Jake Flannigan, NP
June 19, 2025
The RN to BSN programs enable nurses with associate degrees or nursing diplomas to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The healthcare needs of West Virginia require BSN-prepared nurses because this state faces both healthcare access limitations and workforce deficits. The nurses work in hospital settings as well as clinics and community health centers because their leadership abilities together with clinical decision-making competencies and public health expertise are vital for these roles. The state requires more skilled healthcare professionals thus BSNs play an essential part in meeting population healthcare needs.
West Liberty, WV - Public 4-Year - westliberty.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
West Liberty University's online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a flexible, fully online pathway to advance their careers without requiring ACT or SAT entrance exams. Designed for working professionals, it allows transfer of up to 72 credits from accredited two-year colleges, making it highly affordable. Students benefit from personalized nursing advising, rolling admissions, and upper-level nursing courses delivered online. This program focuses on career advancement opportunities, enabling graduates to pursue promotions, enhanced job prospects, and further nursing education, all while accommodating busy schedules.
Morgantown, WV - Public 4-Year - wvu.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
West Virginia University's 100% online RN to BSN program offers licensed registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their education, accommodating those with diploma or associate degree backgrounds. With an inclusive admission policy requiring only a minimum 2.0 GPA and an unencumbered RN license, it emphasizes accessibility and professional growth. Students benefit from in-state tuition rates for all, asynchronous online courses for convenience, and national accreditation. This bachelor's-level program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, focusing instead on practical career progression in nursing.
Huntington, WV - Public 4-Year - marshall.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Marshall University's online RN to BSN program is tailored for working registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This accelerated pathway allows completion in as little as two semesters through flexible 7-week block scheduling, requiring 28 credit hours at $367.75 per credit. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, and professional development, enhancing clinical knowledge and patient care skills. As a nationally accredited and military-friendly program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, focusing on bridging associate degrees to bachelor's level for expanded career opportunities.
Charleston, WV - Private 4-year - ucwv.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Charleston's fully online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their careers in just three semesters. This 50-credit hour program requires no residency and builds on existing RN licensure, focusing on leadership, research, community health, and evidence-based practices. As a military-friendly institution, it enhances skills for higher-level roles without requiring ACT or SAT exams, leveraging its #2 ranking in West Virginia nursing programs to boost marketability in healthcare.
Bluefield, WV - Public 4-Year - bluefieldstate.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Bluefield State University's online R.N. to B.S.N. program offers a flexible, cost-effective path for registered nurses to advance their careers. This 100% online program requires 120 credit hours, with 28 dedicated to nursing courses, and can be completed in just 3-4 semesters. At a total cost of $10,500, it maintains national accreditation and requires a current RN license and a minimum 2.5 GPA for admission. As an HBCU, it provides a supportive environment for diverse learners. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required, making it accessible for working professionals seeking to enhance their qualifications without disrupting employment.
West Virginia provides RN to BSN students with several flexible learning choices that include complete online programs. The online courses enable students to learn independently while fitting in with their professional work commitments. Students who enroll in hybrid programs get online instruction together with some classroom attendance requirements. The flexibility of education increases through the implementation of evening and weekend courses offered by multiple schools. Certain programs offer accelerated learning pathways that shorten the duration of coursework for students who want the fastest possible path to their BSN degree. The educational programs have been created to support working nurses who want to continue their education while staying employed.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Marshall University |
|
|
| University of Charleston |
|
|
| Fairmont State University |
|
|
| Certifying Board | West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses (West Virginia RN Board) |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate of an approved BSN program, submit official transcripts, register for and pass the NCLEX‑RN, and complete a fingerprint‑based criminal background check |
| License Renewal Period | Expires October 31 each year, renew annually |
| Continuing Education | 12 contact hours required annually for renewal |
| License Application Fee | $70 licensure‑by‑exam fee, $200 NCLEX registration fee, plus fingerprint background check fee |
| Clinical Hours | Supervised practice in adult health, pediatrics, maternal‑newborn, psychiatric‑mental health, and community health |
| Application Processing Time | Authorization to Test issued within 10 business days, full license issued about 4–6 weeks after NCLEX pass and background clearance |
| License by Endorsement | $100 endorsement fee, apply online, verify current RN license via NURSYS, submit transcripts, and complete fingerprint background check |
The nursing workforce of West Virginia can count on superior earnings and promising career opportunities. The average yearly salary of registered nurses in West Virginia reaches $75,000 but BSN-educated nurses typically receive higher compensation because of their advanced education. The ongoing nursing shortage in West Virginia creates ongoing requirements for trained nursing professionals especially in locations with limited healthcare access. The pursuit of better care quality by hospitals and healthcare facilities has created an intense demand for BSN nurses. The job market for registered nurses will continue to expand through the upcoming years because of the rising necessity for nurses in hospital settings and communities.
| Salary & Career Outlook | West Virginia | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $73,100 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $35.12 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$81,950 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $62,390 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$53,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 6% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,000 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Marshall University |
|
|
| West Liberty University |
|
|
| West Virginia University |
|
|
A BSN degree enables West Virginia nurses to access various career advancement possibilities. The leadership positions of nurse manager and charge nurse become accessible to BSN-educated nurses yet remain out of reach for associate degree holders. BSN-educated nurses can move their careers to positions in healthcare administration, public health, and nursing education. The BSN stands as a necessary qualification for nurses who wish to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse educators. A BSN qualification allows nurses to obtain professional certifications which both boost their career possibilities along with their salary earnings and professional contentment.
Additional Nursing Programs in West Virginia
LEARN MORE
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
