[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Use this guide to learn how to launch your nursing career in West Virginia.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Nurse in West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Complete Guide to How to Become a Registered Nurse” href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]West Virginia RN Board[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs must receive their license through government agencies. These state agencies ensure all nurses meet important standards. West Virginia nurses must apply to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://wvrnboard.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx” target=”_blank”]West Virginia RN Board[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Get Your Nursing License in West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”]Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)[/hen-ui-link] should consider a multistate license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Licensure for Nurses From a Different State”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]West Virginia welcomes out-of-state RNs with an unencumbered license. Nurses should note that requirements vary. The section below discusses steps required to [hen-ui-link href=”https://wvrnboard.wv.gov/licensing/Documents/License%20By%20Endorsement%20Flowchart.pdf” target=”_blank”]gain endorsement[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Steps to Apply for an RN License”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs should start the application process by seeing if their state participates in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact which provides practitioners with one multistate license. West Virginia joined the NLC in 2018.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prerequisites include establishing residency and holding an active, unencumbered license to apply.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Eligible RNs can complete an online application for a multistate license.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The West Virginia RN Board verifies applicants’ licenses using Nursys.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Approved applicants must pay associated fees.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs also need to complete a state and federal background check.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Nursing Schools and Programs in West Virginia” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/west-virginia/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Renew Your Nursing License in West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Employment for Nurses in West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for RNs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Metropolitan Area[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Mean 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=”Metropolitan Area”]$67,640[/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=”Metropolitan Area”]$64,660[/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=”Metropolitan Area”]$63,490[/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=”Metropolitan Area”]$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=”Metropolitan Area”]$61,720[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”best-hospitals”]Best Hospitals to Work as a Nurse in West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://wvumedicine.org/” target=”_blank”] West Virginia University Hospitals[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Located in Morgantown, this hospital is nationally ranked in one adult specialty and one childrens specialty. WVU hospital also remains the largest employer in the state.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.camc.org/” target=”_blank”] Charleston Area Medical Center[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This nonprofit teaching hospital holds a high performing status for seven adult procedures and employs nearly 8,000 healthcare professionals.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.st-marys.org” target=”_blank”] St. Marys Medical Center-Huntington[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Based in Cabell County, St. Marys Medical Center-Huntington employs over 2,600 healthcare workers and specializes in cardiac care, cancer treatment, trauma, and neuroscience.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.arh.org/portfolio_page/beckley-arh-hospital/” target=”_blank”] Beckley Appalachian Regional Healthcare Hospital[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Beckley ARH is a nonprofit hospital with over 6,000 employees that strives to promote the well-being of all people and improve healthcare.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.beckley.va.gov/” target=”_blank”] Beckley Veterans Affairs Medical Center[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Beckley VAMC serves over 38,000 veterans living in 11 counties throughout southern West Virginia. The center has 30 general medical and surgical beds along with a 50-bed community living center.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Resources for Nurses in West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://wvnurses.nursingnetwork.com/” target=”_blank”] West Virginia Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] The WVNA supports local nurses and strives to strengthen the nursing profession. Membership provides access to a large network and job postings. Members also benefit from conferences and educational events. Other resources include free or discounted subscriptions to The American Nurse, American Nurse Today, and the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.futureofnursingwv.org/about_us” target=”_blank”] Future of Nursing West Virginia[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] The FONWV supports the nursing community in West Virginia by advancing educational opportunities, best practices, and leadership. The FONWV maintains 70 partnerships and has raised over $500,000 in donations. RNs can access online courses, join FONWV projects, and access multiple grant opportunities.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://wvasn.org/” target=”_blank”] West Virginia Association of School Nurses[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This organization advances the quality of healthcare services in schools throughout the state. Members gain access to a network of professionals who share the same goals and interests, newsletters, and discounted educational opportunities. Members also benefit from professional development opportunities and online resources.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”http://wvena.org/” target=”_blank”] West Virginia Emergency Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] The West Virginia ENA advocates for the advancement of emergency care. Members join a network with over 50,000 members and benefit from free online CE credits, scholarships, grants, and mentoring programs. Other benefits include discussion boards, national committees, discounted products, and free subscriptions.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How do I verify a nursing license in WV?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How do I get a WV RN license?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to get a WV RN license?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How do I renew my WV RN license?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Nursing Programs in West Virginia[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ 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=”The Best Virginia Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Requirements” href=”/state/virginia/nurse-practitioner-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”5 Best West Virginia LPN Degree Programs in Salem, Huntington, Beckley” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/west-virginia/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid]