Wyoming Nursing Programs and Degrees Guide
The following guide is designed to provide you with essential information on the nursing programs available in the state of Wyoming and online. Nursing students pursuing an undergraduate or a graduate degree in nursing are often able to specialize in such areas as nursing educator, nursing administrator, and nursing informatics. Students who need flexibility and convenience may want to choose an online bachelor’s or a master’s in nursing degree program that can be completed either partially or fully online.
Quick Facts
- 8 schools with nursing programs in Wyoming are in our database (see below).
- 7 colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees or certificates in nursing.1
- 1 university offers bachelor’s degrees in nursing.1
- 1 university offers master’s or advanced degrees in nursing.1
- No schools ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
- 1 school ranked in the Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors in 2018.3
- No schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s programs.4
- No schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.4
Top-Ranked Schools with Nursing Programs in Wyoming
Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors 2018
- University of Wyoming
Following you will find more information about undergraduate and master’s nursing programs in Wyoming and online.
NCLEX Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Nursing Schools in Wyoming
The following table allows you to easily compare not-for-profit Wyoming nursing schools on a variety of factors. Click on the arrows in the top row to sort the table. In addition to seeking a program that leads to licensure in your desired area of nursing, it’s advisable to consider accreditation as a factor in your decision. If you are considering education beyond the associate’s level, know that a degree from a school that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a common requirement for admission to master’s degree, ADN/LVN and RN to BSN, and specialized certificate programs. You should also check to ensure that the school you are considering is approved or accepted by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing (https://wsbn.wyo.gov/).
| School | ADN or LVN Program | BSN Program | Graduate Nursing Program | ACEN/CCNE Accred.* | NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rate** | # Taking | NCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rate^ | # Taking | Net Price^^ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casper College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 97.14% | 35 | 82.22% | 45 | $6,606 |
| Central Wyoming College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 92.59% | 27 | $5,506 |
| Laramie County Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 92.68% | 41 | 82.05% | 78 | $5,424 |
| Northern Wyoming Community College-Gillette | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 91.67% | 12 | 96.15% | 26 | $8,085 |
| Northern Wyoming Community College-Sheridan | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 95.65% | 23 | 92% | 25 | $8,085 |
| Northwest College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 95.83% | 24 | $6,231 |
| University of Wyoming (Accelerated BSN) | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 92.86% | 28 | $12,148 |
| University of Wyoming (BSN) | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 90.91% | 44 | $12,148 |
| Western Wyoming Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 4 | 90.63% | 32 | $8,825 |
*The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits ADN/ASN/BSN programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits BSN/MSN/DNP programs.5,6
**NCLEX-PN pass rates are for first-time undergraduates testing between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^NCLEX-RN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^^The National Center for Education Statistics calculates net price from the total estimated cost of attendance, including includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses, for in-state students minus the average financial aid award (such as grants and scholarships).
Schools in Wyoming with Nursing Degrees
Associate’s in Nursing Programs
Central Wyoming College
Central Wyoming College offers an associate degree in nursing that prepares graduates to earn registered nurse licensure and work in modern healthcare environments. Admission is competitive and requires students to have a 2.75 college GPA, including prerequisite courses completed with a “C” or better. Advanced standing is available for current licensed practical nurses. In addition to classroom learning students complete simulation and skills labs as well as clinical experiences involving direct patient care. The associate degree nursing program at Central Wyoming College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Central Wyoming College also offers a nursing assistant certification program.
Western Wyoming Community College
Western Wyoming Community College’s associate degree in nursing emphasizes active and interactive learning experiences based on real-world case scenarios. Group and team cooperation are also emphasized in the curriculum, which includes courses such as Professional Nursing Care in Health Promotion, Professional Nursing Care in Acute Illness, and Professional Nursing Care in Complex Illness. An advanced fieldwork experience is also included in the program. Students must have a GPA of at least 2.5 to be considered for admission, and have earned a “C” or better on all prerequisites. Advanced placement for licensed practical nurses is offered based on space availability. Western Wyoming Community College’s nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming’s Basic Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for students who plan to pursue a career as a registered nurse. The four-year program encompasses both general college and nursing coursework. The nursing curriculum focuses on pathophysiology, developmental influences on health, nutrition, care of the older adult, and mental health and illness. Clinical practicums are required. Students may be required to travel to practicum sites or to move to a different locale in Wyoming to complete a practicum, which generally occurs in the spring semester of the senior year. Applications are due February 1 of each year. Through the University of Wyoming’s ReNEW program, students can start by getting their associate’s degrees at one of many of Wyoming’s junior colleges and later transfer to UW to pursue a BSN.
Master’s in Nursing Programs
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming’s Faye W. Whitney School of Nursing offers an online, part-time Master of Science (MS) in Nursing program. The MS Nurse Leader program is for registered nurses who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and wish to become leaders in their field. The MSN program prepares graduates to understand and lead in the complex and ever-changing modern-day healthcare system. Applicants must be current RNs with a BSN, with a preferred GPA of 3.0. To be admitted, you must submit an application, official transcripts, a self-reflective essay, a reaction paper, a CV, and pass an interview. Note that as of May 2017, the MS program at the University of Wyoming is currently under revision, so check the website before applying. The university also offers a Basic BSN program, a Bachelor’s Reach for Accelerated Nursing Degree (“BRAND”) program, an RN-BSN program, a Revolutionizing Nursing Education in Wyoming (“ReNEW”) program leading to a BSN, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, and a Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/index.php#Tile
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2018 Edition. New York, Penguin Random House, 2018.
4. US News Top Graduate Nursing Schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
5. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
6. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp
7. Wyoming State Board of Nursing: https://wsbn.wyo.gov/education