WVNCC Receives $243,000 for Phase Three of Statewide Nursing Workforce Expansion

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) has been awarded $243,000 through Phase Three of West Virginia’s Nursing Workforce Expansion Program, an initiative designed to address the state’s nursing shortage through a multifaceted approach to attract, train, and retain nurses across the Mountain State.

Since the launch of the program, West Virginia has seen a nearly 25 percent increase in filled seats at nursing programs statewide. WVNCC has been a proud partner in this critical effort from the beginning. In the first two phases, the College expanded enrollment in its Registered Nursing (RN) program by 22% between 2023 and 2024 and invested in Simulation Labs and high-fidelity mannequins across all three campuses to enhance student learning and clinical preparedness.

Now, with funding from Phase Three, WVNCC will continue building on these achievements by addressing key gaps and expanding capacity to meet the growing demand for nurses in the region.

“WVNCC is deeply committed to growing a strong, skilled nursing workforce right here in West Virginia,” said Dr. Daniel Mosser, President of WVNCC. “This funding allows us to continue our momentum and invest in innovative strategies to support students, faculty, and healthcare providers throughout our communities.”

Key Goals for Phase Three:

Enrollment Growth

• WVNCC will reinstate its LPN to RN Bridge Program in Summer 2025 to help more practical nurses advance and fill vital roles in the workforce.
   

Student Success Initiatives

• A new Nursing Success Coach will be hired to provide focused academic support—particularly for at-risk students—to improve retention and completion rates.
  NCLEX exam fee assistance and access to the UWORLD NCLEX prep platform will be provided to graduates, helping promote first-attempt success and timely licensure.

Faculty Recruitment and Retention

• Competitive stipends will help retain six MSN-prepared faculty and support BSN-prepared instructors pursuing their MSN, ensuring a pipeline of qualified nurse educators.
• WVNCC will also invest in professional development, including nursing education conferences, to strengthen faculty expertise and enhance student outcomes.

Retention of Graduates in West Virginia

• Stronger partnerships with local healthcare organizations will facilitate job placement and encourage graduates to remain in the state.
• Enhanced outreach will promote WVNCC’s nursing programs to potential students across the region.

Pipeline Collaboration

• WVNCC will continue its collaborative efforts with high schools, technical centers, and community partners to attract top candidates into its nursing programs.

“Our goal has always been to prepare students for the workforce and help them succeed every step of the way,” said Jill Keyser, WVNCC Nursing Program Director. “This support allows us to strengthen every part of the student journey—from classroom to career—while expanding opportunities for those who want to make a difference in healthcare.”

The nursing program expansion awards, made possible by funding from the West Virginia Legislature, are administered by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia.

Visit our Nursing Program page for more information.