[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-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The right program for you depends on personal preferences, such as school and class size. Other factors include tuition and financial aid, the school’s reputation and NCLEX-RN pass rates, the acceptance rate and admission requirements, and program logistics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you plan to attend an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/online-nursing-programs-overview/”]online nursing program[/hen-ui-link] in West Virginia, make sure you can find clinical placement in your community. Because [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing program accreditation is vital[/hen-ui-link] to your career, this guide only lists accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]West Virginia has a average [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/states-with-highest-nclex-pass-rates/”]NCLEX first-time pass rate[/hen-ui-link] of 89.7% from 2017-2021, significantly higher than other states. Another advantage of attending nursing school in West Virginia is that it is an NLC state, which makes you eligible to apply for a multistate license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]West Virginia is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, so those who enjoy outdoor activities find West Virginia an attractive place to live. Cross-country and downhill skiing are popular in the winter. Summer activities include fishing, hiking, and white water rafting.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average RN salary in West Virginia is $75,990, lower than the national average of $94,480. However, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series”]cost-of-living index in West Virginia[/hen-ui-link] is 90.5, below the national index of 100.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs jobs are projected to grow 4% from 2022-2032, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]Projections Central[/hen-ui-link], slightly lower than the 6% growth projected nationally.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-article-card title=”Nurse Salary in West Virginia” href=”/state/west-virginia/rn-salary/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you like smaller cities, West Virginia might be ideal for you. The population of the largest city, Charleston, and the second largest, Huntington, are [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-10-biggest-cities-in-west-virginia.html” target=”_blank”]both approximately 50,000[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying cities are also home to the largest nursing schools in West Virginia.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Morgantown[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$67,640[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Charleston[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$64,790[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Huntington — Ashland[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$64,660[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Beckley[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$63,190[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Parkersburg — Vienna[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$61,720[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]All states have similar nursing requirements[/hen-ui-link]. Like other states, West Virginia requires nurses to graduate from nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN or board certification exam for advanced practice nurses, and complete a criminal background check.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The West Virginia State Board of Nursing allows RNs to apply around two months before they graduate, and you can see your unofficial NCLEX-RN results two days after you take the exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/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]