Best LPN Programs in West Virginia

Details on West Virginia LPN Schools & Classes

With more than 20 practical nursing programs around the state to choose from, nursing students in West Virginia have several options to consider. Most practical nursing programs are designed to be completed in one to two years depending on whether a student attends classes on a full- or part-time basis.

A typical course load for an LPN program in West Virginia includes classroom and clinical learning experiences. Coursework may include the following:

• Fundamentals of Nursing
• General Anatomy & Physiology
• Pharmacology for Nursing
• General Nutrition
• Pediatric Nursing
• Medical Surgical Nursing
• Psychiatric Nursing

Accreditation

Program accreditation should be one of the first criteria to look for when researching practical nursing programs. A program that has been properly accredited has been held to high quality standards of education through agencies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Nursing students in West Virginia can also check with the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses for a listing of state-approved practical nursing programs.

Admission Requirements

Prior to submitting your application for any LPN program, make sure to confirm that you meet or exceed all entrance requirements. While specific entrance requirements may vary slightly from school to school, in general they often include:

• Completion of high school or GED program (including transcripts)
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all relevant coursework including prerequisite courses
• Completion of all prerequisite courses, such as college-level Math, English I and Basic Physiology & Human Anatomy
• Personal interview and/or admissions test completion
• Background check, drug screen and proof of required immunizations and/or physical examination by a physician
• Submission of completed application and associated fees

Tuition and Costs

Cost is another critical factor to consider when researching practical nursing programs. All schools will have their own unique set of fees, so it is important to understand the all-inclusive price tag associated with your education before you apply. In general, costs for a practical nursing program include tuition, mandatory college and course fees and supplies (including textbooks). In addition, students should factor in the costs of housing and/or commuting to classes into the total cost. If you need assistance covering the costs of your LPN education, be sure to check with your prospective school’s financial aid office for information about financial aid, loans, and scholarships that may offset some or all of the program cost.

As an example of program costs, the tuition cost for the practical nursing program at Greenbrier School of Practical Nursing in Lewisburg is estimated at $3,500. This cost includes course fees, uniform tops, name pin, program diploma and drug screen fees. It does not include books, uniform pants/skirts, stethoscope and other required supplies, or room and board.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our West Virginia LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

West Virginia Licensing Requirements

To become an LPN in West Virginia, aspiring nurses must complete a state-approved nursing program. Following graduation from a practical nursing program, he or she must sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN exam—the required state-test to show proficiency.

In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state of West Virginia, including:

• Official transcript from state-approved nursing program (all grades must be a “C” or better)
• Proof of passing score or application to take the NCLEX exam
• Passport-style photo signed by the applicant and director of nursing program
• Submit to criminal background check

West Virginia LPN licenses expire June 30^th of every year and need to be renewed every year by submitting a completed application for renewal with the state. In even-numbered years, this application must also be submitted with a statement that he or she meets the continuing competence requirements set by the state.

NCLEX Exam Information

Before a practical nursing program graduate can receive licensure, they must first sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. LPN program coursework should adequately prepare students for this important exam. To read more about the NCLEX-PN exam, please visit our overview page here. Another useful tool for students studying for their NCLEX-PN exam, the NCLEX-PN practice test is available to help students prepare.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

West Virginia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to work in multiple states that are in the compact area without additional licensing. LPNs from outside of West Virginia can apply for licensure by endorsement by submitting proof of current licensure and having passed the NCLEX to the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses. In addition, applicants must also submit a full set of fingerprints and authorization for a criminal background check to the state.

West Virginia allows foreign applicants with LPN equivalent background to apply for licensure in the state, so long as he or she has completed an education program equivalent to the minimum standards set by the state of West Virginia, provides verification of passage of an English proficiency exam that includes reading, speaking, writing and listening, as well as official verification, translated into English, from the licensing authorities in their home country including licensure status and any disciplinary actions taken.

LPN Salary in West Virginia

The table below lists career information retrieved from the BLS for licensed practical nurses in West Virginia. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)