West Virginia RN to BSN Programs

With an aging population and sweeping healthcare changes, nurses are more in demand than ever. ADN-prepared RNs – those with an Associate's Degree in Nursing – are adept at bedside care, but may find that they are not the ideal candidate for more complex or leadership roles in their organization. The answer of course is to consider going back to school. With a number of RN to BSN programs available throughout the state, there has never been a better time for nurses to upgrade their qualifications.

2022 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in West Virginia

ADN and diploma-holding RNs can increase their earning potential and open themselves up to more employment opportunities by returning to school to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). Fortunately, there are specialized RN to BSN programs designed specifically for this task. For those wanting extra convenience, online RN to BSN programs allow students to complete their coursework on their own terms. Many students agonize over which program to choose, so we have ranked the top online RN to BSN programs in West Virginia to make the decision a little easier. Take a look at our rankings below and take the first step toward a higher paying nursing career today.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

1.

Davis & Elkins College

Elkins, WV

Davis & Elkins College now offers an online RN to BSN in addition to its highly respected traditional nursing programs. It encompasses foundational courses, such as health assessments and community nursing, as well as reform and ethical perspectives in health care.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Students complete clinicals at work
• Receive professional experience credit
• Recognized as one of the South's best colleges

2.

University of Charleston

Charleston, WV

RNs can resuscitate their nursing careers when they enroll in the online RN to BSN at the University of Charleston in West Virginia. The well-rounded program provides instruction on patient education, community health, and nursing management so graduates can perform a variety of patient care roles.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• BSN can be completed in 3 semesters
• No in-state residency requirements
• 50 years of nursing education experience

3.

Wheeling University

Wheeling, WV

Intended for highly motivated working RNs, the online RN to BSN at Wheeling University in West Virginia enables rapid career advancement and improved patient care delivery. Nursing in chronic care, concepts and evidence-based nursing, and leadership are key study areas.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• A private, Roman Catholic university
• No-cost application
• Clinicals completed at home locations
  

4.

Bluefield State College

Bluefield, WV

Field nurses can get pumped up about future career opportunities when they complete the online RN to BSN at Bluefield State College. Students develop their health assessment skills for patients across the lifespan as well as learn new care coordination, leadership, and decision-making aptitudes.

 

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• An affordable, public state college in West Virginia
• Fast matriculation for Bluefield AS grads
• Online "boot camps" streamed live with faculty

5.

Fairmont State University

Fairmont, WV

Nurses can expand their bedside and clinical capabilities when they enroll in the online RN to BSN at Fairmont State University. With a focus on professional role development, patient-centered care, and critical thinking in clinical situations, students finish the program as nursing generalists.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Designed for full time, working adults
• Asynchronous online learning for flexibility
  
• A public state university in West Virginia

Admissions Requirements for West Virginia RN to BSN Programs

After spending time in the workforce, entering university can be a daunting experience. To ease you through the transition, we’ve compiled a list of the most common admissions requirements for nurses who want to enter an RN to BSN program at a university near them. Criteria generally look like the following:

• Have been accepted unconditionally to the university of your choice
• Submit a copy of your diploma from a regionally accredited ADN program
• Have maintained a GPA of 3.0 (cumulative) through prior ADN program
• Have a nursing license active in West Virginia and in good standing
• Have been employed as a nurse for a period of more than one year

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

Offered through West Virginia University in Morgantown, the RN to BSN program encourages licensed registered nurses to continue their degrees with as little as three semesters of study. This school’s progression plan has course offerings like the following:

• NSG 371 Leadership
• NSG 333 Ethics
• NSG 372 Safety, Quality, Information Technology
• NSG 461 Health Policy & Finance

Online RN to BSN Programs in West Virginia

Nurses in West Virginia can pick from about a dozen public or private university RN to BSN programs that will help them achieve their baccalaureate degree in the field. Programs are accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing as a measure of due diligence and partnership between federal legislators, the state’s Board of Nursing, participating universities, and individual RNs.

Admissions and Program Length

Marshall University provides RNs with a diverse background of education against which to learn clinical practice and evidence-based research to support their patient interactions. Part-time study means that nurses can continue to work and finish their degree in one to two years depending on their transfer portfolio.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Online RN to BSN programs can vary widely in tuition expenses and fees. For example, the cost for in-state and out-of-state students to take part in West Virginia University’s online RN to BSN program is estimated at roughly $14,448. This works out to about $516 per credit hour. Rates can fluctuate so it’s best to check with your school of choice for current figures.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

As the North American population ages, nurses need to learn and do more in their roles. With healthcare advances, nurses can learn so much more about today's caregiving in addition to bedside nursing. With the number of RN to BSN programs that have flourished in the state, it looks as though the healthcare field will continue to expand for some time to come. Nurses with BSN degrees will likely be considered for hire before ADN nurses for the following positions: nurse educator, nursing home manager, pediatric nurse, and many more.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in West Virginia

With additional academic credentials, additional pay shouldn’t be a surprise for nurses. The bottom range of salary for nurses in West Virginia is about $40,000 per year, likely this is the range for nurses with an ADN degree start. However, with an additional two years of schooling, the salary for nurses goes up to an average of almost $57,000 per year. A small amount of extra schooling can make a big difference year-on-year for salary expectations and opportunities.

2023 List of RN to BSN Programs in West Virginia

West Virginia has come on board with the movement that a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing is the preferred education standard. In supporting the upward trend there are more than 10 colleges offering RN to BSN programs, some of which offer tuition assistance, online studies for distance learning, or earning your degree while working. Nurses that receive their degree have reported higher salaries and more job opportunities in comparison to that of an ADN nurse. Salaries depend upon location and specialty but can be up to $10,000 more annually with a BSN degree.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Charleston RN to BSN Programs

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