Best Nursing Schools in Wyoming

2025 Best Nursing Schools in Wyoming

Finding the best nursing school in Wyoming starts with looking at NCLEX-RN pass rates, and that's exactly what registerednursing.org has done. Our rankings highlight schools where students excel, giving future nurses a clear path to success. We include NCLEX pass rates because they show how well a school prepares its students for the real challenges of nursing. Choosing a school with high pass rates means you're more likely to pass the NCLEX yourself and start your career on solid ground. It's a key step in becoming a nurse who makes a difference. Learn more about how we rank schools at https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

Eastern Wyoming College

Torrington, WY - Public 2-Year - ewc.wy.edu

Associate - Nursing, ADN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Eastern Wyoming College's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is ACEN-accredited, focusing on preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam and a successful nursing career. The program emphasizes health promotion, care for chronic and acute illnesses, and managing complex patient needs through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA and completion of prerequisites in biology, English, algebra, and human anatomy. Spanning two years, the program starts cohorts every two years at both Douglas and Torrington campuses, offering financial aid to support students. With a strong NCLEX pass rate, graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the nursing profession.

• ACEN Accredited program.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• 2-year program duration.
• Campus-based learning.
• Requires 2.5 GPA for admission.
• Includes human anatomy prerequisite.
• Covers chronic and acute illness care.
• Financial aid options available.
• Starts every two years.
• Combines coursework with practical experience.

*IPEDS 2023 statistics, sourced from NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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:

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:

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.