Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs Online in West Virginia
- 2026 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in West Virginia
- Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties
- Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus
- General Admissions Requirements
- West Virginia NP License and Certification Requirements
- List of NP Programs 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.
Shepherdstown, WV - Public 4-Year - shepherd.edu Online & Campus Based - Visit Website Shepherd University's online Post-Graduate Certificate Program in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) provides advanced practice nurses with specialized training in holistic, patient-centered mental health care. This hybrid program requires a 3.0 GPA, professional nursing license, and application through Nursing CAS, but no entrance exam is specified. Graduates are eligible for ANCC certification, with coursework emphasizing integrated systems and shared decision-making for diverse clinical settings. Online & Campus Based - Visit Website Shepherd University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration prepares nurses for healthcare leadership through a hybrid curriculum. The 84-credit program requires 1,080 clinical hours and a 3.0 GPA, but no entrance exam is mentioned. CCNE-accredited, it focuses on evidence-based practices, health policy, and advocacy for vulnerable populations, with full-time completion in three years. Online & Campus Based - Visit Website Shepherd University's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate is a 26-hour postdoctoral program for doctorally prepared nurses seeking advanced mental health expertise. This hybrid pathway includes 540 direct-care clinical hours and requires a 3.0 GPA and national APRN certification, with no entrance exam specified. It trains nurses in psychiatric assessment, addiction management, and psychopharmacology for lifespan care across diverse populations. Online & Campus Based - Visit Website Shepherd University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration, focusing on leadership in mental healthcare. This hybrid program requires 1,080 clinical hours and a 3.0 GPA, but no entrance exam is mentioned. CCNE-accredited, it emphasizes translating research into practice, health policy, and advocacy, with full-time completion in three years. Buckhannon, WV - Private 4-year - wvwc.edu Online & Campus Based - Visit Website West Virginia Wesleyan College's Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner is a 30-credit hour hybrid program designed for MSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced primary care roles. This online/hybrid program focuses specifically on family nurse practitioner training, requiring a 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN license, and accredited MSN for admission. The curriculum includes pathophysiology, pharmacology, and family primary care courses with clinical practicums, preparing graduates for national FNP certification exams. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this post-graduate certificate program. Online Learning - Visit Website West Virginia Wesleyan College offers an online BSN to DNP program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, spanning 73-76 credit hours. This doctoral-level program prepares advanced nursing professionals for elevated healthcare roles through evidence-based practice and clinical scholarship. Admission requires an accredited BSN, minimum 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN license, and professional nursing experience. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this online doctoral program, which emphasizes population health management and sophisticated primary care delivery across diverse family settings. Online Learning - Visit Website West Virginia Wesleyan College's online BSN to DNP program offers a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration, totaling 79 credit hours of specialized mental healthcare training. This rigorous doctoral program prepares expert clinicians through evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, and population health integration. Competitive admission requires an accredited BSN, unencumbered RN license, and minimum 3.0 GPA. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this online program designed for working nurses seeking advanced psychiatric mental health practice credentials. Morgantown, WV - Public 4-Year - wvu.edu Online Learning - Visit Website West Virginia University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a comprehensive 47-credit pathway for baccalaureate-prepared nurses. This CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates for national certification through 570 clinical practice hours, blending asynchronous and synchronous online formats. Focused on primary care across the lifespan, it emphasizes evidence-based practice without requiring entrance exams like the GRE. The program offers flexible part-time or full-time enrollment, making it ideal for working nurses seeking advanced clinical skills in diverse healthcare settings. Online Learning - Visit Website Designed for nurses with a master's degree, West Virginia University's online Post-Graduate APRN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program prepares graduates for national certification. This 19-25 credit program requires 600 clinical hours and prerequisite courses in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, and assessment. While primarily online, some on-campus sessions in Morgantown or Charleston are necessary. The program focuses on primary care across the lifespan and does not require entrance exams. Clinical placements are arranged, though travel may be needed for on-campus components. Online Learning - Visit Website West Virginia University offers an online Post-Graduate APRN Psychiatric Mental Health Certificate for licensed advanced practice nurses with a master's degree. This 21-25 credit program prepares graduates for ANCC/AANP certification exams through 540 clinical hours, personalized via gap analysis. Fully online didactic courses cover neuro-psychopharmacology, psychotherapy modalities, and lifespan management without requiring entrance exams. Clinical placements are arranged with faculty, and the program emphasizes evidence-based psychiatric care across diverse settings, featuring flexible fall, spring, and summer terms with self-paced clinical options. Wheeling, WV - Private 4-year - wheeling.edu Online Learning - Visit Website Wheeling University's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration provides an affordable, flexible pathway for registered nurses to advance their careers. This CCNE-accredited program delivers all coursework online while allowing students to complete clinical requirements in their local communities. The curriculum focuses on primary care, health promotion, and leadership development, preparing graduates for advanced practice roles. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and background check. Notably, most applicants are not required to submit GRE scores, making this program accessible for working professionals seeking to specialize in family care. Huntington, WV - Public 4-Year - marshall.edu Online & Campus Based - Visit Website Marshall University's Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with clinical, lab, and classroom instruction. This 41-credit program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles with a curriculum that includes 12 credits of core nursing knowledge and 29 credits focused on FNP training. The program emphasizes serving rural and underserved populations, providing unique clinical opportunities. Graduates are eligible to take the AANP/ANCC national certification exams. Admission is competitive with deadlines on September 15 for spring and February 15 for fall. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program. Charleston, WV - Private 4-year - ucwv.edu Online Learning - Visit Website The University of Charleston offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, designed for working RNs seeking career advancement. This fully online program requires 42 credits and 750 clinical hours, typically completed in 5 full-time semesters. The curriculum prepares graduates to provide comprehensive patient care across all age groups and to sit for national certification exams. With spring and fall start dates, no campus residency requirements, and ACEN accreditation, this program provides a flexible pathway for BSN-prepared nurses with an active RN license and 2.50 GPA. No entrance exam is required for admission.2026 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in West Virginia
Shepherd University
Graduate Certificate - Post Graduate Certificate Program (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP))
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate APRN Certificate (Family Nurse Practitioner)
MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
BSN to DNP - BSN to DNP Program (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
West Virginia University
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate APRN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program
Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate APRN Psychiatric Mental Health Certificate
Wheeling University
BSN to MSN - Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Family Nurse Practitioner (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
Marshall University
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner
University of Charleston
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
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:
| School Name | Tuition Range (In-State) | Estimated Credits |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia University (WVU) | $500 – $700 per credit hour | 44-48 credits |
| Marshall University | $430 – $540 per credit hour | 42-48 credits |
| Wheeling University | $600 – $800 per credit hour | 48 credits |
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:
| School Name | NP Specialty | Credits Required |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia University (WVU) | Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Grad Certificate | 21-25 credits |
| Marshall University | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) MSN | 42-45 credits |
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
Buckhannon, WV
West Virginia Wesleyan College
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate APRN Certificate
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 29-35 credit hours
- Hybrid delivery format
- Requires MSN degree for admission
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Unencumbered RN license needed
- Competitive Fall admission only
- MSN to DNP - 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
Charleston, WV
University of Charleston
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online, fully flexible program
- 5 semesters full-time option
- 42 total credit hours
- 750 clinical hours required
- Spring and Fall starts
- BSN with 2.50 GPA required
- Active RN license needed
- No campus residency
Huntington, WV
Marshall University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 41 total credit hours required
- Clinical, online, lab instruction
- Rural healthcare focus
- AANP/ANCC exam eligibility
- September 15 spring deadline
- February 15 fall deadline
- Competitive admission process
- Three curriculum components
Morgantown, WV
West Virginia University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online 47-credit MSN program
- Part-time and full-time enrollment
- Prepares for national certification
- Advanced practice FNP track
- 570 direct clinical practice hours
- Asynchronous and synchronous formats
- CCNE accredited program
- Primary care clinical focus
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate APRN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program
Online Learning - Website
- Online program delivery
- 19-25 credit hours
- 600 clinical hours required
- For nurses with master's degree
- Prepares for national certification
- Prerequisite courses needed
- On-campus sessions required
- Focus on primary care
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate APRN Psychiatric Mental Health Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- 21-25 credit hours.
- Fully online didactic courses.
- 540 clinical hours required.
- Personalized gap analysis.
- Prepares for ANCC/AANP exams.
- For licensed APRNs.
- Master's degree prerequisite.
- Covers lifespan psychiatric care.
Shepherdstown, WV
Shepherd University
- Graduate Certificate - Post Graduate Certificate Program
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Post-Graduate Certificate Program.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration.
- Hybrid program type.
- Eligible for ANCC certification.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
- Professional nursing license needed.
- Submit resume or CV.
- Official transcripts required.
- MSN to DNP - 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
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 26-hour non-degree certificate
- 540 direct-care clinical hours
- Doctoral degree required
- Minimum 3.00 GPA
- National APRN certification needed
- MSN to DNP - 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
