CNS
Advanced Practice
West Virginia Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in West Virginia
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Initial Cost
$80
Renewal Period
2 years
Practice Authority
reduced
Reduced Practice
Reduced practice authority with some limitations
Prescriptive Authority: Collaboration required for first 3 yrs/3,000 hrs; then independent
1 Education Requirements
Degree Required
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Requirements
- Complete accredited Clinical Nurse Specialist program
- Hold active RN license in the state
- Clinical hours as specified by program
2 National Certification
Certification Body
ANCC or AACN
Required
Yes
American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
3 Fees
Initial Licensure
| Application Fee | $80 |
| Total | $80 |
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $35 |
Continuing Education Requirements
24
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle
Pharmacology: 12 hours required
12 clinical required
Prerequisites
To become a Clinical Nurse Specialist in West Virginia, you must first hold an active RN license. West Virginia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you may hold a multistate RN license.
State Board of Nursing
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Readiness Checklist
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Practice Map
Where can you practice?
Other APRN Types in West Virginia
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 1 official sources • Last verified: January 2026