How to Become an RN in West Virginia – A Complete 2023 Guide

Calling all aspiring RNs in West Virginia…

Don’t know where to begin?

Don’t know all the steps to getting your RN license in the state?

Then we’ve got you covered. 

Here, we’re going to give a complete guide on how to become an RN in West Virginia. With this, you will know all the requirements and steps you have to go through. 

So let’s get started!

The 5 Steps to Becoming an RN in West Virginia 

To become an RN in West Virginia, follow these 5 steps: 

1. 1. Plan ahead

1. 1. Enroll in a state-approved nursing education program 

1. 1. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

1. 1. Get your RN license

1. 1. Find a nursing job

Let’s take a close look at each of these steps…

Step #1 – Plan Ahead

Stepping into the world of nursing involves a lot of responsibilities — but it comes with a lot of opportunities, too. 

So the first step is to always plan.

Where do you want to work as a nurse? 

Are you interested in working in nursing care facilities with aging people? Or perhaps you want to work in hospitals or doctors’ offices?

Maybe you’re thinking about a nursing school or working for the government.

Planning ahead will lead the way to your next step. 

Step #2 – Enroll in a State-Approved Nursing Education Program 

If you already have a general idea of where you want to work, it’s time to choose the best nursing education program for you. 

Now, in West Virginia, you can either take an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Let’s look at both education programs. 

What are ADN and BSN?

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is for RNs that become healthcare professionals with an associate-level education. This degree is attainable in a matter of 2 years. 

On the other hand, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate degree for nurses that are interested in advanced nursing. This path takes 4 years to complete.

To compare, you can check the comparison table below. 

	ADN:	BSN:
Time to complete	2 years	4 years
Enrollment fees	More affordable	More expensive
Course work	Core nursing subjects: Microbiology Foundations in Nursing Chemistry Behavioral Health English Communications	Core nursing subjects and more: Anatomy and Physiology Nutrition Emergency Care Statistics Psychology/AnthropologyPharmacology Health Assessment Family, Community, and Population-Based Care Public and Global Health Nursing Theory, Research, and Ethics
Job Responsibilities	Basic nursing care and clinical tasks	Includes more complex aspects of nursing such as direct care and managerial roles
Job Opportunities	Less	More
Salary	Average earning potential of $48,500 to $73,300 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics / PayScale	Average earning potential of $52,080 to $111,220 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics / PayScale

Earning an ADN degree is quicker and cheaper than getting a BSN degree.

If you want to get through nursing school and get a job quickly, then finishing with an ADN degree is the better option. You will have the opportunity to focus on basic healthcare procedures as an RN.

But if you have the time and budget to advance your career further, getting a BSN degree is the way to go. This will grant you more opportunities in the future, as well as more field options. 

How to Choose a Good Nursing School in West Virginia

When choosing which nursing school to go to, you have to pick one that is state-approved by the West Virginia Board of Nursing and supports licensure and beyond. Some schools operate without a license.

Click here for a list of approved nursing programs in West Virginia. 

You can also check if the school has a high or low NCLEX-RN passing rate. A high rate means that the school excels in preparing its students for the exam ahead.  

Step #3 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam 

To take the NCLEX-RN exam, you first need to register for your RN license. 

Here are the steps:

• • Apply for an RN license in the West Virginia Board of Nursing’s nurse portal. 

• • Complete a fingerprint and background check with the Board agency

• • Register for the NCLEX-RN exam with Pearson Vue and receive a receipt for registration

• • Wait for license application approval from the Board

• • Once approved, receive Authorization to Test (ATT) from the Board

• • Schedule your NCLEX-RN exam with Pearson Vue

• • On your scheduled date, bring a valid photo ID and your ATT. Also, don’t be late!

• • Pass the NCLEX-RN exam 

• • Receive your passing results 

Step #4 – Get Your RN License

Once you go through all the steps listed above, you can now receive your RN license. Make sure to submit your passing results to the Board to receive your license. 

Congrats!

Step #5 – Find a Nursing Job

Now it’s time to find a nursing job!

This goes back to the plans you made in step 1. 

Want to work in a hospital?

What to work in a nursing facility? 

Or maybe you want to be in a nursing management role. 

Here is a list of the top-paying metropolitan areas in West Virginia for RNs of the different opportunities and salaries you can get hired in, according to NursingLicensure.org.

• • Martinsburg, WV – $75,090 per year

• • Huntington, WV – $67,820 per year

• • Charleston, WV – $67,630 per year

• • Morgantown, WV – $67,540 per year

• • Beckley, WV – $64,550 per year

On another note, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 60% of RNs work in local, state, or private hospitals.

FAQs

Before we go, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about RNs in West Virginia. 

How much do RNs earn in West Virginia?

The average yearly salary of an RN in West Virginia is $67,640, which is 18% lower than the national average of $82,750 (or $39.78 per hour).

How do I upgrade my RN license in West Virginia?

If you went through an ADN degree, you can upgrade your RN license by getting a BSN education. 

And if you’re currently holding a BSN degree, you can proceed to become an advanced practice nurse (APN). You can also choose to take higher studies by getting a masters or doctorate degree. All this will help you upgrade your RN license. 

When does my RN license expire in West Virginia? 

RN licenses expire annually on October 31. You can renew your license starting September 1.

For RNs with APRN licenses and RXA privileges, the license expires on June 30 of every odd year. 

How do I apply for an RN license in West Virginia if I already have an RN license in another state?