Advanced Practice Registered Nursing in Wyoming – License Requirements

Wyoming’s regulations recognize graduate-level clinical nurses as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).

In this state, there are 450 nurse practitioners.

Other APRNs roles are nurse-midwife, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse anesthetist.

To become an APRN in Wyoming, a nurse needs to hold a registered nurse license as a prerequisite.

The state of Wyoming isn’t part of the nurse license compact agreement.

Therefore, out-of-state registered nurses need to apply for relicensing in Wyoming to become eligible for the APRN role.

The essential requirements for APRN roles are completing the graduate program and obtaining national certification.

Education and Certification Requirements

In Wyoming, aspiring APRNs must earn a master’s degree to earn the title of an advanced role.

Educational MSN programs focus on advanced practice and population segments.

Programs are suitable if they meet requirements set by the certification agency.

Some of the most common requirements include 500 clinical hours in the chosen role and population focus.

However, nurses who completed their education before 1999 aren’t required to hold MSN degrees

The next step after completing an appropriate program is the examination for the national certification.

The certification must be approved by the Wyoming Board of Nursing.

In the USA, there is only one nationally recognized agency for nurse anesthetist certification.

That is the National Board for Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.

Similarly, the American Nurse-Midwifery Board is the only agency that is in charge of nurse-midwives certification.

On the other hand, nurse practitioners can choose a certification agency because there are several appropriate certifying organizations for this role.

An agency needs to have approval by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and/or the American Board of Nursing Specialties.

Next, the agency needs to meet the criteria set by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

The state has the authority to accept or decline certain agencies if they don’t meet state standards.

Registered nurses who have just completed qualifying programs can get a temporary license.

IT will allow them to practice until they get their examination date or results.

Then, a registered nurse with a temporary license is called a Graduate Advance Practice Nurse (GAPRN).

It is required that a GAPRN is supervised by a doctor or compatible APRN.

Additionally, only license APRNs can be granted prescriptive authority after certification.

The temporary permit expires after a person fails in the examination.

Criminal Background Check Requirement

In Wyoming, all candidates need to pass fingerprint-based background checks (CBCs).

Even if you have passed a similar check in the past, you will need to repeat it in Wyoming.

The procedure is simple, and you will have your fingerprints made on two standard FBI blue cards.

Also, you can complete the step beforehand and submit your cards and application, or you can wait for the Board to request it after your send your application.

The fee for a background check is $60, and the check can last from 35 to 45 days.

During that time, you can apply for a temporary permit.

Prescriptive Authority

Nurses who want to apply for prescriptive authority need 30 contact hours of recent coursework in pharmacotherapeutics.

Additionally, coursework in the pharmacology of patient drug treatment will be accepted.

If you have two semester hours of three-quarter hours, those will be accepted as equivalent.

Also, the coursework must be completed in the last five years before the application.

Application

You can download all application forms from the Wyoming State Board of Nursing (WSBN) website.

Additionally, you have to submit a copy of the national certification, and official transcripts need to be delivered straight from the school.

Also, the agency needs proof of lawful presence in the USA.

Candidates who have a certain criminal record or faced disciplinary action in the past need to provide supporting documents.

All applications are individually reviewed.

Factors such as the nature of the crime, compliance with orders, time frame, and evaluation results affect the final decision.

Additionally, candidates are asked to provide a letter from the supervisor and evidence of the exam application.

The supervision confirms candidates’ understanding of laws governing supervision.

Those who apply for a temporary permit can include a copy of out-of-state credentials.

Candidates need to pay a fee of $120 for an APRN license.

Those who want additional recognition in more areas, need to pay $70 for each additional area.

Applying for the prescriptive authority costs $70.

After you gather all documents and fill out application forms, you can mail the application package to the WSBN office in Cheyenne.

Licenses are issued electronically and verified online.

License Renewal

In Wyoming, APRNs need to renew their licenses on even years.

License renewal is based on continued national certification.

Agencies set competency standards based on continuing education.

APRNs who were authorized the first time before July 1, 2005, and don’t hold national certification need to submit a proof of active practice to the Board.

To renew prescriptive authority, APRN needs to complete 15 contact hours in pharmacotherapeutics or pharmacology.

Schools

Aspiring APRNs in Wyoming can complete DNP programs at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

There are two specializations available – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

Both programs are conducted on-campus.

Salary

An average annual salary of a nurse practitioner in Wyoming is $97.394.

The salary depends on factors such as location, specialization, facility, certifications, experience, etc.

Regional Salary in Wyoming

Nurse Practitioner by State