Wyoming Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Wyoming is a very rural state, which causes some residents to have difficulty receiving access to quality healthcare. The Campaign for Action Organization is working to solve these problems, and they have seen changes to state laws that support their work. The action coalition encourages nurses to seek higher education, allowing you to work to your full potential after earning a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in Wyoming.
If you are interested in getting your master’s degree in nursing, you may become part of the nursing workforce that is evolving to reflect the changing dynamics of healthcare. There are numerous choices for MSN degrees in the state, and you can request program information directly from the nursing schools in Wyoming listed below.
Master’s in Nursing Degrees in Wyoming
Your career goals will likely determine which Wyoming nursing school and which type of master’s program is right for you. For example, there are accredited online master’s level programs, as well as nursing schools in Wyoming that offer Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Leadership programs. Finding the Wyoming nursing schools that offer the Master’s in Nursing programs that interest you is the first step. Once you’ve decided which MSN degree path is right for you, you will need to determine admissions materials, costs, curriculum and graduation requirements.
Admission Criteria for Master’s in Nursing Programs in Wyoming
The admission criteria for the most MSN degree programs in Wyoming typically include:
- Completed Graduate Application Form
- Documentation of clinical experience
- Self-reflective essay – approximately two pages
- GPA minimum of 3.0
- Two letters of recommendation from an individual who can speak to the student’s academic performance from their under-graduate program, and a second letter should speak to the applicant’s clinical skills
- A currently active RN license for the state where the student plans to do their educational practicum
- Current Resume
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
- International applicants must pass the TOEFL exam
Curriculum for Graduate Nursing Programs in Wyoming
Colleges and universities may vary the number of required courses and clinical hours, depending upon which MSN degree program you enter. For example, a two-year program of study for the Nurse Educator, requires 36 course hours, while a Nurse Practitioner program may require up to 600 hours of clinical study.
The core curriculum is often similar across degree types and may include many of the following courses:
- Application of Theory in Advanced Nursing
- Ethics and Research in Advanced Nursing
- Epidemiology in Rural Health Care
- Health and Health Care in Rural Cultures
- Practicum in Nursing
- Rural Nursing Leadership
- Nursing Electives
If you have chosen this particular degree, it is wise to become credentialed through the National League for Nursing (NLN). This credential may allow you to expand your horizons, and you may find a more lucrative position. The certified Nurse Educator is truly a mark of professionalism. If you are an NLN member the cost of the exam is $375, but if you are not a member of the cost is $475.
When you are enrolled in an online program you will have a clinical advisor to oversee your clinical hours, usually at a location not too far from your home. If you choose an on campus program, you may be able to network and learn from your instructors in a face to face manner.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for MSN Students in WY
If you need financial assistance, get the FAFSA application at your university’s Financial Aid Office as they offer grants based on your income. The NLN offers scholarships that will pay help tuition and other related educational expenses. There are also several regionally based nursing scholarships and grants available to Wyoming’s nursing students.
The Robert Would Johnson/American Association of College of Nurses Scholarship also offers $10,000, each in three annual payments if you are a Wyoming student living in a rural area settlement or from a disadvantaged background. Low-interest loans are also offered by the federal government, Nurse Corps have a program if you are willing to teach in one of their facilities for two years, they will pay 60 percent of your educational loans.
Working as an Advanced Practice Nurse in Wyoming
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Nurse Educator earned an annual income of $65,940 and a Nurse Practitioner earned an annual salary of $88,600 as of 2013.
As there is a severe shortage of Nurse Educators, you might consider some of the advantages of this position. This particular position is very rewarding as you are really making an impact on nursing education and may enjoy a high degree of job security.
If you become a graduate nurse, you may find yourself in an expanded role, which can both enhance your earning potential, as well as help to earn the respect of your peers. Contact Wyoming nursing schools today to learn more about your options for earning your Master’s in Nursing degree and taking your practice to the next level.
MSN Programs for Wyoming Nurses
- University of Wyoming. The University of Wyoming in Laramie is the only in-state option for Wyoming nurses who wish to pursue an MSN degree. The school offers a master’s-level nurse educator program for nurses who wish to teach the next generation of nurses.
- Georgetown University. Though located in Washington, D.C., Georgetown University offers online NP programs that are accessible to nurses in Wyoming. Students can select either a nurse practitioner or nurse educator program. Classes are web-based, while Georgetown faculty work with students to arrange clinical experiences close to home.
