A Guide to Nursing in West Virginia

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / West Virginia

There is much West Virginia has to offer. Whitewater rafting. ATV adventures. Zip lining. For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, there is still much to do. Enjoy the “Shop, Sip, and Enjoy” tour of “Almost Heaven” for taste testing the wares of local breweries. There is also a Charleston Treasure Hunt tour that should pique the interest of those who love a good puzzle.

If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!

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In this article, we will cover:

• Licensing information
• Steps for renewing a West Virginia nursing license
• Continuing education requirements
• Job & salary outlook for nurses in West Virginia
• Top hospitals in West Virginia
• Nursing organizations & associations in West Virginia
• Basic steps for licensing and certification
• Contact information

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Licensing information

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in West Virginia whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to West Virginia from another state. For more information visit the West Virginia licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX exam fee: $200
• Application fee: $70 (RN)

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fees: $100; $35 (APRN, $125 limited Rx authority)
• Temporary permit: $25
• Multi-state license fee: $7

License renewal fees:

• No fees for 2022 renewal
• Application fees: $67 (RN); $35 (APRN)

Additionally, West Virginia is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.
**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.

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Steps for renewing a West Virginia nursing license

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Continuing education requirements

RN: 12 contact hours each year
Special requirements:

• 2 contact hours for mental health conditions common to veterans and their families annually; and
• 3 contact hours in chemical dependence/substance abuse disorders at initial licensure, and 1 hour every renewal period thereafter; and
• One-time requirement of 2 contact hours in end-of-life care with pain management at initial renewal

LPN: 24 contact hours of CEUs and 400 clock hours every 2 years

APRN: 24 contact hours every 2 years (12 hours of pharmacotherapeutics and 12 hours of clinical management of patients)
Special requirements:

• 2 contact hours for mental health conditions common to veterans and their families annually; and
• 3 contact hours in chemical dependence/substance abuse disorders at initial licensure, and 1 hour every renewal period thereafter; and
• One-time requirement of 2 contact hours in end-of-life care with pain management at initial renewal

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The West Virginia RN Board and the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses accept courses that are ANCC accredited.

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Job & salary outlook for nurses in West Virginia

Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031. The national average salary is $82,750.

We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if West Virginia is the right state for you.

[ MORE: Average nurse salary in West Virginia ]

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Top hospitals in West Virginia

If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in West Virginia will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:

• West Virginia University Hospitals – Morgantown, WV: This hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program^® and is nationally ranked in 1 pediatric specialty and rated high performing in 4 adult specialties and 11 procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatric Urology (#35 in the nation)

• Charleston Area Medical Center – Charleston, WV: This hospital is rated high performing in 12 adult procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Hip & knee replacement
  • Stroke

• St. Mary’s Medical Center-Huntington – Huntington, WV: This hospital is rated high performing in 9 adult procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Colon Cancer surgery
  • Heart Bypass surgery
  • Kidney failure

*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.

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Nursing organizations and associations in West Virginia

Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in West Virginia:

West Virginia Nurses Association – “WVNA is about strengthening & empowering the nursing profession through linking the diverse contributions of each nurse toward a brighter future for the health of West Virginians.”

West Virginia Association of School Nurses – “West Virginia Association of School Nurses, Inc. is a specialty nursing organization devoted exclusively to meeting the needs of school nurses and the children that school nurses serve.”

West Virginia – American Association of Nurse Practitioners – “The American Association of Nurse Practitioners empowers all NPs to advance quality health care through practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership.”

Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.

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Basic steps for licensing and certification

Step 1: Education

Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job. 

Step 2: Licensing

When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.

The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:

1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity

Step 3: Experience

This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.

Step 4: Certification

The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.

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Contact information

West Virginia RN Board
Phone: (304) 744-0900
Fax: (304) 744-0600

Website: https://wvrnboard.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx

90 MacCorkle Ave SW #203
South Charleston, WV 25303

West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses
Phone: (304) 558-3572
Fax: (304) 558-4367

Website: http://www.lpnboard.state.wv.us/

101 Dee Drive, Suite 100
Charleston, WV 25311

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