CRNA Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia is home to 2 accredited nurse anesthesia programs, spread across Charleston, Morgantown. These programs award the DNAP and DNP doctoral degrees, with total costs in our directory ranging from $78K to $78K. 2 of the 2 programs carry confirmed COA accreditation review dates (shown on each card below).
Nationally, CRNAs earn an average of about $248,320 per year (BLS, May 2025), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand for nurse anesthetists over the coming decade. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), the recognized accrediting body for nurse anesthesia education. For the full national picture, see how to become a CRNA and our salary-by-state guide.
Accredited West Virginia CRNA Programs
Cost and acceptance figures are estimates for comparison; accreditation review dates are sourced from the COA list current as of March 6, 2026. Always verify current details with each program.
CRNA Salary in West Virginia
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), nurse anesthetists in West Virginia earn an average of $275,100 per year — about $26,780 above the national average of $248,320. That places West Virginia 10th of the 44 states and territories for which BLS publishes a separate nurse-anesthetist wage. BLS estimates roughly 740 nurse anesthetists are employed across West Virginia.
That figure is a statewide mean across all experience levels and practice settings; new graduates typically start lower and earn more as they take call, move into higher-acuity settings, or specialize. Compare every state side by side in our CRNA salary by state guide.
Becoming a CRNA in West Virginia: Licensure & Practice
To practice in West Virginia, you'll hold an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license granted through the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses. After you graduate from one of the COA-accredited programs above and pass the National Certification Examination (NCE), you apply to the board for authorization in the nurse anesthetist role and renew on the state's cycle.
West Virginia has not opted out of the federal Medicare physician-supervision requirement, so CRNAs here most often work within an anesthesia care team that involves physician supervision or collaboration. The exact scope depends on the facility and employer. Always confirm current scope and licensure steps directly with the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses.
New to the field? Start with how to become a CRNA and our breakdown of CRNA vs. anesthesiologist roles.
How to Choose a CRNA Program in West Virginia
With 2 accredited programs to weigh in West Virginia, ranging from West Virginia University's listed $78,000 upward, cost and acceptance rate are the easy comparisons — but the factors that most affect your success take a little more digging. Weigh each program on:
- Accreditation status — every program here is COA-accredited; check the next review date shown on each card.
- NCE board pass rate — ask each program for its first-time National Certification Exam pass rate.
- Attrition rate — what share of admitted students complete the program (the national average is low, around 4%).
- Total cost vs. cost of living — a lower sticker price in an expensive city may cost more overall.
- Clinical sites — case variety and volume shape the quality of your training.
- Acceptance rate — build a balanced list of reach and realistic programs.
Use our side-by-side comparison tool to line up West Virginia programs against each other, and the GPA calculator to gauge your competitiveness.
Getting Into a West Virginia CRNA Program
Admission requirements are consistent nationwide: a BSN, an unrestricted RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA (3.4+ to be competitive), and at least one year of critical-care (ICU) experience. Most programs also expect the CCRN and three professional letters of recommendation, and about half require the GRE.
Before applying, you'll need an active West Virginia RN license — contact the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses for current licensure steps and timelines. Then work backward from each program's deadline using our resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
West Virginia has 2 accredited nurse anesthesia programs, located in Charleston, Morgantown. All are accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA).
Total program costs in West Virginia range from about $78K to $78K based on our directory data. The most affordable listed option is West Virginia University at $78,000. Confirm current tuition directly with each program.
West Virginia programs award both the DNAP and DNP doctoral degrees. Both the DNP and DNAP qualify graduates to sit for the National Certification Exam and are treated interchangeably by employers.
Like all U.S. programs, West Virginia schools require a BSN, an unrestricted RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA (3.4+ competitive), and at least one year of ICU experience. Most also expect the CCRN and strong letters of recommendation. See our full CRNA school requirements guide for details.
Nurse anesthetists in West Virginia earn an average of $275,100 per year, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025); the national average is $248,320. Pay rises with experience, call burden, and practice setting.
West Virginia has not opted out of the federal Medicare physician-supervision requirement, so CRNAs typically practice within an anesthesia care team that involves physician supervision or collaboration. Exact scope varies by facility; confirm current rules with the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses.
CRNA Programs in Other States
Explore nurse anesthesia programs in other major markets: