There are so many online nursing programs that are available for individuals in all stages of their careers. In addition, the majority of the programs are highly flexible and convenient for working students.
Due to the nursing shortages, many institutions have created online nursing programs to help recruit nursing candidates to help combat this problem.
Best Accredited Colleges has identified the nine options for online nursing in West Virginia and explains the steps necessary to become licensed in the state.
West Virginia Online Nursing Degree Programs
The following list contains the nine best online nursing programs in the state of West Virginia.
1. Wheeling University
The online Master of Science in Nursing at Wheeling University provides its students with a flexible and affordable pathway toward their master's degree.
When enrolled, students are granted the opportunity to select from two degree tracks:
- family nurse practitioner
- nursing administration
The curriculum is designed to accommodate graduate students who choose to remain employed. Graduates from the program are prepared to demonstrate many different skills.
These skills include:
- advanced communication skills
- critical-thinking skills
- assume leadership positions in health care, educational, and other settings
- contribute to the development of nursing knowledge
- ensure the delivery of safe, quality, and cost-effective nursing care
2. West Liberty University
West Liberty University offers an accelerated online RN to BSN program to its students. The program is available completely online to nurses who are employed and wish to earn their bachelor's degree.
The university allows students to transfer up to 72 credits from their associate degree program.
Other benefits of the program are:
- affordability
- rolling admissions
- individual nursing advisors
Graduates of the program have proven to be successful in obtaining promotions in their workplace and have advanced their careers.
3. University of Charleston
The University of Charleston's online Master of Science in Nursing program prepares students for a role as an advanced practice nurse. The program offers an emphasis on practice as a family nurse practitioner and helps students develop the knowledge and skills needed in leadership roles.
Along with the curriculum, students are required to complete 750 clinical hours in the last three semesters of the program. If full-time, students are able to complete the program in five semesters.
4. West Virginia Junior College
WVJC offers a unique program for individuals who are interested in pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing. The program is fully online and is available to residents who live in local counties in West Virginia.
The program conducts clinical practice and laboratory training at local healthcare facilities and other facilities in the community. The program is highly competitive and accepts a limited number of nursing students each year.
5. Davis & Elkins College
The online RN to BSN program at Davis & Elkins College consists of providing the latest knowledge in the nursing field to its students. The program is given entirely online and can be finished within 12 months.
The program has a total of 12 courses and 28 credit hours of nursing courses.
Throughout the program, students take a variety of courses, such as:
- nursing leadership
- health assessment
- transition to professional nursing
- trends and issues
- community nursing
- quality and safety in nursing
6. West Virginia University at Parkersburg
West Virginia University at Parkersburg's online RN to BSN program provides nurses with an educational experience that will build on current nursing knowledge and help with professional growth.
The program places a huge emphasis on self-directed learning and knowledge expansion among individuals, families, and communities.
The program's learning objectives include:
- incorporating the knowledge and skills learned to help patients and families
- making correct judgments in nursing practice
- acting as a scholar who contributes to the development of the science of nursing practice
- expressing one's identity as a nurse through actions that reflect integrity
7. Marshall University
Marshall University's online Master of Science in Nursing program offers advanced education and training for professional nurses.
The program focuses on five specialization areas:
- family nurse practitioner
- nurse midwifery
- psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- nursing administration
- nursing education
The program is fully accredited and allows students to interact with preceptors at local and regional hospitals.
8. West Virginia University
WVU's online RN to BSN degree program is another option for licensed nurses to earn their bachelor's degree. With the program, students are able to pursue advanced roles, such as administration or teaching.
The institution does a great in making the education affordable as online students pay in-state tuition rates. Along with the curriculum, students are responsible for participating in indirect and direct clinical rotations.
The program can be completed in three semesters.
9. Shepherd University
The online program at Shepherd University is fairly new as it was created in the fall of 2022. The nursing classes are offered in online and hybrid formats. Students are full-time can be completed in as little as two semesters.
The RN to BSN track is designed to:
- improve patient care outcomes
- expand the nurse's education
- prepare the nurse for potential graduate education and career advancement
- enhance employment opportunities and mobility
Other Online Nursing Programs That Are Available To West Virginia Residents
The following online nursing programs are available to the residents in West Virginia.
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University has online undergraduate and graduate nursing degree programs.
At GCU, students are able to select from:
- RN to BSN program
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
The university has affordable tuition rates and provides financial aid assistance to its students. Each of the programs consist of online classwork and practicum capstone hours that are completed in a local area.
Steps To Becoming a Nurse in West Virginia
1. Complete a Nursing Degree Program
The first in becoming a nurse in West Virginia is to complete an accredited nursing program. The two most popular programs are:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Students can become an RN by earning an ADN degree in as little as two years. However, more opportunities are presented to students who choose to earn a BSN degree.
BSN programs typically take four years to complete. Accelerated programs can take anywhere between 12 to 24 months.
2. Register and Pass the NCLEX exam
After completing an accredited nursing degree program, nursing candidates are then required to register and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN).
3. Apply For Initial Licensure
After passing the NCLEX exam, all nursing candidates must apply to the West Virginia RN Board for licensure and renewal.
During this time, candidates are required to undergo a fingerprint background check. Once completed, all candidates receive their license from the board.
How To Pay for Online Nursing School
The are numerous ways that nursing students can lower their education costs for online nursing in West Virginia.
The most common ways are:
- scholarships
- grants
- federal loans (subsidized/unsubsidized)
- private loans
Some employers have a tuition reimbursement program which helps to cover an employee's college tuition.
Type of Nursing Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia has online nursing programs that are diverse in catering to students in all stages of their careers. Although the majority are RN to BSN programs, multiple institutions have online graduate-level programs.
The online RN to BSN programs can typically be completed within 12 months. The graduate-level programs can take anywhere between two to 4 years to complete.
Start Your Nursing Degree Online Today
There are a variety of universities with online nursing in West Virginia that are suited to fit an individual's needs. If any of these programs resonate with you, please visit the program's official website for more information on its admission requirements.
