Our list of the best online nursing degrees in West Virginia allows you to explore and compare the top nursing programs offered in the state. As the need for nurses has continued to grow after the pandemic, online nursing programs have become a popular choice for those aspiring to work in healthcare. Our 2024 list includes colleges in West Virginia with online nursing programs and available NCLEX data, so you can easily determine which online nursing programs result in graduates with the best pass rates. For inclusion on our list, the colleges are based on the following criteria:
- The nursing school has a primary location in West Virginia.
- The school offers an online nursing degree at the bachelor's level or an online RN to BSN.
- The nursing school has publicly available for 2023, which is sourced from government reports. Pass rates are listed for the baccalaureate degree level.
- Either all or the vast majority of coursework is completed online. Some online nursing programs still require in-person clinical hours, internships, or practicums.
2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in West Virginia
School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Online Enrollment |
---|---|---|
Marshall University | 100.0% | 1,990 |
University of Charleston | 100.0% | 1,734 |
West Virginia University | 99.26% | 2,446 |
West Liberty University | 91.3% | 231 |
Davis & Elkins College | 80.0% | 13 |
Wheeling University | 54.55% | 113 |
Becoming a Nurse in West Virginia
You can pursue a few different ways to become a nurse in West Virginia. In all cases, you need a nursing diploma or degree. You might also need to pass the relevant National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for your level.
A few different agencies regulate licensing for different types of nurses in West Virginia. The West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses handles everything relating to licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The West Virginia RN board regulates registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Finally, the Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification issues certifications for nurse aides.
West Virginia is experiencing a similar to shortages in other states after the pandemic. This deficit may create opportunities if you're interested in beginning a nursing career. But there's also increased potential for burnout, because individual nurses are now expected to care for more patients.
Read on to find out how to become various types of nurses in the Mountain State.
To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:
Nursing Degrees by State
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How To Get Nursing Aide Certification in West Virginia
Nurse aides work under the supervision of an RN or licensed practical nurse to perform a range of hands-on duties such as bathing, dressing, and repositioning patients. They're often called certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in other states.
An individual must meet the following requirements to qualify as a nurse aide in West Virginia:
-
Complete 120 hours of an approved (including at least 55 hours of instructor-supervised clinical practice)
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Submit to a criminal background check
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Pass the nurse aide examination proctored by the state's vendor within 24 months of graduation from an education program (the test consists of both written and skills performance components)
Nurse aides are required to renew their certification every two years. To do so, they must work eight hours or more as a nurse aide during this two-year period.
How To Get a Licensed Practical Nurse License in West Virginia
LPNs work closely with RNs and doctors to provide day-to-day care for patients. Their duties include keeping detailed patient records, assisting doctors during procedures, and collecting specimens.
Earning a West Virginia LPN license begins with graduating from a . After graduating, individuals can apply to the board for permission to take the NCLEX-PN. They'll receive a license once they pass this exam and a background check involving fingerprinting.
West Virginia belongs to the Nurse Licensure Compact, so each LPN can apply for a single-state or multistate license that lets them practice in any Compact state.
LPNs are required to renew their licenses every even-numbered year. They must complete 24 contact hours of and work as an LPN for at least 400 hours during each two-year period.
How To Get a Registered Nurse License in West Virginia
RNs work in a variety of healthcare settings to care for the mental and physical well-being of their patients. Aspiring West Virginia RNs must first graduate from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program. The next step is passing the NCLEX-RN.
Alternatively, candidates can apply for licensure by endorsement. This means that they must submit proof that they have an RN license in another state, which would have required nursing education and a passing NCLEX score. In either case, applicants must submit to a West Virginia state and federal background check.
RN licenses are renewed each year in West Virginia. The renewal period begins September 1, and licenses must be renewed by October 31 or the license will lapse. Twelve contact hours from a provider are required for each renewal.
We provide details on education and certification requirements for some RN specializations on our How To Become a Neonatal Nurse, How To Become a Pediatric Nurse, or How To Become a Travel Nurse pages.
How To Get an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License in West Virginia
An APRN is a registered nurse who has acquired advanced clinical knowledge and skills by completing a graduate-level education program, usually a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). APRNs provide a wide range of preventive and acute health care services, including diagnosing and treating patients, prescribing medications, and performing physical examinations.
West Virginia recognizes four types of APRNs:
Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
Certified nurse practitioner (NP)
Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
Individuals are required to hold a national nursing certification in their area of practice by the appropriate Board-approved independent national certification agency.
APRNs may also receive limited prescriptive authority (the ability to prescribe medications) by completing additional pharmacology training. They must complete an advanced pharmacology graduate course with 45 contact hours, along with 15 additional advanced pharmacology contact hours within 2 years of the initial application.
As is the case for RNs, APRNs must include get fingerprinted for a criminal background check as part of the application. This is the case even for out-of-state nurses seeking licensure by endorsement.
All APRN licenses and prescriptive privileges expire June 30 of every odd year. Individuals must have an active RN license to renew their APRN license. If their RN license has lapsed, then their APRN license also becomes inactive. APRNs must complete 12 hours of continuing education in pharmacotherapeutics and 12 hours in clinical management practice each renewal period.
Aspiring APRNs can find relevant information about APRN education in How To Become a Nurse Anesthetist, Guide to Online Nurse Practitioner Degrees, and 2023 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs.
Student Reviews of Online Nursing Programs
I like that the assignments are done on your own time, yet there are weekly deadlines to prevent students from becoming procrastinators. You can see all of the assignments so you can work ahead if you like. I like the fact that you can register for classes on your own time and take more than one class if that works for you. I was totally able to work full-time, take 2-3 classes at a time, and manage a busy household! Definitely recommend!
Review Date: 5/4/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
When I started off Chamberlain I was naive on the tech world and online schooling. Though my schooling was done on line they worked with me as though I was a campus student. They taught me about plagiarism and the little things you don't know exist in the new world of online learning and even in the world we live in now. They build up my skills and confidence so much that I now on my way to earn my masters in nursing. Thank you Chamberlain for what you have install in be. I wish every student have... Read More
Review Date: 2/24/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Chamberlain made the entire process easy...from obtaining by transcripts from previous schools at enrollment, giving me credit for my previous courses and through to graduation. Each class was laid out with the expectations and due dates that were easy to follow. Instructors used various teaching methods such as vidoes, viniettes, power points, and discussions. The instructors were responsive and gave feedback where there were learning opportunities. I do not know why I waiting so long to get my... Read More
Review Date: 10/29/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I choose WGU Nursing program because of few of my coworkers studied there. The main attraction was the affordability. You could go through classes as fast as you can, paying the same fixed amount for the semester. My friends completed the BS in Nursing ( on top of associate) in 12-18 months. So, if you are able to handle non-stop extensive paper writing, supplied by the very minimum of confusing directions, and inability to get straight responses from mentors, this program is for you. Weekly phone... Read More
Review Date: 8/2/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I received my BSN from Grand Canyon University through their fast track program on their Scottsdale campus. The small class sizes were amazing and allowed the professors to take interest in each student throughout the program. I believe I was adequately prepared for my nursing career after completing this program. I have and will continue to recommend students to this program.
Review Date: 3/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I found American Sentinel University to be the best work/life balance school out there. I worked full time 12 hour shift, while taking one class at a time. You can take two if you choose. If you are the spouse of an active military or veteran, you get a discount from charge. I would recommend this school to any RN looking for a good BSN, MSN, or DNP Program. Did I mentioned it's reasonable price, with excellent payment plan. I completed my BSN without owing a dime. A close friend of mine chose another... Read More
Review Date: 4/30/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Uticas ABSN program was hard but worth all the struggle. You have to go into this program knowing it’s not going to be easy and handed to you, for those 16 months you must be willing to put aside time to study and really learn the material. Something to remember, just because one person struggled does not mean you will as well. The support you receive throughout this program from the faculty is great, more specially from the ones you see on site they’re there to support you the entire way through... Read More
Review Date: 5/27/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I started at Chamberlain in January 2014 and was extremely impressed with the quality of the education and online modules for some classes. The traditional BSN program (not RN-BSN) is an accelerated format which suits my learning style. However, it is not for everyone. You need to be proactive and diligent on your work, as it's easy to fall behind. The students who do the best in the program are those who are highly motivated and who have taken most prerequisites at a community college prior to starting... Read More
Review Date: 2/17/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Xavier University is a gorgeous campus. The core curriculum allows students to learn outside of their major of study and also encourages networking with students that are not in their field of study. While Xavier is a catholic university, it is welcoming to students of all religious backgrounds. The nursing program utilizes all of the surrounding teaching hospitals in the Cincinnati area in an effort to prepare students for their career. The tuition is expensive.
Review Date: 4/28/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Great on campus program. It definitely prepares you for real RN situations. Clinical rotations relevant with lots of hands on experience. Instructors willing to help. A wide range of nursing students attended, for example, there were students who were coming from a community college, and lots of students were older in age.
Review Date: 9/27/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Some professors were amazing and life changing , others depend too much in overworked TAs. If you are someone who needs personalized attention this may not be the school for you . It is hard to get into comptetive grad schools after Purdue because the average Gpa is low. If the schools are familier with the difficulty of Purdue, they will respect you degree
Review Date: 3/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
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