
Jake Flannigan, NP
July 15, 2025
West Virginia’s NP programs train RNs for advanced, autonomous practice in both urban centers, such as Charleston and Morgantown, and rural clinics. CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks are offered at institutions like West Virginia University, Marshall University, Concord University, and Fairmont State University. Graduates emerge ready for national certification and West Virginia APRN licensure with full prescriptive authority.
Shepherdstown, WV - Public 4-Year - shepherd.edu
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Shepherd University's Post-Graduate Certificate Program in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) provides advanced practice nurses with specialized training for diverse clinical settings through a hybrid format. Emphasizing holistic, patient-centered care, the program prepares graduates for ANCC and AANP national certification exams. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, current nursing license, and completion of prerequisite courses in statistics, research, and pharmacology. No entrance exam is specified for this post-graduate certificate program.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Shepherd University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration is a hybrid program that prepares nurses for healthcare leadership roles. Students complete 84 credits and 1,080 clinical hours, focusing on evidence-based practices, healthcare policy, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. The program is CCNE accredited and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. No entrance exam is specified for this doctoral-level program.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Shepherd University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate is a 26-hour postdoctoral pathway for doctorally prepared nurses, offering intensive training in mental health care. The program includes 540 direct-care clinical hours and covers psychiatric assessment, addiction management, and psychopharmacology. Admission requires a doctoral degree, minimum 3.00 GPA, and national APRN certification. No entrance exam is specified for this postdoctoral certificate program.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Shepherd University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration equips nurses to address complex mental health challenges through a hybrid format. Students complete 1,080 clinical hours and focus on health policy, evidence-based practices, and population health. The CCNE-accredited program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and can be completed in three years full-time. No entrance exam is specified for this doctoral-level program.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Shepherd University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration transforms experienced nurses into healthcare leaders through a hybrid program. Students complete 84 credits and 1,080 clinical hours, developing expertise in health policy and evidence-based practices. The CCNE-accredited program includes a scholarly DNP project and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. No entrance exam is specified for this doctoral-level program.
Morgantown, WV - Public 4-Year - wvu.edu
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
West Virginia University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a 47-credit, CCNE-accredited program for BSN-prepared nurses. It prepares graduates for national certification through 570 clinical hours, blending asynchronous and synchronous formats for flexibility. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and primary care across patient lifespans, with part-time or full-time options available. This master's-level program may require an entrance exam; applicants should verify specific requirements directly with the university.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
West Virginia University's online Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, is a 47-credit program requiring a BSN and 570 clinical hours, accredited by CCNE. It combines online learning with occasional campus visits for skills assessment, offering flexible part-time or full-time study to prepare for national certification in primary care across all ages. As a master's program, an entrance exam may be required; prospective students should inquire directly about exam policies.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Designed for nurses holding a master's degree or higher, West Virginia University's online Post-Graduate APRN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate spans 19-25 credits and includes 600 supervised clinical hours. It focuses on advanced pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, and assessment skills to prepare for national certification, with an emphasis on primary care and health promotion. As a post-graduate program, it may require an entrance exam; check with the institution for details on exam requirements.
Online Learning - Visit Website
West Virginia University's online Post-Graduate APRN Psychiatric Mental Health Certificate provides 21-25 credits and 540 clinical hours for advanced practice nurses seeking specialization in mental health. The program covers psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based interventions across the lifespan, preparing graduates for certification and roles in diverse settings like inpatient and community clinics. This post-graduate program may necessitate an entrance exam; confirm specific requirements with the university.
Buckhannon, WV - Private 4-year - wvwc.edu
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
West Virginia Wesleyan College's hybrid Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program combines online and campus learning for family-centered advanced practice. Covering health assessment, pharmacology, and primary care across lifespans, it prepares graduates for FNP certification. Admission needs a BSN and RN license, with no entrance exam required, offering flexibility for working professionals.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
West Virginia Wesleyan College's Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner enables advanced practice nurses to specialize in primary healthcare. This 29-35 credit hour hybrid program equips MSN graduates to diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions while emphasizing health promotion. Admission mandates an accredited MSN, unencumbered RN license, and a 3.0 GPA, with no entrance exam required. Graduates qualify for national certification, enhancing clinical expertise and career prospects in family-focused care.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
West Virginia Wesleyan College's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program offers an online pathway to advanced nursing roles, focusing on family primary care across 73-76 credit hours. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical scholarship, and population health management, preparing graduates for sophisticated care in diverse settings. Admission requires an accredited BSN, unencumbered RN license, 3.0 GPA, and professional experience, with no entrance exam specified.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
This BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program at West Virginia Wesleyan College delivers specialized online training in family primary care through 73-76 credit hours. Students advance clinical skills via evidence-based coursework and practicums, addressing health disparities and comprehensive patient management. Prerequisites include an accredited BSN, 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN license, references, and a personal statement, with no entrance exam mentioned.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
West Virginia Wesleyan College's BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration provides online education for advanced mental healthcare, spanning 79 credit hours. It blends doctoral coursework with psychiatric training, focusing on evidence-based practice, leadership, and population health. Competitive admission requires an accredited BSN, unencumbered RN license, and 3.0 GPA, with no entrance exam indicated.
Huntington, WV - Public 4-Year - marshall.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Marshall University's Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a hybrid learning model with 41 credits, blending online coursework with in-person clinical and lab experiences. It uniquely emphasizes serving rural and underserved communities, preparing graduates for AANP/ANCC certification exams. The curriculum integrates core nursing knowledge with specialized FNP training and electives, featuring competitive admissions with spring and fall deadlines. An entrance exam is required for this master's-level program.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Marshall University's Family Nurse Practitioner program combines online and on-campus instruction in a 41-credit hybrid format, focusing on rural healthcare and underserved populations. Students develop skills in nursing theory, leadership, and research, leading to eligibility for AANP/ANCC certification. Competitive admissions occur in spring and fall, with financial aid and scholarships available. An entrance exam is required for this master's-level program.
Charleston, WV - Private 4-year - ucwv.edu
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Charleston's online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program enables working RNs to advance their careers through a flexible 5-semester curriculum requiring 42 credits and 750 clinical hours. This ACEN-accredited program focuses specifically on family nurse practitioner training, preparing graduates for national certification without campus residency. With spring and fall start dates, it emphasizes comprehensive patient care across lifespans. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program, which demands a BSN with 2.50 GPA and active RN license for admission.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Charleston's online Master of Science in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers working RNs a pathway to advanced practice through either 5-semester full-time or 7-semester part-time options. This 42-credit program includes 750 clinical hours and prepares students for FNP certification exams from ANCC or AANP. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based research, primary care, and patient-centered approaches across the lifespan. No entrance exam is required for admission, which necessitates a BSN with 2.50 GPA and active RN license. The program boasts a 100% job placement rate and 91% certification pass rate.
Many West Virginia programs use a hybrid model: online lectures and live webinars deliver didactic content, while on‑campus intensives provide simulation labs and skills workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally at approved healthcare sites, allowing students to complete patient‑care hours close to home. A few schools offer fully online didactic phases with minimal in‑person requirements.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Shepherd University |
|
|
| University of Charleston |
|
|
| West Virginia University |
|
|
| Certifying Board | West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses – Advanced Practice Section |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduation from an accredited NP program and current national NP credential (e.g., AANP or ANCC) with primary-source verification by the Board |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal by June 30 of odd-numbered years, with renewal notices sent in early spring |
| Continuing Education | 24 contact hours every two years (12 in pharmacology, 12 in clinical management), prescribers complete a one-time 3-hour drug diversion training |
| License Application Fee | $125 initial APRN licensure fee |
| Clinical Hours | Official graduate transcripts documenting required practicum hours from an accredited NP program |
| Processing Time | Allow 2–4 weeks for application review after a complete submission |
| Endorsement | Out-of-state APRNs must hold (or concurrently apply for) a West Virginia RN license and submit primary-source verification of national APRN certification |
Nurse practitioners in West Virginia earn an average annual salary of about $113,450, with urban areas like Morgantown and Huntington offering slightly higher wages and rural regions slightly lower. Compensation packages often include sign‑on bonuses, loan repayment assistance, and comprehensive benefits to attract and retain practitioners.
| Salary & Career Outlook | West Virginia | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual NP Salary | $115,000 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $55.29 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$130,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $115,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$95,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~200 | ~54,000 |
Data from Indeed.com and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Marshall University |
|
|
| West Virginia Wesleyan College |
|
|
| Wheeling University |
|
|
Many NPs pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to deepen clinical expertise and qualify for leadership or academic roles. Post‑master’s certificate programs enable practitioners to add new specialties, such as acute care or women’s health, without another full degree. Those interested in research may enroll in PhD programs, while others transition into positions in administration, informatics, policy development, or telehealth leadership.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in West Virginia
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website