Wyoming’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
There’s never been a better time to start a career in nursing. The number of nurses needed continues to rise nationwide. The national growth rate for registered nurses (RNs) is 6% between 2022-2032. Wyoming has a growth rate of 11% between 2020-2030 with 330 annual RN openings, offering job security to all aspiring RNs.
Wyoming offers majestic natural beauty full of scenic views and adventure. It is home to some of the best national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and Devils Tower and Fossil Butte National Monuments. Beyond the national parks are historical sites, recreational areas, trails, parks, and parkways that offer more places to explore in Wyoming. The diverse terrain offers something for those who seek natural beauty and want to learn about their rich history and those who want to go on an adventure conquering trails and mountains.
Residents of Wyoming benefit from multiple tax breaks. There is no personal state income tax, no state tax on retirement income, zero corporate state income tax, no gross receipts tax on business, low property taxes, modest sales taxes, and reasonable gasoline taxes. Additionally, the state’s median home value is less than the national average. The low cost of living in Wyoming allows the hard-earned dollars of residents to stretch further. U.S. News also ranks Wyoming as the 10th safest state in the country to live in.
America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report showed that Wyoming has a low prevalence of multiple chronic conditions, high reading proficiency, and low levels of air pollution. Wyoming also ranks fifth best state for higher education due to the low cost of tuition combined with low student debt and a relatively high community college graduation rate. This makes Wyoming a great place to pursue your nursing education.
The Best Nursing Schools in Wyoming
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Wyoming to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Wyoming based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Wyoming State Board of Nursing website.
Nursing Programs:
#1 Nursing Program
Casper College
Casper Collegeis a public community college in Casper, Wyoming. They offer an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) that allows students to complete their degree in two years. The ADN program uses a statewide curriculum allowing students to easily transfer to the University of Wyoming to complete their BSN online. Students receive hands-on training in simulated labs in addition to clinical rotations at a wide variety of healthcare facilities. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and are prepared for entry-level RN positions in a variety of healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,410
Out-of-State: $10,710
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,410 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$10,710 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2023 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2020 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
4,614 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
39% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Nursing Program
Central Wyoming College
Central Wyoming College is a public community college in Riverton, Lander, Jackson, and Dubois, Wyoming. They offer an ADN program with a team-based learning strategy that emphasizes student preparation outside of class, followed by applying knowledge in class. Active learning is achieved with small group classroom activities that allow real-world topics to be explored in the classroom while also enhancing professional skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Students are also given hands-on learning opportunities in their state-of-the-art simulation lab and in clinical rotations that take place at a variety of healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,744
Out-of-State: $8,784
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,744 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,784 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2023 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2023 |
70.5% |
| Job Placement 2023 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,755 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
33% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Nursing Program
University of Wyoming
University of Wyoming is a public university in Laramie, Wyoming. They offer a basic Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which is a traditional track; the BSN Completion-ReNEW, which is a shared BSN curriculum that begins at participating Wyoming community college ADN programs; or the BRAND option, which is an accelerated BSN program for students with a previous non-nursing baccalaureate degree who desire to become nurses. Students receive hands-on training in state-of-the-art classrooms and clinical simulation centers in addition to their clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
Average TuitionIn-State: $4,980/year
Out-of-State: $20,760/year
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,980/year |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$20,760/year |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2023 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
96% |
| Retention Rate |
77% |
| Students Enrolled |
10,913 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
76% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Wyoming
When choosing a nursing program in Wyoming, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Wyoming
Becoming a nurse in Wyoming can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. The state offers numerous opportunities for aspiring nurses, with a growing demand for healthcare professionals and a supportive environment for nursing education and practice.
Wyoming has a strong need for nurses across various healthcare settings. With its growing healthcare industry, there is a demand for qualified nurses in many environments, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Nurses in Wyoming enjoy competitive salaries, which can vary based on factors such as education, experience, and location. The state’s cost of living is relatively lower compared to other regions, allowing nurses to have a comfortable lifestyle while pursuing their passion for healthcare.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Wyoming
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Wyoming is $81,010, and it employs 5,070 nurses. Wyoming also employs 310 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who make an average wage of $118,110.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2022 and 2032 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in Wyoming for RNs |
| Cheyenne, WY |
$85,590 |
| Eastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area |
$78,360 |
| Casper, WY |
$77,980 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Wyoming
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in Wyoming, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Wyoming:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first Wyoming RN license, you must renew it every two years. If you were employed for at least 400 hours in the past two years, you do not need to complete any additional continuing education (CEU) hours. If you worked 200 hours in the past two years, you must complete 15 hours of CEUs. If you worked less than 200 hours in the past two years, you must complete 30 hours of CEUs.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in Wyoming:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Wyoming.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- You must renew your Wyoming APRN license every two years. No CEUs are required if you have practiced over 400 hours during the renewal period. If you practiced between 200-400 hours during the renewal period, 15 CEUs are required. APRNs must complete a minimum of 15 hours of pharmacology training, which can count towards the hours of CEUs needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Wyoming
Is Wyoming a good place for nurses to work?
Wyoming is a great place to work as a nurse. The state offers a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, providing ample job opportunities for nurses. Additionally, Wyoming has a relatively low cost of living, allowing nurses’ hard-earned dollars to stretch further.
Is Wyoming a compact state for nursing?
Wyoming is a compact state for nursing. You can practice nursing in Wyoming if you hold a compact RN license for another state.
What are the requirements for RNs in Wyoming?
Once you have been issued your first Wyoming RN license, you must renew it every two years. If you were employed for at least 400 hours in the past two years, you do not need to complete any additional continuing education (CEU) hours. If you worked 200 hours in the past two years, you must complete 15 hours of CEUs. If you worked less than 200 hours in the past two years, you must complete 30 hours of CEUs.
How much does a Wyoming RN license cost?
It costs $200 to take your NCLEX-RN exam in Wyoming. Licensure by exam is $130 and by endorsement is $135. It costs $110 to renew your RN license every two years.
