Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in West Virginia

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WV

Median Salary
$49,850
West Virginia (2024)
National Median
$62,340
All states
License Fees
$275
Exam + application
Time to Complete
1-2 years (program length)
From start to licensed

How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in West Virginia

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in West Virginia, you must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses. The application fee is $75, and a background check is required. West Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, which allows LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice, but LPNs must hold a single state WV LPN license and reside in West Virginia to apply for a multistate license.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Requirements in West Virginia

DetailWest Virginia
Licensing BodyWest Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses
State License Required Yes
EducationCompletion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application Fee$75
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education24.0 hours per cycle
NotesApplication fee includes background check. CE must include 2 hours on mental health conditions common to veterans and their families, 3 hours on drug diversion training, and a one-time 2 hours on end-of-life care with pain management for new licensees or those reinstating a lapsed/inactive license. LPNs must also engage in a minimum of 400 clock hours of LPN practice during each 2-year reporting period. A valid US Social Security Number is required. West Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, but LPNs must hold a single state WV LPN license and reside in West Virginia to apply for a multistate license.

Source: West Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in West Virginia

The median licensed practical nurse salary in West Virginia is $49,850 per year, which is 20.0% below the national median of $62,340.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$40,290
25th$45,820
50th (median)$49,850
75th$59,860
90th (experienced)$64,200

West Virginia employs approximately 6,330 licensed practical nurses.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+2.6%
Average
Annual Openings
54.4
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
651.4
Nationwide

AI Impact on Licensed Practical Nurses

Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.51/1.00)

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

Is Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in West Virginia Worth It?

Factors to consider: West Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get certified as a licensed practical nurse in West Virginia?
The path to licensed practical nurse licensure in West Virginia: complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($75 fee).
Does West Virginia require licensed practical nurse licensure?
You cannot practice as a licensed practical nurse in West Virginia without a state license from West Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses. The required exam is the NCLEX-PN.
What is the average licensed practical nurse salary in West Virginia?
West Virginia licensed practical nurses bring home a median salary of $49,850. This trails the $62,340 national median by 20%. New licensed practical nurses start around $40,290; seasoned professionals can reach $64,200.
What's the total cost to get licensed practical nurse certified in West Virginia?
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($200) and application fee ($75) and required training.
What's the timeline to become a licensed practical nurse in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, becoming a licensed practical nurse generally takes 1-2 years (program length), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
Does West Virginia require continuing education for licensed practical nurses?
License renewal in West Virginia requires completing 24.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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