Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs Online in West Virginia

The Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration at West Virginia Wesleyan College prepares registered nurses for advanced primary care practice. This 48-credit hybrid program combines online coursework with brief campus residencies, allowing students to complete practicum experiences in their own communities. The curriculum covers advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and primary care of families across the lifespan, along with leadership, research, and health policy. Students gain skills in diagnosing and managing acute and chronic conditions while emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam through AANP or ANCC and can work autonomously or collaboratively in clinics, hospitals, and community health settings. The program admits a fall cohort and is accredited by CCNE.

• CCNE accredited
• 48 total credit hours
• Starts fall
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prepares for AANP or ANCC
• Online and hybrid coursework
• Brief on-campus residencies required
• Practicum arranged in home communities

West Virginia Wesleyan College offers a Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner. This 30-credit hour hybrid program prepares nurses with an MSN for advanced primary care roles. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN license, and completion of an accredited MSN program. The curriculum includes pathophysiology, pharmacology, and family primary care courses with clinical practicums. Graduates qualify for national FNP certification exams. Some state restrictions apply for online/hybrid enrollment.

• 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
• No January admission accepted
• 30 credit hours plus prerequisites

West Virginia Wesleyan College's BSN-to-DNP program with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration prepares registered nurses for advanced practice roles. The curriculum blends online coursework with one-to-one faculty attention, covering advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and primary care across the lifespan. Students complete clinical practicums in family settings and a capstone project addressing real-world healthcare challenges. Graduates are equipped to provide comprehensive care in clinics, hospitals, and community health centers, driving reform in the healthcare system. The program admits a cohort each fall and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of interest. With a focus on evidence-based practice and leadership, this DNP pathway positions nurses to advocate for vulnerable populations and improve health outcomes.

• 3 concentration options
• Starts fall
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Capstone required
• Online pedagogies with one-to-one attention
• Fall cohort admission only
• Capstone project required

West Virginia Wesleyan College's BSN to DNP program with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares nurses for advanced clinical practice and leadership in mental health care. The online curriculum blends DNP core courses with specialty coursework in psychiatric assessment, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy, culminating in a capstone project. Students gain skills to diagnose and treat mental disorders across the lifespan, addressing health disparities in underserved populations. The cohort model fosters collaboration, while one-to-one faculty attention supports individualized growth. Graduates are equipped for roles as psychiatric nurse practitioners in diverse settings, from community clinics to hospitals, driving reform and advocating for vulnerable patients. With 79 credit hours and a focus on evidence-based practice, this program emphasizes both clinical excellence and system-level change.

• CCNE accredited
• 4 concentration options
• 79 total credit hours
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Capstone required
• Online pedagogies with one-to-one attention

Shepherd University offers a Post-Graduate Certificate Program in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). This hybrid program equips advanced practice nurses with skills for holistic, patient-centered care. Graduates can take the ANCC national certification exam. Admissions require a 3.0 GPA, professional nursing license, resume, transcripts, letter of intent, and references. Costs vary, and applicants use the Nursing CAS for submission. The program focuses on integrated systems and shared decision-making, preparing nurses for diverse clinical settings.

• 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.
• Letter of intent under 500 words.
• Two professional references.

Shepherd University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration prepares registered nurses for advanced clinical roles. This CCNE-accredited program blends online coursework with on-campus sessions, allowing students to balance studies with professional commitments. The curriculum emphasizes health policy, evidence-based practice, population health, and organizational leadership. Students develop skills to diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions across the lifespan. The program includes a scholarly DNP project and over 1,080 clinical hours. With multiple entry points for BSN or MSN graduates, the hybrid format accommodates working professionals. Graduates are equipped to serve as primary care providers in diverse settings, from community clinics to hospital systems. The three-year full-time plan and supportive faculty create a pathway to leadership in nursing.

• CCNE accredited
• 2 concentration options
• 3-Year program
• 84 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 1080 clinical hours
• Work experience required
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required

Shepherd University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration prepares registered nurses to lead in one of the most in-demand specialties in healthcare. Set in Shepherdstown, WV, this CCNE-accredited hybrid program blends online coursework with in-seat sessions, making it accessible without sacrificing the depth of a rigorous doctoral education. Students build expertise in mental health assessment, psychopharmacology, and advanced psychiatric care across the lifespan. The curriculum also covers health policy, healthcare law, population health, and evidence-based practice — skills that shape nurses into true clinical leaders. At 84 credits, the program requires a minimum of 1,080 specialty clinical hours and culminates in a scholarly DNP project that bridges research and real-world practice. Multiple entry points are available, from BSN to DNP or post-MSN pathways, letting students tailor their path based on prior education. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and at least two years of direct patient care experience.

• CCNE accredited
• 2 concentration options
• 3-Year program
• 84 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 1080 clinical hours
• Work experience required
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required

Wheeling University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration. This program provides an affordable pathway to advanced practice roles, designed for working registered nurses. All courses are delivered online, with clinical requirements completed locally. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and system concepts, preparing graduates for leadership in healthcare. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and background check. Costs and application dates are available on the university website, making it accessible for students at various life stages seeking career advancement.

• Online program delivery.
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• Affordable tuition pathway.
• Clinicals in home community.
• BSN required for admission.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• RN licensure needed.
• Background check required.
• Two recommendation letters.
• Statistics and research prerequisites.

West Virginia University offers a fully online Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. This 47-credit program prepares baccalaureate-prepared nurses for advanced practice roles, with both full-time and part-time enrollment options available. The curriculum includes 570 required clinical hours and prepares graduates for national certification exams through ANCC or AANP. The program uses both asynchronous and synchronous distance education formats, with some on-campus sessions required for specific courses. Clinical placements require student collaboration in identifying preceptors, and state authorization restrictions may apply for out-of-state students.

• 47 credit hours required
• Fully online program delivery
• Both full-time and part-time options
• 570 clinical hours required
• Prepares for national certification
• Asynchronous and synchronous formats
• Some on-campus sessions required
• Student identifies clinical preceptors
• State authorization restrictions apply
• CCNE accredited program

West Virginia University offers a Post-Graduate APRN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program for nurses with a master's degree or higher. This online program prepares graduates for national certification exams. It requires 19-25 credit hours and includes 600 clinical hours. Students need prerequisite courses in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, and assessment. Some on-campus sessions in Morgantown or Charleston are required. The program focuses on primary care across the lifespan.

• 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
• Care across lifespan
• Clinical placements arranged

West Virginia University offers an online Post-Graduate APRN Psychiatric Mental Health Certificate for licensed advanced practice nurses. This 21-25 credit program prepares graduates for national certification exams. Courses cover neuro-psychopharmacology, psychotherapy modalities, and lifespan management. The program requires 540 clinical hours, personalized through gap analysis. Didactic courses are fully online, with clinical placements arranged with faculty. Applicants need a master's degree in nursing and current APRN licensure. The program focuses on evidence-based psychiatric care across diverse settings.

• 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.
• Includes neuro-psychopharmacology course.
• Psychotherapy modalities training.

Marshall University's Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles. The MSN-FNP requires 41-42 credit hours depending on admission date, with coursework delivered through classroom, online, laboratory, and clinical instruction. The curriculum includes core courses, family nurse practitioner specialization, and electives. Graduates are eligible to take AANP and ANCC certification exams. Applications have priority deadlines of September 15 for spring and February 15 for fall admission.

• 41-42 credit hours
• Classroom and online instruction
• Laboratory and clinical components
• AANP and ANCC exam eligible
• September 15 spring deadline
• February 15 fall deadline
• Competitive admission process
• Rural population experiences

The University of Charleston's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice roles. This online program requires 42 credits and can be completed in 5 semesters full-time or 7 semesters part-time. Applicants need a BSN with a minimum 2.50 GPA, current RN license, statement of purpose, two recommendations, and a resume. The program includes 750 clinical hours and prepares graduates for FNP certification exams. Two annual starts are available in spring and fall.

• 5 semesters full-time
• 42 credits required
• Online format
• 750 clinical hours
• Two annual starts
• Spring and fall terms
• 7 semesters part-time
• Designed for working RNs
• No residency required
• Full-time and part-time options