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 program with Advanced Nursing Practice concentration provides nurses a comprehensive pathway to advanced clinical leadership. Designed for working professionals, the online format enables students to enhance their healthcare expertise while maintaining current employment. Graduates gain advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice knowledge, and the ability to drive healthcare innovations at systemic levels. The program prepares nurses for high-level practice roles, emphasizing quality improvement, healthcare policy, and advanced patient care strategies.
- 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 provides advanced nursing professionals a comprehensive pathway to elevated healthcare roles. This rigorous online program focuses on preparing highly skilled family nurse practitioners through a systematic curriculum spanning 73-76 credit hours. Prospective students must hold an unencumbered RN license, possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate professional nursing experience. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical scholarship, and population health management, equipping graduates to deliver sophisticated primary care across diverse family settings.
- 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 advanced professional development for experienced nurses seeking to elevate their leadership capabilities. This comprehensive online program prepares nurse leaders to drive healthcare reform, focusing on strategic management, policy development, and organizational leadership. Designed for post-master's professionals, the program requires a 3.0 GPA and an active RN license. Graduates will gain advanced skills in healthcare policy, ethics, and transformative leadership strategies through a rigorous curriculum combining theoretical foundations with practical experiences.
- 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 offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a concentration in Nursing Leadership, designed for nurses aiming to advance their careers in healthcare leadership. This program equips students with the skills to lead healthcare teams, improve patient care, and manage healthcare systems effectively. It's tailored for working professionals, offering flexibility to balance studies with personal and professional commitments. The program emphasizes practical leadership skills, evidence-based practice, and healthcare policy. Admissions require a master's degree in nursing, a valid RN license, and professional experience. Costs are competitive, aiming to provide value for aspiring nursing leaders.
- 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 empowers advanced nursing professionals to deliver exceptional patient-centered care. This rigorous online program prepares experienced nurses to become leaders in healthcare, specializing in comprehensive family health management. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible learning pathways that balance academic excellence with practical clinical expertise. Graduates gain advanced clinical skills, research capabilities, and the knowledge to address complex healthcare challenges across diverse patient populations.
- 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.) prepares advanced practice nurses to operate at the pinnacle of professional nursing expertise. This comprehensive online program offers a post-M.S.N. pathway requiring 36 credit hours for graduates of nationally accredited nursing master's programs. Students develop advanced clinical competencies through synchronous and asynchronous coursework, focusing on translating evidence-based practice into superior healthcare outcomes. Prospective students must hold an active nursing license, demonstrate 500 supervised clinical practice hours, and maintain a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA.
- 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is a transformative three-year program designed for ambitious healthcare professionals. This innovative hybrid program equips nurses with advanced clinical skills, leadership capabilities, and evidence-based practice expertise. Students complete a comprehensive 84-credit curriculum, including a minimum of 1,080 clinical training hours. The program prepares graduates to lead healthcare reforms, advocate for vulnerable populations, and translate cutting-edge research into practical patient care strategies. Ideal for BSN-prepared nurses seeking to elevate their professional impact, the program offers multiple 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to become healthcare leaders with a specialized Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. This comprehensive doctoral program transforms nursing professionals through an innovative hybrid curriculum that integrates clinical expertise, evidence-based practices, and healthcare policy. Students complete 84 credits and a minimum of 1,080 clinical training hours, developing critical skills to address complex healthcare challenges. The program focuses on producing practitioners who can implement meaningful practice changes, advocate for vulnerable populations, and drive 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 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate offers advanced practice nurses a specialized 26-hour postdoctoral pathway to expand clinical expertise. Designed for doctorally prepared nurses, this comprehensive program provides intensive training in mental health care across diverse patient populations. Participants gain advanced skills in psychiatric assessment, treatment synthesis, addiction management, and psychopharmacology. The program includes 540 direct-care supervised clinical hours, preparing nurses to deliver sophisticated mental health interventions for individuals, families, and groups across the lifespan.
- 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice offers an innovative pathway for nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise, particularly in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialization. This comprehensive program transforms healthcare professionals into leaders who can drive systemic improvements. Designed for full-time students, the three-year curriculum integrates advanced practice skills, evidence-based strategies, and healthcare policy knowledge. Graduates emerge equipped to address complex healthcare challenges, advocate for vulnerable populations, and implement transformative practice changes. The program provides robust clinical training, mandating 1,080 specialty hours and emphasizing practical, impactful scholarly projects.
- 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced nursing professionals to become leaders in healthcare. This comprehensive 84-credit program focuses on transforming healthcare delivery through evidence-based practices, targeting students with BSN or MSN backgrounds. Graduates develop critical skills in health policy, administration, and clinical practice, with specialized tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The program requires 1,080 clinical hours and a scholarly project, enabling students to directly impact patient care and healthcare systems. Full-time students can complete the program in three years, with a hybrid learning format combining online and in-person coursework.
- 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers advanced clinical training for nurses seeking leadership roles in healthcare. Focusing on the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration, this hybrid program equips professionals to address complex mental health challenges. Students develop critical skills in health policy, evidence-based practices, and population health while completing 1,080 clinical training hours. The three-year full-time program emphasizes translating research into practical healthcare improvements and preparing advocates 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 prepares advanced nursing professionals to drive healthcare innovation. Designed for experienced nurses, this comprehensive program develops expert-level practitioners capable of translating evidence into practice and improving population health outcomes. Graduates complete a rigorous curriculum encompassing 32 credit hours, 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours, and a scholarly project demonstrating advanced practice skills. The flexible hybrid format accommodates working professionals, with web-based courses in asynchronous and synchronous formats.
- 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
West Virginia University's DNP Nurse Anesthetist program offers an intensive three-year, full-time curriculum preparing advanced practice nurses for critical healthcare roles. Students complete 88 credits with a minimum of 2,000 clinical hours, developing comprehensive skills in anesthesia practice. The rigorous science-based program includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical training. Graduates become eligible for the National Certification Exam to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), with a strong emphasis on advanced clinical competencies and hands-on learning.
- 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: Nursing Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- 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
- 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.
- 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
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 - 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
- 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
Shepherdstown, WV
West Virginia University
- 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
- 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