Wyoming Nurse Practitioner Licensure Steps - 2023

Nurse Practitioner Licensure Requirements in Wyoming

Follow below to learn how to become a nurse practitioner (NP) in Wyoming.

Initial Registered Nurse (RN) License

Already have your RN License?  Skip to the next section

As with other states, you’ll need to get your registered nurse (RN) license before becoming a nurse practitioner in Wyoming. If this will be your first license, you’ll obtain it by examination. However, you can receive your RN license by endorsement if you currently have a valid license in another state. Thus, review the instructions based on your current situation so you can start the process.

RN License by Examination

You have the option to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing to become an RN. However, you’ll want to complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing to help you meet the education requirements to become a CNP in Wisconsin. Otherwise, you’ll have to earn your bachelors’ degree first before pursuing a master’s degree. Thus, it’s easier to get it out of the way when pursuing an RN license.

Once you complete your program, you can use the Wyoming Nursing Portal to complete your application and provide the supporting documents. First, create your account and then choose to apply by examination. You’ll need to fill out and submit the application and pay the $190 fee. If you want to work as a graduate nurse, you can obtain a permit. The total cost of the permit and license comes to $215.

You also must submit your fingerprint cards and consent to a federal background check. Then the Board of Nursing will send you an authorization to test, at which point you can register for the NCLEX through Pearson Vue. If you are worried about passing, you can take an NCLEX Practice Exam beforehand.

After passing the exam, you’ll receive your RN license. Remember that Wyoming is part of the NLC, so that you can use it in other participating states as well.

RN License by Endorsement

If you are currently licensed in another state, you can obtain your Wyoming RN license through endorsement. First, you’ll need to verify your current license. Depending on the state, you might be able to verify the license through Nursys. Otherwise, complete the Verification of Licensure form before forwarding it to your state. Then your state will provide the board with your license verification.

After verifying your license, you can apply for an RN license by an endorsement through the Wyoming Nurse Portal. The fee is $195, or $210 if you want a temporary permit. If you weren’t able to obtain verification through Nursys, you might want to get a temporary permit, so you won’t have to wait long before finding work.

Advanced Education Requirements

Prospective nurse practitioners are required to have a postgraduate level of nursing education (master’s or higher).

After working as an RN, you’ll likely have a much better idea of the population you’d like to treat. Use your experience to choose a population area, such as neonatal, acute care, women’s health, or families. Then you’ll be ready to choose a master’s degree program in that focus area so you can learn everything you need to work as a CNP.

With so many programs available, you’ll want to do some research before committing to a school. Make sure you select a program that’s board-approved so you can use it to get your license.

Many nurses take the extra step by completing a doctorate program as well. You can increase your earning potential and job opportunities by completing such a program.

National Certification

You must obtain national certification before applying for your CNP license in Wyoming. If you need help choosing a national certification board, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners can provide guidance. It has a list of NP certification boards and available certifications.

After finding the appropriate certification board, visit the website and follow the steps to get certified. Also, bookmark the certification board you choose since it can be a helpful resource when working as a CNP.

Gaining Final Authority to Practice As an NP in Wisconsin

You will need to submit your application, fees, and supporting documents via the Wyoming State Board of Nursing Nurse Portal to gain certification. Once you log in, you’ll need to:

• Fill out the form to receive an APRN license by examination
• Provide official transcripts
• Prove lawful presence
• Consent to a background check

The application might also ask for additional information, so pay attention to all the document requests. If you leave anything out, your license will be delayed.

You will need to pay $310 for a permit and license without prescriptive authority, while it costs $405 to get a license and temporary permit with prescriptive authority. You also have the option to forgo the permit and $380 for a license with prescriptive authority.

If you apply for prescriptive authority, you’ll need to wait until the board issues your license. Then you can apply for a DEA number through the Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy. After you receive your license and DEA number, you’ll be ready to prescribe controlled substances as part of caring for patients.