Maria Delgado, RN
June 4, 2025
LPNs serve an important role in providing healthcare services throughout West Virginia, particularly in areas lacking proper healthcare access. LPNs deliver primary nursing care with guidance from both registered nurses and physicians. LPNs practice nursing care in hospitals together with long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and clinics across the state. West Virginia depends on LPNs to fulfill essential care needs because of its growing elderly population and persistent need for accessible medical services.
Bridgeport, WV - Private 2-year - wvjc.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
West Virginia Junior College-Bridgeport's 12-month hybrid Practical Nursing program combines online coursework with in-person clinical training, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. It covers essential skills like patient care, wound management, and IV therapy, supported by financial aid and career services. This flexible format suits working students, offering direct admission and no entrance exam requirement for this LPN-focused pathway.
Wheeling, WV - Public 2-Year - wvncc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
West Virginia Northern Community College's campus-based LPN program provides comprehensive practical nursing education focused on developing essential patient care skills. Students learn to deliver compassionate healthcare under RN supervision, preparing for vital roles in medical teams. This program requires a special application process with detailed admission requirements available online. As a military-friendly institution, it offers hands-on training that equips graduates for LPN certification and immediate entry into healthcare careers. The curriculum emphasizes practical nursing competencies without requiring standardized entrance exams like ACT or SAT.
Beaver, WV - Public 2-Year - newriver.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
New River Community and Technical College offers an intensive 11-month Practical Nursing certificate program that prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses. The curriculum covers medical-surgical, maternal-child, geriatric, and mental health nursing through rigorous classroom and clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings. This ACEN-accredited program boasts high NCLEX pass rates and a 95.2% job placement rate, providing a solid foundation for immediate healthcare employment. With multiple campus locations and affordable WV Invests tuition options, it offers accessible pathways to nursing careers while supporting future educational advancement opportunities.
South Charleston, WV - Public 2-Year - bridgevalley.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
BridgeValley Community & Technical College offers a one-year Practical Nursing Certificate of Applied Study that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. The program features state-of-the-art simulation labs and hands-on clinical experiences in various healthcare settings, training students in supervised patient care. Graduates can advance their education through the LPN Advanced Placement Program. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, English proficiency, a minimum GPA, and a proficient TEAS exam score of 58.7%. This campus-based program has selective admission with priority deadlines, making it ideal for those seeking a fast entry into nursing.
Fairmont, WV - Public 2-Year - pierpont.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Pierpont Community and Technical College's Licensed Practical Nursing program is a one-year hybrid certificate that combines online coursework with hands-on clinical training. Students develop essential nursing skills through a curriculum integrating theory, lab practice, and real-world clinical experiences across diverse healthcare settings. Accredited by the WV Board, this program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam and entry into a field with 16% projected job growth. Admission requires a minimum TEAS test score of 50, a 2.0 GPA, health immunizations, and passing background checks, with no ACT or SAT needed.
Traditional in-person delivery remains the standard for most West Virginia LPN programs but institutions now integrate hybrid elements into their educational offerings. The requirement for practical clinical experience prevents students from obtaining LPN training through online programs. Students in hybrid programs can take theoretical subjects through online learning while completing their clinical requirements in local facilities. The educational programs offer adaptability for students who need to manage their professional and family responsibilities. Some institutions provide evening and weekend classes to reach students who cannot attend traditional programs.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Junior College-Bridgeport |
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| Pierpont Community and Technical College |
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| New River Community and Technical College |
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| Certifying Board | West Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a Board-approved practical nursing program with official transcript and School Certification Form |
| Application & Fees | $75 licensure-by-exam application ($85 with new-graduate permit), $200 NCLEX-PN exam fee, fingerprint-based state & federal background check via IdentoGo |
| Processing Time | Authorization to Test issued in 1–2 weeks, permanent license typically granted 2–4 weeks after passing NCLEX and background clearance |
| License Renewal | Annual renewal each year between March 1 and June 30, failure to renew within window results in license lapse |
| Continuing Education | 24 contact hours every two years (including 2 hours veterans/mental health and 3 hours substance abuse) with audit requirements |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $75 endorsement application fee, Nursys verification of active unrestricted license, fingerprint background check, proof of primary WV residence and education/recent practice. |
The average salary for Licensed Practical Nurses in West Virginia amounts to $50,000 annually while the state’s affordable cost of living helps maintain financial stability. Salaries show variation based on experience level and both work location and employment environment. LPNs working in hospitals within urban areas receive higher compensation than LPNs working in rural clinics yet both types of facilities provide secure employment. The population growth and increasing need for elderly care will drive the expansion of LPN job opportunities throughout West Virginia. The majority of job openings exist in nursing homes together with home healthcare services and assisted living facilities. Many regions across West Virginia maintain ongoing healthcare staff shortages which make LPNs essential contributors to medical teams. The consistent nursing talent requirements together with numerous employment options in West Virginia create a favorable job outlook for LPNs who want to build long-term rewarding nursing careers.
| Salary & Career Outlook | West Virginia | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $51,720 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $25.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$57,913 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $51,720 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$46,642 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~230 | |
| U.S. | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| New River Community and Technical College |
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| West Virginia Junior College-Bridgeport |
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| West Virginia Northern Community College |
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The career development for LPNs in West Virginia becomes possible through education and specialization. The standard progression for LPNs includes taking bridge programs at community colleges and universities to become Registered Nurses (RNs). Prior nursing education along with experience receives credit through these programs which leads to quicker completion of an Associate Degree in Nursing. Some educational institutions provide LPN-to-BSN degree paths for students pursuing their bachelor’s degree. Special certifications in areas like IV therapy, wound care, or geriatric nursing can further expand an LPN’s role and responsibilities. LPNs with extensive experience can pursue leadership roles including charge nurse or unit coordinator in specific healthcare facilities. The development of professional skills through workshops and conferences as well as membership in professional organizations leads to better career opportunities and higher earning potential. Starting as an LPN in West Virginia provides a solid base for LPNs who want to build a diverse nursing career through their dedication to lifelong learning.
Additional Nursing Programs in West Virginia
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