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.
Falls Church, VA - Private 2-year - standardcollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing Program at Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing in Falls Church, VA, prepares students for careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). This 14-month full-time or 18-month part-time program combines classroom theory, hands-on lab sessions, and clinical experiences. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing care across diverse settings. Admission requires meeting specific requirements, with financial aid options available. The program boasts a hybrid delivery method, blending online and in-person learning to accommodate student needs.
Glenns, VA - Public 2-Year - rappahannock.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing Certificate at Rappahannock Community College prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing. This campus-based program requires a Kaplan Entrance Exam and has a January start date. With a strong focus on practical skills, students benefit from a curriculum designed to meet the needs of the healthcare industry. The program boasts impressive NCLEX-PN pass rates, with a 100% pass rate in 2023. Graduates have a high employment rate within six months of completing the program. Financial aid options are available, making this program accessible to a wide range of students. Admission requires meeting specific college and program criteria, ensuring a committed and capable cohort.
Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - ecpi.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing (PN) diploma program at ECPI University provides aspiring nurses with comprehensive clinical skills and knowledge to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). In a condensed timeframe, students learn critical patient care techniques, medical communication, and clinical reasoning essential for healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensing exam and work in diverse medical environments like hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The program focuses on developing effective communicators who can collaborate with medical teams and provide quality patient care under professional supervision.
Charlottesville, VA - Public 2-Year - pvcc.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Piedmont Virginia Community College's Practical Nursing certificate prepares dedicated students to become entry-level licensed practical nurses ready to provide essential healthcare services. This comprehensive 37-credit hybrid program equips students with critical skills in patient care across diverse clinical settings. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensing exam and work under registered nurses or physicians. With a strong focus on therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventative care, students gain hands-on experience through over 400 clinical hours. Notably, the program offers potential financial benefits through the G3 initiative, which may cover tuition, fees, and books for qualifying students.
Wytheville, VA - Public 2-Year - wcc.vccs.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing program at Wytheville Community College provides a comprehensive pathway to becoming a licensed practical nurse. Students complete a five-semester sequential program, gaining essential clinical skills and medical knowledge. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN exam and work in diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. The program requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with prerequisite courses in biology and algebra. Competitive applicants demonstrate strong critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills. With an impressive NCLEX-PN pass rate ranging from 80-100% in recent years, students can confidently pursue a rewarding healthcare career.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Virginia Community College |
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| Galen Health Institutes-Richmond |
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| Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing |
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| Piedmont Virginia Community College |
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| Rappahannock Community College |
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| Virginia Highlands 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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