Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia recently announced the success of the state’s Nursing Workforce Expansion Program, which has led to a record number of nursing graduates in 2023.
The initiative, launched two years ago to address a critical nursing shortage, has boosted the number of registered nursing graduates by nearly 15%, from 590 in 2022 to 676 in 2023.
This marks the highest number of nursing graduates in West Virginia’s history and represents a 15% increase compared to the total number of nursing graduates a decade ago.
Governor Justice emphasized the significance of this accomplishment, stating that by investing in nursing education, the state is not only filling healthcare positions but also ensuring that nurses receive top-quality training.
The initiative, which began with a $20 million investment in 2022 and an additional $26 million last year, supports various nursing programs across community colleges, four-year institutions, career centers, and other nursing schools.
Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, the state’s Chancellor of Higher Education, expressed gratitude for the funding, noting that these investments have positioned West Virginia’s educational institutions to strengthen the nursing workforce.
The program’s first two years focused on increasing enrollment in pre-licensure nursing programs through innovative approaches, including timely degree completion and licensure.
Looking ahead, if the program receives funding for a third year, it will aim to further expand nursing student cohorts, support scholarships, and create new grant opportunities.
This continued focus will help sustain the momentum of West Virginia’s efforts to combat its nursing shortage and bolster its healthcare system.