Best Nursing Schools in Wyoming
Whether you're a lifelong resident of Wyoming or considering a move to the wide-open landscapes and rugged beauty of the Equality State, there's no better time to embark on a nursing career. Nationwide, nursing positions are projected to grow significantly in the coming years, and Wyoming is no exception. By 2030, the state is expected to see steady growth in nursing opportunities, making it an ideal location for those entering the field. If you're ready to take advantage of this trend, the information below will help guide your journey.
Jump to:
- Wyoming RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
- Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Getting an RN License in Wyoming
For RN bridge programs visit:
Cities in Wyoming
Best RN Programs in Wyoming
Selecting the best nursing school in Wyoming can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 3 nursing schools in Wyoming by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 9 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).
Central Wyoming College
Score: 92.24
Central Wyoming's ADN nursing program is designed to optimally prepare students for a career as an RN, and to practice in the complex and constantly evolving healthcare environment of today. Experienced nursing faculty members emphasize hands-on, team-based, and active learning with multiple patient care opportunities. Students get to practice in a sophisticated simulation laboratory and at partnering clinical agencies.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
- Phone: (307) 855-2119
Western Wyoming Community College
Score: 89.74
Western Wyoming Community College prepares students for practice as a Registered Nurse through an integrated concept-based curriculum. This hybrid program combines traditional face-to-face and distance learning methods for the classroom portion. Lab and clinical experiences occur in various learning environments across Western's service area, requiring student travel.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing
- Phone: (307) 382-1713
Casper College
Score: 89.22
Casper College offers a popular ADN program that students can complete in 2 years. The school uses a statewide curriculum that allows students to transfer seamlessly to the University of Wyoming to finish their BSN if they so choose. Those enrolled in the program learn via classroom lectures, simulated labs, and live practicums in healthcare facilities, which are typically located within 5 miles of the campus.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
- Phone: (307) 268-2100
Wyoming Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
Are you ready to take the first steps toward becoming a registered nurse but unsure where to begin? The path you choose will largely depend on your professional aspirations and current educational background. Many aspiring nurses in Wyoming opt for an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) because of their relatively low cost and efficient timelines. Explore the distinctions between these options and other nursing pathways in the sections below to find the best fit for your goals.
Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs
If you’re new to the field of nursing and seeking the quickest path to start your career, an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) might be your best option. ADN programs, along with nursing diplomas, typically take one to two years to complete, making them ideal for those eager to enter the workforce quickly. For those who already have experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), enrolling in an LPN to RN bridge program can accelerate your journey, allowing you to earn either an ADN or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in less time.
Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Wyoming include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
- Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment
For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.
More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:
| Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60-72 credits | Limited online courses, primarily on-campus |
| LPN to RN | $4,000 – $10,000 | 30-45 credits | Often hybrid; some online courses |
| RN Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 40-60 credits | Rarely online; primarily on-campus |
ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Wyoming.
Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs
At the entry level, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often the most appealing degree to employers, as it provides comprehensive education and training. A traditional BSN program typically takes about four years to complete. However, if you already have nursing experience and hold an RN license, an RN to BSN program offers a faster route to earning your degree. For individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field who wish to transition into nursing, Accelerated BSN programs are an excellent option, allowing you to pivot into the profession in a shorter timeframe.
Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Wyoming typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses
For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.
Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:
| Program | Length | Estimated Tuition | Entrance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 4 years (120-126 credits) | $20,000 – $50,000 | First-time college students |
| RN to BSN | 1-2 years (30-35 credits) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Licensed RNs with an ADN |
| ABSN | 12-18 months (50-60 credits) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders |
RN to BSN
Wyoming RN to BSN programs can be a real lifeline to nurses who are already working in the field and want to secure a little more training. If you have an ADN, an RN license, and a little experience in the field, you can enroll in this bridge program and get your BSN degree in only two years. This is around half the time that it takes to complete a traditional BSN program.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Some students may decide later on in their careers that nursing might be a better fit. If you have a bachelor’s degree already and you’d like to switch your major to nursing, you can easily do this through a Wyoming ABSN program which can take as little as a year to complete.
Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
For some students, graduate school is the ultimate goal. A Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are all great options for students looking to increase their value as a job applicant along with higher salaries and more independence. The typical admissions requirements for nursing graduate programs are a BSN (or higher) and an RN license.
Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Wyoming:
- Wyoming Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Wyoming MSN Program
- Wyoming RN to MSN Programs
- Wyoming Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
- Wyoming DNP Programs
Getting an RN License in Wyoming
Following your education, getting licensed as an RN is a crucial step in your career. To become licensed in Wyoming, you’ll need to graduate with at least an ADN, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and submit an application to the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. After you’re licensed, you’ll need to complete continuing education to keep your license current and meet the state’s renewal requirements.
Requirements for RN Licensure in Wyoming
- Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Application to the Wyoming Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance
Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?
Crucial to receiving licensure is graduating from an accredited program. RN program accreditation in the US is handled by both the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). If a program is accredited by one of these two programs, it means that it has passed the state’s requirements concerning training and curriculum. If it has not been accredited, you will not be able to get licensed upon graduation.
Continued List of All RN Programs in Wyoming
Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.
| Ranked | School | Program | Score | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4. | University of Wyoming Laramie, WY 82071 | Phone: (307) 766-4312 | Programs: BSN | 85.48 | uwyo.edu |
| 5. | Northern Wyoming Community College District - Gillette College Gillette, WY 82718 | Phone: (307) 681-6301 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 82.88 | sheridan.edu |
| 6. | Laramie County Community College Cheyenne, WY 82007 | Phone: (307) 778-1267 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN | 82.79 | lccc.wy.edu |
| 7. | Northwest College Powell, WY 82435 | Phone: (307) 754-6484 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 77.45 | nwc.edu |
| 8. | Eastern Wyoming College Torrington, WY 82240 | Phone: (307) 532-8200 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 45.19 | ewc.wy.edu |
| 9. | Northern Wyoming Community College District - Sheridan College Sheridan, WY 82801 | Phone: (307) 675-0301 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | - | sheridan.edu |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.