RN Nursing Programs in West Virginia - WV

How to Become an RN in West Virginia

Aspiring Registered Nurses in West Virginia must choose between two common routes. The first, and quicker option is an Associate Degree, Nursing (ADN), which takes two years program. The second and longer option is a four year Bachelor’s Degree, Nursing (BSN). Why take a BSN? Students with a Bachelor’s Degree undertake advanced studies beyond the capacity of an ADN, and also have time to pursue electives and particular areas of interest, which may lead to more interesting jobs and higher wages upon graduation. It also leaves the door open for graduate studies in the future and becoming an Advanced Practice Nurse or an MA, or even PhD of Nursing.

The two programs are similar in many respects: before applying to a school of nursing, both degrees require around 10 prerequisite courses in general studies, which usually include microbiology, physiology, psychology, math, English and so forth—communications and baseline science courses, essentially. And once studies have begun, the course work starts with baseline nursing knowledge with regards to diagnosis, treatment, care and so forth, before progressing to more advanced studies. In a BSN, students then pursue advanced, targeted studies in particular areas of interest, like pharmacology, pediatrics (child medicine), radiology, and so forth, as well as take a wider range of electives.

At the end of either program students take the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse. It requires application to the Students apply to the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses, which costs $51.50. The board requires a reference that the applicant is of good moral character, and answering a number of questions related to personal behavior, such as the use of illicit drugs. The NLCEX-RN then costs $200, paid to national examiners Pearson Vue. Close to 90 percent of student pass the exam the first time they take it and enter the dynamic world of Registered Nursing in Wet Virginia.

RN Salary and Jobs in West Virginia

Two-thirds of Registered Nurses in West Virginia work in hospitals, with private clinics and doctor’s offices being their other major employers, as well as nursing homes and public health administration and education facilities. Generally, Registered Nurses work as part of a team, identifying health issues, and managing plans of patient care in conjunction with nurse aides and physicians—but their duties may vary largely based upon where they are employed. Regardless of the setting, however, the average salary for a West Virginia RN is between $50,000 and $70,000 per year (according to BLS.gov), with the median close to $60,000—an attractive salary indeed.