West Virginia Nurse Practitioner Licensure Steps - 2024

Nurse Practitioner Licensure Requirements in West Virginia

Follow below to learn how to become a nurse practitioner (NP) in West Virginia.

Initial Registered Nurse (RN) License

Already have your RN License?  Skip to the next section

The West Virginia RN Board offers two paths to becoming a registered nurse. You can obtain your license by examination or endorsement. You’ll pursue an RN license by examination if you’ve yet to hold a license. However, you can get your RN license by endorsement if you currently hold a valid RN license in another state. Take a closer look at the steps required so you can start down the appropriate path.

RN Licensure by Examination

If you’re applying for your first license, you’ll need to get your West Virginia RN license by examination. First, you must earn a nursing degree from an accredited school. While some people earn associate degrees to become RNs, it’s wise to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to stay on track to become a CNP. Otherwise, you’ll have to complete a bachelor’s degree before moving on to your master’s degree.

After completing school, you’ll need to submit an application for licensure and the $70 fee through the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses Nurse Portal. You’ll also need to provide fingerprints and consent to a federal background check. You can use the IdentoGO website to make an appointment to submit your fingerprints. Be sure to enter the code 228NJX during the signup process.

Then you’ll need to register for the NCLEX exam with Pearson VUE. Next, the West Virginia Board of Nursing will provide authorization to take the test, allowing you to schedule the exam.

Finally, you’ll receive your RN license after passing the exam. If you wish to convert it to a multistate license, you’ll need to complete the multistate conversion form and pay a $7 fee. While it’s not necessary to practice in West Virginia, a multistate license can help you maximize your earnings while working toward your CNP license.

RN Licensure by Endorsement

If you’re currently licensed in another state, you can practice in West Virginia once you obtain your RN license by endorsement. You will need to schedule an appointment to get fingerprinted and undergo a background check through the IdentoGO website. Enter the service code 228NJX to indicate you’re applying for an RN license in West Virginia.

You’ll also need to provide proof of your existing license. It must be valid and current to get a license by endorsement.

Then you’ll need to submit your application through the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses Nurse Portal. You can apply for a temporary permit and license, or just the license.

The application for endorsement with a temporary permit is $125. It’s only $100 if you apply without a temporary permit. Remember that you cannot practice as an RN until you receive your license, so many people choose to pay extra for a temporary permit. This bridges the gap between applying and waiting to receive the final license.

Advanced Education Requirements

After getting your RN license, you will need to complete a graduate level nurse practitioner preparatory program (master’s degree or higher).

You can choose to specialize in one of the following population foci:

• Adult/gerontology
• Family
• Neonatal
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatric/mental health
• Women’s health/gender-related

You’ll have the option to earn your degree as a full-time or part-time student, allowing you to work around your existing schedule as an RN if needed.

National Certification

You must also obtain national certification before practicing as a CNP in West Virginia. First, choose from the following:

• American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board
• American Nurses Credentialing Center Certification Program
• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Certification Corporation
• Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
• National Certification Corporation

Keep in mind that each organization provides specific certifications. Thus, you’ll need to select a board that certifies NPs in your practice area. After making your selection, review the steps for obtaining certification. The organization will walk you through the process so you can get certified.

Gaining Final Authority to Practice As a CNP in West Virginia

Once you’re certified, you can take steps to gain final practice authority. You’ll need your:

• Official transcripts from your master’s program
• Official verification of national certification
• RN license

Then you can submit your application and the supporting documents via the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses Nurse Portal. You’ll also be required to pay a $35 application fee.

Additionally, you must apply for prescriptive authority by submitting a collaborative agreement. You will need to print, sign, and notarize the collaborative agreement form before mailing it to the board. Then you should receive your license and prescriptive authority. At that point, you’ll be ready to work as a CNP.