Wyoming Nursing Colleges, Degrees & Licenses
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“The program I attended was structured to equip me with the necessary nursing skills and critical thinking abilities and prepare me for leadership roles.”
Sothea Kness, Central Wyoming College Graduate, Director of Nursing at Westward Heights Care Center (Lander, Wyoming)
Wyoming is a rural state that faces challenges to its healthcare system typical of rural states throughout the United States. Rural hospitals can suffer financial challenges. In recent years, Wyoming has also faced a crisis within its nursing home care system. Insufficient staffing can increase the risk to elderly care. Though the state is making efforts to address these issues, one crucial element to successful policy change is training more nursing professionals.
The projected long-term high demand for nurses means new nurses will have substantial power in choosing what roles they will take and under what conditions. Because the labor market for nurses now tilts strongly in their favor, nurses are more likely to succeed in their demands for better compensation and improved benefits.
Read on to discover Wyoming’s top nursing programs, salary expectations, and licensing requirements for nursing careers in this state.
Meet the Expert: Sothea Kness, ADN
Sothea Kness holds an associate degree in nursing (ADN) from Central Wyoming College and is the Director of Nursing at Westward Heights Care Center in Lander, Wyoming.
With a steadfast commitment to fostering an environment of compassion, integrity, and outstanding care, Kness oversees and directs the facility’s nursing team, ensuring that every resident receives the quality service and attention they deserve. Her role is pivotal, bridging the gaps between administration, department leaders, nursing staff, residents, and their families to achieve the nursing department’s goals. Under her guidance, the nursing team is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care, driven by a collective mission to serve each resident with unmatched excellence.
NursingColleges.com: How has graduating from a nursing program enhanced your career?
Kness: The program I attended was structured to equip me with the necessary nursing skills and critical thinking abilities and prepare me for leadership roles. This comprehensive training was instrumental in my success, particularly after graduating from Central Wyoming College in 2015, when I felt fully ready to embark on my nursing career and provide exceptional care to people.
Within a year of practicing nursing, I felt prepared to take on greater responsibilities and step into a leadership position. Remarkably, after joining a new job offering a month of training, I confidently requested to start working independently just two weeks—a move supported by my supervisor and mentor. This swift transition from training to practice underscored my readiness and competence, a realization that contrasted my initial apprehensions about being prepared. I’m incredibly proud of my journey from questioning my readiness to confidently assuming a leadership role within a short span and exemplifies the ideal outcome of thorough training.
NursingColleges.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective nursing student?
Kness: Staying focused is crucial, as I’ve learned from my own experience. It’s important to keep your goal in mind, which for many nursing students, including myself, is to graduate, become a competent nurse, and provide the best possible care to our residents and the community. Heeding the advice of experienced instructors at CWC is essential; they have the expertise and can see potential in you, even when you doubt yourself. Their encouragement was pivotal for me, helping me realize where I stand today. You will achieve your goals by maintaining focus, believing in yourself, and trusting your instructors.
Accredited Nursing Programs in Wyoming
Schools providing training for an ADN include Casper College, Central Wyoming College, Western Wyoming Community College, Laramie County Community College, and Northwest College. The ADN programs at these schools are all ACEN-accredited.
Starting in 2018, all Wyoming community college nursing programs began offering what is called the ReNEW curriculum. ReNEW, which stands for “Revolutionizing Nursing Education in Wyoming”, offers a number of advantages to nursing students. These include a curriculum that better prepares nursing students for practice in today’s healthcare environment, a direct but flexible path to getting a BSN degree, and a framework that provides for statewide collaboration and enhancement of both nursing education and related student services. More information about the ReNEW program can be found on the Wyoming Center for Nursing website.
Students of any Wyoming ADN program are automatically eligible, but not required, to enroll in courses at the University of Wyoming and thereby concurrently obtain their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Completion of a BSN then opens up still more education opportunities for nursing professionals who ultimately wish to become leaders or otherwise advance their careers in the nursing profession. Graduates of ADN programs can begin ReNEW coursework at UW whenever they choose.
The University of Wyoming is essentially grand central for high quality nursing education programs within the entire state. Though other academic programs do exist within Wyoming, students seeking to complete advanced degrees, fill nursing leadership roles or otherwise become respected, highly educated nursing professionals will, at some point, likely complete some amount of training at the University of Wyoming.
The Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing offers a traditional BSN program. This very competitive program typically only accepts approximately 50 students per year. Classes are offered at the Laramie campus. However, some clinical training placements require students to travel to Cheyenne. In addition to the traditional program, UW also offers the Bachelors Reach for Accelerated Nursing Degree program, known as the BRAND program. This program allows students to complete online learning, hybrid courses and hands-on clinicals without relocating to Wyoming. Non-resident students interested in establishing a nursing career in Wyoming may find this program especially appealing. UW also offers the RN-BSN program track to existing nursing professionals.
UW also offers MSN and DNP programs. In regards to master’s level training, UW offers two pathways to attain an MSN degree. These are the BSN-to-MSN pathway and an RN to MSN bridge pathway. The online 36-credit MSN program is designed for registered nurses who already hold a BSN. This program features concentrations in nurse educator and nurse leader and ultimately trains graduates to successfully work in any academic or health-related setting. The mission of this graduate program is to prepare transformational learners and leaders to advance both nursing education and practice, and thereby successfully meet the needs of the 21st century healthcare system. Core concepts of the curriculum include transformation, communication, global perspective, outcomes orientation, and rural population health.
The RN-to-MSN bridge program is also offered online and thereby allows nurses to complete the program from anywhere inside Wyoming. This learning delivery model provides working professionals the flexibility they need to complete their degree while continuing to work.
Given the centrality of the University of Wyoming to nursing education within the state, prospective students are highly encouraged to thoroughly research the university’s various programs as well as consult with advisors should they already be enrolled in a program of study elsewhere.
- Location: Laramie, WY
- Duration: Two to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Nursing School Accreditation
Two organizations typically accredit nursing programs: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These organizations ensure that nursing programs meet certain standards and provide students with a quality education.
In Wyoming, nursing program graduates obtain their license through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. Applicants must have completed an appropriately accredited nursing program to be eligible for licensure. Additional steps applicants typically need to complete include passing a criminal background check, completing the Wyoming State Board of Nursing application for licensure, and passing the NCLEX exam. Requirements often differ by state.
Prospective licensees should also know that Wyoming is a compact nurse licensure state. This means that nurses already licensed in another compact state only need to apply for licensure if they plan to make Wyoming their primary state of residency.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Wyoming?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest data available as of April 2024.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | Wyoming | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 630,250 | 600 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $60,790 | $58,030 |
| 10th percentile | $45,670 | $48,080 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,730 | $57,470 |
| 90th percentile | $77,870 | $71,410 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Wyoming | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,175,390 | 5,350 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $94,480 | $83,990 |
| 10th percentile | $63,720 | $62,400 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $86,070 | $79,970 |
| 90th percentile | $132,680 | $105,800 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Wyoming | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 47,810 | 40 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $214,200 | $228,780 |
| 10th percentile | $139,980 | $150,360 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $212,650 | >$239,200 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 | >$239,200 |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Wyoming | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 6,960 | Data unavailable |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $131,570 | Data unavailable |
| 10th percentile | $87,320 | Data unavailable |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,650 | Data unavailable |
| 90th percentile | $177,530 | Data unavailable |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Wyoming | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 280,140 | 470 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,490 | $123,560 |
| 10th percentile | $94,530 | $80,220 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $126,260 | $122,950 |
| 90th percentile | $168,030 | $159,970 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in Wyoming
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Wyoming, LPN licenses are issued to candidates who:
|
Wyoming LPNs must renew their license every two years. In addition to completing an application and paying the $90 renewal fee, nurses must complete 400 hours of nursing practice, 200 hours of employment, and 15 hours of continuing education, or 30 hours of continuing education. |
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in Wyoming
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In order to earn a license in the state of Wyoming as an RN, a candidate must:
|
An RN in the state of Wyoming must renew their license every two years. In addition to completing an application and paying the $110 renewal fee, nurses must complete 400 hours of nursing practice, 200 hours of employment and 15 hours of continuing education, or 30 hours of continuing education. |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in Wyoming
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Wyoming, a CNS is licensed as an APRN. To be eligible for an APRN license applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
Renewal of an APRN license in Wyoming requires an active nursing practice of at least 200 hours in the past five years. If employed for at least 400 hours in the past two years, there is no need for any additional CEUs (continuing education hours). If employed 200 hours in the past two years, 15 CEUs are required. If employed less than 200 hours in the past two years, 30 CEUs are required. In order to renew prescriptive authority, three hours of continuing education related to the responsible prescribing of controlled substances or treatment of substance abuse disorder is required. The renewal fee is $180 and prescriptive authority renewal is $70. |
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Licenses in Wyoming
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Wyoming, a CNM is licensed as an APRN. To be eligible for an NP license in the state of Wyoming, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
Renewal of an APRN requires an active nursing practice of at least 200 hours in the past five years. If employed for at least 400 hours in the past two years, there is no need for any additional CEUs (continuing education hours). If employed 200 hours in the past two years, 15 CEUs are required. If employed less than 200 hours in the past two years, 30 CEUs are required. In order to renew prescriptive authority, three hours of continuing education related to the responsible prescribing of controlled substances or treatment of substance abuse disorder is required. The renewal fee is $180 and prescriptive authority renewal is $70. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in Wyoming
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Wyoming, an NP is licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). To be eligible for an APRN license, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
Renewal of a nursing license requires an active nursing practice of at least 200 hours in the past five years. If employed for at least 400 hours in the past two years, there is no need for any additional CEUs (continuing education hours). If employed 200 hours in the past two years, 15 CEUs are required. If employed less than 200 hours in the past two years, 30 CEUs are required. In order to renew prescriptive authority, three hours of continuing education related to the responsible prescribing of controlled substances or treatment of substance abuse disorder is required. The renewal fee is $180 and prescriptive authority renewal is $70. |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in Wyoming
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Wyoming, a CRNA is licensed as an APRN. To be eligible for an NP license in the state of Wyoming, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
Renewal of an APRN license in Wyoming requires an active nursing practice of at least 200 hours in the past five years. If employed for at least 400 hours in the past two years, there is no need for any additional CEUs (continuing education hours). If employed 200 hours in the past two years, 15 CEUs are required. If employed less than 200 hours in the past two years, 30 CEUs are required. In order to renew prescriptive authority, three hours of continuing education related to the responsible prescribing of controlled substances or treatment of substance abuse disorder is required. The renewal fee is $180, and prescriptive authority renewal is $70. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterAt NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.