Raymie Bingman
Licensing Lead
Phone: (307) 777-8620
Last Names P-Z
Licensing
130 Hobbs Ave. Suite B
Cheyenne, WY 82002
7:30am-4pm MST M-F
Fax: (307) 777-3519
E-mail: wsbn.licensing@wyo.gov
Kaitlyne Crecelius
Licensing Specialist
Phone: (307) 777-5281
Last Names A-O
The WSBN has established rules as the regulatory agency enforcing the Nurse Practice Act of Wyoming (NPA) under §33-21-122.
Chapter 2 of the WSBN Rules: Licensing and Certification Requirements
Licensing Table of Contents
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How to Apply
In order to apply, you will first need to create an account with Nurse Portal. If you already have an account, please log in. If you have forgotten your password click 'Forgot Password'
NOTE: SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION AND PAYING THE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH IT IS THE FIRST STEP YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE
Your Nurse Portal is going to be very important! It will be where you go to renew your license every EVEN year (yes, you will have to apply again if you are getting your initial license in an even year). It is also where you will find communications about your license, such as:
What is the status of my license?
Did I miss anything with my application?
I need to submit more documentation for my application.
I recently moved/had a name change
The Nurse Portal will be our primary means of contacting you about your application via the message center (on the left side of the Nurse Portal).
This is also where you will go to request either a wall certificate or wallet card. Keep in mind though, neither one is acceptable documentation for verification of your license. Wyoming does not provide paper licenses. If you need verification of your license you may do so through either the 'Verify a Nurse' or 'Verify a CNA' links below.
In order to help you along, we have some printable checklists available to help you keep track of what you need in order to successfully submit your application.
An application by EXAM is going to be used if you are getting your initial license -OR- you are NOT ACTIVELY licensed/certified in another state.
An Application by ENDORSEMENT (called reciprocity in some states) will be used if you are an ACTIVE-licensed/certified nurse coming TO Wyoming.
If you are RE- Certifying/Licensing or Renewing please make sure you are selecting the appropriate application.
CNA Checklist RN/LPN Checklist APRN Checklist
To provide proof of your education we will need to receive your transcripts from your school DIRECTLY. This means that the school has to send them to our office (e-mail from the school to us is also acceptable wsbn.licensing@wyo.gov). Please be aware, institutions may have a fee for this.
As part of your criminal background check, we will also need two (2) Fingerprint cards with your application. You may either drop them off at our office or mail them to our office. Most local law enforcement agency will be able to assist you with this though some may charge a fee to do so. DCI generally takes 2-3 weeks to process your background check once WSBN receives the fingerprint cards.
Please also know that if you do have marks on your record, please disclose them on your application regardless of status (exclude traffic violations). There are NO automatic disqualifiers in the process.
On average, the entire process can take between 45-60 days from when we receive your COMPLETE application.
Paper applications are no longer accepted and credit/debit card payments are the only form of payment accepted. Be prepared to upload required documents and print instructions.
There is a 2.4% processing fee with all card payments and a minimum fee of $1
If you find that you still have questions please do not hesitate to call us at 307-777-7601 We are here to help!
Criminal Background Check (CBC)
Applicants with a Criminal History
There are no pre-disqualifiers in the state of Wyoming for licensure. All applications are considered on a case by case basis. Plan to upload all criminal history documents when you apply through the Nurse Portal along with a personal statement for EACH offense that is not a motor violation.
Sample Personal Statement (Criminal) Sample Personal Statement (Mental Health)
Multi-Sate License / Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Here in Wyoming we recognize that you may live here, but work in a neighboring state. With a multi-state license, that is not an issue.
If you are already an ACTIVE licensee in Wyoming and want to upgrade your license to a multi-state license you will need to:
Apply
Log in to your Nurse Portal.
The multistate license is located under "other applications".
Submit with application:
The multistate license requires new fingerprint cards to perform a current background check.
It takes 3-4 weeks for DCI to process fingerprint cards (once received by the WSBN).
Lawful Presence
For more information on the Nurse Licensure Compact, please visit:
Moving States
When moving to a new state from Wyoming you will need to first CONTACT the state you are moving TO.
No state has the same process for licensure so you will need to see what they will need in order for you to be licensed there. Even if the state is part of the NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact) you will still have to do this as Wyoming will no longer be your primary state of residence.
In order for us to do our part in the process, you will need to fill out the 'Verification Payment Form' and return it to us.
When you are moving TO Wyoming, from another state, you will need to apply via Endorsement, and fill out our verification forms IN ADDITION to your COMPLETED application. For RN/LPN if your state participates in Nursys utilize Nursys.com verification instead.
CNA Verification Form LPN/RN Verification Form APRN Verification Form
Continuing Education (CEU'S)
Continuing Educations are required as a means for meeting competencies to maintain your license. These are required in instances when you may not have been actively working in your role for an extended time. We highly encourage you to simply search on the internet "Continuing education for 'insert your role here'" as some courses have a fee and others do not.
When you submit proof of your CEU's for competency in order to license we are specifically going to need those records with:
Your Name
Name of in service (the organization that offered the CEU)
Date
How many credits the course was worth
Military Educated Applicants
Wyoming allows an individual who has graduated from an approved military course (listed in the NCSBN Analysis – Military) within the 5 yrs prior to application, to apply and sit for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) NCLEX . In addition to completing an application, the Military Verification form must be completed and submitted as part of the application process.
Foreign Educated Applicants
Foreign educated applicants must submit a Foreign Educated Application and meet the following criteria:
Graduate from an international education program (approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and verified by an independent credential review agency). See Accepted Credentialing Agencies below.
Successfully complete the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX –RN exam.
Provide verification of nursing licensure status and/or authorization to practice, if applicable, from country of origin.
Successfully pass an English proficiency exam that includes the components of reading, speaking, writing and listening (except for applicants from countries where English is the native language and the nursing program was taught in English and used English textbooks).
Provide a copy of your social security card AND another form of lawful presence (driver's license, birth certificate, passport, or other items listed on the application.)
Graduated from a foreign pre-licensure nursing education program within 5 years from date of application.
Accepted transcript credentialing agencies:
CGFNS course-by-course evaluation (Commission for Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools); or
CGFNS certificate program (CES); or
ERES (Education Records Evaluation Service); or
IERF (International Education Research Foundation, Inc); or
International Education Evaluation (IEE); or
Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. ; or
Accepted English Proficiency Exams and standards:
IELTS Academic – Band score result of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in any one module.
TOEFL – 84 with a minimum speaking score of 26.
PTE Academic – 55 overall with no sub scores lower than 50 in each scored part.
MET – 55 overall score with a minimum speaking section score of 55.
If a foreign educated nurse is currently licensed in the US, please submit an Endorsement Application instead of the Foreign Educated Application.
FAQ
Application
The nurse portal shows that my application has items that are pending. What does that mean?
Once an application has been submitted online, the items that relate to the application will show as pending until the application and documents have been received and reviewed by WSBN staff. If you are missing items a message is sent to the message center in your nurse portal account listing the items that are needed. Read the messages in the Message Center (left-hand side of the portal) to see what additional documents are needed.
I have a criminal background and am trying to apply
For further assistance in how to best document your history on your application please see this FAQ document:
Renewal
Renewal of license requires active nursing/CNA practice of at least 200 hours in the past 5 years see Administrative Rules of the WSBN, Ch 2, Sect 13.
If employed for at least 400 hours in the past 2 years you do not need to complete any additional CEUs (continuing education hours).
If employed 200 hours in the past 2 years you will need to complete 15 CEUs (continuing education hours) .
If employed less than 200 hours in the past 2 years you will need to complete 30 CEUs (continuing education hours).
What do I do if I cannot remember my username and/or password?
If you do not remember your password: select the “Forgot your password?” link in the Already have an account box.
How do I start the renewal process?
First, log in to your nurse portal account
Second, your license(s) and status are located on your dashboard screen - on the right-hand side of your license there is a renewal link - select the renewal link.
If I currently have a multistate license in another state do I need to renew my Wyoming license?
If your primary state of residency is Wyoming - YES, you need to renew your Wyoming license.
If Wyoming is not your primary state of residency and you have a multistate license through your primary state of residence - NO, you do not have to renew your Wyoming license.
Can I upgrade to a multistate and renew at the same time?
No, you can only renew what you currently have. If you have a single state RN, you can renew a single state RN. If you have a multistate RN, you can renew a multistate RN. If you want to upgrade this can be done before or after renewals. This will not change the cost of your renewal.
If I have an APRN and an RN license can I renew them both through the nurse portal?
Yes, however it requires a separate application for each license.
Do I need to renew my Prescriptive Authority?
Yes, you are required to complete three (3) hours of continuing education related to the responsible prescribing of controlled substances or treatment of substance abuse disorders. A copy of the three (3) hours is required to be uploaded in the application process.
Do I need to renew my IV-C Therapy?
No, once it is on your file it will stay on your file.
Do I need to renew my HHA, CNA II, or MA-C?
Yes, you need to renew your CNA certification first, and then you will select the renewal link next to each certificate you have and complete the application.
How many CEUs do I need to renew my license/certificate?
Wyoming does not have any mandatory continuing education (CE). CEs are an optional competency. For renewal requirements see Chapter 2, Section 13 which is located on the licensing tab of our website.
Do I need to send copies of my CEs?
Yes, during the renewal application process you will need to upload copies of your CEs to your nurse portal.
Can I use volunteer hours for active nursing practice?
Active nursing practice may include volunteering in health or nursing professional organizations or in other situations where you may apply knowledge or clinical judgment in a way that influences patients, nurses, organizations, or systems.
For more information see the Advisory Opinion – Verification of Active Nursing Practice.
Does taking care of sick family members or neighbors count as active nursing practice?
No.
For more information see the Advisory Opinion – Verification of Active Nursing Practice.
How Long Does the Application Process Take?
Licensure generally takes 45-60 days once ALL documents are received.
It usually takes 3-4 weeks for DCI to process fingerprint cards (once received by the WSBN).
Processing the application takes 3-5 days (longer if there is previous discipline or criminal history).
For the status of the application, please check your Nurse Portal.
Temporary Permits
A one-time temporary permit can be given for up to 90 days (for LPN/RN) and 120 days (for CNA).
The temporary permit can not be issued without the initial or endorsement CNA application (the cost of a temporary permit is $25).
Select Temporary Permit on the initial application; or
Complete a temporary application (found under Apply for License)
Not all applicants may meet the requirements for a temporary permit and the temporary permits may be revoked by the Board at any time
If you have criminal history in the last 5 years you are not eligible for a temporary permit.
A temporary permit does not grant multi-state licensure privileges.
I am studying to become.....
CNA/CNA II or Medication Aide Certified (MA-C)
Some states may have a different name for an MA-C
Once you are certified make sure you apply on the nurse portal under 'Other Applications'
Nurse Refresher Courses
This is the only approved way to come back into licensure in the state of Wyoming. More information may be found here
I just had my name change
With any name change you will need to submit a name change application request on your nurse portal. This is listed under 'Other Applications'. You will need to upload the appropriate legal documents as well.
Questions?
Contact Us!
Phone: (307) 777-5281 for last names beginning A-O
Phone: (307) 777-8620 for last names beginning P-Z
E-mail: wsbn.licensing@wyo.gov
Fax: (307) 777-3519