2021 - Best 7 Nursing Schools in Wyoming

ADN Programs In Wyoming

In the fall of 2016, Wyoming began its ReNEW program - "Revolutionizing Nursing Education in Wyoming."  The goal of this RN program is to prepare all nursing students for a bachelor's degree at some point in time.  ReNEW standardizes nursing education for the community colleges and University of Wyoming, which means that there are ample opportunities for LPNs and RNs to further their education. We studied student NCLEX-RN passing rates across RN programs in Wyoming and found some interesting results that we want to share with you. We found wide differences in student outcomes when comparing NCLEX-RN passing rates.

NCLEX Passing Rates for Wyoming  ADN Programs

Northern Wyoming Community College District-Sheridan has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in Wyoming of 94.96%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $7,399.00 a year.

• ADN Programs Offered in Wyoming: 6
• Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 89.16%
• NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 85.77% to 94.96%

How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in Wyoming?

We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in Wyoming so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations. When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing. The lowest cost ADN program in Wyoming is offered by Central Wyoming College at about $4,088.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 91.54%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by  Laramie County Community College and it will cost about $7,464.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 85.63%.

• Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inWyoming: $5,896.83
• Net-Price Range for Wyoming ADN Programs: $4,088.00 to $7,464.00

Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs

• Average Student Borrowing for Wyoming Schools: $5,936.17
• Student borrowing range for ADN programs in Wyoming: $4,725.00 to $7,017.00

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:

• Nurse Administrator
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner – WHNP

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

Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2018 Data