[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing jobs are growing rapidly in Wyoming, with registered nurse (RN) positions projected to increase faster than the national rate. If you attend a nursing program in Wyoming, you can get a multistate license to increase job prospects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn about the best nursing schools in Wyoming, how to earn your Wyoming nursing license, and what you can expect to earn.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Wyoming[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) includes lower admission requirements and gets you working faster. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) takes longer and includes more competitive admissions, but it also offers more advancement opportunities. This guide can help you choose the degree that’s right for you and which school best suits your career goals and budget.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Wyoming, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text]
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
Based in Laramie, the University of Wyoming ranks among the top nursing schools in Wyoming. The bachelor of science in nursing trains students to serve as registered nurses. Students build skills in health assessment and professional practice. Many courses take place on campus, but learners wscan complete clinical placements in both Laramie and Cheyenne.
Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing
Campus: Laramie, WY
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $6,270 per year for in-state residents; $13,500 per year for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Minimum 2.75 GPA, SAT or ACT scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.1%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $66,369 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
93%
Online Enrollment
$ 5,076
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
80%
Retention Rate
$15,174
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
11,829
Institution Type
Public
#2
Casper College
Casper, WY
2 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
One of the state's most comprehensive community colleges, Casper College offers one of the top nursing programs in Wyoming. The associate degree in nursing builds skills through simulated labs and supervised practicum experiences in healthcare settings. Graduates can also continue their studies at the University of Wyoming's bachelor's in nursing program.
Program(s): Associate degree in nursing
Campus: Casper, WY
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $4,410 per year
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent with minimum 2.0 GPA, ACT scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86.3%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $58,092 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
52%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
64%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
3,551
Institution Type
Public
#3
Northwest College
Powell, WY
2 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
A community college based in Powell, Northwest College ranks among the best nursing schools in Wyoming. The associate degree in nursing uses an evidence-based curriculum that includes labs and clinical experiences. The program prepares candidates to sit for the NCLEX-RN or to transfer into the bachelor's in nursing program at the University of Wyoming.
Program(s): Associate degree in nursing
Campus: Powell, WY
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $105 per credit
Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma, SAT or ACT scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86.1%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,439 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
55%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
59%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
1,438
Institution Type
Public
#4
Laramie County Community College
Cheyenne, WY
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
Laramie County Community College offers an associate degree in nursing that combines classroom courses and hands-on clinical training. Courses include general psychology, medical microbiology, and practical nursing role exploration. Graduates can obtain licensure as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse.
Program(s): Associate degree in nursing
Campus: Laramie, WY
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Accredited Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $154 per credit
Admission Requirements: High school diploma with a minimum 2.5 GPA or GED certificate
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 78.1%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,524 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
45%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
N/A
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
3,838
Institution Type
Public
[hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”] [hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Wyoming[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When examining nursing schools in Wyoming, consider your budget and the cost, financial aid, the National Council Licensure Examinations for RNs (NCLEX-RN) pass rate (a key measure of quality), the admission requirements and acceptance rate, and the logistics of attending. If you plan to attend an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/online-nursing-programs-overview/”]online nursing program[/hen-ui-link], be sure you can find clinical placement in your community.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because unaccredited programs are an unnecessary risk of your time and money, this page only lists [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]accredited nursing programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Wyoming[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In-state RN programs in Wyoming have the lowest in-state tuition rate in the country at [hen-ui-link href=”https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/trends-college-pricing-student-aid-2020.pdf” target=”_blank”]$5,790 per year[/hen-ui-link] for a public, four-year program. Because Wyoming is a [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”]Nurse Licensure Compact [/hen-ui-link](NLC) state, graduates can apply for a multistate license. Wyoming also has above-average job growth for RNs and a below-average cost of living.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wyoming features the Great Plains on the eastern side of the state and mountains on the western side. Residents enjoy plenty of outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, skiing, and fishing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/wyoming/”]Wyoming[/hen-ui-link] is also home to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Devils Tower National Monument.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Wyoming[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average salary for RNs in Wyoming is $72,600 and $118,810 for nurse practitioners (NPs), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This makes the state RN and NP salary slightly below the national median of $77,600 and $120,680, respectively. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]cost of living[/hen-ui-link] is below average, at 94.3, partly because Wyoming has no state income tax.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The number of RN jobs is [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]projected to grow 16.2%[/hen-ui-link] between 2018 and 2028, faster than the national average of 12.1%. [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]The BLS also projects 30% growth[/hen-ui-link] for NP positions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Wyoming[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wyoming is better known for its wilderness and national parks than for its cities, but Cheyenne and Casper both offer a combination of city living and easy access to outdoor recreation, with populations of 60,000 and 55,000, respectively.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Cheyenne[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$80,090[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Casper[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$70,520[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: BLS [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Wyoming[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]All states require RNs[/hen-ui-link] to earn a license by graduating from nursing school, passing the relevant national examination, and clearing a criminal background check. Upon graduating from nursing school, RNs can apply for a temporary license while they wait for their NCLEX-RN results.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]RN license[/hen-ui-link], you must graduate from a nursing school [hen-ui-link href=”https://wsbn.wyo.gov/” target=”_blank”]in Wyoming[/hen-ui-link] or another NLC state with [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]an ADN[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]BSN degree[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]pass the NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-link], and complete a criminal background check with fingerprinting.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] automatically vets applicants for a multistate license; you do not need to apply separately. The application fee is $130, and the background check fee is $60. You must renew your license every two years.[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ style=”margin-top:2em”]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (APRN), you must earn a graduate degree in nursing, either a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link], pass the relevant national board examination for your [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-specialties-guide/”]nursing specialty[/hen-ui-link], and have a current and unencumbered RN license.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A license with prescriptive authority costs $380, and one without costs $310. In Wyoming, APRNs have full-practice authority. The state board of nursing has entered the APRN Licensure Compact, but it will not be active until seven states have joined.[/hen-ui-text]
[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Wyoming[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-separator /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to become an RN in Wyoming?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must have either a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN. Applications take approximately three weeks to process, once the state board of nursing receives the completed forms. You can apply for a temporary license, which expires if you do not pass the NCLEX-RN.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Is there a nursing shortage in Wyoming?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wyoming was experiencing a [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown//”]nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link] even before COVID-19, and the pandemic made it worse. All types of healthcare providers are facing a shortage of available nurses, and nursing schools in Wyoming cannot hire enough staff to meet the demands.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Is Wyoming an RN compact state?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wyoming is an NLC state. Once you graduate nursing school in Wyoming and apply for a license, the state board of nursing automatically checks your eligibility for a multistate license.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How much does nursing school cost in Wyoming?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on the degree and institution, nursing schools in Wyoming are the cheapest in the country. A four-year BSN at a public school in Wyoming costs an average of [hen-ui-link href=”https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/trends-college-pricing-student-aid-2020.pdf” target=”_blank”]$5,790 for in-state tuition and fees[/hen-ui-link]. ADN programs are somewhat cheaper, but the costs have risen more than 40% over the last five years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”34463,34493,34457″][/hen-ui-article-row]