Southern West Virginia high schoolers can expedite their nursing pathway through WVU School of Nursing’s Beckley Campus
BECKLEY, W. Va. — Through a new pathway established with LevelUpWV, the WVU School of Nursing’s Beckley Campus will soon allow high school students to complete the first year of the nursing major during their junior and senior years.
“The LevelUpWV Nursing Pathway is an innovative way for students to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in only three years after their high school graduation,” said Tara Hulsey, WVU School of Nursing Dean and E. Jane Martin Endowed Professor.
LevelUpWV, a state-funded dual enrollment program, will cover the tuition cost for high school participants in the pathway, creating an affordable and efficient pathway for students interested in nursing to pursue the profession.
“We see this pathway as a mutually beneficial opportunity for students to begin their careers sooner and for healthcare settings to become equipped with high-quality and compassionate baccalaureate-prepared nurses,” Hulsey added.
Research shows that BSN-prepared nurses provide better patient outcomes. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree also have greater career advancement opportunities.
Fayette County is currently participating with the LevelUpWV Nursing Pathway, and additional partnerships are expected to be forthcoming.
Courses for the pathway will be offered online through dual enrollment. Students must maintain their GPAs, as this counts directly toward their college GPA.
Students are not guaranteed a spot in the WVU School of Nursing program; they must apply in the fall of their senior year of high school to the nursing program. If they are accepted, they will enter as sophomores in the program.
“We’re excited to welcome our first cohort of students in Fall 2026,” said Hillary Parcell, Beckley Campus Chair. “We believe this will help students in southern West Virginia get a head start on their careers and prepare them for success.”
To learn more, please contact Hillary Parcell at heparcell@mail.wvu.edu.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu