Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in West Virginia

Small but mighty, the Appalachian state of West Virginia is ripe with opportunities for nursing career advancement. The state's mountainous beauty and friendly towns, such as Charleston, make West Virginia a big draw. If you're considering becoming a nurse practitioner and reside in West Virginia, read on for information on NP specialties and degree options in the state. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in West Virginia

Choosing the right nurse practitioner program is a crucial step in advancing your nursing career. To help prospective students in West Virginia make informed decisions, we’ve ranked the Best Nurse Practitioner Programs available in the state. Our rankings consider factors such as accreditation, program flexibility, graduation rates, and cost. These programs offer the flexibility and quality education needed to excel in the NP field. For more information on how these programs were evaluated, visit our methodology page.

1.

Wheeling University

Wheeling, WV

Wheeling University offers an exceptional nurse practitioner program that prepares students to become leaders in the healthcare field. The program is founded on the nursing department's philosophy of providing compassionate and holistic care to patients, while also emphasizing critical thinking and evidence-based practice. With a strong emphasis on clinical experience and interprofessional collaboration, graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Post Master's Nursing Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

2.

West Virginia Wesleyan College

Buckhannon, WV

West Virginia Wesleyan College offers a rigorous and comprehensive nurse practitioner program that prepares students to provide high-quality and compassionate care to diverse populations. With a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and evidence-based practice, the nursing department's philosophy is centered around developing skilled and empathetic healthcare providers who are committed to promoting health and wellness in their communities.

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Post Graduate APRN Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

3.

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University offers comprehensive nurse practitioner programs that focus on evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and interprofessional collaboration. The nursing department's philosophy centers around preparing highly skilled and compassionate nurses who are equipped to provide quality healthcare to diverse populations. WVU also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and leadership development in their nursing education.

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Post-Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Post-Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Nurses in West Virginia who wish to complete a cheap and quick NP program have several options in the state, with national online NP programs available as well. Assuming you've completed a minimum of a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN), you can easily find an NP program that fits your ideal timeframe and budget.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

Nurses have two degree options when it comes to an NP program: the traditional Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), and the 4+ year Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Those looking to become NPs quickly and affordably may wish to pursue the MSN route. Currently, all MSN-level NP programs in West Virginia take the standard two years minimum to complete. However, some programs may be able to be completed faster depending on the number of transferable credits you bring to the table, and whether summer courses are permitted. Students hoping to complete an MSN-level Family Nurse Practitioner degree may wish to opt for a program like West Virginia University's 46 credit-hour MSN-FNP offering.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

Tuition cost is undoubtedly at the forefront of any student's mind, especially considering NP programs can range in cost from under $20,000 to over $100,000. Those seeking an affordable pathway in West Virginia may wish to look into online NP programs, where tuition can be much less expensive, and commuting costs are eliminated. Overall, things like private vs. public institutions, the city, and the degree level of your NP program will affect how cheap (or expensive) your education will be. Check out some inexpensive NP options in West Virginia below:

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

NP programs come in different specialty tracks, where students can focus on one patient population or type of care. Deciding on a specialty is a big part of becoming a nurse practitioner, and these concentrated tracks are available at both the MSN and DNP level. Check out some of the NP specialties available in West Virginia programs:

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

The most common route to a nurse practitioner education is through an MSN or a DNP, but did you know that there are other program types available? Depending on what education level you have already completed, you may be eligible for a bridge program or accelerated version of your degree of choice. Check out your options below.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

The two-year traditional Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) in West Virginia will teach students the knowledge and skills necessary to enter their NP specialty of choice. Online options are very common for MSN programs. Consider the following West Virginia option:

• University of Charleston – Charleston, WV

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs, which most commonly come in the form of an ADN to MSN, help RNs enter advanced nurse practitioner roles in an accelerated manner. They combine BSN and MSN education into one intensive program designed specifically for those who hold an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN). In West Virginia, students may opt for the following:

• West Virginia Wesleyan College – Buckhannon, WV

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

The highest degree an NP can hold is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). DNP programs in West Virginia prepare students for advanced careers, sometimes in academia or research. They are frequently offered online and can take four or more years to complete beyond an MSN (some DNP programs will accept students with a BSN). Check out this West Virginia DNP program option:

• Shepherd University – Shepherdstown, WV

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

While not a standalone degree, West Virginia Post-Master's Certificate programs allow MSN-educated nurses to enter or switch to a new nurse practitioner specialty. These programs can often be completed in a year or less, saving RNs time and money. Consider this option, located in the state:

• Wheeling University – Wheeling, WV

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Some schools offer accelerated MSN programs as well as Direct-Entry MSN programs. Direct entry, or Master's Entry to Nursing Practice programs, are eligible for those with bachelor's degrees in a non-nursing subject. These programs are rigorous and often require full-time attendance. There are several national online programs that West Virginians can consider.

General Admissions Requirements

While each specific nurse practitioner degree level will have its own set of requirements, most NP programs in West Virginia will require the following to be eligible for admission:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

West Virginia NP License and Certification Requirements

To obtain a license as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) through the West Virginia RN Board, nurses must meet the following criteria:

• Fill out an application and submit the applicable fees
• Have an official hard copy transcript sent directly from the graduate program
• Have a current, active RN license

Certification for nurse practitioner specialties, such as clinical nurse leaders, nurse midwives, and neonatal nurse practitioners, can be obtained through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Applicants must have an active RN license and have completed a graduate-level nursing program in an applicable specialty. West Virginia grants nurse practitioners full practice authority, meaning they can independently evaluate and diagnose patients and prescribe medication. More information and additional resources can be found here.

List of NP Programs in West Virginia

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