While most states in the country are facing predictions of nursing shortages, some reports indicate that Wyoming may have more significant challenges ahead than other states. According to a report from Wyoming Public Radio, Wyoming and other states in the Mountain West have some of the worst nursing shortages in the country. Specifically, Wyoming has at least 25% fewer nurses than the national average. While many factors contribute to this, a shortage of nursing faculty is one of the challenges facing this state.
There are many ways that practicing nurses can help get more people into the nursing profession. Pursuing a terminal degree in nursing can prepare professionals to teach the next generation of nurses and put them in leadership positions where they can make policy decisions at the institutional, state, and even federal levels. In addition to these impacts, Wyoming allows nurse practitioners to practice independently, offering DNP-prepared clinicians the opportunity to fill much-needed primary care positions across the state.
Nurses interested in pursuing a DNP in Wyoming have several options, including a program at the University of Wyoming as well as opportunities at other universities in the region. Below, learn more about these options to help you choose the program that’s best for you.
Wyoming DNP Programs Quick Facts:
- Universities Offering DNP Programs in Wyoming: 1
- CCNE Accredited DNP Programs in the State: 2
- ACEN Accredited DNP Programs in the State: 0
- Average Tuition Costs: $6,980 per year for residents
Table of Contents
DNP Programs in Wyoming
Wyoming does not offer many DNP programs, but the University of Wyoming offers two hybrid options, allowing students to pursue a DNP as a family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Wyoming BSN to DNP Programs
The BSN to DNP programs at the University of Wyoming offer a hybrid program that includes both online learning and occasional on-campus learning.
University of Wyoming
- Laramie, Wyoming
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 73 to 75
Clinical Hours: 1,080
Tuition: $6,980 per year + fees for residents; $16,592 per year + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of Wyoming offers the only DNP programs in the state. Students have two options at this university, both designed for students with a BSN. The BSN to FNP track is 75 credits, and the BSN to PMHNP is 73 credits. Both programs have an emphasis on caring for patients in rural areas. These programs take three years to complete full-time, and the school does not offer a part-time option.
Most of the coursework is completed online with synchronous seminars and online learning every Wednesday morning, but on-campus learning is required occasionally throughout these programs. While classes are distance-friendly, they are designed for students living in or near Wyoming. Students are required to come to campus for orientation at the beginning of the program, and there is a week-long “Clinical Boot Camp” on campus. Students generally attend two to four intensives every semester.
Students in these DNP programs must also complete a practice-oriented scholarly project, which is the focus of the third year of the program.
Clinical experiences must take place in Wyoming, southern Montana, or north central Colorado. The school attempts to place students in sites close to home, but traveling or relocating for this part of the program may be necessary.
Key highlights:
- Mostly online, but some synchronous courses and on-campus visits required
- Programs focus on caring for patients in rural areas
Additional considerations:
- Clinical experiences can only take place in certain states
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Regional Options
Although Wyoming has limited options, other schools in the area offer DNP programs that should be considered when seeking this degree. Specifically, those available at Montana State University and the University of Utah.
Montana State University
- Bozeman, Montana
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $6,542 per year + fees for residents, $21,098 per year + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Montana State University can be a convenient option for students living in northwest Wyoming. This campus is located in Bozeman, Montana, about 45 miles north of the northwest corner of Wyoming. Its DNP programs are only available to students in certain states, including Wyoming.
The university’s Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing offers three BSN to DNP options: BSN to DNP FNP (82 credits), BSN to DNP PMHNP (82 credits), and BSN to DNP Nurse Midwife (74-82 credits). Students can complete these programs in three years if attending full-time, or four years part-time.
The school also offers an MSN to DNP that has 37 credits and is available on a full- or part-time basis. This program is open to practicing nurse practitioners who are not interested in adding a new practice focus.
All graduate-level courses are delivered online with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning and may be expected to travel to the Bozeman campus or other campuses, typically no more than once per year, and may have to travel for clinical experiences.
Key highlights:
- Most classes are only, but on-campus visits are required throughout the program
- Classes are a combination synchronous and asynchronous
Additional considerations:
- Consider commute time depending on where you live in Wyoming
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Utah Health
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: Varies (see below)
Program Overview:
The University of Utah Health offers an impressive variety of DNP options for BSN-prepared nurses, as well as a post-MSN to DNP track for those who have already completed a master’s degree. This campus is located 384 miles west of Laramie, Wyoming’s state capital, and about 45 miles from the south-western corner of the state, making it a convenient choice for students in this area of Wyoming.
Ten BSN to DNP tracks are offered:
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (74 credits, eight semesters, 720 clinical hours)
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (74 credits, eight semesters, 840 clinical hours)
- Dual Acute Care/Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (86 credits, nine semesters, 1080 clinical hours)
- Dual Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (86 credits, nine semesters, 1200 clinical hours)
- Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (74 credits, eight semesters, 780 clinical hours)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (74 credits, eight semesters, 900 clinical hours)
- Nurse-Midwifery (75 credits, eight semesters, 840 clinical hours)
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (74 credits, eight semesters, 780 clinical hours)
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (79 credits, eight semesters, 800 clinical hours)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (73 credits, eight semesters, 780 clinical hours)
All of these programs are offered in hybrid formats, making them a decent option for students who live in southwestern Wyoming. Most of the didactic coursework is available online, but on-campus learning is required, generally once a semester.
U of U Health also offers a Post-MS to DNP: Clinical or Organizational Leadership track that requires 30 to 35 credits. This program is primarily online, but some in-person sessions are required throughout the program.
Tuition for these programs varies depending on whether you’re a resident or a non-resident, and the cost per credit changes as you take more credits. Students who live in Wyoming do not receive a tuition discount and will pay the tuition rates listed here.
Key highlights:
- 10 BSN to DNP options available
- Programs are considered hybrid, so regular visits to campus are required
Additional considerations:
- Offers some unique DNP tracks and dual degree options
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Wyoming
If you’re a Wyoming resident interested in completing a DNP as quickly as possible, consider the programs below:
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The BSN to DNP programs at the University of Wyoming and Montana State University take three years to complete full-time.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The length of the MSN to DNP programs available to students in Wyoming varies depending on the student’s previous education. Generally, these programs are shorter than BSN to DNP programs and take between one and two years to finish.
Best DNP Programs in Wyoming
The programs at the University of Wyoming are the only ones available in the state of Wyoming. The university’s BSN to FNP track and BSN to PMHNP programs are designed to help meet the nursing needs of the state, addressing rural health care gaps.
For students interested in seeking an education outside of the state, the University of Utah Health offers a wide range of specialities. Students can choose from 10 different clinical tracks and a post-master’s track.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Wyoming
The University of Wyoming programs cost about $6,980 per year, plus fees, for residents. This option is likely the most affordable, as the regional schools in Montana and Utah charge non-resident rates to students living in Wyoming.
FAQs
How to become a nurse practitioner in Wyoming?
To become a NP in Wyoming, the first step is to obtain an RN license in the state by completing a nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
The next step is to complete an NP program. There are a number of specialties to choose from as well as programs to choose from in Wyoming, including the programs listed above and the MSN programs available in the state.
Once you complete your NP program, the next step is to take and pass an accredited national certification exam in your specialty and apply for state licensure.
What career opportunities are available with a DNP degree in Wyoming?
The opportunities available for DNPs in Wyoming can depend on the focus area of the DNP. The state has openings for nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives, as well as roles in administration, research, education, and leadership. DNPs can find opportunities at various facilities, including clinics, hospitals, government agencies, and more.
What’s the average cost of a DNP program in Wyoming?
The average cost of a DNP program is about $6,980 per year plus fees for students who reside in Wyoming.