LPN Programs in WV

It takes 12 to 14 months to complete a West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses approved/accredited LPN diploma program. Practical Nursing licensure in the state of West Virginia requires the completion of a WV State Board of Examiners approved LPN program. A list of these LPN programs can be found at the bottom of this page.

Admission requirements to LPN schools in West Virginia vary and checking with a specific institution for actual requirements is recommended prior to submitting an application and application fee. Some common admission requirements found at LPN schools in WV include being at least 18 years of age, possessing a high school diploma or its equivalent, completing a pre-entrance exam, pass a drug screen and complete a criminal background check.

Students receive classroom and laboratory instruction in topics such as nursing and medical terminology, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, nursing skills, medical surgical nursing, gerontology, mental health nursing, laboratory and sampling procedures and related courses required by the State. Students will also complete clinical practicums in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and other facilities where LPNs will find jobs. Practicums are an opportunity for students to have direct patient contact and apply what they have learned in the classroom under the direct supervision of an RN or instructor.

Practical Nursing Licensure Requirements in West Virginia

Requirements for new practical nursing licensure in WV include having at least a 10th grade education or its equivalent, complete an accredited/approved LPN program, apply for licensure exam and licensure with the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses (application can be found on their website), Register for the NCLEX-PN exam on the Pearson Vue website and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses notifies applicants if they have passed the exam and application process. Once licensure is granted, the title LPN can be used.

LPN Salary, Job Outlook and Employers in West Virginia

According to the Workforce West Virginia Labor Market Information – Occupational Wages website, an LPN in WV makes an average annual salary of $32,554 and an average hourly wage of $15.65. These numbers are current as of June, 2010. The job outlook for LPNs in the state of West Virginia is below the national average with job growth projected at 5% through 2016 according to the Workforce West Virginia Labor Market Information Long-Term Projections. these numbers can be impacted by a variety of factors including geographic location, facility and experience. To gain a better perspective of potential salary and job opportunities, check with local employers of LPNs and ask them if they are hiring or intend to hire LPNs and what they pay entry-level LPNs.

An LPN in WV may work in correctional centers, home health, hospices, long term care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, mental health facilities, clinics, physician offices and other health care related facilities. Some employers of LPNs in West Virginia are Raleigh General Hospital, Genesis Healthcare, Amedisys Home Health Services, Healthsouth, Sun Bridge Healthcare Corporation, HCR Manor Care Inc., Wexford Health Sources Inc. (staffing for correctional facilities) and United Talent (staffing Services). Many of the employers in WV offer good benefits packages that often include health insurance and sometimes tuition reimbursement. Based on the available data, pursuing an LPN education at this point could be a great start to a successful and exciting career in the field of nursing and health care.

Individuals looking into the LPN programs in West Virginia also researched the Medical Assistant Programs in West Virginia. Medical Assistant training usually takes 6 months to 18 months depending on the program and offers similar job growth potential to that of an LPN in West Virginia.

Accredited LPN Programs in West Virginia

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