LPN Programs in West Virginia

West Virginia employed 6,560 licensed practical nurses (LPN) as of 2023, according to data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). LPNs in the Mountain State find employment in hospitals, physician’s offices, home healthcare, and more.

Interested in joining the rewarding world of healthcare? LPN training programs take a relatively short amount of time to complete and are available across the state. Here is our ranking of the best LPN programs in West Virginia, as well as a look at the state’s LPN requirements, career trends, and salary outlook.

The following section examines the training and licensure processes for West Virginia, which transitioned to a paperless system in 2010.

To become an LPN you must complete a state-approved practical nursing program. Community colleges, technical schools, and even some hospitals offer these programs. Practical nurse programs take about a year to complete.

The typical LPN curriculum includes coursework in:

LPN candidates must also complete clinical practice hours under the supervision of clinical instructors. Practical clinical experiences, which are approved by program officials beforehand, occur in areas where LPNs typically work, such as nursing homes, hospitals, physician offices, outpatient clinics, or home healthcare.

After completing your training, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, or NCLEX-PN. All states, including West Virginia, require this examination for licensure.

After graduation, for a $10 fee, West Virginia’s nursing board offers a 90-day New Grad Permit, effective for 90 days after graduation or until you take the NCLEX, whichever comes first.

The West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses participates in the multistate nurse licensure compact. This means nurses who earned their license in another state may be able to practice in West Virginia without applying for a new license.

In lieu of completing an accredited LPN program, military members can qualify for licensure if they have served in the medical corps of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces for at least one year within three years of applying for licensure. Additional requirements apply so check with the state board for more information.

LPN licenses in West Virginia expire on June 30 of each year. LPNs must renew their licenses online annually and pay the applicable fee. Additionally, in even-numbered years, applicants must provide documentation of 24 hours of continuing education and at least 400 hours of employment.

If you do not renew your license by June 30, it will lapse. However, you can reinstate your license by paying a fee, submitting a form, and meeting specific competence requirements.

LPNs can find many potential employment opportunities, but salaries will be higher in some areas of the state than others. The tables below compare West Virginia LPN salaries with national averages and identify the state’s highest-paying areas.

An aging population and a rise in chronic health conditions have increased the demand for LPNs. The BLS projects LPN annual job growth at 5% from 2022-2032, which is slightly faster than the national average.

LPN positions are shifting toward more specialized settings, such as outpatient centers and home healthcare. BLS figures reveal that 35% of all LPNs work in nursing and residential care facilities. Hospitals, home healthcare services, and physician’s offices are also top employers.

As in many other states, rural areas of West Virginia face a greater shortage of healthcare professionals than other areas. While this poses serious challenges to healthcare access, it can also mean new and plentiful opportunities for LPNs willing to serve populations in need.

A number of groups exist to help you during your LPN journey and career. Get in sync with colleagues, resources, and the latest information in the field.