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Last updated on March 5th, 2025

Wondering if WV is right for the DNP? This state guide & directory contains details on the most affordable DNP programs in West Virginia, tips on online & hybrid WV doctorates, and info on BSN to DNP options. Interested in a particular school? Jump ahead to our listings.

Top West Virginia DNP Programs

West Virginia only has three universities that offer some version of the DNP, so ranking them is a difficult proposition. In addition, it’s tricky to make a direct comparison because they have different tracks. For instance, CAMC and WVU have BSN to DNP pathways in Nurse Anesthesia, but Shepherd focuses on the FNP.

In the end, we decided not to recommend one over the others. If you’re interested in a particular program, take a close look at what each School of Nursing has to offer in the way of clinical placements, research opportunities, and certification pass rates. Start with WVU’s School of Nursing, CAMC’s School of Nurse Anesthesia, and Shepherd’s School of Nursing.

Because these schools often go unranked by U.S. News & World Report, you may also wish to contact recent DNP alumni to get an unfiltered view of the program.

Most Affordable DNP Programs in West Virginia

For this ranking of the cheapest DNP programs in West Virginia, we used one key data point—the lowest per credit tuition rate for the doctorate. In the case of WVU, this was the in-state rate.

1. Shepherd University

DNP Tuition & Fees

Shepherd University is a public school, but it charges the same DNP tuition rate to all students, regardless of their state of residency. Keep in mind that there’s an additional fee for each course containing clinical hours.

2. West Virginia University

DNP Tuition & Fees

WVU charges different in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for the DNP. The resident rate is similar to Shepherd University; the out-of-state rate is comparable to expensive private universities. The DNP in Nurse Anesthesia will have all kinds of special fees and expenses—ask the program coordinator for a sample budget.

Online DNP Programs in West Virginia

You won’t find many online DNPs in our West Virginia listings—the state is too small to sustain a lot of distance learning. But you’ll have a few options. 

  • Hybrid BSN to DNP Programs in WV: Shepherd’s FNP track is available in a blended format, with online sessions and on-campus classes. All in-person classes take place on the Shepherdstown campus.
  • Online Post-Master’s DNP Programs in WV: WVU is willing to offer an online Post-MSN to DNP to APRNs. Courses are run via “web-based modalities,” but you’ll need to ask the DNP program coordinator what that actually means!
  • Hybrid Post-Master’s DNP Programs in WV: If you live near Shepherdstown, you could also consider Shepherd’s hybrid option. This is run in a similar way to the BSN to DNP pathway.

Coming from out-of-state? Before applying for any online DNP, we always recommend you check in with the DNP program coordinator. Some programs cannot accept certain students due to distance learning & state authorization restrictions. This is usually more of an issue at the BSN to DNP level, but it never hurts to ask. 

Note: Our directory of Online DNP Programs has listings of distance learning programs nationwide.

BSN to DNP Programs in West Virginia

To simplify matters, we’ve provided links to individual BSN to DNP tracks in our state listings. You’ll have two major choices: 

  • FNP: Shepherd is your only option here. Fortunately, it’s a hybrid program.
  • Nurse Anesthesia: West Virginia has two COA-accredited programs: WVU and the CAMC Institute. CAMC’s program is affiliated with Marshall University’s Brad D. Smith Schools of Business.

Note: Considering DNPs in neighboring areas? We have listings of on-campus and online BSN to DNP Programs in every state.

West Virginia Nursing Organizations

Below you'll find a list of all of the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs available in West Virginia.

Full list of West Virginia DNP Programs

2 schools

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse PractitionerBSN to DNP option
Admissions Info Cost Info Curriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nursing Leadership: Administration trackBSN to DNP option
Admissions Info Cost Info Curriculum Info
MSN to DNPMSN required
Admissions Info Cost Info Curriculum Info
Shepherd wants its DNP program to produce healthcare reformers and leaders who will fight for vulnerable patient populations. There are two paths to get there. Students choose between a Family Nurse Practitioner track and an Administration track, both of which are designed to take three years to complete. The first year is loaded with didactic coursework, and students continue taking such courses throughout the program. The second year adds internships or practicums to the mix. Students begin working on their final projects - and taking related practicums - in their third year. Those timelines are for entrants into the BSN to DNP pathway. Students with an MSN can also enroll regardless of their current specialization; the school will individualize the curriculum depending on their degree and work history.

West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia
Accreditation: COA
DNP Nurse AnesthetistBSN to DNP option
Admissions Info Cost Info Curriculum Info
Post-MSN/DNP Executive Program for Nurse LeadersOnlineMSN required
Admissions Info Cost Info Curriculum Info
Students accepted to the post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice program at West Virginia University can expect to earn their DNP degree after eight semesters of continuous part-time enrollment. In addition to an MSN degree, applicants are required to be nationally certified APRNs. Courses are offered using web-based modalities and scheduled at times that are convenient for working students. The curriculum covers topics such as population health promotion, health care leadership, evidence-based practice, and health policy and resource management. The completion of a capstone project is a requirement for graduation. West Virginia University's DNP program has CCNE accreditation until June 2024.