BECKLEY, W. Va. — The Beckley campus of the School of Nursing at West Virginia University Tech has secured one of the top spots for “Best Nursing School in West Virginia” for 2026 from Registered Nursing.
Hillary Parcell, chair of the university's Beckley campus, said the recognition demonstrates that its rigorous curriculum pays off for the school and for its graduating nurses.
“I am incredibly proud of our faculty and our students for earning this ranking,” Parcell said. “Our curriculum is rigorous, but our faculty go the extra mile to make sure our students are prepared for their licensure exams and beyond.”
Registered Nursing focuses exclusively on National Council Licensure Examination pass rates for its ranking system, which highlights top institutions based on nursing students’ success in passing their licensure exams. According to the most recent council data, the Beckley school earned a 100% pass rate.
Thanks to fundraising efforts, nursing students at Beckley who pass their council exam on their first attempt can receive reimbursement for the test fee.
The WVU School of Nursing’s Morgantown location received the No. 1 ranking in the state, followed by the Beckley campus.
The Keyser campus, located at WVU Potomac State College, received the No. 5 ranking.
Dr. Tara Hulsey, Dean and E. Jane Martin Endowed Professor, said the excellence the university's program has achieved is a source of pride throughout the university system.
“We pride ourselves on academic excellence at all campus locations of the WVU School of Nursing,” Hulsey said.
“We are grateful for this recognition from Registered Nursing as it illustrates the commitment of our faculty in preparing our students for success, as well as the dedication of our students to be the best nurses they can be.”
Registered Nursing said that data shows the number of nursing positions available to new nurses is projected to rise by 12% in the next 10 years in West Virginia.
For more information about the WVU School of Nursing, visit nursing.wvu.edu.
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