West Virginia RN to BSN Programs

With an aging population and sweeping healthcare changes, nurses are more in demand than ever. ADN 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 roles 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.

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 a 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 the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center at West Virginia University in Morgantown, the RN to BSN encourages licensed registered nurses to continue their degree 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 Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) as a measure of due diligence and partnership between federal legislators, the state's Board of Nursing, participating universities, and individual RNs.

Featured Online School

Davis & Elkins College offers a 1-year RN to BSN program that is completely online. Designed for working nurses, the program grooms students with the experience, theory and leadership skills they need to make the next move in their career. With three start dates throughout the year, the program is flexible - there's no better time to start working on your future!

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

The cost for West Virginia RNs to take part in Bluefield State University's online RN to BSN program is about $270 per credit hour. Due to the distance education structure of the program, housing and food costs are not included in the fee structure, however, a number of administrative and program fees are collected in addition to tuition."

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

As the North American population ages, nurses need to learn and do more in their role. 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 through the state, it looks as though the healthcare field will continue to expand for some time to come. Nurses with their BSN degree 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.

RN to BSN Programs

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 a 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.