Projecting a 21 percent increase in job growth over the next decade, Charleston and Kanahwa County have placed RNs at number four on the list of jobs in highest demand. Currently at just under 18,000, the state's RN population is rising steadily as new LPN-to-RN programs create more opportunities for career advancement. At present, the highest salaries for RNs exist in the Huntington area. Charleston provides slightly above average rates, with areas in the North Central part of state providing similar rates as well.
LPNs making the RN transition will find more opportunities in hospitals, where 60 percent of RNs currently work. Long-term care will continue to provide jobs for nurses across the board as the state's aged population increases, as well.
Accredited LPN-to-RN programs in West Virginia include:
Kanahwa Valley Community & Technical College: Just nine miles from Charleston, this college offers a 70-credit, three-semester bridge program. Students are merged into the standard RN track in the second semester once 13 credits of perquisites are completed. A West Virginia LPN license is required with a minimum GPA of 2.0 for vocational school or 2.75 for college. Three credit hours are awarded for existing LPN training.
Davis & Elkins College: Located in Elkins, this institution provides LPNs with advanced placement in their existing ADN program. Applicants must undergo math testing placement and achieve a minimum of 120 on the NLN comprehensive exam for LPNs. Once obtained, these scores provide students with a 23-hour credit in the regular program.
West Virginia Northern Community College: Based in Wheeling, this college offers a 62-credit hour LPN-to-RN transition track. Beginning in the spring, the program consists of three semesters however; a summer session of 12 credits is required after the initial semester.
