The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest degree a nurse can earn. It typically follows a master’s degree (MSN). Earning a DNP demonstrates that the nurse is a leader in his or her specialty as well as nursing in general, applies evidenced-based research to their day-to-day practice, and helps to develop policy and change within an organization to improve patient care outcomes. DNP nurses can work in a variety of care settings and distinct roles including:
- Advanced-practice nursing
- Executive-level nursing
- Informatics
The pathway to a DNP may vary depending on a nurse’s starting point. BSN-prepared nurses can expect to spend between three and six years in school, depending on whether they attend full or part-time. MSN nurses can expect a shorter journey, between two and three years. The curriculum usually starts with core courses that are specific to the DNP role, followed by courses in a specialty track. A DNP project is also required to graduate.
2025 Best DNP Programs in West Virginia
Registered Nursing.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the top Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs across West Virginia to help aspiring advanced practice nurses. Our comprehensive analysis considers program quality, faculty expertise, clinical placement opportunities, and student success rates. West Virginia offers several outstanding DNP programs that prepare nurses for leadership roles in healthcare delivery, advanced clinical practice, and specialized nursing domains. These programs provide rigorous academic training and practical experiences that enable nurses to make significant contributions to patient care and healthcare innovation. View our detailed ranking methodology.
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Buckhannon, WV - Private 4-year - wvwc.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Nursing Practice - Online Learning - Visit Website
West Virginia Wesleyan College's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Advanced Nursing Practice concentration delivers a transformative educational experience for nurses seeking high-level professional development. Through an innovative online platform, the program cultivates advanced clinical leadership skills, emphasizing evidence-based practice and healthcare system improvement. Students engage in comprehensive coursework that prepares them to implement sophisticated patient care strategies, drive systemic healthcare innovations, and develop critical policy expertise. The curriculum strategically bridges theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enabling graduates to excel in complex healthcare environments and lead meaningful organizational change.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Advanced Nursing Practice concentration
- Online program format
- Clinical leadership focus
- Professional advancement pathway
Doctorate - BSN to DNP
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
West Virginia Wesleyan College's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program represents a comprehensive pathway for nursing professionals targeting advanced primary care specialization. Designed with professional flexibility, this online track spans 73-76 credit hours and meticulously prepares students to deliver sophisticated family healthcare services. The curriculum integrates rigorous academic standards with extensive clinical training, emphasizing evidence-based practice, population health management, and advanced diagnostic skills. Students develop profound expertise in family-centered care, learning to address complex health challenges across diverse demographic populations through a blend of theoretical instruction and practical experience.
- Online BSN to DNP program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 73-76 total credit hours
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Competitive cohort admission
- Advanced clinical practicum
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Professional leadership focus
- Unencumbered RN license required
- Capstone project component
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nursing Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
West Virginia Wesleyan College's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Leadership provides a strategic educational trajectory for experienced nurses targeting executive healthcare roles. The program's innovative online format enables professionals to develop advanced leadership competencies while maintaining current employment. Coursework emphasizes transformative healthcare management, policy development, and organizational strategy, preparing graduates to drive systemic improvements. Through a carefully designed curriculum blending theoretical foundations with practical experiences, students cultivate sophisticated leadership skills, ethical decision-making frameworks, and comprehensive understanding of complex healthcare ecosystems.
- Online DNP with Leadership Concentration
- Post-Master's Professional Track
- 43-49 Total Credit Hours
- 3.0 GPA Requirement
- Two Practicum Experiences
- Healthcare Policy Focus
- Capstone Project Required
- Competitive Admission Process
- Professional Leadership Development
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nursing Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
West Virginia Wesleyan College's online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Leadership offers a dynamic educational platform for nurses aspiring to healthcare leadership positions. The program strategically combines theoretical knowledge with practical leadership skills, preparing professionals to navigate complex healthcare environments effectively. Students develop advanced competencies in organizational management, policy development, and evidence-based practice, enabling them to drive meaningful institutional transformations. The curriculum emphasizes flexible learning, competitive costs, and comprehensive professional development, equipping graduates with the strategic insights necessary to lead innovative healthcare initiatives.
- Online DNP program.
- Concentration in Nursing Leadership.
- Flexible for working professionals.
- Focus on healthcare leadership.
- Evidence-based practice emphasis.
- Competitive program costs.
- Requires master's in nursing.
- Valid RN license needed.
- Professional experience required.
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
West Virginia Wesleyan College's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration delivers an exceptional educational experience for advanced nursing professionals. The online program meticulously prepares nurses to become comprehensive family healthcare experts, focusing on patient-centered care and complex medical management. Through an integrated curriculum, students develop sophisticated clinical skills, research capabilities, and leadership competencies. The program empowers graduates to address intricate healthcare challenges, implement evidence-based interventions, and provide holistic care across diverse patient populations, positioning them as innovative healthcare leaders.
- Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- Advanced clinical leadership focus
- Flexible learning for professionals
- Comprehensive patient care training
Marshall University
Huntington, WV - Public 4-Year - marshall.edu
Doctorate - Nursing Practice, D.N.P.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Marshall University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program is designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to elevate their clinical expertise through an online format. Tailored for post-M.S.N. professionals, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice, requiring 36 credit hours to complete. Students engage in a blend of synchronous and asynchronous coursework, aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery. Admission is competitive, necessitating an active nursing license, 500 supervised clinical hours, and a 3.0 graduate GPA. The curriculum culminates in an evidence-based practice project, alongside accumulating 1,000 graduate clinical hours. Flexible full-time and part-time options are available, with a 7-year completion window, though transfer credits are not accepted.
- Online synchronous/asynchronous courses
- Post-M.S.N. 36 credit hours
- Evidence-based practice project
- 1,000 total graduate clinical hours
- Competitive admission process
- 7-year program completion window
- Full-time and part-time options
- No transfer credits accepted
Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WV - Public 4-Year - shepherd.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Shepherd University's hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. This 84-credit program blends online and in-person learning, requiring 1,080 clinical hours. It prepares BSN-prepared nurses for leadership roles, emphasizing evidence-based practice and patient care strategies. The program offers flexible entry points and individualized study paths.
- 84-credit comprehensive program
- Hybrid learning format
- 1,080 clinical training hours
- Multiple entry points
- CCNE accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Specialized Family Nurse Practitioner track
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Shepherd University's hybrid DNP program, specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), prepares nurses for leadership in healthcare. This 84-credit program combines clinical expertise, evidence-based practices, and healthcare policy. Students complete 1,080 clinical hours, focusing on practice changes, advocacy, and healthcare reform.
- 84 total credit program
- Hybrid learning format
- 1,080 clinical training hours
- Multiple entry points
- CCNE accredited program
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Full-time students complete in 3 years
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Shepherd University's post-doctoral Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate is a 26-hour program for DNP-prepared nurses. It provides advanced training in mental health care with 540 direct-care clinical hours. The program focuses on psychiatric assessment, treatment, addiction management, and psychopharmacology for diverse patient populations.
- 26-hour non-degree certificate
- 540 direct-care clinical hours
- Doctoral degree required
- Minimum 3.00 GPA
- National APRN certification needed
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Shepherd University's hybrid DNP program offers a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialization. This program develops nurse leaders through a three-year, full-time curriculum. Students complete 1,080 clinical hours, focusing on advanced practice skills, evidence-based strategies, and healthcare policy. A scholarly DNP project is required.
- Hybrid learning format
- 84 total credit hours
- Multiple entry points
- 1,080 clinical training hours
- CCNE accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Two specialization tracks
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Scholarly DNP project requirement
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nursing Leadership Administration - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Shepherd University's 84-credit hybrid DNP program prepares nurses for leadership roles. The program caters to BSN or MSN graduates and offers specializations in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Requiring 1,080 clinical hours and a scholarly project, this program emphasizes health policy, administration, and clinical practice.
- 84-credit comprehensive program
- Multiple entry points
- 1,080 clinical hours required
- Hybrid learning format
- CCNE accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Two specialization tracks
- Scholarly DNP project component
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Professional nursing license needed
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Shepherd University's hybrid DNP program with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration trains nurses for leadership in healthcare. This three-year, full-time program includes 1,080 clinical hours, focusing on health policy, evidence-based practice, and population health. It emphasizes practical application of research and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
- Hybrid learning format
- 1,080 clinical training hours
- Multiple entry points
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- CCNE accredited program
- Specialized PMHNP concentration
- 3-year full-time completion
- Professional leadership focus
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV - Public 4-Year - wvu.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
West Virginia University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is tailored for advanced nursing professionals seeking to lead healthcare innovation. This hybrid program blends online and in-person learning, offering flexibility for working nurses. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, requiring 32 credit hours, 1,000 clinical hours, and a scholarly project. Accredited by CCNE, it prepares graduates for high-level practice roles with a focus on improving health outcomes. The program supports post-MSN candidates, ensuring a pathway for further specialization.
- 32 credit hour program
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Web-based course delivery
- CCNE accredited program
- Advanced nursing practice focus
- Doctoral project required
- Post-MSN pathway available
Doctorate - DNP Nurse Anesthetist
Concentration: Nurse Anesthetist - Campus Based - Visit Website
The DNP Nurse Anesthetist program at West Virginia University is a rigorous, full-time three-year course designed for nurses aiming to specialize in anesthesia. With 88 credits and over 2,000 clinical hours, students delve into advanced pharmacology, physiology, and hands-on anesthesia techniques. Accredited by COA and CCNE, the program prepares graduates for the CRNA certification exam, requiring prior critical care experience and a 3.0 GPA. State-of-the-art simulation labs enhance learning, ensuring readiness for high-stakes environments.
- Full-time 3-year program
- 88 total credit hours
- Minimum 2,000 clinical hours
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- 1-3 years critical care experience
- State-of-the-art simulation training
- COA and CCNE accredited
- National certification preparation
Choosing a DNP Program
Nurses choosing to return to school should consider specific options that schools offer. Each prospective student’s needs may differ, but some of the primary considerations are listed below.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Cost– The average cost of a DNP program in West Virginia is around $660 per credit. This fee is for tuition only – university fees, supplies, and living expenses are an additional cost. Luckily, many schools offer tuition assistance and financial aid. Attending part-time also helps offset the cost.
- Online Options– There are pros and cons with online learning. While distance education can be flexible, and students can learn at their own pace, hands-on, interactive learning may not be available. There are online options in West Virginia.
- Accreditation– There are two nationally-recognized agencies in the United States that accredit DNP programs- the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation by one of these two agencies is necessary for licensing, and it ensures that strict educational standards are met.
- Residency Options– To earn a DNP, nurses must acquire 1,000 clinical practicum hours. Sometimes, MSN hours can be applied to the required DNP hours. Many times, the school is contracted with nearby healthcare facilities and students may find preceptors or mentors there. A DNP project is also required to graduate. Examples of DNP projects include:
- Practice change initiative
- Quality improvement
- Design and evaluating programs
- Developing and implementing healthcare programs
West Virginia University offers a DNP program for both BSN and post-master's students. The program is online only, and 33-62 credits are required to graduate. MSN students may choose to earn their DNP while BSN to DNP students can select APRN tracks in pediatrics and FNP. For more information, students are encouraged to visit the university's website.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Admission to DNP programs in West Virginia may vary. Criteria are dependent on the school and the nurse’s entry point. Requirements may include:
- Current RN or APRN license
- MSN or BSN degree
- Specialty certification (if applicable)
- Specified GPA (varies per school)
- Completion of a statistics course
- Written goal statement, statement of purpose, or other writing samples
- Submission of a resume/CV
- Letters of professional reference
- Documentation of prior clinical experience as an RN or APRN
- Liability insurance
- Health clearance
Certification
Specialty certification is a chosen area of focus for APRNs. MSN to DNP graduates may not need certification, as they may already hold current certification, or it is not required for their role (i.e., as an executive). However, DNP graduates who started as a BSN RN, or those changing their specialty, must obtain certification. Examples of specialty certification include:
- Nurse practitioner specialties (i.e., adult-gerontology, pediatrics, psychiatric-mental health, women’s health, etc.)
- Certified nurse midwife
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
While not required, some DNP graduates in non-practitioner roles may choose to become certified in a specialty area. For example, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers certification in:
- Informatics Nursing
- Nurse Executive
- Nurse Executive-Advanced
- Nursing Professional Development
- Public Health Nursing-Advanced
Licensure
As stated earlier, specialty certification is required for APRN licensure in West Virginia. Additional requirements include:
- Current RN license
- Completion of a graduate program (MSN or DNP)
- Ensure an official hard copy transcript is sent to the board
- Complete an online application for prescriptive authority (if necessary for practice)
- Complete online application
- Pay any necessary fees
West Virginia BSN to DNP Program Options
BSN nurses have the opportunity in West Virginia to obtain a DNP directly. There are accredited programs in the state that offer a BSN-DNP pathway. MSN degrees are earned along the way, and nurses are prepared for roles in advanced practice as well as administration.
For example, Shepherd University in Shepherdstown offers BSN students the opportunity to become a Family Nurse Practitioner or a role in nursing leadership. The BSN-DNP program may require 75-84 credits (depending on which track is chosen) and the program may be completed in three years if attending full-time. For more information, and to view the BSN-DNP plan of study and curriculum schedule, prospective students may view their DNP handbook online.
Related Education Paths
- West Virginia Nurse Practitioner Programs
- West Virginia Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
- West Virginia FNP Programs
- West Virginia Nurse Midwifery Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in West Virginia
- West Virginia Nurses Association
- West Virginia Organization of Nursing Leadership
- American Nursing Informatics Association
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in West Virginia
Buckhannon, WV
West Virginia Wesleyan College
- Doctorate - BSN to DNP
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online BSN to DNP program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 73-76 total credit hours
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Competitive cohort admission
- Advanced clinical practicum
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Professional leadership focus
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Nursing Practice - Online Learning - Website
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Advanced Nursing Practice concentration
- Online program format
- Clinical leadership focus
- Professional advancement pathway
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- Advanced clinical leadership focus
- Flexible learning for professionals
- Comprehensive patient care training
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nursing Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online DNP program.
- Concentration in Nursing Leadership.
- Flexible for working professionals.
- Focus on healthcare leadership.
- Evidence-based practice emphasis.
- Competitive program costs.
- Requires master's in nursing.
- Valid RN license needed.
Huntington, WV
Marshall University
- Doctorate - Nursing Practice, D.N.P.
Online Learning - Website
- Online synchronous/asynchronous courses
- Post-M.S.N. 36 credit hours
- Evidence-based practice project
- 1,000 total graduate clinical hours
- Competitive admission process
- 7-year program completion window
- Full-time and part-time options
- No transfer credits accepted
Morgantown, WV
West Virginia University
- Doctorate - DNP Nurse Anesthetist
Concentration: Nurse Anesthetist - Campus Based - Website
- Full-time 3-year program
- 88 total credit hours
- Minimum 2,000 clinical hours
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- 1-3 years critical care experience
- State-of-the-art simulation training
- COA and CCNE accredited
- National certification preparation
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 32 credit hour program
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Web-based course delivery
- CCNE accredited program
- Advanced nursing practice focus
- Doctoral project required
- Post-MSN pathway available
Shepherdstown, WV
Shepherd University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 84-credit comprehensive program
- Hybrid learning format
- 1,080 clinical training hours
- Multiple entry points
- CCNE accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 84 total credit program
- Hybrid learning format
- 1,080 clinical training hours
- Multiple entry points
- CCNE accredited program
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Full-time students complete in 3 years
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nursing Leadership Administration - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 84-credit comprehensive program
- Multiple entry points
- 1,080 clinical hours required
- Hybrid learning format
- CCNE accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Two specialization tracks
- Scholarly DNP project component
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- 84 total credit hours
- Multiple entry points
- 1,080 clinical training hours
- CCNE accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Two specialization tracks
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- 1,080 clinical training hours
- Multiple entry points
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- CCNE accredited program
- Specialized PMHNP concentration
- 3-year full-time completion
- Professional leadership focus