Wyoming Nursing Schools And Programs

Wyoming has among the lowest public-college tuition in the country and a nurse shortage that predates the pandemic, which means demand for new RNs is strong. Because Wyoming is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, a license earned here travels to other compact states. This guide covers the accredited programs, licensing, and what to expect for pay.

Nursing Schools in Wyoming

A two-year associate degree (ADN) has lighter admissions and gets you working faster. A bachelor's (BSN) takes longer and admits fewer applicants, but it opens more advancement. Pick the degree and school that fit your goals and budget.

The University of Wyoming in Laramie offers a BSN that prepares students for RN practice, with coursework in health assessment and professional practice. Most classes are on campus, and clinical placements run in both Laramie and Cheyenne.

• Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
• Campus: Laramie, WY
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Tuition: $6,270 per year for residents; $13,500 per year for nonresidents
• Admission requirements: Minimum 2.75 GPA, SAT or ACT scores
• Minimum time commitment: 48 months
• Onsite requirements: Yes
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 96.1%
• Median earnings two years after graduation: $66,369 (College Scorecard)

Casper College, one of the state's largest community colleges, offers an ADN built on simulation labs and supervised clinical practicums. Graduates can bridge into the University of Wyoming's BSN.

• Program: Associate degree in nursing
• Campus: Casper, WY
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Tuition: $4,410 per year
• Admission requirements: High school diploma or equivalent with minimum 2.0 GPA, ACT scores
• Minimum time commitment: 24 months
• Onsite requirements: Yes
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 86.3%
• Median earnings two years after graduation: $58,092 (College Scorecard)

Northwest College in Powell offers an evidence-based ADN with labs and clinical experiences that prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-RN or transfer into the University of Wyoming BSN.

• Program: Associate degree in nursing
• Campus: Powell, WY
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Tuition: $105 per credit
• Admission requirements: High school or GED diploma, SAT or ACT scores
• Minimum time commitment: 24 months
• Onsite requirements: Yes
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 86.1%
• Median earnings two years after graduation: $50,439 (College Scorecard)

Laramie County Community College offers an ADN that combines coursework, such as general psychology and medical microbiology, with hands-on clinical training. Graduates can pursue RN or LPN licensure.

• Program: Associate degree in nursing
• Campus: Laramie, WY
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Tuition: $154 per credit
• Admission requirements: High school diploma with minimum 2.5 GPA or GED
• Minimum time commitment: 24 months
• Onsite requirements: Yes
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 78.1%
• Median earnings two years after graduation: $52,524 (College Scorecard)

How to Choose a Program

Weigh cost and financial aid, the NCLEX-RN pass rate (a key quality measure), admission requirements and acceptance rate, and the logistics of getting to clinicals. If you are considering an online program, confirm you can secure local clinical placements. This guide lists only accredited programs, since an unaccredited one puts your time and money at risk.

Why Become a Nurse in Wyoming

Wyoming offers some of the lowest public in-state nursing tuition in the country, has no state income tax, and runs a below-average cost of living (MERIC index around 94). As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, it lets you apply for a multistate license. RN demand is strong, driven by a shortage that the pandemic deepened.

Salary and Job Outlook

Wyoming RNs earn a mean of about $90,000 a year, just below the national RN median of $93,600 (BLS, May 2024). Nurse practitioners earn below the national NP median of $132,050. Cheyenne and Casper, the two largest cities, anchor the top of the state's pay range. The cost of living below the national average stretches those wages further than the raw numbers suggest.

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Wyoming

Every state requires you to graduate from an approved program, pass the national exam, and clear a criminal background check. In Wyoming you can apply for a temporary license while you wait for your NCLEX-RN results.

RN requirements

Graduate with an ADN or BSN from a program in Wyoming or another compact state, pass the NCLEX-RN, and complete a background check with fingerprinting. The Board automatically reviews you for a multistate license, so no separate application is needed. The application fee is $130 and the background check is $60. Renew every two years.

APRN requirements

Earn an MSN or DNP, pass the national board exam for your specialty, and hold a current, unencumbered RN license. A license with prescriptive authority costs $380; without it, $310. Wyoming grants APRNs full practice authority. The state has joined the APRN Compact, which will not take effect until seven states enact it. As of 2026, five have done so, including Wyoming.