West Virginia Online LPN Programs: Review & Compare

Popular LPN Programs in West Virginia (Online/Hybrid)

Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) can help launch a long-term career in healthcare, but also give you the opportunity to truly make a difference in the medical field.

There are several programs in West Virginia that offer hybrid programs. This means you can take virtual courses along with the hands-on training necessary to learn the skills to complete nursing school, pass your exams, and ultimately, provide excellent care to patients.

The two colleges featured below offer a blend of in-person and online education that meets many students’ needs. This overview outlines what is taught in these programs and the admission requirements.

FAQs from LPN Students in West Virginia

Are you a potential nursing student experiencing pressure to find the perfect school and optimize financial aid? Here are some answers to frequent questions LPN students may have before they take their educational journey. This includes details on career prospects, bridge programs, and other nursing pathways.

Should I choose an LPN program that is accredited, and what are some of the groups that do that?

Yes, you should choose a program with either national or state-level endorsements. Attaining proper nursing school accreditation shows that the LPN curriculum is of high quality, a fact that is also noticed by employers interested in where you obtained your nursing skills.

Among the groups that endorse West Virginia programs are the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), the West Virginia RN Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses, and the Higher Learning Commission. There are also the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

What are the sources of financial aid to help me with my LPN education?

When searching for the best financial aid, working directly with your chosen school is always the best option. They can provide you with a broader scope of what’s available, as well as what you qualify for.

Outside of the traditional federal grants, scholarships, and loans, which you can access via the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, to determine your eligibility, there are several state-only programs offered to West Virginia students. These include the West Virginia Higher Education Grant (WVHEG), the WV Promise scholarship for academic excellence, and the West Virginia Nursing Scholarship Program. There are also several other scholarships specifically for LPN students.

What kind of work awaits me when I get my first job as an LPN?

Much of what you will do revolves around direct support of patient care, with some duties that are more extensive than those of a certified nursing assistant, but not quite as involved as those who become a registered nurse.

This means pursuing positions in a hospital ward or a specialty clinic; other likely locations include nursing homes or long-term care facilities. You’ll be one of the go-to sources for taking vital signs, administering and supervising medication, and possibly performing wound care. Most LPNs ‘ work still requires supervision by an RN or other healthcare professionals.

What do I need to know about license renewal and continuing education after I graduate?

LPNs in West Virginia must renew their licenses annually, unlike states that require renewal every two years. To maintain their skills, LPNs must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. Two of these hours must address mental health conditions common to veterans and their dependents, as mandated by the state nursing board.

Additionally, three of the continuing education hours must focus on end-of-life care, which is a one-time requirement likely during your first renewal period. Make sure you follow a continuing education schedule to remain eligible for work.

What are the bridge programs that are good for people who’ve become an LPN?

There are fast-track college or university programs that allow you to leverage your LPN training to earn a higher degree through an LPN to BSN bridge program or LPN to ADN bridge program on a faster track than other students.

For instance, BSN bridge programs use the credits you’ve already earned in basic nursing and apply them to a program geared towards a bachelor’s degree in nursing science, which is useful for higher-paying specialty or leadership roles. You can also choose a similar bridge program to earn an associate degree in nursing and then take the tests for a registered nursing license.

West Virginia’s LPN Licensing Requirements

The licensing process in West Virginia is straightforward for LPN students. The steps are as follows:

• First, you’ll need to pass the West Virginia state licensing exam for practical nurses, which is the NCLEX-PN.
• Be sure to check out our beginner’s guide to the NCLEX and our guide for essential study skills for healthcare students.
• Keep in mind that you can only take this exam once you’ve completed your educational training, although you are able to set an appointment for the test about a month in advance of your graduation date.
• Next, you can register for the exam. To do so, you’ll need to request an application from the West Virginia State Board of Examiners.
• Note: This application can be completed online through the board’s Nurse Portal before you arrive for the test.
• Once your application is submitted and approved, you’ll register with the testing vendor and pay the $200 registration fee.

Lastly, remember that the NCLEX-PN material is divided into specific areas, including safe care environments, physiological concerns, mental health and social skills, and health maintenance and promotion.

If you are wondering about specific questions that may be a part of the test, know that most LPN programs have at least one course that gives specific instruction on what might be covered on the test, as well as tips on how to best study for the exam.

Salary & Career Potential: Practical Nurses in West Virginia