BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  – West Virginia Wesleyan College School of Nursing is pleased to announce a School Health Nurse Certification Program starting Spring 2026, with applications now being accepted.  The program consists of two online courses totaling seven credit hours that can be completed in one academic semester.  

Director of the School of Nursing Kimberly White, PhD, MSN, RN, said, “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 second course, a school health nurse practicum, includes a one-hour clinical practicum in the school system either precepting a certified school nurse or having a certified school nurse mentor for those who are already full-time, first-class WV Department of Education employees in the school nurse setting.

Once both courses are successfully completed, students will be eligible to apply for certification through the WV Department of Education as a School Nurse. Tuition cost is $450.00 per credit hour. Admission requirements include a BSN from an accredited school of nursing and an active unencumbered West Virginia RN license.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for  135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2026 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026  Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan second in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.