[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][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″ class=”py-4 my-0 text-center border-b md:pb-8 md:border-none”]You might be interested in[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-layout ids=”76218,76212,76202″][/hen-ui-article-layout]
#1 The Top Nursing Schools in Wyoming
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$3,480
- Out-of-state$14,472
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$5,076
- Out-of-state$15,174
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled11,829
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
#2 The Top Nursing Schools in Wyoming
Casper College
Casper, WY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$2,970
- Out-of-state$8,910
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,551
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
#3 The Top Nursing Schools in Wyoming
Northwest College
Powell, WY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$2,970
- Out-of-state$8,910
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,438
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
#4 The Top Nursing Schools in Wyoming
Laramie County Community College
Cheyenne, WY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$2,970
- Out-of-state$8,910
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,838
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
[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]