West Virginia has a strong need for master's-prepared nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists. The state, like so many others, is facing a physician shortage, especially in the state's rural areas. Nurse practitioners who are willing to work in rural communities will find ample job opportunities. Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) should also be able to find a job without too much difficulty. According to a recent survey of advanced practice nurses in West Virginia, over half of the state's existing CRNAs plan to reduce their hours in the near future, either due to retirement or for personal reasons.
Hospitals in West Virginia are actively seeking out MSN-prepared nurses. According to a 2010 survey of 53 hospitals, vacancy rates for master's-level advanced practice nurses (APNs) ranged from 0 to 5.8 percent.
While most advanced practice nurses in West Virginia are nurse practitioners or CRNAs, the state also has substantial numbers of certified nurse midwives (CNMs), certified nurse administrators and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs).
Professional organizations for advanced practice nurses in West Virginia include the Advanced Practice Council of West Virginia. Certified nurse administrators may be interested in the West Virginia Association of Directors of Nursing Administrators.
MSN programs for West Virginia nurses include:
- Wheeling Jesuit University. At Wheeling, MSN students can prepare for careers as nurse administrators, nurse education specialists or family nurse practitioners. An RN-to-MSN option is ideal for ADN nurses who would like to pursue a high-level nursing career, while the BSN-to-MSN program is for nurses who already have a bachelor's degree.
- West Virginia University. West Virginia U offers a variety of MSN online nurse practitioner programs, including family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner and women's health nurse practitioners. The school also offers a MSN degree in nursing leadership.
