Top LPN Programs in West Virginia

West Virginia LPN Schools, License Requirements, Jobs, and Salary

The state of West Virginia promotes the health of its citizens by providing quality education to the prospective nurses. The students, who desire to be a part of the nursing industry and are willing to help the needy, can take an LPN course as it is the shortest and the quickest method of becoming a nurse.

Most of the LPN programs in West Virginia last for a year. The coursework consists of theory and practical classes. The curriculum provides the students a chance to practice in various health care settings under the supervision of experienced medical professionals. After completing the LPN course, clearing the NCLEX-PN test is mandatory as it enables the aspirants to practice without any hindrance. Here is the list of accredited nursing schools in West Virginia.

LPN Schools in West Virginia
OUR METHODOLOGY +

A nursing school ranks on the top according to the following criteria-

  • Higher Passing Rate of Alumni in NCLEX
  • Financial Aid that a school provides
  • Higher number of students

The nursing schools were then included in the ranking on the basis of following factors-

  • Well-developed Architecture
  • Better Infrastructure
  • Superior Technology
  • Ranking in US News and World Report
  • Teachings offered by world-class faculty
  • Inclusion of world-class facilities
  • World-class Opportunities

We hope that the list will help you to opt the best college as per your preferences in the state. The programs available in these colleges will give you an opportunity to begin your journey as a successful nurse.

1
Rank

Monongalia County Vocational Technical Center

Type of Course:12-Month Program

It provides one of the best practical nursing programs in West Virginia. The college ensures that all the students get an opportunity to prosper and hone their skills. Emphasis is laid on performance-based learning. It offers twenty different state-approved technical education programs. The nurturing environment of the college provides a valuable lifelong learning experience.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00%
  • Address:

    1000 Mississippi Street, Morgantown, WV 26501
  • Contact Number:

    304-291-9240
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    12-Month Program
  • Fees:

    $5,680 (Tuition and Fees- $3,795, Books and Supplies- $1,885)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    62 (all undergraduate)
2
Rank

Mercer County Technical Education Center of Practical Nursing

The college provides adequate support and resources to the teachers, allowing them to deliver their best. The college inculcates critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills in the students. Apart from focusing on the academic achievement of the students, the college pays equal heed to co-curricular activities.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00%
  • Address:

    1397 Stafford Drive, Princeton, WV 24739
  • Contact Number:

    304-425-9551
  • Fees:

    $5,073 (Tuition and Fees-$3,685, Books and Supplies-$1,388)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    132 (all undergraduate)
3
Rank

United Technical Center

Type of Course:Certificate

Being one of the top nursing schools in West Virginia, the college is dedicated to providing advance technical education to the students so that they can excel in their career. The students are prepared with the abilities and skill set that meet the demands of employers and ever-changing industry.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00%
  • Address:

    251 Marietta Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301
  • Contact Number:

    304-326-7580
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Fees:

    $6,000 (Tuition and Fees- $3,400, Books and Supplies- $2,600)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    37 (all undergraduate)
4
Rank

Mineral County Technical Center

Type of Course:12-Month LPN Course

The college works with a mission to serve adult, secondary, and post-secondary students. Mineral County Technical Center is one of the oldest technical colleges in West Virginia and was established in 1966. The Practical Nursing program offered by this college is funded by the Bureau of Adult and Technical Education of the West Virginia Department of Education and operated as an Adult Preparatory Program by the Mineral County Technical Center.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00%
  • Address:

    600 Harley O Staggers Drive, Keyser, WV 26726
  • Contact Number:

    304-788-4240
  • Type of Course:

    12-Month LPN Course
  • Fees:

    $6,111 (Tuition and Fees-$3,581, Books and Supplies-$2,530)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    20 (all undergraduate)
5
Rank

Greenbrier School of Practical Nursing

Type of Course:12-Month Program

The college was established in 1975 as the Region IV School of Practical Nursing, which was changed to Greenbrier School of Practical Nursing in 2003. It works with an aim to deliver competent practical nurses to the health care industry. The school is sponsored by the West Virginia Board of Education and is operated by the Greenbrier Board of Education. The practical nursing program lasts for a year.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00%
  • Address:

    1 Spartan LN, Lewisburg, WV 24901
  • Contact Number:

    304-647-6464
  • Type of Course:

    12-Month Program
  • Fees:

    $3,500 (Tuition and Fees)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
6
Rank

Putnam Career and Technology Center

Type of Course:12-Month Program

It is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. The teachers at PCTC are well-experienced in their respective fields and are certified by the West Virginia State Department of Education. Many of the programs allow the candidates to transfer credits to the colleges in West Virginia and neighboring states.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00%
  • Address:

    300 Roosevelt Boulevard, Eleanor, WV 25070
  • Contact Number:

    304-586-3494
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    12-Month Program
  • Fees:

    $7435.44 (Tuition-$6060.28, Miscellaneous-$1375.16)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    108 (all undergraduate)
7
Rank

Mingo Extended Learning Center

Type of Course:12-Month Program

It offers secondary and adult technical education programs. The college is a part of Mingo County Public School and was established in 1969. The curriculum of the practical nursing program combines practical and theory sessions that empower the students to face the challenges of the real world. The clinical experience enhances the practical skills of the students, laying the foundation for a bright future.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00%
  • Address:

    165 Bulldog Boulevard, Delbarton, WV 25670
  • Contact Number:

    304-475-3347
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    12-Month Program
  • Fees:

    $6,220 (Total Cost)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    34 (all undergraduate)
8
Rank

Summers County School of Practical Nursing

Type of Course:12-Month Program

Summers County School of Practical Nursing aims at preparing all the students to face the challenging environment and enhancing their potential as active and self-directed learners. The LPN program provided by the college is accredited by the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses. Every year, 22 students are accepted into the program.

9
Rank

Salem International University

Type of Course:Certificate

Established as Salem College in 1888, Salem International University is spread over an area of 100-acre. The LPN Certificate Program trains the students in such a manner that they can demonstrate ethical integrity, clinical knowledge, and can carry out entry-level nursing duties. The clinical training, laboratory experience, and classroom instruction prepare the students for the licensure examination.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    97.20%
  • Address:

    223 West Main Street, Salem, WV 26426
  • Contact Number:

    844-471-9660
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Fees:

    $19,950 (Tuition and Fees-$17,700, Books and Supplies-$2,250)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    681 (533 undergraduate)
10
Rank

Garnet Career Center

Type of Course:12-Month Program

Garnet Career Center proves out to be the best college for those adults who are seeking self-enrichment and competencies in basic skills. The college delivers high quality and student-centered programs. GCC makes sure that the graduates of the college are able to demonstrate leadership and integrity along with the academic excellence.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    96.75%
  • Address:

    422 Dickinson Street, Charleston, WV 25301
  • Contact Number:

    304-348-6195
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    12-Month Program
  • Fees:

    $8,907.50 (Total Cost)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    108 (all undergraduate)
11
Rank

Fayette Institute of Technology

Type of Course:Certificate

Fayette Institute of Technology offers the best academic programs and advance technical training required to excel in the career. The curriculum is flexible and accessible. The programs are regularly upgraded to suit the changing market needs. Along with technical and vocational programs, high school training is also provided.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    96.10%
  • Address:

    300 West Oyler Avenue, Oak Hill, WV 25901
  • Contact Number:

    304-469-2911
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Fees:

    $5,294 (Tuition)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    41 (all undergraduate)
12
Rank

Wood County School of Practical Nursing

Type of Course:Diploma

Wood County School of Practical Nursing is located in Parkersburg, West Virginia. The aim of the college is to provide an atmosphere where the ideas, different talents and the abilities of the students are developed so that they can accomplish their life goals. The college keeps the students updated with the latest technology, preparing them for a better future.

13
Rank

New River Community and Technical College

Type of Course:Certificate

The college was founded on July 1, 2003. It has 4 campuses in different locations to serve the students and community- Summersville, Princeton, Lewisburg, and Beaver/Beckley. New River Community College provides affordable, accessible and quality education. The eleven-month LPN certificate program prepares the students to work in various healthcare settings.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    94.20%
  • Address:

    280 University Drive, Beaver, WV 25813
  • Contact Number:

    866-349-3739
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Fees:

    $8,446 (Tuition and Fees-$6,160, Books and Supplies-$2,286)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    1,624 (all undergraduate)
14
Rank

Randolph Technical Center

Type of Course:Diploma

The Randolph Technical Center was established in 1976-77 with the name Randolph Vocational Technical Center. The graduates of the college have developed leadership skills and grown into a productive citizen of the community, getting employment in the technical and skilled careers. Financial aid is also provided by the college to the deserving students.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    94.15%
  • Address:

    200 Kennedy Drive, Elkins, WV 26241
  • Contact Number:

    304-636-9195
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Fees:

    $6,000 (Tuition and Fees)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    11 (all undergraduate)
15
Rank

Ralph R. Willis Career and Technical Center

Type of Course:Diploma

This institute provides an atmosphere that boosts the self-esteem and lays emphasis on developing technical and life skills that make the students succeed in the highly changing society. The college provides secondary and adult programs. At the end of the training program, the students get certified in the respective fields and earn the college credit.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    93.35%
  • Address:

    PO Box 1747, Logan, WV 25601
  • Contact Number:

    304-752-4687
  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Fees:

    $5,339 (Tuition and Fees-$3,352, Books and Supplies-$1,987)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
16
Rank

B.M Spurr School of Practical Nursing

Type of Course:Degree

The college is dedicated to achieving excellence in academics. The balanced programs provided at the college arouse intellect curiosity and makes the students dependable, responsible, and productive citizens. The college has a supportive atmosphere that encourages the students to realize their full potential.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    92.55%
  • Address:

    800 Wheeling Avenue, Glen Dale, WV 26038
  • Contact Number:

    304-843-3255
  • Type of Course:

    Degree
  • Fees:

    $3,400 (Tuition and Fees-$2,600, Books and Supplies-$800)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    35 (all undergraduate)
17
Rank

John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    92.50%
  • Address:

    80 Rockefeller Circle, New Cumberland, WV 26047
  • Contact Number:

    304-564-3337
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Fees:

    $7,951 (Tuition and Fees-$6,751, Books and Supplies-$1,200)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    20 (all undergraduate)
18
Rank

Cabell County Career Technology Center

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    91.30%
  • Address:

    1035 Norway Avenue, Huntington, WV 25705
  • Contact Number:

    204-528-5106
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Fees:

    $6,647 (Tuition and Fees-$5,447, Books and Supplies-$1,200)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    96 (all undergraduate)
19
Rank

Academy of Careers and Technology Center

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    88.60%
  • Address:

    390 Stanford Road, Beckley, WV 25801
  • Contact Number:

    304-256-4615/div>
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Fees:

    $6,500 (Tuition and Fees-$5,500, Books and Supplies-$1,000)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    192 (all undergraduate)
20
Rank

Roane-Jackson Technical Center

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    81.50%
  • Address:

    9450 Spencer Road, Leroy, WV 25252
  • Contact Number:

    304-372-7335
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Fees:

    $6,100 (Tuition and Fees-$3,750, Books and Supplies-$2,350)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    33 (all undergraduate)
21
Rank

James Rumsey Technical Institute

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    80.60%
  • Address:

    3274 Hedgesville Road, Martinsburg, WV 25403
  • Contact Number:

    304-754-7925
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Fees:

    • In-State: $4,920 (Tuition (per semester)- $1,980, Fees- $1,540, Books- $1,400)
    • Out-of-State: $5,115 (Tuition (per semester)-$2,175, Fees-$1,540, Books-$1,400)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    128 (all undergraduate)
22
Rank

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    80.05%
  • Address:

    Route 5, Box 2, Buckhannon, WV 26201
  • Contact Number:

    304-472-1259
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Fees:

    $5,800 (Tuition and Fees)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    168 (all undergraduate)

Licensure Requirements

Once the candidates have completed the practical nursing course, they have to score the minimum marks in the licensure test in order to get the LPN license. A license can be obtained even by the students who have completed their course outside the U.S. or out of the state. The exam checks whether the student is equipped with the sufficient knowledge to work as an LPN or not. In case, the candidates do not clear the exam in the first attempt; they are given a second chance. The applicant can apply for licensure by filling the application form. The procedure for acquiring the license is given below in detail.

License by Examination

The LPN nurse would be required to give a background check and fingerprinting test that cost $75. The paper applications are not accepted by the West Virginia Board of Nursing; all the work is performed online. Follow the instructions given below to fill the online application.

  • The candidate needs to register for the NCLEX-PN before completion of the LPN program. Visit the link www.lpnboard.state.wv.us
  • Click on ‘Nurse Portal'.
  • The nurses need to create an account on the site by clicking on "create an account" box on the left side. Now, choose the NCLEX-PN examination application. Attach a recent passport size photograph to the application.
  • Next, request your school to send a transcript to the Board.
  • Now, visit the site www.l1enrollment.com to get the fingerprints report.
  • Get the application notarized by the Notary Public.

Just filling the application does not entitle you to give the NCLEX-PN test, you need to register for the exam by going to www.pearsonvue.com and pay the requisite fee. The registration would cost you $200. The registration remains valid for a year. The board would check the eligibility along with the application of the candidate and then mail the ATT. The ATT is generally issued within two weeks of submitting the application.

Till the time LPN results are not declared, the state allows the aspirants to work on the temporary permit that can be obtained by paying a fee of $10. If the nurse is unable to pass the test, s/he must return the temporary permit. Registration with Pearson Vue must be done prior to submission of an application to the Board; otherwise, the process might be delayed.

International Student

If the student has graduated from an LPN course outside the United States or its territories and wants to appear for the licensure exam in West Virginia, s/he will have to request the nursing program to sent the transcript (translated into English) to the Board.

Licensure by Endorsement

An LPN, who has an active license in another state, can work in the state of West Virginia by gaining the license through endorsement. Until the time they do not get the license by the nursing board of West Virginia, they can work through a temporary permit. The temporary permit is valid for 90 days and is non-renewable. The endorsement application should be submitted online along with a fee of $50. The board would verify the authenticity of the license through Nursys. If the verification is not done through Nursys, the LPN would be required to submit a paper license verification from the licensing agency.

West Virginia Nursing License Renewal

The LPN license remains valid for two years in the state. In West Virginia, the license expires on 30th June of every alternate even year. In order to get the license renewed, it is required that the nurse must complete continuing education of 24 contact hours and 400 hours of LPN practice in every two-year renewal period.

West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry maintains information of all the licensed nurses in the state of West Virginia. At any point of time, West Virginia Nursing License Verification can be carried out through the registry.

West Virginia Nursing License Verification

The nurses can know the status of their license online by clicking here.
The candidates/employers should provide the social security number, license number, first and last name to retrieve the latest information about the license. The database is regularly updated to provide the correct information.

License Reinstatement

A lapsed or a suspended license can be brought back to the active status by reinstating it. Fulfilling the following criteria enables an LPN to get the license reinstated.

  • A reinstatement application should be filled and submitted to the nursing board with the appropriate fees.
  • The candidate must meet the continuing competency requirement set by the board of West Virginia.

If the candidate fails to meet the standards set by the board to reinstate the license, then s/he should request for a limited license that remains valid for a duration of 90 days. You need to complete 200 clock hours and 12 CE under the direction of a senior in 90 days, to get a full-time license. On meeting these criteria, an unrestricted license is issued. The requirements should be fulfilled before the unrestricted license expires as the Board may not allow its renewal.

Name/Address Change

If you want to change the name or address on the license, download the application by clicking here. No fee is charged for this service. In the case of name change, the nurses must enclose a copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree or any other legal document.

Salary of a Licensed Practical Nurse in West Virginia

As per the information provided by indeed.com, the average salary of the nurses working as an LPN in the state of West Virginia was $48,000 (as of 2 November 2016). The surveys conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that mean annual salary of the LPNs was $35,680, whereas the mean hourly wage was $17.16 (as of May 2015).

Average Annual Salary of LPNs in Different Cities of West Virginia

Name of the City Salary
Charleston $40,603
Morgantown $41,604
Huntington $37,778
Parkersburg $39,050
Wheeling $41,625

Information Source: salary.com

The information provided by the salary.com (as of 2 November 2016) indicates that the LPNs received the highest salary, i.e., $41,625 in Wheeling, whereas they earned the lowest (i.e. $37,778) in Huntington.

Various Job Titles for LPNs with Average Annual Salaries

Job Title Salary
Long Term Care LPN $25,000
Renal Dialysis Nurse $50,000
LPN Ambulatory $32,000
Nurse RN LPN $46,000
CNA Medical Surgical $26,000
Nar Nursing Assistant Hope $24,000
Clinical Nurse LPN $35,000
LPN Primary Care $44,000
Patient Care Technician Student $16,000
Medical Assistant Family Practice $27,000
Correctional Prison Facility LPN $22,000
LPN Cma Rma $29,000
LPN Long Term Care $31,000
LPN LVN $38,000
Psychiatric Nurse $54,000

Information Source: indeed.com

Like many other states, in West Virginia too, the Psychiatric Nurses earned the highest salary (i.e., $54,000 per annum). On the other hand, the Patient Care Technician Students earned the least (i.e., $16,000).

Job Outlook for Licensed Practical Nurses in West Virginia

Those candidates who are on the path of becoming an LPN or are thinking of making a career in this field have extremely strong job outlook. The demand of LPNs is going to increase in the future. The information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that on an average, 9.296 LPNs were employed per 1000 jobs (as of May 2015). Several doctor offices, home health care centers, and hospitals offer higher pay, educational benefits, flexible schedules, and other lucrative incentives to hire new nurses and retain the existing ones.