There were 2,982,280 Registered Nurses in the US in 2019 and 19,830 of those were working the state of West Virginia. There were also 697,510 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses employed across the US in 2019 with 6,020 working in West Virginia.

Should I Become a Nurse in West Virginia?

Nurses work long hours and spend most of their time looking after injured or sick people. They need to have strong nerves and supreme physical fitness to do their jobs properly.

If you want to join the ranks of these professionals, then keep on reading.

Education Required Differs for RNs and LPNs
License/Certification Required
Experience/Training Not compulsory but beneficial.
Key Skills/Qualities Empathy, Physical Stamina, Strong Observational and Strong Nerves, etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National $77,460 (Registered Nurses)

$48,500 (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses)

Job Outlook (2018-28) 12% (Registered Nurses)

11% (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses)

Annual Mean Salary (2019) – West Virginia $63,220 (Registered Nurses)

$37,500 (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that Registered Nurses will experience a 12% growth in employment opportunities between 2018 and 2028. On the other hand, it is estimated that Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses will enjoy job growth of 11%. This is quite encouraging since the average job growth for all other occupations is expected to be around the 5% mark.

Steps to Become a Nurse in West Virginia

The following steps have to be completed to become a nurse in West Virginia

    1. Meet the Educational Requirements

The education needed to become a nurse is different for RNs and LPNs. Registered Nurses need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to start their journey. Licensed Practical Nurses, in most cases, can start the process of becoming a nurse with a postsecondary nondegree award.

    1. Clear the NCLEX

Nurses all across the US have to sit through and pass the NCLEX test. This is a mandatory requirement. Registered Nurses will clear the NCLEX-RN test while Licensed Practical Nurses have to pass the NCLEX-PN stage to apply for licensure.

    1. Get the License

Applying for licensure is the next step. You will have to clear a few screening steps at this stage of the process as well. You will be asked to submit your fingerprints and go through a thorough background check. Once you clear these stages, you will be given your license.

    1. Look for Jobs

You can now start looking for jobs. Start applying to various healthcare settings to start the process.

How long Does It Take to Become a Nurse in West Virginia?

It can take anywhere between 4 to 6 years to become a Registered Nurse. If you plan on becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, it will take you 1 to 2 years to become one.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Nurse in West Virginia?

The following are the requirements to become a nurse in West Virginia:

  • Get the needed education
  • Clear the licensing exam, NCLEX
  • Clear background screening and get your license
  • Start looking for jobs

How Much Does a Nurse Earn in West Virginia?

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses employed in West Virginia earned $63,220 (annual mean income) in 2019. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses made $37,500 (annual mean income) in West Virginia.

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