Now is a great time for nurses to pursue an RN or BSN degree program in Wyoming. Nursing schools across the state are introducing RN to BSN programs that can be completed online to help meet the needs of busy, working nurses. Generally programs can be completed online and there are many clinical sites located across the state. Wyoming needs nurses more than ever as the state is currently facing a nursing shortage in the rural areas. The number of nurses with a bachelor’s degree is increasing, but it is still not enough to meet the high demand. If you have a bachelor's degree in another discipline, look into the second degree BSN degree or Direct Entry MSN degree programs.
In our Wyoming RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Wyoming RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Wyoming, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Wyoming RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 6 | 1 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 89.16% | 83.53% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 85.77% to 94.96% | 83.53% to 83.53% |
| Average Net Price | $5,896.83 | $11,484.00 |
| Average Net Price Range | $4,088.00 to $7,464.00 | $11,484.00 to $11,484.00 |
| Average Student Loan | $5,936.17 | $14,000.00 |
| Average Student Loan Range | $4,725.00 to $7,017.00 | $14,000.00 to $14,000.00 |
| See Additional Detail | ADN Rankings for Wyoming State | BSN Rankings for Wyoming State |
Best Ranked RN Programs in Wyoming
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Wyoming and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 6 ADN degree programs and 1 BSN degree programs in Wyoming. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Wyoming to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
Grade | Degree | University | WY Rank | US Rank | City | Type: | Offered As: | Accreditor(s): | More: | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93.52 | ADN | Central Wyoming College | 1 | 214 | Riverton | Central Wyoming College is located in Riverton, Wyoming. They offer an ADN program and an LPN to RN Completion option. Classes are on-campus, but they do utilize simulation and skills laboratories to practice nursing skills. They also occasionally utilize other technology, such as e-textbooks and mobile apps. | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | |
| 89.85 | ADN | Casper College | 2 | 361 | Casper | Casper College is located in Casper, Wyoming. They offer a practical nursing program and an ADN program. Their ADN program is designed with the ReNEW program in mind – it allows the student to transfer to University of Wyoming after graduation, in order to pursue a BSN degree. | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | |
| 88.76 | ADN | Northern Wyoming Community College District-Sheridan | 3 | 398 | Sheridan | Public | Campus | See School Details | |||
| 88.62 | ADN | Northwest College | 4 | 400 | Powell | Northwest College is located in Powell, Wyoming. They offer an LPN program and an ADN program. They are proud to note that in 2015, 100% of their graduates were employed as a nurse, with employer satisfaction being 100% with their nursing program. | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | |
| 87.84 | ADN | Western Wyoming Community College | 5 | 435 | Rock Springs | Western Wyoming Community College is located in Rock Springs, Wyoming. They offer a practical nursing program and an ADN program. They also allow LPNs to enroll into the ADN program during the third semester of the program. | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | |
| 83.70 | ADN | Laramie County Community College | 6 | 547 | Cheyenne | Laramie County Community College is located in Cheyenne, Wyoming. LCCC offers an ADN program. They also offer an advanced placement option; their advanced placement option is available to LPNs or students who have previously completed at least 2 semesters of nursing school. | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | |
| 92.37 | BSN | University of Wyoming - Basic BS | 1 | 254 | Laramie | University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, Wyoming. The Fay. W. Whitney School of Nursing offers a basic BSN, BRAND (bachelor’s reach for accelerated nursing degree) and an RN to BSN completion program, which is offered online. University of Wyoming participates in Wyoming’s ReNEW program, which began in the fall of 2016 and seeks to advance the education of the nurses in Wyoming. | Public | Campus | CCNE | See School Details |
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Wyoming
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Wyoming
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP).Wyoming RN Licensing Requirements
Wyoming State Board of Nursing 130 Hobbs Avenue, Suite B Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-7601 Continuing Education Requirements: 20 contact hours, or 500 practice hours every two years, or 1600 practice hours every five years, or a refresher program.RN Licensure by Exams
After completing an approved nursing program, RN candidates need to apply to take the NCLEX exam and pay a $200 registration fee. The candidate will need to simultaneously apply to the Wyoming Board for licensure. There is a $130 application fee along with a $60 background fee that the applicant will be responsible for. When both applications have been completed, the candidate will obtain authorization to test (ATT). Following this, the candidate will be able to schedule the NCLEX exam. The board may issue a 90-day temporary permit to the candidate. During this time, the candidate will be required to pass the NCLEX exam. Candidates who are unsuccessful on the first attempt will need to submit an application to retake and pay additional fees.RN License by Endorsement
A nurse who has obtained licensure in one of the other 49 states will be granted licensure in Wyoming by endorsement. Nurses must be recently practicing nurses, meaning they must have worked 1,600 hours or taken a refresher course in the last five years. The candidate will be responsible for a $135 application fee and a $60 background check. Out of state nurses will be able to work under a 90-day temporary permit if they submit a copy of their current license in good standing.RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Nurses who were trained outside of the United States are also eligible for license by endorsement. They may also be granted a temporary permit to work under while the candidate attempts to pass the NCLEX exam. Some candidates will need to demonstrate English proficiency. Last, but not least, nurses will be required to submit verification that the educational program was approved by the appropriate agency in their country where they practiced nursing.RN Salaries in Wyoming
Wyoming expects many nursing vacancies in the state in the upcoming years. To fill these vacancies, the Wyoming Research and Planning Committee is working hard to evaluate and make changes to education and workforce systems which are intended to attract and keep nurses in the state. Nurses in Wyoming can expect to be in a solid career. The annual median income of nurses in Wyoming ranges from $59,600-$80,000. The salary is dependent on the experience and education level of the individual nurse. Some of the in-demand nursing specialties for Wyoming include:Wyoming Registered Nursing Salaries
The Cheyenne metropolitan area has the highest number of registered nurses employed across the state as well as the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casper, WY | 940 | $27.23 | $56,070 |
| Cheyenne, WY | 950 | $31.58 | $63,320 |
| Northwestern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | 810 | $29.05 | $60,090 |
| Southwestern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | 730 | $29.46 | $60,310 |
| Northeastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | 820 | $29.49 | $60,560 |
| Southeastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | 610 | $28.23 | $57,410 |
