West Virginia’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
Nurses are needed across the entire country, with a national growth rate for registered nurses (RNs) of 6% between 2021-2031. West Virginia has a growth rate of 12% between 2020-2030, with 1,400 annual RN openings.
West Virginia offers a unique and appealing living experience with its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, affordable cost of living, and a strong sense of community. The state is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Appalachian Mountains, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing. Whether exploring the New River Gorge or enjoying the scenic beauty of the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia offers a wealth of outdoor options for nature enthusiasts.
One of the advantages of living in West Virginia is its affordable cost of living. The state consistently ranks among the most affordable places to live in the U.S., with lower housing and utility costs and overall expenses compared to the national average. This affordability allows residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and have more disposable income for leisure activities and savings. Additionally, West Virginia has a relatively low crime rate compared to many other states. The state’s close-knit communities and strong sense of neighborliness contribute to a safer living environment.
West Virginia’s healthcare system is continually improving, with a focus on expanding access to quality care for its residents. The state has several reputable medical facilities and hospitals, including the West Virginia University Health System, which provides comprehensive healthcare services. West Virginia is working towards enhancing healthcare access in rural areas through telemedicine and other innovative approaches.
When it comes to education, West Virginia is committed to providing quality educational opportunities. The state has a range of public and private schools, colleges, and universities that offer diverse academic programs. U.S. News & World Report named the West Virginia University School of Nursing undergraduate nursing program one of the top 100 in the nation. This makes West Virginia the perfect place to attend nursing school.
The Best Nursing Schools in West Virginia
Learn more about the best nursing schools in West Virginia to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in West Virginia based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the nursing school website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Nursing Programs:
#1 ADN Nursing Program
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is a public community college in Martinsburg, West Virginia. They offer a flexible, affordable, two-year ADN program that teaches students to obtain workforce-ready skills that the healthcare field needs. Students who are interested in applying to the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College nursing program first enroll in the Medical Assisting: Nursing Foundation program. Once prerequisites are met, a separate application for the nursing program is required. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared for entry-level RN positions.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,344
Out-of-State: $7,848
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,344 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$7,848 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2021 |
95.83% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
71% |
| Job Placement 2022 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
3,912 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
38% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#2 ADN Nursing Program
BridgeValley Community & Technical College
BridgeValley Community & Technical College is a public community college with South Charleston and Montgomery, West Virginia campuses. They offer a traditional ADN program that can be completed in two years when attending full-time. They also offer a 16-month accelerated program option and an LPN-to-RN program. Their nursing programs combine general education courses and nursing theory, skills, and clinical courses to provide the knowledge and skills needed to practice in various direct client care settings and provide the educational foundation for further study in nursing. Graduates are prepared for entry-level RN positions in various settings upon program completion.
Average Tuition
In-State: $2,341
Out-of-State: $5,574
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$2,341 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$5,574 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
85.96% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2022 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
1,662 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 ADN Nursing Program
Fairmont State University
Fairmont State University is a public university in Fairmont, West Virginia. They offer a traditional Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree program and a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to ASN degree program. Their LPN-to-ASN program is designed for LPNs who have completed their support courses for nursing. Theory courses are taught asynchronously online, and clinical experiences are conducted in person two days each month. Clinicals are held in the Fairmont region for the first two semesters, with the potential to be set up in the student’s area of residence for the last semester. The program can be completed in one year when attending three consecutive semesters. The program’s flexibility allows students to take classes and still work full-time or fulfill other responsibilities. Students are given individualized teaching through small class sizes with hands-on learning opportunities in the state-of-the-art skills and simulation labs.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,227
Out-of-State: $9,186
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,227 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$9,186 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2020 |
82.25% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020 |
90.15% |
| Job Placement 2020 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,790 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
83% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
BSN Programs:
#1 BSN Program
Davis & Elkins College
Davis & Elkins College is a private college in Elkins, West Virginia. They offer an ASN program, RN-to-BSN program, traditional BSN program, and recently added an accelerated BSN program that allows students to complete their degree in three years instead of four. The program’s mission is “To prepare and inspire students for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world.” Hands-on learning opportunities are given through skills, simulation labs, and clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. Students are given a personalized education designed to provide a foundation of lifelong learning and prepare graduates for practice as entry-level RNs.
Average Tuition
In-State: $29,880
Out-of-State: $29,880
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$29,880 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$29,880 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
78% |
| Retention Rate |
67% |
| Students Enrolled |
661 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#2 BSN Program
West Liberty University
West Liberty University is a public university in West Liberty, West Virginia. They offer an entry-level pre-licensure program, a BA/BS-to-BSN nursing program, and an RN-to-BSN online program. The nursing program incorporates various educational opportunities in classroom and clinical settings to prepare students as professional nurses. The vision of the West Liberty University nursing program is to be a state and regional leader in providing excellence in professional nursing education. The curriculum integrates liberal arts and sciences to facilitate the development of student learning so they can safely make clinical decisions and collaborate with the healthcare team. Nursing graduates will be competent in providing safe, quality, patient-centered care that is based on current evidence, utilizing information management and technologies.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,358
Out-of-State: $8,550
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,358 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,550 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
74% |
| Retention Rate |
73% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,087 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
50% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 BSN Program
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public university in Morgantown, Beckley, and Keyser, West Virginia. They offer a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, an accelerated Bachelor of Science (BS) to BSN program, and an online RN-to-BSN program. Their programs provide the skills and clinical experience needed to be successful in the ever-changing healthcare profession. The skills and simulation labs provide hands-on training with real-life scenarios to ensure students learn the best possible care practices before seeing patients. The BSN curriculum includes courses in the humanities and arts, social sciences, natural sciences, and nursing sciences. Clinical courses are taken concurrently with these, allowing students to immediately apply their learning to client, family, and community situations. Graduates are prepared for a beginning professional role with clients of all ages in any healthcare setting.
Average Tuition
In-State: $9,648
Out-of-State: $27,360
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$9,648 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$27,360 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
98% (Morgantown campus BSN students) |
| Admission Rate |
83.9% |
| Retention Rate |
81.8% |
| Students Enrolled |
27,367 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
65% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in West Virginia
When choosing a nursing program in West Virginia, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in West Virginia
Becoming a nurse in West Virginia can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. The state offers numerous opportunities for aspiring nurses, with a growing demand for healthcare professionals and a supportive environment for nursing education and practice.
West Virginia has a strong need for nurses across various healthcare settings. The demand for nurses is expected to continue growing, providing ample job opportunities for both new graduates and experienced RNs.
Nurses in West Virginia enjoy competitive salaries, which can vary based on factors such as education, experience, and location. The state’s cost of living is relatively lower than other regions, allowing nurses to have a comfortable lifestyle while pursuing their passion for healthcare.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in West Virginia
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in West Virginia is $72,230, and it employs 21,110 nurses. West Virginia also employs 1,640 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who make an average wage of $106,790.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in West Virginia for RNs |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH |
$74,460 |
| Charleston, WV |
$70,960 |
| Morgantown, WV |
$70,060 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in West Virginia
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the West Virginia Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in West Virginia, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in West Virginia:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first RN license in West Virginia, you must renew it every two years. Registered nurses in West Virginia must complete 12 hours of continuing education each renewal period from an approved continuing education provider.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in West Virginia
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in West Virginia.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- West Virginia APRN licenses must be renewed every two years. Before renewal, you must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education, with 12 contact hours in pharmacotherapeutic and 12 hours in clinical management.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in West Virginia
Is West Virginia a good place for nurses to work?
West Virginia is a great place to work as a nurse. The state offers a variety of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, providing ample job opportunities for nurses. Additionally, West Virginia has a relatively low cost of living, allowing nurses’ hard-earned dollars to stretch further.
Is West Virginia a compact state for nursing?
West Virginia is a compact state for nursing. You can practice nursing in West Virginia with a compact RN license for another state.
What are the requirements for RNs in West Virginia?
Once you have been issued your first RN license in West Virginia, you must renew it every two years. Registered nurses in West Virginia must complete 12 hours of continuing education each renewal period from an approved continuing education provider.
How much does a West Virginia RN license cost?
It costs $200 to take your NCLEX-RN exam in West Virginia. Licensure by exam costs $70, and licensure by endorsement with a temporary permit costs $125. It costs $90 to renew your West Virginia RN license.
