4 Best DNP Programs in West Virginia – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
DNP programs in West Virginia are a golden opportunity for RNs in the Mountain State who want to rise to the top of the nursing profession. A DNP is an extremely versatile degree. It can teach you how to deliver the highest-quality patient care or make executive decisions at the organizational level that will improve patient outcomes. Demand for DNP services in West Virginia is high and projected to rise even higher with an increase in employment opportunities over the next 10 years of 52 percent. DNPs in West Virginia make excellent salaries, too: $122,210 a year on average. The guide below can fill you in on all you need to know about the 4 best DNP programs in West Virginia.
WHAT ARE THE BEST DNP PROGRAMS IN WEST VIRGINIA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the 4 Best Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in West Virginia (Online & Campus) for 2025.
1. West Virginia University - Morgantown
Programs Offered: MSN-to-DNP
Courses are offered in a web-based modality with both synchronous and asynchronous class schedules. Two campus visits are required for the proposal and final presentation of your DNP Project. The MSN-to-DNP program at West Virginia University features a 32-credit curriculum. At WVU, you will study courses, including Population Health Promotion, Health Research Statistics, and Healthcare Leadership.
All DNP students must complete a minimum of 1,000 precepted post-baccalaureate clinical hours. You may receive credit for up to 600 hours of clinical practicum from your master’s degree program, with approval from the Program Director. Additionally, you will be allotted 180 clinical hours for the DNP Scholarly Project.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Applicants for the MSN-to-DNP program at West Virginia University must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree earned from a regionally accredited college or university and nationally accredited nursing program. You must provide official transcripts from any post-secondary school you have attended reflecting a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale. Candidates must provide proof of an active, unrestricted registered nurse license and submit a Personal Essay, Professional Goals Statement, and a current curriculum vitae or resume.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The DNP program in West Virginia at WVU is ranked as a top program by U.S. News & World Report in its list of Best Nursing Schools for Doctor of Nursing Practice.• The quality of education provided by the DNP program at West Virginia University is evidenced by excellent employment rates among program graduates. The school reports all graduates responding to post-graduation surveys have confirmed being employed within six months of graduation.
2. Shepherd University - Shepherdstown
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The BSN-to-DNP program is an 84-credit pathway. You will complete professional core courses, 37 credits of specialty-specific coursework and 31 credits of doctoral coursework. The curriculum for both the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs includes classes such as Genetics for the Healthcare Provider, Health Behaviors Leading to Disparities in Vulnerable Populations, and Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan.
Additionally, the FNP pathway includes six courses: Primary Care: Women's Health, Peds & Family, Adult I & II, Gerontology and Vulnerable Populations, which have corresponding clinical practicums. The PMHNP pathway includes clinical courses and practicums such as Management of Complex Mental Health Conditions in Children & Adolescence, Advanced Mental Health Treatment Synthesis & Practice Integration, and Psychiatric Mental Health Care for Individuals Across the Lifespan.
Both BSN-to-DNP pathways require the completion of at least 1,080 clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at Shepherd University, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree earned from an NLNAC- or CCNE-accredited nursing program and have a current RN license for the state of West Virginia or a compact state. Candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for the bachelor’s nursing degree and show proof of completion of introductory courses in Statistics, research, and pharmacology. Supplemental documents required include a current professional resume or curriculum vitae, a letter of intent, and two letters of professional recommendation, one from a current or former clinical supervisor.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Master's-prepared registered nurses can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health NP at Shepherd University. The MSN-to-DNP pathways admit students in the fall semester of each year and take four semesters to complete.
Your program of study will be determined based upon evaluation of your prior educational accomplishments and current employment experience. After completing coursework for your area of concentration, you will complete 37 additional credits of doctoral coursework. The FNP curriculum includes classes such as Emerging Diseases 7 Population Health and Translating Research into Evidence-Based Practice. The PMHNP curriculum features classes, including Neuroscience & Psychopharmacology, Change, Transition, & Resiliency, and Assessment & Management of Addiction for the Advanced Practice Nurse.
All DNP students must achieve at least 1,080 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. Verification of the clinical hours from your master’s nursing program will be performed to determine how many hours you may transfer to the DNP program.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates for the post-master's DNP program at Shepherd University must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing school. A minimum 3.0 grade point average for all college coursework beyond the baccalaureate level is required to be considered. Applicants must submit a CV or resume, a letter of intent, two professional recommendations, and proof of an active, unrestricted RN license.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Shepherd University creates individualized plans of study for each student based on prior education, work experience, and choice of specialization. By evaluating your past experiences and expertise, the school can help create an academic plan designed to meet your needs and promote your success.• If you want to make a big impact on vulnerable populations, Shepherd University can help make that happen! Both the post-bachelor's and post-master's FNP and PMHNP programs include a focus on vulnerable populations, preparing you to make a difference in the lives of patients who genuinely need your care!
3. West Virginia Wesleyan College - Buckhannon
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Advanced Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & Nurse-Midwifery) and Nursing Leadership
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Advanced Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & Nurse-Midwifery)
The BSN-to-DNP Advanced Practice concentration requires students to complete between 72 and 79 credits, depending on the specialty they choose to pursue. The post-bachelor's Nursing Leadership program is a 3 to 69-credit pathway.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Applicants seeking admission to the BSN-to-DNP program must be graduates of an accredited BSN program and possess an unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse. In addition to completing the WVWC Graduate Studies Admission Application, you must provide official transcripts from any post-secondary school you attended reflecting a minimum 3.0 GPA for all previous college coursework. Additionally, you must provide a 300 – 500-word statement regarding a topic of interest for a DNP Scholarly Project, a current CV or resume, three letters of professional reference, and participate in an admission interview.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: WVWC also offers its advanced practice and nursing leadership concentrations to master’s-prepared registered nurses. New cohorts are admitted to the MSN-to-DNP program each year in the fall. The program is formatted for part-time study and features online coursework and clinical practicums in your geographic area.
The MSN-to-DNP Advanced Practice concentration is a 37 to 40-credit pathway, depending on the specialization you choose. The Nursing Leadership concentration is a 43 to 49-credit program. Post-master's students who wish to change their professional practice specialty may be required to complete additional foundation and specialty coursework.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN-to-DNP program is contingent upon meeting the following criteria. You must be a graduate of an accredited MSN program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate and graduate college coursework and have a current RN license. You must provide a DNP Project statement of interest, official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and a curriculum vitae or resume. Three letters of professional reference, one of which is from a current supervisor or nursing faculty member, are also required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Student success on certification exams is an excellent indication of the strength and quality of a nursing program. WVWC reports that graduates of its DNP program have outstanding pass rates on the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners certification exams.• According to U.S. News & World Report, the DNP programs at West Virginia Wesleyan College are less expensive than the national average for other graduate nursing programs. Because the programs are more affordable, earning a degree without the stress of how you will pay for your education is much easier. The program is also ranked by U.S. News in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges.
4. Marshall University - Huntington
Programs Offered: MSN-to-DNP
At Marshall University, you will have a customized learning plan that features online synchronous and asynchronous coursework. The curriculum features classes, including Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Health Promotion & Population Health, and Health Systems Policy. Students who have completed at least 500 clinical hours in their master’s nursing program must complete 36 credits to earn the DNP. If you did not complete 500 master’s level clinical hours, you must take one additional 3-credit course. To earn the DNP, you must complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. Program faculty work with you to ensure you have appropriate clinical placements and qualified preceptors in areas near your home.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: At Marshall University, applications for the MSN-to-DNP program are holistically reviewed. Admission is competitive, with a limited number of applicants admitted each year. To be considered, you must complete a Marshall University Graduate Application and submit official transcripts from any post-secondary school you have attended and have a Master of Science in Nursing degree earned from an accredited school with a professionally accredited nursing program. All applicants must provide verification of 500 hours of supervised clinical practice and transcripts reflecting a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from your master’s nursing program. Additionally, you must submit evidence of both RN and APRN licensure, if applicable, in the state where you plan to complete your DNP clinicals and submit a professional goals statement, professional resume or CV, and two professional references.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The DNP program in West Virginia at Marshall University boasts excellent faculty. Program faculty are leaders in their field and dedicated to providing you with expert guidance and mentorship to prepare you for success in the program and your career.• Marshall University reports high retention rates for students in the DNP program. Retention rates are a crucial factor to consider when choosing a school, as they are indicators of academic support, student satisfaction, and the effectiveness of the program and its services.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits 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 DNP Programs In West Virginia?
| 4 |
3. What Is The Average 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 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 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 DNP Salary In West Virginia By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Beckley | $58.31 | $2,333 | $10,110 | $121,290 |
| Charleston | $55.79 | $2,232 | $9,670 | $116,050 |
| Huntington-Ashland | $59.00 | $2,360 | $10,230 | $122,730 |
| Morgantown | $61.36 | $2,454 | $10,640 | $127,620 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna | $57.54 | $2,302 | $9,970 | $119,690 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | $57.63 | $2,305 | $9,990 | $119,870 |
| Wheeling | $61.24 | $2,449 | $10,610 | $127,370 |
7. Average 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 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% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.
Popular Related Articles