West Virginia
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
West Virginia Nursing CEU Overview
West Virginia requires registered nurses to complete 12 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain an active license. Newly licensed nurses are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal period.
The West Virginia Board of Nursing requires specific mandatory topics, including Safe Prescribing/Drug Diversion. These topics must be completed according to the frequency specified by the board.
All continuing education hours may be completed online through approved providers. Always verify course accreditation with the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses before enrolling.
Nursing in West Virginia
West Virginia has approximately 28,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 1.8 million. WVU Medicine and CAMC Health System are the largest employers. West Virginia faces significant healthcare challenges including high rates of chronic disease, opioid use disorders, and nursing shortages, particularly in rural areas.
West Virginia requires completion of 12 contact hours of continuing education related to pharmacology if holding prescriptive authority, plus completion of the Board's online Nurse Practice Act course. The minimal general CE requirements reflect the state's reliance on employer-based education.
Common Practice Settings in West Virginia
WVU Medicine
The academic health system provides specialty care throughout the state.
Community Hospitals
Many communities rely on small hospitals facing financial challenges and staffing shortages.
Coal Communities
Former coal regions face severe economic challenges and health disparities.
West Virginia License Renewal Tips
Complete the online Nurse Practice Act course as required.
Prescribers must complete pharmacology CE.
Consider opioid-related education given West Virginia's substance use challenges.
Document continuing education for your professional portfolio.
Nurse Licensure Compact in West Virginia
West Virginia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses who may work across state lines in Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Kentucky, or Pennsylvania.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
12
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Safe Prescribing/Drug Diversion Required within 1 year of initial licensure for new RNs | 3 | One-time |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- 12 contact hours required per 2-year renewal cycle.
- Hours must be from Board-approved providers.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Veterans/Mental Health Mental health for veterans and families | 2 | Each renewal |
Substance Abuse/Drug Diversion Required each renewal | 3 | Each renewal |
End-of-Life Care with Pain Management One-time requirement for new LPNs | 2 | One-time |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- 24 contact hours required per 2-year renewal cycle.
- Must have 400 hours of practice in 2-year period.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
West Virginia requires 12 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Pennsylvania requires more (30 hours), while Maryland has no general CE requirement. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, West Virginia allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward West Virginia requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how West Virginia compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Compact License Guide
Learn how the Nurse Licensure Compact works for West Virginia nurses.
Read Guide →West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses
(304) 558-3596
90 MacCorkle Avenue SW, Suite 203, South Charleston, WV 25303
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the West Virginia Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.