Important

Figure 1: State licensure requirements for nurse practitionersStateNPs in statework forceRNlicensurerequiredfor NPs?Graduationfrom a NPprogramrequired?If yes, does theprogram haveto beaccredited?Accrediting bodyAre NPs required to havea master's degree?Are NPs requiredto be specialtycertified?If yes, what certifyingbodies are accepted bythe state?Is recertificationrequired? (May say"currentcertification")State requirementsfor NP continuingeducation (c.e.)Wyoming 145 Yes. (Wyo.Stat. § 33-21-120)Yes. (WCWR024-054-004)Yes. (WCWR024-054-004)No reference; theprogram must be"nationally accredited,"and accepted by theboard of nursing.(WCWR 024-054-004)Yes. (Wyo. Stat. § 33-21-120(a)(i)(C))No. (Optional).Requirescertification ormaster's degree.(WCWR 024-054-004)A national certification ina specific specialty area ofadvanced practice,accepted by the board.(WCWR 024-054-004)For those licensed bycertification--Recertificationrequired and evidenceof having completedthirty (30) contacthours of c.e. related tothe specialty area(s) ofadvanced nursingFor those licensed byeducation--60 hours ofc.e. related to therecognized specialtyarea(s) of advancednursing practice and aminimum of fourhundred (400) practicehours in advancedpractice. (WCWR 024-nursing practice during054-004)the last two (2) years.(WCWR 024-054-004)"Silent" means that the state does not address the question in statutes or regulations.Work force numbers obtained from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing "2006 Nurse Licensee Volume and NCLEX Examination Statistics," (pub. date February 2008) unless indicated by an asterisk. *Work force numbers obtainedfrom the 2008 Pearson Report Summary (published by the American Journal for Nurse Practitioners , February 2008).