West Virginia (WV) is the number 4 state in terms of job concentration for nurse practitioners, as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. It has a location quotient of 1.47 meaning NPs have a higher share of employment than average.
This high employment rate is driven by a variety of factors, such as the state’s aging population, the growing need for healthcare services, and physician shortages. The full autonomy given to WV NPs has helped boost employment rates as well.
West Virginia Nurse Practitioner Programs: Key Facts for 2026
- 6 accredited NP programs in West Virginia: four CCNE-accredited (Shepherd, WVU, WV Wesleyan, Wheeling) and two ACEN-accredited (Marshall, University of Charleston)
- Practice authority: West Virginia is a restricted practice state. NPs must maintain a collaborative agreement with a physician for full prescribing authority, though the state has gradually expanded NP scope over the past decade
- Regulatory body: West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses
- NP job concentration: West Virginia ranks 4th in the country for NP job concentration per BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, making it one of the highest-opportunity states relative to its population size
- Specialties offered: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) at every WV program. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Marshall, Shepherd, and WV Wesleyan
- DNP options: Shepherd University (BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP) and West Virginia Wesleyan (BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP)
- Highest pass rate: Shepherd University reports a 100% pass rate for DNP program graduates on the national certification exam
- Best online options: University of Charleston (fully online MSN-FNP, 42 credits), Wheeling University (online MSN-FNP, 51 credits, 24-month completion), WV Wesleyan (online MSN and DNP)
- Lowest tuition for residents: West Virginia University (public tuition rates for in-state students)
- Job growth (national): 45% projected for NPs 2022–2032 per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Nurse Practitioner Programs Accepting West Virginia Applicants
Then there’s the salary of West Virginia NPs, which is considered competitive by many. With an hourly mean wage of $54.54 or $113,450 a year, WV NPs earn more than those from neighboring southern states.
With the high employment rate and good salary of NPs in West Virginia, nurses in the state (and outside of the state too) have a golden career waiting for them. And if you’re one of the many RNs who want to make the most out of this career opportunity, then be sure to enroll in any of these WV Nurse Practitioner programs:
Marshall University
- Huntington, West Virginia
Program Overview:
Marshall University’s on-campus BSN-MSN program is open to nurses who wish to become FNPs or PMHNPs.
The FNP track requires 42 credits and 750 clinical hours. The PMHNP track, which is offered in coordination with Shenandoah University in Virginia, has a curriculum comprising 48 credit hours and 600 clinical hours.
Marshall University also offers a 29-credit post-graduate certificate program for MSN-educated nurses who wish to become FNPs.
In 2022, Marshall graduates scored an 85% pass rate in the FNP certification exams.
The public university’s MSN has been named the top 26 online NP program by Fortune.
Shepherd University
- Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Program Overview:
The Shepherd School of Nursing offers a hybrid DNP program for aspiring FNPs and PMHNPs. It has been ranked the second-best in the state by NursingProcess.org and the third-best by Research.com.
The 84-credit BSN-DNP curriculum integrates theory with nursing practice. It also requires 1,080 hours of specialty training. Full-time students of the said track may complete their degree in as short as 3 years.
The MSN-DNP track, meanwhile, is open to APRNs and Master’s degree holders. Additional coursework may be required depending on the applicant’s education, experience, and preferred specialization.
Similarly, post-MSN students may apply for the FNP or PMHNP post-graduate certificate program.
Graduates of Shepherd’s DNP program have a 100% pass rate for the certification exams.
University of Charleston
- Charleston, West Virginia
Program Overview:
At the University of Charleston, BSN-educated nurses may complete the 42-credit MSN-FNP program, which requires 750 clinical hours, in as short as five semesters. The online program features didactic courses that offer the latest theoretical concepts and evidence-based practice. The clinical rotations, meanwhile, are designed to help nurses improve their assessment, diagnostic, and decision-making skills.
The university’s MSN degree provides graduates with the eligibility requirements for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exams.
West Virginia University
- Morgantown, West Virginia
Program Overview:
WVU offers a 47-credit BSN-MSN program that is available on a full-time or part-time basis. Delivered online, students can attend lectures synchronously or asynchronously. In addition, there is a requirement of 600 hours of direct patient care to complete the program.
Nurses with a master’s degree or higher, on the other hand, may specialize in FNP or PMHNP through WVU’s post-graduate certificate courses. The FNP curriculum consists of 19-25 hours, while the direct patient hours are at 600. PMHNP students, on the other hand, need to complete 21-25 credits and 500 practicum hours.
Graduates of the MSN and post-graduate programs can sit in for the national certification exam offered by the ANCC or the AANP.
Thanks to the university’s comprehensive curriculum, WVU’s FNP graduates have registered a 100% first-time pass rate in the AANP exams.
With its acceptance rate of 90%, WVU has been named the top NP school in West Virginia by Research.com and NursingProcess.org. RegisteredNursing.org, meanwhile, has ranked it the third-best NP school in the state.
West Virginia Wesleyan College
- Buckhannon, West Virginia
Program Overview:
WVWC was named the second-best NP school in West Virginia by Research.com and RegisteredNursing.org. NursingProcess.org, on the other hand, has named WVWC the top 3 NP school in the state.
WVWC offers several pathways for nurses who want to become APRNs.
One is its BSN-MSN program, which uses a mix of online and hybrid courses with some on-campus residency requirements. Through these, FNP students can gain the competencies they need to diagnose and manage patients.
Students have up to five years to complete the MSN program.
Another option is the DNP program, which is open to nurses with a BSN or MSN degree. Also offered online, the FNP and PMHNP tracks are designed to help nurses become capable providers, leaders, and patient advocates.
WVWC also offers a post-graduate certificate in FNP. Recommended for MSN or doctorate degree holders, it comprises 29-35 credit units.
Graduates of the MSN, DNP, and certificate programs can sit in for the ANCC or AANP certification examination.
Recently, FNP graduates have garnered a 100% first-time passing rate in the AANP certification exam.
Wheeling University
- Wheeling, West Virginia
Program Overview:
Wheeling’s 51-credit MSN-FNP program is delivered online, making it a good choice for BSN-educated nurses who want to continue working full-time. The program takes 24 months to complete and requires 728 clinical hours. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the necessary concepts to become a primary care provider.
Nurses with a Master’s degree, meanwhile, may get the education they need to become FNPs through Wheeling’s post-graduate certificate program. Applicants must have completed prerequisite courses in advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced physical assessment to qualify for admission.
The clinical and practicum requirements for both programs may be completed in the student’s community.
Wheeling’s MSN has been named one of the best NP programs by TheBestSchools.org. Its FNP program has also been ranked the second-best in the state by Nurse.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which West Virginia NP program has the highest certification pass rate?
Shepherd University reports a 100% pass rate for its DNP program graduates on the national nurse practitioner certification examination.
Does West Virginia have full practice authority for nurse practitioners?
No. West Virginia is classified as a restricted practice state by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. NPs in West Virginia must maintain a collaborative agreement with a physician for full prescribing authority. The state has gradually expanded NP scope over time, but full independent practice is not yet authorized.
What NP specialties are available at West Virginia programs?
Every West Virginia NP program offers the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) tracks are available at Marshall University, Shepherd University, and West Virginia Wesleyan College. No West Virginia program currently offers dedicated Adult-Gerontology, Pediatric, Women’s Health, or Neonatal NP tracks.
How long does it take to become an NP in West Virginia?
An MSN-level NP program in West Virginia takes two to three years of full-time study. The BSN-to-DNP programs at Shepherd and WV Wesleyan typically take three to four years full-time. Post-master’s FNP and PMHNP certificates, for nurses who already hold an MSN, take one to two years.
Can I complete a West Virginia NP program online?
Yes. The University of Charleston offers a fully online MSN-FNP, Wheeling University offers an online MSN-FNP with local clinical placements, and West Virginia Wesleyan College offers online MSN and DNP programs. Shepherd University’s DNP is offered in a hybrid format. Marshall University’s MSN is primarily on-campus in Huntington. All NP programs require in-person clinical hours, which most WV programs let students complete in their home communities.
What is the average NP salary in West Virginia?
West Virginia ranks 4th nationally in NP job concentration per BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. Average NP salaries in West Virginia fall below the national average reflecting the state’s lower cost of living, but job availability is strong due to the high concentration of NP roles relative to state population, particularly in rural and underserved areas.