RN Programs in Wyoming
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% | 6,101.48% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 85.77% to 94.96% | 6,101.48% to 6,101.48% |
| 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.
RANKED 1
Central Wyoming College
- 2660 Peck Avenue, Riverton, WY - 82501
- (800) 735-8418
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.
School Information
Location: Riverton, WY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.94%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 142
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 2
Western Wyoming Community College
- 2500 College Dr, Rock Springs, WY - 82902-0428
- (307) 382-1600
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.
School Information
Location: Rock Springs, WY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.32%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 207
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 3
Northwest College
- 231 W 6th St, Powell, WY - 82435
- (307) 754-6000
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.
School Information
Location: Powell, WY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 89.33%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 313
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 4
Laramie County Community College
- 1400 E College Dr, Cheyenne, WY - 82007-3299
- (307) 778-5222
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.
School Information
Location: Cheyenne, WY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 86.27%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 438
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 5
Casper College
- 125 College Dr, Casper, WY - 82601-4699
- (307) 268-2110
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.
School Information
Location: Casper, WY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 83.43%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 526
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
NOT RANKED
Sheridan College
- 3059 S Coffeen Ave, Sheridan, WY - 82801
- (307) 674-6446
School Information
Location: Sheridan, WY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
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
Sheridan College 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 90.42%. 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 86.60%.
- 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
NOT RANKED
University of Wyoming
- Corner of Ninth and Ivinson, Laramie, WY - 82071
- (307) 766-1121
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.
School Information
Location: Laramie, WY- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
BSN Programs In Wyoming
Wyoming has strict admissions requirements nursing students must meet in order to be accepted into a BSN program. These requirements include completion of prerequisite classes, Wyoming registered nurse licensure, and a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Courses in a typical program may include (but are not limited to):
- Cultural Diversity in Family Care
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Healthcare Promotion
- Nursing Leadership
- Capstone Project
RN degree programs in Wyoming are designed to help to make nurses well rounded and independent. Baccalaureate-prepared nurses are able to care for patients across many different age groups in a wide variety of settings and situations.
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in Wyoming and found some interesting data for you to use in your nursing school selection.
The average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
What is the best RN program for you to attend? Your sweet spot might be the least expensive school with the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate. Or, it might the school that offers the best NCLEX-RN passing rate no matter the total cost of attendance. You might want to attend a school with high enrollment rate and have a large set of alumni to stay in touch with. Find your ideal program from information and data below.
Associate Degree in Nursing Net-Price
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs in Wyoming: $5,896.83
- Net-Price Range for Wyoming ADN Programs: $4,088.00 to $7,464.00
- Lowest Net-Price ADN Program: Central Wyoming College at $4,088.00 and NCLEX-RN passing rate of 90.42%
- Highest Net-Price ADN Program: Laramie County Community College at $7,464.00 and NCLEX-RN passing rate of 86.60%
Bachelor Degree in Nursing Net-Price
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in Wyoming: $11,484.00
- Net-Price Range for Wyoming BSN Programs: $11,484.00 to $11,484.00
- Lowest Net-Price BSN Program: University of Wyoming at $11,484.00 and NCLEX-RN passing rate of 6,101.48%
- Highest Net-Price BSN Program: University of Wyoming at $11,484.00 and NCLEX-RN passing rate of 6,101.48%
Median Student Borrowing for Schools Offering an RN
- Least Amount of Student Borrowing for a School: $4,725.00
- Highest Amount of Student Borrowing for a School: $14,000.00
- Average Student Borrowing for Wyoming Schools: $7,088.14
- Average Student Borrowing for Nationwide: $13,434.43
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 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2018 Data
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
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