Nursing/Licensed Practical Nursing in West Virginia

West Virginia's Certified Nursing Assistant pathway prepares students for entry-level patient care roles. CNAs are essential to healthcare operations and represent an entry point to healthcare careers. Students learn patient hygiene, mobility assistance, vital signs, and patient communication. Practical experience includes providing care under nurse supervision in healthcare settings. Graduates become Certified Nursing Assistants and work in hospitals, nursing homes, or home care. Many use CNA experience as a foundation for nursing education or other healthcare careers.

West Virginia's Health Science pathway prepares students for careers in one of the state's most promising employment sectors. With high projected growth, annual job openings, and competitive wages, healthcare represents West Virginia's strongest career cluster for CTE expansion. This comprehensive program provides foundational healthcare knowledge, patient care skills, medical terminology, and clinical experiences addressing the state's critical need for healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The pathway emphasizes both clinical competencies and professional skills essential for healthcare careers. Students study anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, healthcare delivery systems, patient care fundamentals, infection control, and healthcare ethics. Hands-on experiences through laboratory simulations and clinical rotations at West Virginia healthcare facilities provide authentic exposure to medical environments. The program includes specialized tracks in areas such as nursing services, therapeutic services, and diagnostic services. West Virginia's Health Science pathway benefits from partnerships with major healthcare systems throughout the state including WVU Medicine, Charleston Area Medical Center, and regional hospitals providing clinical learning sites and employment pipelines. With West Virginia's aging population and healthcare workforce shortages, graduates have exceptional career opportunities. Students are prepared for entry-level healthcare positions, healthcare industry certifications, or continuation to healthcare degree programs at West Virginia universities and colleges.

West Virginia's Medical Assistant pathway prepares students for roles supporting physicians and healthcare teams. Healthcare providers need skilled medical assistants for clinical and administrative support. Students learn patient care, medical procedures, office management, and healthcare communication. Practical experience includes working in medical offices and healthcare clinics. Graduates work as medical assistants in physician offices, clinics, or hospitals. Many pursue Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification. Some advance to nursing or healthcare management roles.