Olivia Chen, NP
July 15, 2025
Wyoming’s nurse practitioner programs prepare registered nurses for advanced, autonomous practice across the state’s urban centers, such as Cheyenne and Casper, and its rural frontier communities. The University of Wyoming’s College of Health Sciences offers CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks with Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric‑Mental Health NP specialties. These programs blend rigorous, evidence‑based coursework with immersive clinical rotations, equipping graduates for national certification and full APRN licensure with prescriptive authority under Wyoming regulations.
Laramie, WY - Public 4-Year - uwyo.edu
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wyoming's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration is a hybrid program designed for BSN-prepared nurses. It focuses on rural primary care, preparing graduates for advanced practice in underserved areas. The distance-accessible format includes clinical training and emphasizes patient-centered care. An entrance exam is required for this doctoral program.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wyoming's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration is a hybrid program tailored for BSN holders. It specializes in mental health care, particularly in rural settings, offering distance-accessible education with clinical focus. This program enhances leadership and practice skills in psychiatric nursing. An entrance exam is required for admission.
To serve nurses across Wyoming’s vast geography, these programs use a hybrid model: didactic content is delivered online through asynchronous lectures and live webinars, while on‑campus intensives provide simulation labs and hands‑on workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally at approved healthcare sites, enabling students to fulfill practicum requirements close to home. This flexibility ensures that both urban and rural nurses can progress without relocating.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wyoming |
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| Certifying Board | Wyoming Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice Section |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate of an accredited NP program with national APRN credential verification |
| Renewal Period | Biennial, expires December 31 (renew October 1–December 31 of even years) |
| Continuing Education | 400 practice hours waive CE, otherwise 15–30 CE hours, prescribers add 3 controlled-substance hours |
| Application Fees | $310 without prescriptive authority, $380 with |
| Clinical Practicum | Transcripts verifying approximately 500 graduate hours |
| Processing Time | 45–60 days plus fingerprint clearance (3–5 business-day application review) |
| Endorsement | Requires Wyoming RN licensure (or compact privilege) and APRN credential verification |
Nurse practitioners in Wyoming earn an average annual salary of about $115,000, with entry‑level positions starting near $95,000 and experienced practitioners, particularly in Cheyenne and Jackson, commanding up to $140,000. Employers often supplement base pay with retention bonuses, rural incentives, and comprehensive benefits packages. Specialty credentials and leadership roles can further elevate earning potential.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Wyoming | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual NP Salary | $141,500 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $68.06 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$160,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $141,500 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$118,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~70 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wyoming |
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Many NPs pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to deepen clinical expertise and qualify for leadership, academic, or executive positions. Post‑master’s certificate programs enable practitioners to add new specialties, such as acute care or women’s health, without completing another full degree. Those interested in research may enroll in PhD tracks, while others transition into roles in healthcare administration, informatics, policy development, or telehealth leadership, addressing Wyoming’s evolving care needs.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Wyoming
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Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
