West Virginia Online LPN Programs: Review & Compare

Program Profiles: Popular LPN Classes in West Virginia

Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a rewarding choice that not only helps launch a long-term career in healthcare, but it also gives you the opportunity to truly make a difference in the medical field. In order to make the leap to an LPN, there are several programs in West Virginia that offer hybrid programs. This means that you can take virtual courses along with and the hands-on training necessary to learn the skills to get through nursing school, pass your exams, and provide excellent care to patients.

The two colleges featured below offer a blend of in-person and online education that meets many students’ needs, giving you an idea of what is taught in these types of programs and the requirements necessary to get accepted.

Your Questions, Answered: Common Queries from LPN Students in West Virginia

With concerns from choosing the right school to landing financial aid likely weighing on your mind, here are some answers to frequent questions that LPN students may have before they take their educational journey. This includes details on career prospects, bridge programs, and other types of nursing, so continue on to find out what you’ll need to know.

Should I choose an LPN program that is accredited, and what are some of the groups that do that?

Yes, you should choose a program that has either national or state endorsements because proper nursing school accreditation shows that the LPN curriculum is up to a high-quality standard, a fact that is also noticed by employers who are curious about where you learned your nursing skills. Among the groups that endorse West Virginia programs are the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), the West Virginia RN Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses, and the Higher Learning Commission. There are also the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

What are the sources of financial aid to help me with my LPN education?

To find financial aid, it’s always a good idea to work directly with the school you are about to attend. They can show you what’s out there and for which you qualify. Besides the traditional federal grants, scholarships and loans — for which you can fill out the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, to determine your eligibility — there are several state-only possibilities. These include the West Virginia Higher Education Grant (WVHEG), the WV Promise scholarship for academic excellence, and the West Virginia Nursing Scholarship Program. There are also several other scholarships geared specifically toward LPN students.

What kind of work awaits me when I get my first job as an LPN?

Much of what you will do revolves around direct support of patient care, with some duties that are more extensive than those who become a certified nursing assistant, but not quite as involved as those who become a registered nurse. You could be working in a hospital ward or specialty clinic, and other likely locations include a nursing home or long-term care facility. You’ll be one of the go-to sources for taking vital signs, administering and supervising medication, and possibly performing wound care. Most of the work being done by LPNs still needs to be supervised by an RN or other healthcare professionals.

What do I need to know about license renewal and continuing education after I graduate?

LPNs in West Virginia must renew their licenses every year, which is different from other states that require renewal every two years. To keep up their skills, LPNs are also required to complete 24 hours of continuing education training every two years. Two of these hours must address mental health conditions common to veterans and their dependents, as mandated by the state nursing board. In addition, three of the continuing education hours must focus on end-of-life care, which is a one-time requirement likely during your first renewal period. Make sure you follow a continuing education schedule to keep yourself on track.

What are the bridge programs that are good for people who’ve become an LPN?

These are programs through a college or university where you can leverage the education you earned as an LPN and use it to earn a higher degree through an LPN to BSN bridge program or LPN to ADN bridge program on a faster track than other students. BSN bridge programs use the credits you’ve already earned in basic nursing and add those to a program centered on earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing science, which is useful for higher-paying specialty or leadership roles. You can also choose a similar bridge program to earn an associate degree in nursing and then take the tests for a registered nursing license.

West Virginia’s LPN Licensing Requirements

The steps for licensing in West Virginia are straightforward for LPN students. First, you’ll need to pass the West Virginia state licensing exam for practical nurses, which is the NCLEX-PN. Be sure to check out our beginner’s guide to the NCLEX and our guide for essential study skills for healthcare students. You can only take this exam once you’ve completed your educational training, although you are able to set an appointment for the test about a month in advance of your graduation date.

To register for the exam, you’ll need to request an application from the West Virginia State Board of Examiners. This application can be completed online through the board’s Nurse Portal before you arrive for the test. Once your application is submitted and approved, you’ll register with the testing vendor and pay the $200 registration fee.

The material that is on the NCLEX-PN is divided into specific areas, including safe care environments, physiological concerns, mental health and social skills, and health maintenance and promotion. If you are wondering about specific questions that may be a part of the test, know that most LPN programs have at least one course that gives specific instruction on what might be covered on the test, as well as tips on how to best study for the exam.

Salary & Career Potential: Practical Nurses in West Virginia

Those who choose to become LPNs in West Virginia will experience an impressive job growth rate. The 10% growth for LPNs in West Virginia translates to about 590 average openings across the state, which is significantly higher than the nationwide rate of 5.3%. Nevertheless, students should always ensure they stand out from the crowd by gaining work experience through volunteerism and internships.

The median salary for LPNs in West Virginia is $47,610, with the lower 10th percentile earning $38,320 and the upper 90th percentile earning $63,240. Pay rates vary across the state, ranging from a median of $46,410 in Beckley to $50,860 in the Weirton-Steubenville area, which spans the border between Ohio and West Virginia. The highest salary among the 90th percentile is in Charleston, where LPNs earn $62,610. Check out the chart below to learn more about what to expect when working as an LPN in West Virginia.