Finding a career that is in high demand and promises stability even during difficult economic times in the state of West Virginia may seem impossible. However, it is far from that. A career as a registered nurse (RN) is growing at a rapid pace in West Virginia, and statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Labor show that it will stay like that for many years to come!
- 4.2% RN Job Growth
- $75,990 Yearly Salary
- 20,860 RNs Employed
Source: Projections Central, BLS
So, just what do you need to do to join this lucrative occupation? You will be glad to know that it is not as hard as you may think! In fact, the process for becoming an RN in West Virginia, like in other states, essentially involves only three steps. The first step is to find a school you would like to attend and complete the school's associate degree in nursing, or ADN, program. Earning an ADN is the minimum requirement to beginning a career as an RN in West Virginia, again like in other states. And fortunately for you, it is also the fastest route to this career! A typical ADN program takes only two years to complete.
After you complete your program and earn your degree, the final step involved in becoming an RN is to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Passing this exam makes you eligible to receive your RN license.
Related: General Admission Requirements for an ADN Program
The Best ADN Programs in West Virginia
If you want to train for a career as an RN in West Virginia, one of the following schools can be of help.
Blue Ridge Community & Technical College
13650 Apple Harvest Dr, Martinsburg, WV 25403 (304) 260-4380Bluefield State College
219 Rock St, Bluefield, WV 24701 (304) 327-4000Davis & Elkins College
100 Campus Dr, Elkins, WV 26241 (304) 637-1900Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College
316 Eastern Dr, Moorefield, WV 26836 (304) 434-8000Fairmont State University
1201 Locust Ave, Fairmont, WV 26554 (304) 367-4000Kanawha Valley Community & Technical College
2000 Union Carbide Drive, South Charleston, WV 25303 (304) 204-4093Marshall University
1 John Marshall Dr, Huntington, WV 25755 (800) 642-3463Salem International University
223 W Main St, Salem, WV 26426 (304) 326-1109Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College
Dempsey Branch Rd, Verdunville, WV 25601 (304) 896-7420West Virginia Junior College
148 Willey St, Morgantown, WV 26505 (304) 296-8282West Virginia Northern Community College
1704 Market St, Wheeling, WV 26003 (304) 233-5900West Virginia University at Parkersburg
300 Campus Dr, Parkersburg, WV 26104 (304) 424-8000
Job Outlook & Salary for RNs in West Virginia
RNs in West Virginia are in high demand, with a projected 4.2% job growth from 2022 to 2032, according to Projection Central. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 20,860 RNs in the state, earning an average annual salary of $75,990, or $36.53 per hour.
Use our RN salary calculator to estimate your potential earnings based on location, experience, and education.
Explore salary trends for RNs in West Virginia's metro areas below:
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Huntington-Ashland-KY-OH | $37.58 | $78,170 |
| Charleston | $36.41 | $75,720 |
| Wheeling-OH | $35.68 | $74,210 |
| Morgantown | $35.51 | $73,870 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna | $35.29 | $73,400 |
| Weirton-Steubenville-OH | $34.88 | $72,560 |
| Beckley | $34.81 | $72,400 |
Source: BLS
West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses
For questions about nursing programs and licensure in West Virginia, please contact the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses.
West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses
- Address: 5001 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 25309
- Phone: (304) 744-0900
- Fax: (304) 744-0600
- Website: wvrnboard.wv.gov
Conclusion
If you want to become a registered nurse in West Virginia but don't want to spend several years in education and training, pursuing an ADN would be a perfect option!
