Essential Information
Colleges and universities in West Virginia offer nursing degree programs at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree level. Some programs are accelerated for those currently working in the field of nursing who wish to gain additional training or licensure. Students in nursing programs typically receive training through various clinical experiences, such as pediatrics, obstetrics and cardiac care. Physical admission requirements exist in many programs, which pertain to a career in nursing. These can include being able to lift and carry at least 25 pounds, as well as being able to stand, walk or sit for a long periods of time.
The below accredited undergraduate nursing programs prepare students for the examination that leads to nursing licensure.
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is based in Martinsburg. This school's Associate of Science in Nursing degree program is the only nationally accredited 2-year program in the tri-state area of West Virginia. Some general education prerequisites are required for enrollment in the program.
Bluefield State College
Bluefield State College, located in Bluefield, offers undergraduate degrees in nursing through its School of Nursing & Allied Health. Both the associate's and bachelor's degree programs prepare students for the NCLEX-RN examination. Common courses in the associate's degree program include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and microbiology, while bachelor's level students complete courses in health assessment, nursing research and health problems. Students must meet various physical requirements, such as being able to lift and carry 25 pounds; stand, walk or sit for a long period of time; and work indoors all day.
Fairmont State University
Located in Fairmont, Fairmont State University's School of Nursing & Allied Health Administration has undergraduate programs that prepare students for careers as nurses. The associate's degree program offers a hands-on curriculum that utilizes the college's state-of-the-art laboratories and various clinical affiliations. The bachelor's degree program is available as a traditional or accelerated option, and the program also trains students to attain school nurse certification.
Marshall University
Established in 1837 as the Marshall Academy, named for Chief Justice John Marshall, Marshall University in Huntington is home to almost 13,000 students annually. The School of Nursing is a component of Marshall University's College of Health Professions, which boasts a long-standing history of excellence in NCLEX-RN pass rates. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program requires a clinical component that allows students to gain hands-on experience through the school's clinical affiliations. Students who are already RNs may pursue a BSN entirely online. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is also available, which prepares students for various advanced nursing certifications.
Shepherd University
In Shepherdstown, Shepherd University offers a BSN and RN to BSN program through its Department of Nursing Education. The BSN program includes upper-division courses, such as pharmacotherapeutics, patient-centered care, nursing research and human genetics. Current RNs may work towards a BSN on a full-time or part-time basis.
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
This school's Logan campus, which is located Mount Gay, has an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program. This 2-year program prepares students to work as RNs once the licensure requirements are met and the examination is completed. Typical coursework may include nursing of childbearing family, psychosocial transitions, health assessment and nursing care.
West Liberty University
Individuals can pursue a BSN at this West Liberty-based school. Offered through the school's Department of Health Sciences, this program prepares students for graduate studies, if they choose to pursue further education. RNs with a BSN can enroll in West Liberty's school nurse program in order to pursue entry-level employment as a school nurse.
West Virginia Northern Community College
Located in Wheeling, West Virginia Northern Community College is a 2-year school offering an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing. Unlicensed students may enter the traditional track to work toward their degree while preparing for nursing licensure and examination. There's also a track available for the current licensed practical nurse (LPN) to work towards earning a degree to become an RN.
West Virginia University
At this Morgantown university, nursing degrees are available at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. All of the programs are offered through the School of Nursing, which is a division of the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center. The BSN program prepares students for the licensure examination, while current RNs may work towards their BSN through an accelerated track. Master's degree students may choose a specialization, such as family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner and nursing leadership. Doctoral programs in nursing are also available.
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
This Parkersburg institution is a West Virginia University-affiliated school that primarily offers associate's and bachelor's degrees. This 2-year Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program includes coursework such as medical surgical nursing, physical assessment and family-centered nursing.
Career Requirements
According to the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses and the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses, aspiring nurses must complete an educational program accredited by a national accrediting body. Upon completion of an accredited nursing program, a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is required to obtain licensure and work as an RN.
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type & Setting | Nursing Degree Programs Offered | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2015-2016)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Ridge Community and Technical College | 2-year, public; fringe rural | Associate of Science in Nursing | $3,696 in-state, $6,672 out-of-state |
| Bluefield State College | 4-year, public; distant town | Associate of Science in Nursing, Accelerated LPN to RN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
$6,120 in-state, $11,280 out-of-state |
| Fairmont State University | 4-year, public; distant town | Associate of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
$6,620 in-state, $13,970 out-of-state |
| Marshall University | 4-year, public; small city | Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN, Master of Science in Nursing |
$6,814 in-state, $15,602 out-of-state |
| Shepherd University | 4-year, public; fringe town | Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN |
$6,830 in-state, $16,628 out-of-state |
| Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College | 2-year, public; distant town | Associate in Applied Science in Nursing | $3,412 in-state, $5,078 out-of-state |
| West Liberty University | 4-year, public; fringe rural | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | $6,702 in-state, $14,112 out-of-state |
| West Virginia Northern Community College | 2-year, public; small city | Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, LPN to RN |
$3,530 in-state, $10,130 out-of-state |
| West Virginia University | 4-year, public; small city | Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BS/BA to BSN, RN to BSN, Master of Science in Nursing, RN to MSN, Doctor of Nursing Practice, PhD in Nursing |
$7,632 in-state, $21,432 out-of-state |
| West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 4-year, public; small suburb | Associate of Applied Science in Nursing | $3,216 in-state, $11,559 out-of-state |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
