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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in West Virginia
BridgeValley CTC (South Charleston/Montgomery) and Southern WV CTC (Williamson/Logan) are the primary LPN training providers. Programs run 12 months at $4,000–$7,000 tuition. Clinical placements at CAMC, Thomas Health, and rural critical access hospitals cover both urban and Appalachian healthcare settings.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BridgeValley Community and Technical College | South Charleston | Community College | 12 months | $5,200 |
| Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College | Mount Gay | Community College | 12 months | $4,800 |
| Mountwest Community and Technical College | Huntington | Community College | 12 months | $5,000 |
| Pierpont Community and Technical College | Fairmont | Community College | 12 months | $5,400 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in West Virginia
No West Virginia LPN program is fully online — clinical training at approved facilities is required. WV's rural geography and nursing shortage create clinical placement opportunities with extensive one-on-one patient interaction that urban programs can't match.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to West Virginia residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a West Virginia LPN Program
WV programs have generally accessible admissions reflecting the urgent need for more nurses. Standard prerequisites apply. West Virginia is an NLC compact state with license portability to neighboring VA, KY, OH, PA, and MD. The dedicated Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses oversees all program standards.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in West Virginia
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in West Virginia
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in West Virginia earn an average of $52,540 per year ($25.26/hour). This places West Virginia below the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in West Virginia typically range from $39,200 for entry-level positions to $65,400 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in West Virginia
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $54,800 |
| Huntington | $52,200 |
| Morgantown | $55,400 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in West Virginia is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 500 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in West Virginia
The majority of LPNs in West Virginia work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in West Virginia is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in West Virginia
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
West Virginia
West Virginia LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
West Virginia LPNs are regulated by the WV Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses (a separate board from the RN board). WV is an NLC state.
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
- LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing a Board-approved course
- Must work under direction of an RN or physician
- Peripheral IV starts and IV fluid/medication administration permitted
- LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or manage central lines
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive assessments
- Creating or modifying care plans
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration
- Central line management
- Triage
- Independent practice
West Virginia LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| BridgeValley Community & Technical College | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | ADN bridge in South Charleston |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
West Virginia LPN Board Contact
- Website: lpnboard.wv.gov
- Phone: (304) 558-3572
- Address: 101 Dee Dr, Suite 102, Charleston, WV 25311
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →