West Virginia Registered Nurse (RN) Licensing Guide
West Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.
License by Exam
To begin the licensure by examination process, aspiring nurses must:
- Apply to the West Virginia State Board of Nursing. The application includes providing official transcripts from their nursing program and paying a fee. Once the application is submitted and approved, applicants will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from Pearson VUE, which allows them to schedule their NCLEX-RN exam.
- After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, individuals must:
- Provide proof of completing a criminal background check and submitting fingerprint cards. They must also submit an endorsement form verifying that they are mentally and physically capable of performing professional nursing duties.
- Pay the required fees.
Once all requirements are met, including verification of completion of a state-approved nursing program, individuals will be granted their West Virginia nursing license.
License by Endorsement
Licensure by endorsement is a process that allows nurses who are already licensed in one state to obtain a nursing license in another state without having to retake the licensure examination.
To begin the process of licensure by endorsement in West Virginia, you will need to:
- Submit an application and provide documentation of your current license.
- Request verification from your original state of licensure, which will be sent directly to the West Virginia State Board of Nursing.
- Complete additional requirements such as fingerprinting and a criminal background check.
- Pay the required fees.
It's important to review the specific requirements set forth by the West Virginia State Board of Nursing before beginning the endorsement process.
Getting a Temporary License
If you're a nurse who needs to work in West Virginia temporarily, the state offers temporary licensing options. This allows nurses to practice while their permanent license application is being processed. Temporary licenses are typically valid for up to six months and can be renewed if necessary.
To obtain a temporary nursing license in West Virginia, you'll need to:
- Submit an application
- Pay the required fees
Visit the West Virginia State Board of Nursing for more information and to view required documentation.
Renewing your License
Once you have obtained your nursing license in West Virginia, it is important to stay on top of the renewal process to ensure that your license remains active. The West Virginia Board of Nursing requires nurses to renew their licenses every two years.
To renew your nursing license, you will need to:
- Complete a renewal application
- Pay the required fee.
It is important to note that continuing education requirements must also be met during each renewal period.
The West Virginia Board of Nursing requires nurses to complete 12 contact hours of continuing education within the two-year renewal cycle. These hours should include courses related to nursing practice and professional development.
Contact Info
West Virginia State Board of Nursing
5001 MacCorkle Ave SW
South Charleston, WV 25309
(304) 744-0900
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or professional advice. Wanderly strives to keep this information up to date but does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness as nursing licensure requirements, renewal cycles, fees, and continuing education obligations vary by state and are subject to change without notice. Nurses are strongly encouraged to visit their state's official nursing board website or contact the board directly to confirm current requirements prior to submitting any application.
