How to Become an RN in Wyoming (A Complete 2023 Guide)

There are many steps and requirements you need to fulfill to become a nurse in Wyoming. 

And if you’re not informed, the whole process can be very confusing. 

Don’t worry - we’re here to help.

Today, we’re going to give you a complete guide on how to become an RN in Wyoming. We’ll walk you through all the steps and requirements in the state. 

With this, you won’t miss out on any crucial details. 

So are you ready?

Let’s begin!

How to Become an RN in Wyoming - The 5 Steps to Success

Here are the 5 steps to becoming an RN in Wyoming:

• Define your long-term objective
• Choose a nursing program
• Select an academic institution
• Work on your RN license
• Search for a career-launching job

Let’s look at these steps more closely.

Step 1: Define Your Long-Term Objective

Everyone’s definition of a successful career is different — and that applies to nurses, too.

Some RNs prefer working in a hospital, while others thrive in an academic setting. 

Some nurses see themselves in a leadership role, while others don’t.

The question is, how do you see yourself in the long run? What kind of nursing career do you want?

When you determine this, it becomes your long-term objective. It means everything you do moving forward should lead you closer to it.

It may even affect some decisions you make later on.

Step 2: Choose a Nursing Program

Once you know what nursing career you’re aiming for, it’ll be easier to choose a nursing program. 

In Wyoming, you have 2 program options - an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). 

Sure, both qualify you for the NCLEX-RN. However, these two programs come with pros and cons. 

Besides the availability of your preferred nursing program, you should also look at the following areas before deciding where you want to enroll:

• Tuition Costs: Each school charges differently for its ADN or BSN program. It’s best to compare rates and see whether they have financial aid options.
• Faculty Profile: Students typically prefer a school with instructors that have varied nursing specialties as they can provide a well-rounded education. You might also want to look at class sizes. A smaller student-teacher ratio means instructors have more time to provide additional guidance.
• Learning Options: Some students have work while studying, so night classes or online modules can be a huge advantage. Although you still need to attend your clinical practice in person, you have more control over your schedule for the rest of the curriculum.
• NCLEX Pass Rate: A high pass rate means a school adequately prepares students for the licensure exam. Click here to see the 2022 pass rate for each nursing school in Wyoming. 
• Placement Programs: Some schools offer support even after a student graduates. Partnerships and tie-ups with healthcare facilities may open doors you may otherwise not find.

The definition of “best” is subjective. The school you choose should fit your learning needs and preferences, as well as your available resources.

Step 4: Work on Your RN License

When you are about to graduate from nursing school, you should start working on your RN license. 

Now, in Wyoming, you can get an RN license through examination or endorsement. 

As we’re focusing on first-time nurses, we’ll focus on licensure by examination. 

But if you’re already a nurse from a different state and want to practice in Wyoming, then we’ll give you the steps on how to apply through endorsement, too. 

So let’s look at the steps. 

Licensure by Examination 

• Complete an online application through the WSBN online portal. Create an account and type in the necessary information.

NOTE: Your application remains valid for a year. You will have to reapply and pay the required fees again if you don’t pass the NCLEX during that time.

• Pay the $190 application fee. Applicants using a credit card have to pay a processing fee worth $5.

NOTE: If you want to apply for a multi-state license, you need to pay an additional fee of $25. 

• Complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which requires your fingerprints. The cost is $60. 

• Send two copies of accomplished FBI Fingerprint cards. You can get these by going to a local law enforcement agency.

Ensure your fingerprints are on two blue FBI cards and mail these to the WSBN:

Wyoming State Board of Nursing

130 Hobbs Ave, Suite B

Cheyenne, WY 82002

• Upload a copy of your Social Security card and one other document proving lawful presence. These include your birth certificate, driver’s license, or passport. Ensure your name is the same on all items.

• Apply for a temporary license if you want. You will have to pay $25.

NOTE: A temporary license only allows you to practice in Wyoming. The WSBN does not issue temporary multi-state licenses. It remains valid for 90 days or until the Board receives notification that you passed the NCLEX. These are also not renewable. 

NOTE II: The Board might withhold your temporary license if you answered a yes on any eligibility question. The WSBN will refer your application for a temporary license to the Application Review Committee.

• Disclose your entire history, including arrests and convictions. If your CBC results do not match the information you provided, the WSBN will refer your application to the Application Review Committee. Plus, your temporary license will automatically expire.

• Request your nursing school to send a copy of your official transcript to the WSBN. It must contain your graduation date, the degree you finished, and the school seal.

• Register for the NCLEX-RN exam with Pearson VUE. You must pay a $200 testing fee directly to them.

• Wait for your Authorization to Test from the WSBN. You must keep this document as it contains instructions on scheduling your NCLEX-RN exam.

• Take and pass the NCLEX-RN. If you fail, you can retake it, but only after 45 days.

• Wait for your RN license to be issued. You can view your license status by logging in to the Nurse Portal. 

NOTE: The WSBN no longer gives paper licenses. You can show proof of licensure through the verification links on their website. Or, you can purchase wallet cards or wall certificates. 

After all that, you are now officially a registered nurse in Wyoming.

Congratulations! 

Licensure by Endorsement

• Complete your online application and pay the fee. It’ll cost $215 if you want a temporary license and $190 if you don’t. There is also a processing fee of $5. 

• Complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC).

• Send two copies of accomplished FBI Fingerprint cards to the address below:

Wyoming State Board of Nursing

130 Hobbs Ave, Suite B

Cheyenne, WY 82002

• Send a copy of your Social Security card and one other document proving lawful presence. 

• Let your nursing school send your official transcripts to the WSBN. You must also send your NCLEX-RN passing score and other nursing board records. 

• Apply for a temporary license if you prefer. It remains valid for 90 days and is not renewable.

• Disclose your entire history, including arrests and convictions. 

• Verify your original license through Nursys. If your state is not in their system, you must request your Nursing Board to send a verification form to Wyoming.

Step 5: Search for a Career-Launching First Job

Finally, you’ll need to find your first nursing job. Remember, this could eventually help you achieve your career goal.

Make sure to explore the various facilities in your community. See if there are any that you genuinely find interesting.

Tap your network and see if anyone can share information about these places, like their company culture.

Come up with a shortlist and see what openings they have on their website. Don’t forget to take note of the required qualifications.

Prepare your CV and cover letter. Personalize it using the information you gathered.

Send in your application and prepare for an interview. Remember, it’s an excellent opportunity to sell yourself and make them see why you’d be a good fit.

Frequently Asked Questions about RNs in Wyoming

Let’s go over some FAQs about RNs in Wyoming. 

How often do RNs in Wyoming need to renew their licenses?

Registered nurses in Wyoming need to undergo a license renewal process every 2 years. 

What are the RN renewal requirements in Wyoming?

Your continuing education (CE) requirements depend on how many practice hours you’ve accumulated.

RNs who practiced for less than 200 hours during the renewal cycle need to complete 30 CE contact hours.

Those who have at least 200 practice hours only need 15 CE hours. 

RNs with more than 400 practice hours do not need to earn CE contact hours for their renewal.

How much do RNs in Wyoming earn on average?

The median salary for RNs in the US is $82,750. Unfortunately, nurses in Wyoming earn around 11% lower at $73,130.

Also, several factors affect compensation. These include your location, tenure, and nursing degree.

Helpful Resources for Wyoming RNs

• Wyoming Board of Nursing Website (Official)
• Information for RN Applicants (Official)
• Wyoming RN Continuing Education Requirements (Official)
• Associate Degree Programs (ADNS) Approved by Wyoming BON
• Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSNs) approved by Wyoming BON

List of Associate Degree Programs (ADNs) in Wyoming

Here’s a list of ADN programs approved by the Wyoming BON:

Visit the Wyoming BON website for updates.

The Wrap Up

And there you have it — your step-by-step guide to how to become an RN in Wyoming.

It might not be the easiest path (or the cheapest), but the benefits of a nursing career outweigh the drawbacks. 

So what are you waiting for?

Now that you know everything you need to know, it’s time to get started…

Good luck!