| Allied Health World Home | Family Nurse Practitioner | |
Family Nurse Practitioner Program in West Virginia - WV
By Christine Madsen, allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 6 2011
Find the right school for you
West Virginia is not alone in facing a critical shortage of both nurses and primary care physicians, especially in rural areas. There are two types of family nurse practitioner programs in West Virginia. For registered nurses who hold a BSN, there are degree programs that lead to an MSN with a specialty as a family nurse practitioner. For registered nurses who already hold an MSN, there are certificate programs that prepare students to become family nurse practitioners.
Degree programs involve about 45 course hours. Some of these hours are in a clinical setting, one that the student and advisor select together. Studies include courses in family primary care, family theory, health care policy, and pharmacology.
Although specific requirements vary depending on the chosen school, the certificate program requires about half the course work that the degree programs involve. Clinical work requirements are the same as for degree programs.
Registered nurses who hold a valid license in any state can work to become family nurse practitioners in West Virginia. This ability to use licensure issued elsewhere is something unique to only a few states.
Generally speaking, a full-time degree program can be completed in two years. However, most programs have a good deal of flexibility built in to accommodate working professionals, so many students choose to attend part-time. Many courses are offered online, and in fact the entire degree may be obtained via distance education.
In Morgantown West Virginia, Ruby Hospital provides the clinical setting needed to complete MSN requirements. And the Charleston Area Medical Center has paired with schools so that candidates can complete clinical requirements.
Family Nurse Practitioner Schools in Virginia
- MS in Nursing (RN Required)
- BS in Nursing (RN Required)
- MS in Nursing/Master of Health Administration
- East Liverpool
- Nursing
- Manassas
- Practical Nursing - Diploma
- Roanoke
- Practical Nursing
- Oakdale
- Patient Care Technician
