How To Become a Nurse in West Virginia 2025

West Virginia is facing a significant nursing shortage, with a vacancy rate of around 19% for registered nurses (RNs). It's crucial to have qualified nurses to support public health and provide excellent patient care.

For students wondering how to become a nurse, you must graduate high school or complete your GED, enroll in an accredited nursing program, pass board exams, and earn your RN license. Keep reading to learn more about how to become a nurse in West Virginia.

What Does an RN Do?

A registered nurse cares for patients, discusses their symptoms and health history, and administers medication. They may also assist with:

• diagnostic testing
• creating a health plan
• using advanced medical equipment
• overseeing licensed practical nurses (LPNs)

A certified registered nurse works in various healthcare settings, including schools, outpatient facilities, emergency rooms, or retirement homes. With so many West Virginians living in rural areas, there are many opportunities for travel nurses in the state.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in West Virginia?

Most nursing jobs in West Virginia require at least an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which takes about two years. However, there are more opportunities for those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These generally take four years, but enrolling in accelerated nursing programs online can allow you to complete your degree faster.

4 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in West Virginia

Before beginning your nursing career, you must complete the educational requirements for nurses, including graduating from nursing school, passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and applying for RN licensure. We'll explore each step below.

Step 1: Complete Nursing School

All nurses in West Virginia must have an advanced degree, either an associate or bachelor's degree. While a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is not necessary to start your career, it does open up higher-paying roles such as a nurse practitioner (NP).

Your nursing education will cover many aspects of the job, including human anatomy and physiology, biology, ethics, caring for a diverse population, administering medication, and leadership skills. Your nursing program should also give you hands-on clinical experience. Both an ADN and BSN program will prepare you to take the NCLEX.

Step 2: Apply for State Licensure

As you get closer to graduation, you will need to apply for state licensure by submitting an online application, providing proof of nursing education, and registering for the NCLEX. The West Virginia RN Board handles all nursing license applications.

Applicants will need to pass a background check by submitting a fingerprint test and pay a fee of $70. Applicants who are low-income or part of a military family may be eligible for a fee waiver. Students can also apply for a multistate license if they plan to practice medicine outside of West Virginia.

Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

The NCLEX measures your skills and knowledge to determine if you are ready for an entry-level nursing job. The online test is five hours long and includes four sections:

• safe and effective care environment
• health promotion and maintenance
• psychosocial integrity
• physiological integrity

If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can apply to retake it after 45 days. Results should be available within six weeks.

Step 4: Renew Your License

Once you've earned your license and started work, you will still need to renew your license every two years. Newly licensed nurses must have three hours of continuing education on safe prescribing and drug diversion; this must be completed within one year of licensure. Every cycle after, RNs must complete 12 hours of continuing education from a board-approved provider.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in West Virginia

Enrolling in a high-quality degree program helps you gain the skills and experience you need to thrive as a nurse. Working professionals can benefit from the flexibility of accredited online nursing programs, but there also are many great in-person programs available to West Virginia residents.

1. West Virginia University

West Virginia University (WVU) offers both online and in-person nursing programs; in-person options are available at five different campus locations. Clinical groups are made up of no more than eight students, allowing for plenty of one-on-one time with faculty.

Undergraduate students can enroll in the LPN to BSN, RN to BSN, accelerated BSN, or traditional BSN programs. WVU also offers graduate programs for those interested in earning an MSN, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Scholarships and financial aid are available.

• Estimated tuition cost: $551 per credit hour (in-state); $1,322 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. West Virginia State University

This historically Black college and university (HBCU) offers a BSN program that blends classroom instruction with hands-on learning through clinical work and state-of-the-art technologies. West Virginia State prepares nurses to care for a diverse population in many different fields of healthcare, from pediatrics to psychology.

Students will learn how to use both evidence-based research and theoretical knowledge to decide on a care plan. Classes also focus on ethics, communication, and developing a habit of lifelong learning.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,570 per year (in-state); $14,990 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. Marshall University

On-campus students can earn their bachelor's or master's degree in nursing from Marshall. BSN, MSN, and DNP programs are also available 100% online.

Students who already have a bachelor's can enroll in Marshall's accelerated BSN program to earn their degree in just 16 months. As of 2024, Marshall had a 98% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,694 per semester (in-state); $10,195 per semester (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

4. University of Charleston

The University of Charleston offers a 16-month hybrid ADN program. Students attend class or clinical work every other weekend, with online coursework due throughout the week.

Interested students must be admitted to the University of Charleston before applying to the nursing program. Additionally, students must have at least a 2.0 grade point average (GPA), earn a C or higher in all prerequisite courses, and score a 60% or higher on the TEAS exam. Student cohorts are accepted in the fall, spring, and summer.

• Estimated tuition cost: $395 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

5. Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College

The nursing program at Southern West Virginia is focused on seven core tenets: caring, diversity, ethics, integrity, patient-centeredness, excellence, and holism. The school offers both a traditional associate degree program and a 16-month accelerated program.

Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all college-level courses and score 60% or higher on the TEAS exam.

• Estimated tuition cost: $296 per credit hour (in-state); $412 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in West Virginia

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that, on average, nurses in the U.S. earn $93,600 per year or $45 per hour. But it's important to note that several factors can impact a nurse's salary, including education level, geographic location, seniority, and the type of nursing field. Indeed.com reports a slightly higher average for West Virginia nurses, at about $54 per hour.

Nursing is also a sought-after role; the BLS anticipates a 6% rise in job growth over the next 10 years.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in West Virginia

There's a lot that goes into becoming a nurse, from applying to nursing school and memorizing medical facts, to trying to find the best laptop for nursing students. It's normal to have some more questions, so let's look more at costs and timelines below.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in West Virginia?

Total tuition depends on your school, degree, and financial aid options. West Virginia State's BSN program is under $10,000 per year, but attending community college to earn your ADN is even cheaper. Online courses are another great way to lower costs, so be sure to research online colleges that accept FAFSA.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

West Virginia nurses must have a high school diploma or GED before applying to nursing school, but some of these programs may have additional prerequisites. These can include statistics, psychology, and anatomy, and the student should also be fluent in English. Complete some of these by taking self-paced nursing prerequisites online.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse depends on what level of education you already have. If you have a bachelor's degree in a related field, then you can complete an accelerated BSN program in one to two years. An associate degree takes about two years.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

It's difficult to say what the easiest nursing degree is, as it will depend on your skills and interests. However, since an associate degree program covers the basics of patient care and medicine, that is generally considered the easiest nursing degree. A firm grasp of math and science will help you succeed.

Find a Nursing Degree

From the mountains to the cities, West Virginia needs nurses. You can get right to work after completing nursing school, applying for state licensure, and passing the NCLEX. Take a look at more accredited nursing schools featured on Learn.org and reach out to one today to discuss your goals.