Recent reports have found that West Virginia currency has a nursing vacancy rate of 19.3% and a turnover rate of 26.3%. While there are many reasons for this shortage, some facilities are unable to accept interested students due to a lack of nursing faculty. DNPs are well-positioned to act as nursing instructors or fill many other roles to ensure that the people in this state get the care they need.
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DNP Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia has a few DNP programs with a focus other than that of a nurse practitioner. All of them are offered online, making them convenient and flexible options for those who wish to continue working while they pursue their degree.
According to the accrediting bodies, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, all DNP programs require 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours, including hours accrued during master’s-level programs. While the programs below do not specify how many hours they offer, each is accredited and meets the hourly requirements.
Online DNP Programs in West Virginia
All of the DNP programs in West Virginia have some online component, and there are options for both BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses.
West Virginia Online BSN to DNP Programs
West Virginia Wesleyan College offers an online BSN to DNP program focusing on leadership (as well as two MSN to DNP tracks) detailed below.
West Virginia Wesleyan College
- Buckhannon, West Virginia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $690 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
West Virginia Wesleyan College’s BSN to DNP Nursing Leadership program requires between 63 and 69 credits, depending on how much time is required to complete the DNP Capstone project. It takes between three and four years to complete. The school also offers two post-MSN options: an APRN MSN to DNP track that requires 37 to 40 credits and an MSN to DNP Nursing Leadership option that requires 43 to 49 credits. All courses are offered online. Both take between two and three years to complete.
West Virginia Online MSN to DNP Programs
Another MSN to DNP option is the following MSN to DNP track at WVU.
West Virginia University
- Morgantown, West Virginia
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person requirements
Credit Hours: 32
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $797 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP option at WVU is 32 credits. All courses are offered online with a mix of asynchronous and synchronous formats. DNP proposals and final project presentations are completed in person at either the Morgantown or Charleston campus, depending on the preference of the committee chair. Full- and part-time options are available, and the program takes seven to 10 semesters or between two and three years to complete.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in West Virginia
The lengths of these programs vary slightly, depending on previous education and experience.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The only BSN to DNP program in West Virginia that isn’t NP-focused is the BSN to DNP Nursing Leadership at West Virginia Wesleyan College. It takes between three and four years to complete.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
All the MSN to DNP degrees at West Virginia Wesleyan College and West Virginia University take two to three years to complete.
Best DNP Programs in West Virginia
Because there aren’t many options to choose from in West Virginia, deciding the best program for you is a little more straightforward. If you want to focus on leadership, choose the MSN to DNP Nursing Leadership or BSN to DNP Nursing Leadership at West Virginia Wesleyan College. If you want a practice-focused DNP, go for the school’s APRN MSN to DNP or MSN to DNP at West Virginia University.
Cheapest DNP Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia Wesleyan College is the more affordable option, at $690 per credit plus fees, but West Virginia University is also fairly affordable, at $797 per credit plus fees.