West Virginia Wesleyan College launches School Health Nurse Certification Program

West Virginia Wesleyan College has introduced a new School Health Nurse Certification Program that will launch in the Spring 2026 semester. Applications are now being accepted from individuals who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an active nursing license. The online program will give those who complete the program the ability to apply for certification from the WV Department of Education to become a School Nurse.

According to an article on West Virginia Wesleyan College’s website, Kimberly White, PhD, MSN, RN, who serves as the director of the School of Nursing, was quoted as saying of the new program, “The School of Nursing is pleased to be able to work with the West Virginia Department of Education in this endeavor to help alleviate shortages of certified registered nurses in the public school system in our state. Our school nurses in West Virginia play a vital role in promoting students’ health and well-being. Certification ensures that RNs possess the specialized knowledge and skills needed to address the unique physical, emotional, and developmental needs of children in the school setting. In West Virginia, where access to health care can be limited in rural areas, certified school nurses often serve as the primary health resource for students, bridging the gap between education and healthcare to support academic success and lifelong wellness.”

The seven-credit-hour program, which is online, is two separate courses that can be completed in one semester. The second course of the program includes a one-hour practicum which will require students to precept a certified school nurse, or, for those who are already full time employees in the WV Department of Education in a school nurse setting, be mentored by a certified school nurse. 

The program will cost $450 per credit hour, for a total of $3,150.

For more information about West Virginia Wesleyan College, visit the school’s website.