LPN Programs in West Virginia – Schools, Salary, and License Info

Though West Virginia is a relatively small country, LPN options there are numerous.

Actually, there are over 20 LPN programs held where else but, at community colleges, vocational and private schools.

In this state just like in other US states, the demand for LPNs is increasing.

Therefore, job opportunities for nurses will increase here the same.

As an LPN in West Virginia, the hourly wage will be $8,350.

While the annual one $17.16.

And all this in total means $8,350 less earned per year than the national average in the US.

So have you any interest in LPN education in this state?

If yes, your focus should go right away at the school choice.

After that, you make sure the school offers an approved program from the state.

You can find these programs at community colleges, technical centers or private schools.

There are in total 25 LPN schools in West Virginia.

However, in this article, I have included only the top-ten ranked programs across the state.

The selection has been made after the review of the NCLEX-PN exam.

The exam results’ belonged to the first-time pass rates that have been observed these past years.

Details on West Virginia LPN Schools & Classes

If you have chosen West Virginia as the place to get your LPN education, you should not be worried much.

With the optimal number of schools there, every student will find their own share of a program to attend.

To keep you informed, the programs usually take one to two years to complete.

Though the length of the program depends on the schedule of it.

Whether it is part-time or full-time.

LPN program courses in this state contain classroom and clinical learning practices.

From the course titles, you may mainly find these available:

• Fundamentals of Nursing
• General Anatomy & Physiology
• Pharmacology for Nursing
• General Nutrition
• Pediatric Nursing
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Psychiatric Nursing

 Accreditation

In the process of choosing the LPN school and program, you need to also check for accreditation.

Usually, accredited programs work to high academic standards, which affect the quality of education for the student.

Accrediting organizations in West Virginia are two.

One of them is the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Another one is also the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses.

Admission Requirements

Before sending the application to any LPN school, you need to first meet the necessary set of requirements.

These requirements differ from schools, but the main ones include:

• Completion of high school or GED program (including transcripts)
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all relevant coursework including prerequisite courses
• Completion of all prerequisite courses, such as college-level Math, English I and Basic Physiology & Human Anatomy
• Personal interview and/or admissions test completion
• Background check, drug screen and proof of required immunizations and/or physical examination by a physician
• Submission of a completed application and associated fees

Tuition and Costs

Looking for an LPN education in any state means searching for the cost of it as well.

In West Virginia, every school has its own costs.

For this reason, you need to check them one by one and know the total cost of the entire program before you attend it.

The total cost of an LPN program there, however, includes paying for tuition, mandatory college, course expenses as well as books.

Along with that, the costs of housing and commuting to classes should be considered.

Anyway, if some students fail to make these payments due to their financial difficulties, they should know that schools offer financial aid, loans as well as scholarships to them when in need.

For instance, in Lewisburg, in the Greenbrier School of Practical Nursing, nursing program costs $3,500.

The cost covers course fees, uniforms, name pin, program diploma, and drug screen fees.

The cost, however, does not mean paying for uniform pants, skirts, stethoscope and other necessary materials, and the room board.

West Virginia Licensing Requirements

The road to becoming an LPN in West Virginia is completing an approved program by the state.

After that comes the graduation from the program, after which the candidate needs to take the NCLEX-PN exam.

This exam tests the candidate’s proficiency.

The license is taken through an application procedure.

The applicant needs to submit one to the state having these documents:

• Official transcript from state-approved nursing program (all grades must be a “C” or better)
• Proof of passing score or application to take the NCLEX exam
• Passport-style photo signed by the applicant and director of the nursing program
• Submit to a criminal background check

LPN licenses in WV have an expiration date.

They usually expire every year, on the 30^th.

The renewal also is done every year.

For this procedure, an application must be completed and send to the state again.

The application must be joined a statement which proves that the applicant fulfills the continuing competence requirements that the state has set.

NCLEX Exam Information

The exam is the most difficult part of the process of any education.

It usually makes us tense until we go through it.

Similarly, for LPN graduates to get the license, it is a must for them to pass the NCLEX-PN exam in the first place.

The previous course work given to students in any program is preparation for this exam.

However, students can have an idea about it through the NCLEX-Practice exam that is available online.

LPN Reciprocity and eNLC

The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact is an agreement that makes it easy for a nurse to work in many states that are part of the compact area.

They can do so without having to get another license.

So LPNs who come from other states other than West Virginia, have the chance to apply for the license through endorsement.

In order to apply this way, the applicants need to send proof of their actual license and the proof they have passed the NCLEX exam.

These documents can be sent to the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses.

To end with it, fingerprints and authorization for a possible criminal background need to be sent to the state for a check too.

The state will do this action to ensure security.

Som as long as you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about!

Prospective applicants for an LPN education who have a similar nursing background can apply for the license in West Virginia.

They can do as if they have finished a program that fits the requirements of the state of Virginia.

Consequently, they need to verify their English level, in an English form.

They can do that by addressing the licensing authorities in their own state.

Or, by attaching the licensure status along with any possible disciplinary action they have taken back then.

So basically, everything has to be verified.

The Best LPN Schools in West Virginia

There are over 20 LPN schools in West Virginia where students can learn.

However, the best school for a student is the one that fits his needs.

The state offers facilities for all, whether you can afford an LPN school or not.

LPN Salaries in West Virginia

LPN Salaries in this state shift from a minimum to a maximum.

Anyway, the average salary is always constant.

The salary depends on many factors.

Mostly from the place, work experience, education, and additional skills.

So the more qualified the better salary you get.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in West Virginia

LPN Programs by State