FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2025
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Pierpont Community & Technical College has received a grant to begin exploration of a new Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Paramedic to Registered Nurse (RN) Bridge program, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce and expand educational access for working professionals. The program will be housed at Pierpont’s Advanced Technology Center in Fairmont and will serve as a direct pathway for LPNs and paramedics to become RNs.
“This bridge program is a game changer for West Virginia’s healthcare workforce,” said Dr. Michael Waide, Interim President of Pierpont. “By creating a direct path from LPN or paramedic to registered nurse, Pierpont is helping experienced professionals advance their careers while meeting the urgent need for skilled nurses across our region. It’s innovation with immediate impact. Our intentional approach to integrating rural mental health and addiction recovery into our curriculum will help us prepare nurses for the challenges our healthcare heroes face daily.”
The RN Bridge program builds on Pierpont’s growing portfolio of workforce-focused academic offerings, reflecting the college’s continued commitment to serving the evolving needs of North Central West Virginia. Students will receive credit for prior learning and clinical experience while developing advanced competencies in patient care, leadership, and critical thinking. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam and enter the workforce as registered nurses.
The primary objective of Pierpont’s exploratory RN Bridge program is to develop a sustainable pathway that enables licensed practical nurses and paramedics to advance into registered nursing roles. This initiative aims to address the regional shortage of RNs by creating a curriculum that reflects the healthcare needs of North Central West Virginia. The program will also establish partnerships with local healthcare providers to ensure students gain clinical experience across the human lifespan and will pursue national accreditation to support long-term program quality and growth.
“This program reflects Pierpont’s commitment to delivering responsive, high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of our region,” said David Beighley, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “We are developing a curriculum that acknowledges the realities of healthcare in West Virginia, where addiction recovery, rural health, and chronic disease management present daily challenges. Our goal is to prepare registered nurses who are clinically proficient, community-focused, and ready to serve.”
The initiative is supported by key regional partners, including WVU Medicine’s Department of Emergency Medicine, Monongahela Valley Association of Health Centers (MVA Health Center), Region VI Workforce Development Board and Glenville State University.
Amy Cunningham, Dean of Pierpont’s School of Health Sciences, highlighted the program’s role in creating a long-term pipeline for nursing professionals.
“Our LPN Launch initiative is already creating opportunities for high school students through Dual Enrollment to begin their nursing education earlier,” said Amy Cunningham, dean of Pierpont’s School of Health Sciences. “The RN Bridge program builds on that foundation, offering a clear and accessible path for licensed practical nurses and paramedics to continue their education and expand their impact. It’s a practical solution to a pressing workforce need.”
Pierpont will submit an Intent to Plan to the West Virginia RN Board and pursue national accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The college anticipates a 90% job placement rate within 12 months of program completion, supported by strong employer partnerships and regional demand.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses in West Virginia is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033. Lightcast data shows the state has significantly more RN job postings than the national average for its size, underscoring the urgency of expanding training opportunities.
For more information about Pierpont’s healthcare programs, visit pierpont.edu.
Pierpont Community & Technical College is dedicated to providing accessible, responsive, and quality education to students and businesses throughout North Central West Virginia. With a focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers a wide range of academic programs and industry-focused training opportunities to support the region’s economic and workforce needs.
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