The US Department of Health and Human Services expects a surplus of 290 licensed practical nurses in Wyoming by 2025, which may mean competition for those looking to work as an LPN in the state. As a result, proper education and training is crucial for anyone who wants to land an offer at one of the state's hospitals, nursing homes, medical offices, or health care facilities that employ nurses.
The following guide can help prospective students start off on the right foot – here they can find and explore top LPN programs in Wyoming, get step-by-step information on state licensure requirements, and use comprehensive search tools to compare their top choices.
Licensure Requirements for Wyoming LPNs
All state nursing boards in the U.S. require practical nurses to be licensed to practice, but the licensing process varies depending on the state. Many states are moving to online licensing. Wyoming State Board of Nursing (WSBN) is paperless, so licenses and temporary permits can be verified online. Because Wyoming is not a Compact Licensure state, all LPNs must apply for licensure through the WSBN. The next section examines the licensure and renewal process in Wyoming.
Requirements for Education & Training
Applicants for LPN licensure in Wyoming must have completed a state-approved nursing program and have committed no acts which are grounds for disciplinary action. Nursing schools must submit transcripts directly to the WSBN as part of the Application for Licensure by Examination.
Nurses holding licenses from other states may apply for licensure in Wyoming by completing the Application for Licensure by Endorsement. In addition to the requirements listed below for all applicants, endorsement applicants must show evidence of continuing competence, such as recent practice, continuing education, or completion of a refresher course if they have not taken the NCLEX-PN examination within the preceding five years. The fee for Application for Endorsement is $180.
All license applicants can apply for a non-renewable graduate temporary permit, valid for up to 90 days by checking the box on the Application for Licensure. Graduate temporary permits are issued 24-48 hours after applications are received.
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Additional LPN Licensure Requirements
- Sign and submit Application for Licensure by Examination with nonrefundable $130 fee*
- Apply for a Criminal Background Check (processing time 35-55 days), include $60 nonrefundable fee
- Register with Pearson Vue to take the NCLEX-PN and pay $200 fee
- Submit Authorization to Test (ATT) to Pearson Vue.* *
- Pass NCLEX-PN
*WSBN accepts the following: money order, cashier's check, or credit card (VISA, MasterCard or Discover)with $5.00 processing fee
**WSBN will send applicants an Authorization to Test (ATT) after receiving sealed official transcript and completed Application for Licensure. The ATT is required to schedule the appointment to take the NCLEX-PN. Applicants will receive an email with an authorization number, candidate identification number, and expiration date.
Renewal Process
All LPN licenses in Wyoming expire on December 31st of even years. To qualify, renewal applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Practiced a minimum of 500 hours (preceding two years)
- Practiced a minimum of 1600 hours (preceding five years)
- Completed 20 LPN continuing education hours ( preceding five years)
- Completed a refresher course (preceding five years)
- Received certification in a specialty area of nursing practice by a nationally-recognized accrediting agency (preceding five years)
- Pass the NCLEX in (preceding five years)
LPN Salaries in Wyoming
With all of the employment opportunities for Wyoming LPNs, some areas of the state will naturally experience more job growth and higher salaries than others. The table below outlines the areas in Wyoming with the highest salary potential.
| Type | Wyoming | National |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Wage (25th percentile) | $38,010 | $35,780 |
| Annual Wage (Median) | $43,390 | $42,490 |
| Annual Wage (75th percentile) | $48,360 | $49,450 |
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas
| Year | Annual Wage (25th percentile) | Annual Wage (Median) | Annual Wage (75th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | $40,880 | $45,780 | $52,970 |
| Southeastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | $40,420 | $44,930 | $51,230 |
| Casper | $39,460 | $43,540 | $47,620 |
| Northeastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | $37,650 | $43,230 | $47,730 |
| Southwestern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | $36,440 | $41,790 | $47,350 |
Wyoming LPN Employment Trends
The expected 1093 job openings for LPNs in Wyoming from 2010-2020 include 872 due to retirement and 221 due to growth, according to the Wyoming Labor Department. Larger counties such as Laramie and Natrona will probably experience higher employment growth than smaller counties such as Hot Springs and Niobrara.
Top Locations
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Casper | 180 |
| Northeastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | 160 |
| Northwestern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | 120 |
| Southeastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | 120 |
| Cheyenne | 110 |
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Southwestern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | 90 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 Employment of LPNs in Wyoming 800 930 Average Annual Openings 30
Source: Projections Central
Wyoming LPN Resources
A Guide to Licensed Occupations in Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services published this guide to licensed occupations which includes a section for LPNs.
Healthcare Workforce Needs in Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Research & Planning developed this report on healthcare workforce needs in the state, including LPNs.
Nurses in Wyoming: Demand, Retention & Supply
The Wyoming Department of Employment, Research and Planning released this report on the state of nursing in Wyoming for LPNs and RNs.
National Federation of Licensed Professional Nurses
This professional association advocates for LPNs and LVNs. The organization meets the needs of nurse-members by providing continuing education, lobbying services, and a convention.
This is one publication in a series that examines the demand for nurses in Wyoming, developed by the Wyoming Department of Workforce, Research & Planning.
Retention of Nurses in Wyoming
This report by the Wyoming Department of Workforce, Research & Planning examines ways to keep LPNs and RNs in Wyoming employed for the long term.
These are the standards for LPNs practicing in Wyoming.
Wyoming Action Coalition for Nurses
This organization advocates for LPNs and RNs in Wyoming
The Wyoming Board of Nursing oversees the licensure and renewal processes for LPNs in the state. All forms and directions are available on this site.
Because there is no member association specifically for LPNs in Wyoming, the Wyoming Nurses Association meets the needs of all nurses in the state.