Become a Nurse in West Virginia: Requirements, Licensing, and Salary Outlook

Few fields offer the diverse job opportunities, steady wages, and flexibility as nursing. West Virginia alone licenses over 34,000 registered nurses (RNs) throughout the state, reports the West Virginia Center for Nursing.

As experienced practitioners begin to retire, the state will face a need for skilled professionals to uphold the quality of healthcare in the state. Thirty-eight percent of practitioners are over 50 years old, meaning now is a great time to consider a nursing career in West Virginia.

Use this guide to learn how to launch your nursing career in West Virginia.

Students can pursue many educational paths to become an RN. The West Virginia RN Board requires students to complete an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN).

RNs must receive their license through government agencies. These state agencies ensure all nurses meet important standards. West Virginia nurses must apply to the West Virginia RN Board for initial licensure and renewal. The board prioritizes public health, welfare, and safety by regulating RN licenses. Practitioners can also use its website to access lists of accredited programs, licensure costs and requirements, and test preparation materials.

RNs with an out-of-state license can use the West Virginia RN Board site to apply for a West Virginia license through endorsement. For instance, certain states may hold a licensure compact status, which allows practitioners to transition more easily. RNs who need to renew their license can also use this site to explore CE requirements.

Nurses can earn a West Virginia license by completing their degree and taking the national licensing exam. RNs apply for this exam through their primary state of residence.

Practitioners who successfully earn a West Virginia license will no longer hold a valid license in their previous home state. RNs from a state participating in the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) should consider a multistate license.

West Virginia RNs must complete CE coursework to qualify for renewal. Nurses need at least 12 hours of coursework, including drug diversion training, best practice for prescribing controlled substances for NPs, and mental health conditions commonly associated with veterans. The West Virginia RN Board accepts CE credits from providers accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Qualified applicants should log in to their nursing portal account to apply online. The West Virginia RN Board charges a $67 renewal fee. RNs must renew their license between September 1 and October 3 to avoid a lapsed license. Nurses with a lapsed license must take additional steps to reinstate their license.

About 19,800 nurses currently work in West Virginia. However, Projections Central data estimates a 14.9% increase in employment through 2028, which is more than double the national value of 7%. Nurses should also consider which areas of West Virginia they want to practice as earning potential varies.

For instance, Morgantown is the top-paying metropolitan area. Nurses earn $67,640 on average. Other areas include Huntington — Ashland, Charleston, Beckley, and Parkersburg — Vienna.

RNs can work in different types of facilities, including ambulatory healthcare services, the government, and schools. However, over 60% of RNs work in local, state, or private hospitals, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The list below comprises information about the top five hospitals in West Virginia, according to US News & World Report.

Professional organizations and resources can help RNs stay on top of advances in the field. Resources may include journals, professional development, and mentorship. Nursing organizations also provide RNs access to networking opportunities like conferences, newsletters, and fellowships. RNs may also find valuable CE opportunities.

The West Virginia RN Board offers a free service to check RN or advanced practice licenses in the state, but Nursys provides official verification and can send this information to other state nursing boards for endorsement. RNs who earn an advanced license can use the West Virginia RN Board to get official license verification.

Aspiring RNs must earn an ADN at minimum. However, students interested in leadership opportunities may want to consider earning a BSN. Graduates must apply for and pass the NCLEX-RN. Practitioners with a license from another state should see if their state participates in the NLC. All need to apply on the West Virginia RN Board website.

Students can earn an RN license with an associate degree in nursing. Full-time students can earn an ADN in two years, while part-time students take roughly double that amount of time. Students may also earn a BSN, which requires four years with full-time attendance.

RNs need to complete 12 CE credits before renewing their license. Practitioners must earn CE credits from organizations accredited by the ANCC. Applicants must pay a $67 fee between September 1 and October 3 to avoid a lapsed license. Qualified applicants should apply through the West Virginia RN Board website and wait for approval.