So, your WV nursing license renewal is coming up.
If there’s one thing that would make the entire process less hassle, it’s having a clear idea of your requirements.
That’s what we’re here for.
In this article, we’re going to explain the nursing CE requirements in West Virginia this 2023. Not only that, but we’ll also mention the other prerequisites.
You probably don’t have all the time in the world, so let’s begin right away!
West Virginia Nursing CE Requirements
If you’re in a hurry, we’ve compiled all the requirements in West Virginia in the table below. Check it out.
| Type | Requirement |
| RNA(Registered Nursing Assistant) | No CE Required! 8 practice hours every 24 months |
| LPN(Licensed Practical Nurse) | 24 CE hours every 2 years 3 hours must be on chemical dependence or substance abuse disorders 2 hours must be on mental health conditions common in veterans One-time Requirement Only — 2 hours on end-of-life care with pain management PLUS 400 practice hours every 24 months |
| RN(Registered Nurse) | 12 CE hours annually 2 hours must be on mental health conditions common in veterans 3 hours must be on best prescribing and drug diversion training (for succeeding renewals, only 1 hour is required for this mandatory course) |
| APRN(Advanced Practical Registered Nurse) | 24 CE hours every 2 years 12 hours must be on pharmacotherapeutics *3 hours must be on best prescribing and drug diversion training (for succeeding renewals, only 1 hour is required for this mandatory course) 12 hours must be on clinical management practice *2 hours must be on mental health conditions common in veterans |
Now, how about we look into the finer details?
West Virginia RNA Continuing Education Requirements
All RNAs in West Virginia need to renew their certification every 24 months.
The good news is you don’t have any continuing education requirements. The bad news is your renewal doesn’t happen automatically.
You need to have worked as an RNA for at least 8 hours in the 2 years directly before your renewal. Remember that you must receive compensation for it — volunteer hours do not count.
West Virginia LPN Continuing Education Requirements
If you’re an LPN in West Virginia, you need to earn both continuing education AND practice hours.
For continuing education, you need to complete 24 hours every 2 years. There are a few mandatory courses you need to take. These are:
- 3 hours on substance abuse disorders or chemical dependence
- 2 hours focusing on mental health conditions common to veterans and their family members
- 2 hours of end-of-life care with pain management. This is a one-time requirement. If you fulfill it, you no longer need to take it the next renewal cycle.
On top of all that, LPNs also have to earn 400 practice hours every 2 years.
Don’t worry. As long as you’re working as an LPN, this requirement shouldn’t be a problem at all.
Note: LPN licenses expire every year. However, the reporting cycle is every 2 years.
West Virginia RN Continuing Education Requirements
In most states, LPNs and RNs have the same nursing renewal requirements.
Not in West Virginia, though.
For RNs, you have a totally different set of requirements.
First off, your license expiration and reporting cycle come every year.
During that time, you must earn 12 hours of continuing education.
Here is a list of the mandatory courses that RNs in West Virginia need to complete:
- 2 hours on mental health conditions commonly experienced by veterans and their families
- 1 hour on drug diversion. However, if it is your first ever renewal, this course needs to be 3 hours long.
Thankfully, there are no required practice hours for RNs. It means you can focus your time and energy on continuing education.
West Virginia APRN Continuing Education Requirements
APRNs need to complete 24 hours of continuing education every odd-numbered year.
What’s different about these CE courses is that you have to pick topics related to:
- 12 hours on pharmacotherapeutics. This should include 1 hour (3 hours for first-time renewal) on best prescribing and drug diversion training.
- 12 hours of clinical management practice from an RN CE provider. This should include the 2 hours on mental health conditions commonly experienced by veterans and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you even further, let’s answer some of the most asked questions about nursing licenses in West Virginia.
When does my nursing license expire in West Virginia?
If you hold an RN license, it will expire on October 31 of every year. You can start the renewal period on September 1 of the previous year.
LPN licenses also expire every year. However, you only need to report CE requirements and practice hours every even-numbered year.
As for APRNs, licenses expire every June 30 of an odd-numbered year.
Finally, for RNAs, your license will expire every 24 months.
Is there a difference between a CNA and an RNA in West Virginia?
Most states refer to their nursing assistants as CNAs. In West Virginia, all Certified Nursing Assistants need to be registered.
Because of that, they’re referred to as RNAs (Registered Nursing Assistants) rather than CNAs. In terms of capability and task scope, both are the same.
Is West Virginia Part of the Compact States?
The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) allows more people to access healthcare. Nurses can practice in other compact states without applying for another license.
West Virginia joined the NLC in April 2017. It allows nurses in West Virginia to offer their services in person or via telehealth if they hold a multistate license.
However, the NLC only covers LPNs and RNs. APRNs are not part of the compact.
The APRN Compact, which is similar in concept to the NLC, was adopted in 2020. Currently, only Delaware and New Jersey have enacted it.
What happens if I exceed the required CE hours in a year?
Unfortunately, West Virginia’s Board of Nursing does not allow licensees to carry over additional CE hours to the next renewal cycle.
So if you’re an RN and completed 18 hours of continuing education this year, you still need to earn 12 for the following one.
Should I keep my nursing CE documents?
Yes. You should keep physical copies of your nursing CE documents for two years after reporting them to the Board. This way, you’ll have proof of completion if they decide to conduct an audit.
Note: you only report fulfillment of your renewal requirements to the Board. You shouldn’t send in the documents because they will not keep or return these.
In Conclusion
And there you have it!
All the information you need to renew your nursing license in West Virginia.
So whether you’re an RNA, LPN, RN, or APRN, you now know what to do.
If your license is going to expire soon, it’s best to start working towards your renewal.
Good luck!