West Virginia Nursing Programs and Degrees Guide
The following guide is designed to provide you with essential information on the nursing programs available in the state of West Virginia. West Virginia’s colleges and universities may allow students to specialize in such areas as nurse midwifery, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and nursing education. Students who need more flexibility than that offered by a traditional nursing program may want to consider an online nursing program.
Quick Facts
- 37 schools with nursing programs in West Virginia are in our database (see below).
- 30 colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees or certificates in nursing.1
- 13 colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing.1
- 5 colleges and universities offer master’s or advanced degrees in nursing.1
- No schools ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
- No schools ranked in the Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors in 2018.3
- No schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s programs.4
- No schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.4
Read below where you will find more information about the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs in West Virginia.
NCLEX Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Nursing Schools in West Virginia
The following table allows you to easily compare not-for-profit West Virginia nursing schools on a variety of factors. Click on the arrows in the top row to sort the table. In addition to seeking a program that leads to licensure in your desired area of nursing, it’s advisable to consider accreditation as a factor in your decision. If you are considering education beyond the associate’s level, know that a degree from a school that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a common requirement for admission to master’s degree, ADN/LVN and RN to BSN, and specialized certificate programs. You should also check to ensure that the school you are considering is approved or accepted by the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses (https://wvrnboard.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx) or the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses (http://www.lpnboard.state.wv.us/).
| School | ADN or LVN Program | BSN Program | Graduate Nursing Program | ACEN/CCNE Accred.* | NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rate** | # Taking | NCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rate^ | # Taking | Net Price^^ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alderson Broaddus University (BSN) | No | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 66.67% | 15 | $17,641 |
| Alderson Broaddus University (LPN to BSN) | No | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 100% | 6 | $17,641 |
| Blue Ridge Community and Technical College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 86.05% | 43 | $7,115 |
| Bluefield State College-Bluefield (ADN) | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN/CCNE | N/A | N/A | 60% | 40 | $8,531 |
| Bluefield State College-Bluefield (LPN to ADN) | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN/CCNE | N/A | N/A | 83.33% | 6 | $8,531 |
| Bluefield State College-Beckley (ADN) | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 76.67% | 30 | $8,531 |
| Bluefield State College-Beckley (LPN to ADN) | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 82.35% | 17 | $8,531 |
| BridgeValley Community and Technical College (ADN) | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 88.1% | 42 | $5,116 |
| BridgeValley Community and Technical College (LPN to ADN) | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 100% | 7 | $5,116 |
| Davis & Elkins College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 72.41% | 29 | $20,202 |
| Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 85.71% | 14 | $4,001 |
| Fairmont State University (ADN) | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN/CCNE | N/A | N/A | 89.55% | 67 | $8,897 |
| Fairmont State University (LPN to ADN) | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN/CCNE | N/A | N/A | 87.5% | 17 | $8,897 |
| Marshall University-Huntington | No | Yes | Yes | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 87.04% | 54 | $9,240 |
| Marshall University-Point Pleasant | No | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 100% | 6 | $9,240 |
| Saint Mary’s at Marshall University | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 97.3% | 72 | N/A |
| Shepherd University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 81.33% | 75 | $9,092 |
| Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 94.59% | 37 | $7,352 |
| University of Charleston | No | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 95.24% | 21 | $18,799 |
| University of Charleston-Beckley | Yes | No | No | No | N/A | N/A | 79.17% | 24 | $18,799 |
| West Liberty University | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 95.45% | N/A | $11,034 |
| West Virginia Junior College | Yes | No | No | No | N/A | N/A | 100% | 1 | N/A |
| West Virginia Northern Community College-New Martinsville | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 100% | 3 | $3,887 |
| West Virginia Northern Community College-Wheeling | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 93.75% | 16 | $3,887 |
| West Virginia Northern Community College-Weirton | Yes | No | No | Yes | N/A | N/A | 100% | 16 | $3,887 |
| West Virginia University-Parkersburg | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | N/A | N/A | 100% | 35 | $8,245 |
| West Virginia University-Morgantown (BSN) | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 96.12% | 103 | $10,405 |
| West Virginia University-Morgantown (2nd Degree BSN) | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 100% | 31 | $10,405 |
| West Virginia University Institute of Technology | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 94.44% | 18 | N/A |
| West Virginia Wesleyan College | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 100% | 15 | $18,521 |
| Wheeling Jesuit University (BSN) | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 100% | 20 | $18,744 |
| Wheeling Jesuit University (2nd Degree BSN) | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 72.73% | 11 | $18,744 |
*The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits ADN/ASN/BSN programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits BSN/MSN/DNP programs.5,6
**NCLEX-PN pass rates have not been reported by the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses.
^NCLEX-RN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^^The National Center for Education Statistics calculates net price from the total estimated cost of attendance, including includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses, for in-state students minus the average financial aid award (such as grants and scholarships).
Schools in West Virginia with Nursing Degrees
Associate’s in Nursing Programs
Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College
Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program that prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses capable of caring for patients across the lifespan. Admission is based on factors including the prospective student’s GPA and pre-nursing admission exam score. The curriculum is structured to prepare graduates for bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Courses include Drug and Dosage Calculations, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Professional Nursing & Health Systems Concepts. Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College’s nursing program is approved by the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
West Virginia University-Parkersburg
West Virginia University-Parkersburg (WVUP) offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing that prepares students to work as professional nurses in a variety of healthcare settings after sitting for the NCLEX-RN exam and gaining licensure. The nursing curriculum, which emphasizes professional conduct and safe nursing care, is structured to be completed within two years once general education requirements are satisfied. Courses offered include Synthesis of Nursing Concepts, Health Assessment and Diagnostics, and Nursing Concepts of Health and Illness. WVUP’s associate degree nursing program is approved by the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs
West Virginia University
Undergraduates at West Virginia University may pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Students generally fulfill degree requirements at the Morgantown campus, although freshmen are permitted to take their first-year courses at Potomac State College before transferring to the Morgantown campus for the final three years. The BSN program provides plenty of opportunity for gaining hands-on experience through work in the university’s four simulator labs. Senior nursing majors must also complete a mandatory practicum in a rural setting. Students also have the opportunity to study abroad during summer and holiday breaks. Semester and year study abroad opportunities require nursing majors to withdraw from the School of Nursing while they are overseas.
Fairmont State University
Fairmont State University’s RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is geared toward active registered nurses who already hold an associate’s degree in nursing. The two-year program combines general college coursework and nursing courses in addition to 120 hours of clinical experience. Students will transfer in credits from the associate’s degree to reach the required 120 credits necessary to fulfill degree requirements. Nursing courses focus on health assessment, community health nursing, leadership and management in nursing, nursing ethics, and nursing research. Nursing majors may also opt to earn school nursing certification by completing the necessary course and clinical requirements.
Master’s in Nursing Programs
West Virginia Wesleyan
West Virginia Wesleyan’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program features concentrations in nursing education, nursing administration, family nurse practitioner nurse midwifery, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Students may also pursue a joint MSN and MBA (Master of Business Administration). Students in the nursing administration and nursing education tracks must take 36 credits to fulfill degree requirements. The program can be completed in 16 months if students are enrolled on a full-time basis. Part-time study is also permitted with degree requirements taking several years to complete. Classes for the MSN program are generally held in the late afternoons and evenings in a hybrid format with some classes online and some offered only on campus.
Marshall University
Marshall University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares students for doctoral study and for advanced nursing positions. Concentrations are offered in family nurse practitioner, nursing administration, nursing education, nurse midwifery, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. The program is comprised of three parts: 12 credits of core coursework, concentration-specific courses, and six credits in elective classes. Students may opt to research and write a thesis to earn elective credits. Concentrations require between 36 and 46 credits. Core coursework encompasses nursing research and advanced nursing issues and leadership. Successful applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an active registered nurse’s license.
Student Reviews
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Bluefield State College
219 Rock St
Bluefield, WV 24701
(304) 327-4000
https://bluefieldstate.edu
Student Review: “I generally enjoyed the nursing program at Bluefield state although I felt it was a bit disorganized at times. I learned all of the necessary information to pass my NCLEX-RN and succeeded in doing so my first time taking the test. Clinicals were of a moderate intensity, although I felt as if I needed more hands-on practice with skills. Clinicals were graded mostly off of paper-work. The program had a lot of opportunities to educate and participate with the public. For example, we administered free flu shots and participated in diabetes awareness walks where we did free blood glucose screenings. Professors were generally easy to meet with regarding grades and class work.” – Student at Bluefield State College
University of Charleston
2300 MacCorkle Ave SE
Charleston, WV 25304
(800) 995-4682
https://www.ucwv.edu/
Student Review: “This nursing program was both challenging and also so helpful. My professors were always willing to assist with anything we needed. We had great communication through the school website, email, and office hours to accommodate everyone. Everyone in financial aid was so helpful and empathetic. I only had one issue with one professor, he was fired after I completed his class. He was tough on grading and forward in evaluations. He taught and graded our clinicals. Having such strong opinions on what he thought nursing should be, having a class with such objective grading was very tough. He made it hard to pass. This program also offers many financial opportunities. The financial aid department connects you to every grant, scholarship, and loan available. They offer the nursing loan with covers a considerable amount of your per semester tuition. My overall experience was very positive. I left this school with the knowledge I need to feel comfortable stepping out into the world. They have great job placement. The school is centered between 4 major hospitals and there are a lot more in surrounding areas. Upon graduation, more than 90 percent of my class had a position in a local hospital that was set up by our program.” – Student at University of Charleston
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/index.php#Tile
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2018 Edition. New York, Penguin Random House, 2018.
4. US News Top Graduate Nursing Schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
5. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
6. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp
7. West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses: https://wvrnboard.wv.gov/education/Pages/default.aspx