (online)
- Campus: Elkins, West Virginia
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)
- Tuition: $29,280 per year; RN-to-BSN $400 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: 2.5-3.0 GPA; TEAS scores; ACT or SAT scores for ADN entry; LPN or RN license for advanced placement
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,022 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
57%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
69%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 69%
- Students Enrolled
- 738
- Institution Type
- Private
#4
Shepherd University
- Shepherdstown, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
At Shepherd University, nursing students can practice skills in five simulation labs and pursue a bachelor's degree or a doctorate, with an RN-to-BSN track for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree online or on-campus.
Doctoral programs offer tracks for bachelor's and master's degree-holders, with specialization areas in family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); doctor of nursing practice (DNP)
- Campus: Shepherdstown, West Virginia
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: Undergraduate: $7,784 per year full-time in-state, $18,224 out-of-state; DNP $767 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements:
- BSN: pre-nursing curriculum completion; 2.7 GPA; RN license for RN-to-BSN entry
- DNP: 3.0 GPA; RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,020 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
82%
Online Enrollment
$ 8,118
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
73%
Retention Rate
$11,268
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 98%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,159
- Institution Type
- Public
#5
West Liberty University
- West Liberty, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The bachelor's nursing degree program at West Liberty University features tracks for high school graduates, non-nursing bachelor's degree-holders, and registered nurses with an associate degree or a diploma in nursing (RN-to-BSN).
All three options incorporate classroom instruction and clinical experiences. The RN entry program offers upper-level nursing courses online and allows RNs to continue working.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); RN-to-BSN
- Campus: West Liberty, West Virginia
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition:
- In-state: $4,273 per semester full-time; $350 per credit hour part-time
- In-metro area: $7,118 per semester full-time; $587 per credit hour part-time
- Out-of-state: $8382 per semester full-time; $692 per credit hour part-time
- RN-to-BSN: $4,130 per semester full-time; $344 per credit hour part-time
- Admission Requirements:
- High school graduates: 3.5 GPA; 25 ACT or 1260 SAT scores
- Non-nursing bachelor's-holders: 3.0 GPA; nursing prerequisites
- RN with diploma or associate degree: RN license; 2.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.4% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,439 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
37%
Online Enrollment
$6,780
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
73%
Retention Rate
$8,112
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 68%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,481
- Institution Type
- Public
#6
Marshall University
- Huntington, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Marshall University offers two options for earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN): a traditional, pre-licensure track and an online BSN for registered nurses with an associate degree or a diploma in nursing (RN-to-BSN).
The pre-licensure BSN includes clinical rotations at partner medical centers and hospitals to prepare graduates for their NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
- Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); RN-to-BSN
- Campus: Huntington, West Virginia
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition:
- Pre-licensure: $4,276 per semester in-state; $7,318 in-metro area; $9803 out-of-state
- Online: $3,195 per semester full-time; $266 per credit hour part-time
- Admission Requirements:
- Pre-licensure: 2.5 GPA; ACT score of 21 (or SAT equivalent)
- RN-to-BSN: RN license; 2.5 GPA in associate or diploma nursing program
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12-24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.8% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $58,823 for associate graduates, $57,318 for bachelor's graduates, $87,183 for master's graduates, and $185,138 for doctoral graduates, according to College Scorecard
59%
Online Enrollment
$ 7,506
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
77%
Retention Rate
$19,840
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,958
- Institution Type
- Public
#7
Fairmont State University
- Fairmont, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Fairmont State University lists an online bachelor's for registered nurses (RNs) and an associate of science in nursing. Associate-level degree-seekers can follow a two-year on-campus traditional track, an online program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or a hybrid option offered on weekends.
Clinical rotations for online and on-campus students are completed in the Fairmont area.
- Program(s): Associate of science in nursing (ASN); bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
- Campus: Fairmont, West Virginia
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): ASN-Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); BSN-Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $319 per credit hour in-state; $483 in-metro area; $705 out-of-state; $329 online
- Admission Requirements:
- ASN: 2.0 GPA; ACT or SAT scores; TEAS exam score of 60; LPN license for LPN-to-ASN track
- BSN: RN license; 2.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,641 for associate graduates and $63,855 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
52%
Online Enrollment
$ 7,072
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
69%
Retention Rate
$17,038
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,848
- Institution Type
- Public
#8
University of Charleston
- Charleston, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Nursing students at the University of Charleston can pursue their degree at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. The bachelor of science in nursing offers a traditional option and an online bridge program for registered nurses (RN-to-BSN).
Master's degree students study online and prepare for careers as family nurse practitioners. Associate degree course delivery follows a hybrid format.
- Program(s): Associate degree in nursing (ADN); bachelor of science in nursing (BSN); RN-to-BSN; master of science in nursing (MSN)
- Campus: Charleston, West Virginia
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): ADN and BSN - Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: Traditional BSN $31,400 per year; ADN and RN-to-BSN $380 per credit hour; MSN $625 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements:
- ASN and BSN: 2.5 GPA; TEAS exam score of 60
- RN-to-BSN: 2.0 college GPA; nursing and foundational prerequisites with a "C" or higher; RN license
- MSN: BSN, RN license; statement of purpose; two recommendations
- Minimum Time Commitment: 3 semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.5% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,564 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
78%
Online Enrollment
$17,000
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
67%
Retention Rate
$17,000
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- 61%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,967
- Institution Type
- Private
#9
BridgeValley Community & Technical College
- South Charleston, WV
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Degree offerings at BridgeValley Community and Technical College include an associate degree in nursing that combines classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experience, and clinical rotations at partnering hospitals and healthcare providers.
BridgeValley offers advanced placement into the program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and paramedics. Graduates emerge prepared to take the NCLEX-RN.
- Program(s): Associate degree in nursing (ADN)
- Campus: South Charleston, West Virginia
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $188 per credit hour in-state; $447 out-of-state
- Admission Requirements: 3.0 high school GPA; 2.5 college GPA; TEAS exam score of 60.5
- LPN/paramedic advanced placement: license or certificate; 2 years of work experience; 2.75 GPA; TEAS exam score of 60.5
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.7% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $55,738 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
71%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
50%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,662
- Institution Type
- Public
#10
Pierpont Community and Technical College
- Fairmont, WV
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Pierpont Community and Technical College trains future licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and awards a certificate of applied science. Completion of the program qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-PN.
The part-time curriculum offers laboratory experience, clinical practice, and coursework in topics like geriatric nursing, maternal/pediatric nursing, nutrition, and pharmacology.
- Program(s): Certificate of applied science in licensed practical nursing
- Campus: Fairmont, West Virginia
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): West Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses
- Tuition: $212 per credit hour in-state; $502 out-of-state
- Admission Requirements: TEAS exam score of 50; human anatomy and fundamental concepts of mathematics prerequisites with a "C" or higher
- Minimum Time Commitment: 5 semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
100%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
53%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,613
- Institution Type
- Public
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]RN license[/hen-ui-link] in West Virginia, you must graduate from an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]accredited ADN[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) program. Then you must pass the NCLEX-RN.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The processing fee for licensure by examination is $70, but individuals and military family members may be eligible for waivers from the state board of nursing. (This does not apply to the $200 NCLEX-RN examination fee.)[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unlike most states, West Virginia issues annual renewals, which require 12 hours of [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education for nurses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (APRN), you need a current RN license and graduate degree — either [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]an MSN[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] — with graduate courses in advanced physiology and pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology. You also need board certification. Send your official transcripts to the state board of nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs have reduced-practice authority in West Virginia and must work alongside a physician. Unlike RN licenses, APRN licenses must be renewed every two years.[/hen-ui-text]
[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Other Top Nursing Programs in West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ columns-lg=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-article-card title=”West Virginia Nursing Schools and Programs” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/west-virginia/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Top West Virginia RN to BSN Degree Programs” href=”/state/west-virginia/bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Become a Nurse in West Virginia” href=”/state/west-virginia/nurse-licensing-requirements/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-separator /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to become an RN in West Virginia?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes 2-4 years to earn an RN license in West Virginia. You must graduate with an ADN (two-year) or a BSN (four-year) degree and pass the NCLEX-RN with a criminal background check.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can receive a temporary license within 5-10 days after the board of nursing receives all paperwork. This license is good for 90 days.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What is a contact hour? Is it the same as a continuing education unit?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A contact hour is 50 minutes of instruction from a state-recognized provider, such as an accredited university or authorized providers. A continuing education unit is 10 contact hours.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]West Virginia requires 12 contact hours to renew a nursing license.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How many RNs are in West Virginia?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS reports that 19,800 RNs work in West Virginia as of May 2020. The West Virginia Center for Nursing projects high demand in all areas of the state, though the rate varies by county.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Where can I find approved continuing education activities?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The state board of nursing accepts credits from any state-approved nursing program in West Virginia or other states. They also accept credits from other courses that have been evaluated and authorized.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can find a partial list of approved courses on the [hen-ui-link href=”https://courses.cebroker.com/search/wv/registered-nurse” target=”_blank”]CE Broker[/hen-ui-link] website.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How many times can you take the NCLEX in West Virginia?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can take the NCLEX-RN up to eight times per year, but you must wait 48 days between attempts. However, after two or more failed attempts, the board of nursing requires the completion of additional requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”py-4 my-0 text-center border-b md:pb-8 md:border-none”]You might be interested in[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-layout ids=”76218,76212,76202″][/hen-ui-article-layout]