BSN-to-DNP Programs in West Virginia – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Graduates of BSN-to-DNP programs in West Virginia can help the Mountain State staunch its looming crisis in primary care access. A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree prepares nurses to tackle complex healthcare challenges, whether nurses elect to use the degree to train as APRNs or as executive healthcare leaders. In West Virginia, job opportunities for DNPs will increase by 52 percent in the coming decade, which signals the average DNP salary of $122,210 is likely to increase as well. If you’re a nurse in the Mountain State looking for a way to fast-track your career, earning a DNP degree may be the ideal solution. Find out more by reading our guide to the best BSN-to-DNP programs in West Virginia.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN-TO-DNP PROGRAMS IN WEST VIRGINIA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Best BSN-to-DNP programs in West Virginia (Online & Campus) for 2025.
1. West Virginia University - Morgantown
Specialties Offered: Nurse Anesthetist
This BSN-to-DNP program in West Virginia is delivered in a hybrid learning format, combining online and face-to-face courses. The program features an 88-credit study plan. The curriculum is challenging, with a heavy focus on sciences, including pathophysiology, chemistry, physics, and pharmacology. Some of the classes you will take in this program include Advanced Principles of Anesthesia: Cardiothoracic, Vascular, & Neuroanesthesia, Management of Special Populations, Regional Anesthesia & Consideration for Common Procedures, and Genetics, Chemistry, & Physics of Anesthesia.
As a nurse and healthcare educator, I love simulated learning and clinical practicum experiences and feel they are integral parts of any quality nursing program. For me, one of the most rewarding things about teaching is seeing the excitement students experience when they apply the principles learned in the classroom to simulations and patient care. Because this is so important, one thing I encourage prospective students to consider is the type and amount of simulation and clinical opportunities programs offer before committing to a program.
For example, at West Virginia University, students engage in simulated learning through the West Virginia Simulated Training and Education for Patient Safety Center (WV STEPS). The Center is a state-of-the-art simulated learning facility. Although students are required to complete a minimum of 2,000 clinical hours, most exceed the minimum needed. Clinical assignments are arranged by program faculty.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, applicants must have a current, unrestricted RN license in West Virginia and need a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from a nationally-accredited nursing program and regionally-accredited institution. Candidates are required to submit copies of official transcripts from all colleges or universities and have a minimum nursing GPA and cumulative GPA for all college coursework of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
All candidates must submit verification of BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification before beginning clinicals. One year of post-orientation full-time critical care experience is required. However, candidates with two to three years of experience and CRNA shadowing experience are preferred. Competitive applicants are asked to participate in an interview on campus with program faculty.
Why Choose This Program
• At West Virginia University, you will participate in interprofessional education, training together with nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. This approach to nursing education is an excellent way to prepare for real-life work, as you will develop stronger collaboration and communication skills, which are essential to practice as a doctorally-prepared CRNA effectively.• The BSN-to-DNP program at West Virginia University offers competitive tuition and financial assistance options, making it easier to pursue your academic and professional goals.
• West Virginia University reports a nearly 100% job placement rate for BSN-to-DNP program graduates. The school offers support and guidance for all students, including providing opportunities to network with local healthcare professionals and organizations.
2. West Virginia Wesleyan College - Buckhannon
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, and Nursing Leadership
The post-baccalaureate DNP program features online coursework complemented by campus-based residencies and comprehensive clinical practicum experiences in or near your home community. The BSN-to-DNP in Nursing Leadership is a 69-credit program. The Advanced Nursing Practice pathways require 73-82 credits, depending on which specialty you choose to pursue. All DNP students are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical practicum hours.
Admission Requirements: Prospective students who wish to attend the BSN-to-DNP program at West Virginia Wesleyan College must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited program and a valid, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse. Applicants are required to submit a completed application, an admissions statement, three letters of professional recommendation, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and official college transcripts reflecting a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Candidates will participate in an interview with West Virginia Wesleyan College and Shenandoah University program faculty, when applicable. Before being admitted to the specialty track, verification of at least one year (2,080 hours) of clinical nursing experience is required. Because specialty coursework typically begins in the second year, you may be allowed to complete your work requirement while taking first-year courses.
Why Choose This Program
• Throughout my career in nursing education, I have had opportunities to talk with many students and hear what is important to them. One of the biggest concerns prospective students have is how they will pay for their degrees. Wesleyan College understands that concern and works with students to find ways to help reduce their out-of-pocket costs. In addition to traditional financial assistance resources, the school offers nursing fellowship opportunities. For instance, the Mon Health Nursing Fellows program provides the chance for students to have up to $20,000 of their program cost funded through Mon Health in exchange for a two-to-three-year work commitment following graduation.• Students currently enrolled in the BSN program at West Virginia Wesleyan College can take advantage of the Early Assurance Program (EAP) for admission. This option allows students to apply to the BSN-to-DNP program in the second year of the BSN program. After completing the required undergraduate courses to earn the BSN, a bachelor’s degree is conferred, and students are guaranteed acceptance into the post-baccalaureate DNP program.
• Wesleyan College understands the importance of personal attention and how it impacts student outcomes. As a student in the BSN-to-DNP program, you will benefit from small class sizes and low faculty-to-student ratios. Even with many classes conducted online, the limited class sizes and faculty availability create an intimate learning environment that promotes excellent academic outcomes.
3. Shepherd University - Shepherdstown
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The BSN-to-DNP program features a curriculum that integrates coursework in business, nursing, healthcare administration, and informatics. Each pathway requires 84 credits and 1,080 practicum hours. The plan of study includes core nursing courses, track-specific courses, and doctoral courses. 540 hours of the required practicum are specialty-focused, and the remaining 540 hours are DNP practicum hours. A DNP Scholarly Project is the final requirement in the program. Upon completion of the program, a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is conferred, and you will be eligible to sit for the certification exam for Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Admission Requirements: Admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at Shepherd University is for Registered Nurses who hold an active, unrestricted RN license in West Virginia or a compact state and who have earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission.
Candidates must complete an admission application and submit a curriculum vitae or resume, a letter of intent, two professional references, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended. Transcripts must reflect a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and completion of courses in introductory statistics, research, and pharmacology. Qualified applicants will interview with program faculty before an official offer of admission is granted.
Why Choose This Program
• As a nurse and healthcare educator, I have been privileged to work in various roles. One thing I have learned throughout my career is that the only limit to what you can do in nursing is the limit you set for yourself. Of the many things I like about the BSN-to-DNP program at Shepherd University, I am impressed with the fact that the program offers opportunities for students to serve alongside leaders in academic and healthcare institutions and legislative bodies. With specialized clinical opportunities tailored to fit your concentration focus and opportunities to collaborate with experienced nurses and providers, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to not only perform in a clinical setting but to impact healthcare at all levels.• Graduates of both the FNP and PMHNP programs at Shepherd University perform exceptionally well on national certification exams. Most graduates pass the exam on their first attempt, which speaks very well of the quality of the program and how well students are prepared.
• At Shepherd University, you will learn from doctoral-prepared faculty with decades of experience and diverse interests whose primary goal is to promote your success in the program and beyond. Program faculty have interests and expertise in areas, including collaborative practice models, mental health, health disparities and vulnerable populations, geriatrics, primary care chronic disease management, and qualitative research.
• Shepherd University’s BSN-to-DNP program has excellent retention and completion rates, which are indicative of student satisfaction and success.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits BSN-to-DNP Programs In West Virginia?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Schools Offer Accredited BSN-to-DNP Programs In West Virginia?
| 3 |
3. What Is The Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In West Virginia?
| Hourly | $58.75 |
| Weekly | $2,350 |
| Monthly | $10,180 |
| Annual | $122,210 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level BSN-to-DNP Graduates Make In West Virginia?
| Hourly | $43.23 |
| Weekly | $1,729 |
| Monthly | $7,490 |
| Annual | $89,910 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced BSN-to-DNP Graduates Make In West Virginia?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $48.91 | $1,956 | $8,480 | $101,730 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $57.74 | $2,309 | $10,010 | $120,090 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $64.30 | $2,572 | $11,150 | $133,740 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $76.84 | $3,073 | $13,320 | $159,820 |
6. What Is The Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In West Virginia By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Monthly | Weekly | Annual |
| Beckley | $58.31 | $10,110 | $2,333 | $121,290 |
| Charleston | $55.79 | $9,670 | $2,232 | $116,050 |
| Huntington-Ashland | $59.00 | $10,230 | $2,360 | $122,730 |
| Morgantown | $61.36 | $10,640 | $2,454 | $127,620 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna | $57.54 | $9,970 | $2,302 | $119,690 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | $57.63 | $9,990 | $2,305 | $119,870 |
| Wheeling | $61.24 | $10,610 | $2,449 | $127,370 |
7. Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In West Virginia VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In West Virginia
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $181,980 | -$59,770 | -32.84% |
| Optometrist | $135,680 | -$13,470 | -9.93% |
| Veterinarian | $128,570 | -$6,360 | -4.95% |
| Nurse With BSN-to-DNP | $122,210 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $121,790 | +$420 | +0.34% |
| Pharmacist | $121,000 | +$1,210 | +1.00% |
| Physical Therapist | $94,130 | +$28,080 | +29.83% |
| Occupational Therapist | $87,460 | +$34,750 | +39.73% |
| Radiation Therapist | $80,660 | +$41,550 | +51.51% |
| Chiropractor | $79,660 | +$42,550 | +53.41% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $75,260 | +$46,950 | +62.38% |
| Audiologist | $73,010 | +$49,200 | +67.39% |
| Dental Hygienist | $68,820 | +$53,390 | +77.58% |
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Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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