Online Nursing Schools in WY: Inside Top Programs
If you’re looking for a fulfilling and in-demand career in Wyoming, nursing might be right for you. And there’s no more convenient and affordable way to get the training you need than through one of the many online nursing programs in Wyoming today. This guide will introduce you to those programs, with information on admissions requirements, program costs, course content and delivery formats, and much more.
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Profiling Online Nursing Programs in Wyoming
There are online nursing programs available for any level of education — from nursing assistant certificates to doctoral degrees.
Wyoming is home to many such programs, each featuring its own mix of online and in-person components, online delivery formats, costs and lengths, etc. It’s important, therefore, to play close attention to the following elements when exploring your online program options:
- Proper accreditation from a programmatic accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- Curriculum content aligned with your academic interests and career goals
- Online content delivery format that fits your learning style and schedule
- Access to student support services like financial aid assistance, clinical placement assistance, and academic and career counseling
Online Undergraduate Programs
Whether you’re fresh out of high school or looking for a career change, you might be a good candidate for an undergraduate nursing program. There are a number of online nursing programs in Wyoming that prepare students for entry-level roles as nursing assistants and practical and registered nurses.
Here’s a look at the online options available in Wyoming:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) work under the supervision of doctors and nurses providing basic patient care involving daily life activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and transportation. They may also take and report patient vital signs.
Online CNA courses are hybrid-formatted and include classroom instruction, skills labs, and in-person clinical hours attended at local healthcare facilities. Typical completion times are 4-12 weeks.
Example: Laramie County Community College
- Cost: $1,200
- Length: Six to eight weeks
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Much like CNAs, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) assist physicians and registered nurses with basic patient care. LPNs, however, are authorized to perform a number of medical-related tasks that CNAs are not.
Common tasks include:
- Taking and monitoring vital signs
- Administering medications
- Performing wound care
- Assisting with daily hygiene activities
- Collecting samples
- Keeping patient records
Online LPN programs are hybrid-formatted due to the inclusion of campus-based labs and hands-on clinical experiences that are attended at healthcare facilities in the school’s or student’s local area. Common program lengths are one to two years.
Example: Laramie County Community College
- Cost: $153.75/credit (Wyoming residents); $206.75/credit (Western Undergraduate Exchange students); $363.75/credit (out-of-state residents)
- Length: Three semesters (not including prerequisites)
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN leading to RN licensure and practice as a registered nurse.
ADN programs generally require two years of full-time study and consist of general education and foundational nursing coursework, skills labs, and hands-on clinical practice hours.
Due to the inclusion of the in-person clinical experiences required for NCLEX-RN and state licensure eligibility, all online ADN programs are presented in hybrid formats.
Example: Northwest College Wyoming
- Cost: $105/credit (Wyoming residents); $158/credit (Western Undergraduate Exchange students); $315/credit (out-of-state residents)
- Length: 2 Years (70 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field can earn their nursing bachelor’s and enter the profession as an RN through an accelerated bachelor of nursing (ABSN) program.
These programs allow students to transfer in the general education credits earned in their non-nursing bachelor’s program, resulting in substantial time and cost savings.
Online ABSN programs are available, but all include the in-person clinical hours needed to take the NCLEX-RN and qualify for RN licensure.
Example: University of Wyoming
- Cost: $643/credit
- Length: 15 Months
- Mode: Hybrid
Graduate and Post-Graduate Nursing Programs
Graduate degrees and post-graduate certificates are for current registered nurses looking to specialize their nursing careers or move up into leadership roles in the top levels of their profession.
There are only a small number of these programs offered by Wyoming colleges and universities, but some are conveniently delivered entirely online. Those with hybrid formats may include clinical experiences that can often be completed at the student’s current place of employment.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
A master of science in nursing (MSN) is for RNs with a nursing bachelor’s degree seeking to advance their careers into leadership and specialized practice, often as Nurse Practitioners.
Popular areas of specialty include:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Administrator
- Nurse Educator
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN programs typically take approximately two years of full-time study to complete online, in person, or through hybrid study. Part-time options are often available as well.
Example: University of Wyoming
- Cost: $398/credit (Wyoming residents); $606/credit (out-of-state residents); $573/credit (children of alumni)
- Length: 2-3 Years
- Mode: Online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Nursing doctorates prepare students for terminal careers in the profession. There are two types of nursing doctorates available:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): For students seeking careers in nursing administration and advanced clinical practice leadership.
- PhD in Nursing: For students seeking senior roles advanced research and postsecondary education.
Programs may be offered entirely online or in a hybrid format depending on the degree’s purpose. Completion times vary substantially by specific degree requirements and the student’s study pace.
Example: University of Wyoming
- Cost: $390/credit (Wyoming residents); $826/credit (out-of-state residents)
- Length: 3 Years
- Mode: Hybrid
Bridge Programs in Wyoming
For students who want to leverage their previous nursing studies to earn an advanced degree and move up the career ladder, a bridge degree program is a great option.
Bridge programs allow students to apply credits earned in their previous nursing degree or certificate program toward requirements in their advanced degree program. The result is obtaining their new degree in less time and with less cost.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
It’s not uncommon for practical nurses to want to make the move up to becoming registered nurses. LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs are designed specifically for them.
These programs provide a shortcut to earning a nursing associate or bachelor’s degree by allowing the transferring in of credits earned in the student’s LPN programs to partially fill ADN and BSN degree requirements.
Since these programs prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN and state RN licensure, they all include the in-person clinical practice hours required for exam/license eligibility.
Typical completion times are 18 months to two years for LPN to RN programs and two to three years for LPN to BSN programs.
Example: Casper College
- Cost: $6,615 (Wyoming residents); $16,065 (out-of-state residents). Est. total program tuition.
- Length: Three semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
There is a clear trend today of employers favoring registered nurses with a BSN degree. Fortunately, if you’re an RN with either a nursing diploma or associate degree, you can obtain your nursing bachelor’s quickly and affordably through an online RN to BSN program.
RN to BSN students save time and money over a full four-year bachelor’s by applying credits earned in their diploma or ADN program to BSN course requirements. And since these programs do not include in-person clinical experiences, many RN to BSN programs are delivered entirely online.
Typical RN to BSN program lengths are one year full-time and two years part-time.
Example: University of Wyoming
- Cost: $236/credit (Wyoming residents); $432/credit (out-of-state residents); $370/credit (children of alumni)
- Length: As few as 12 months
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
Registered nurses with an ADN degree can bypass earning a BSN and move directly to obtaining their nursing master’s through an RN to MSN program.
By combining undergraduate post-licensure and graduate nursing coursework, these programs allow students to earn their MSNs in 18 months to three years, depending on the student’s chosen nursing specialty and study pace.
Online MSN program coursework may be delivered entirely or partially online, depending primarily on whether or not a program includes in-person clinical practice requirements.
Unfortunately, no Wyoming colleges or universities currently offer an RN to MSN program.
BSN to DNP
BSN to DNP programs provide a direct route for registered nurses with a BSN to earn a doctor of nursing practice degree without first obtaining a nursing master’s.
As with traditional DNP programs, graduates of BSN to DNP programs are prepared to take on top-tier positions in nursing administration and clinical practice leadership.
Completion times typically run from three to four years.
Example: University of Wyoming
- Cost: $645/credit (Wyoming residents); $1,191/credit (out-of-state residents)
- Length: Three years full-time
- Mode: Hybrid
Licensing for Registered Nurses in Wyoming
There is a specific path you will follow in becoming a registered nurse that includes your education and training, passing of the NCLEX-RN, and obtaining your RN license. Here are the steps in that path for prospective registered nurses in Wyoming seeking initial RN licensure:
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
The first step is the successful completion of an associate or bachelor’s degree program that prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN, the exam you must pass to obtain RN licensure. Consider only those degree programs that are:
- Approved by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing (WSBN)
- Accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on College Nursing Education (CCNE).
2 – Apply for RN Licensure
Once you’ve completed your pre-licensure education, you will apply for your RN license with the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. Components to the application process include:
- Submitting the online application
- Paying the application fee (currently $130)
- Completing a fingerprint-based criminal background check (including paying the $60 fee)
- Having your nursing school submit your official transcripts
You must submit your license application and receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) from the WSBN before you can register to take the NCLEX-RN.
3 – Pass the NCLEX-RN
After applying for your RN license and receiving your ATT, you will register for and take the NCLEX-RN. Registration (and payment of the $200 exam fee) is done online with the test’s provider, PearsonVUE.
You’ll schedule your exam through PearsonVUE as well. The test is given at PearsonVUE test centers located throughout the U.S. and around the world.
Prior to sitting for the exam, most test-takers prepare by taking advantage of one or more of the many paid and free exam prep resources available, such as this EduMed NCLEX-RN for Beginners guide.
Upon passing the NCLEX-RN, you will be notified by mail by the WSBN (typically within six weeks of testing), after which you may begin working as an RN in the state. Please note that Wyoming does not provide paper licenses.
4 – Maintain Your RN Licensure
Registered nurses in Wyoming must renew their licenses biennially by December 31 of even-numbered years. You’ll renew your license and pay the renewal fee (currently $110) online via the Wyoming Nurse Portal.
Along with submitting your renewal application, you must additionally provide proof of meeting the continued competency requirements for the renewal period. Wyoming uses a practice hours + continuing education hours model for meeting these requirements, the details of which can be found on the WSBN Renewal website.
5 – Specialize (Optional)
Most nurses with graduate-level degrees in specialized areas of practice will additionally obtain specialty certifications that further demonstrate to employers and the broader nursing profession their competency in that area of practice.
The education and professional experience requirements differ for each certification, and most require passing a comprehensive exam.
Popular specialty certifications include:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP-BC)
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC)
- Informatics Nursing (NI-BC)
- Medical-Surgical Nursing (CMSRN)
- Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Salary & Career Info for Wyoming RNs
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $64,660 | $81,790 | $108,350 |
| Casper, WY | $64,890 | $80,890 | $100,910 |
| Cheyenne, WY | $65,880 | $99,860 | $131,060 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Wyoming | 5,130 | 5,740 | 610 | 11.90% | 350 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top Online Nursing Programs & Schools in Wyoming
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,905 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Wyoming
- The University of Wyoming's Nursing MS program offers a part-time, fully online format designed specifically to accommodate working nurses, allowing for degree completion in as few as five semesters.
- Students benefit from specialized concentrations in Nurse Educator and Nurse Leader roles, preparing transformational leaders equipped for complex 21st-century healthcare environments with an emphasis on rural population health.
- The program does not require the GRE for admission, simplifying the application process and encouraging broader accessibility for qualified nurses seeking advanced degrees.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,905 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,278 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northwest College
- The Nursing program at North-West College offers multiple admission periods annually, allowing flexible entry options in spring, summer, and fall semesters.
- Students receive comprehensive clinical training combined with simulation and laboratory experiences, preparing them effectively for diverse healthcare settings.
- The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring recognized quality education and eligibility for NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $6,278 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $5,539 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Eastern Wyoming College
- Eastern Wyoming College’s Nursing Program boasts a 100% NCLEX pass and job placement rate for 2023 graduates, ensuring career success immediately after graduation.
- The program integrates Wyoming’s ReNEW curriculum, enabling seamless progression from an Associate Degree to a Bachelor’s Degree of Nursing with statewide academic alignment.
- Nursing admission ranking awards bonus points to local county residents and healthcare employees, providing a competitive advantage and targeted community support.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $5,539 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,711 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Central Wyoming College
- Central Wyoming College’s Nursing program offers scholarships specifically for enrolled students who complete an annual application and FAFSA, providing financial support that can be renewed each year for continuing students.
- The program provides advanced placement options for licensed practical nurses, allowing them to accelerate their Associate Degree in Nursing by receiving credit for prior education and experience.
- Students benefit from close faculty relationships in a supportive learning environment, with accessible instructors who are highly invested in student success and clinical preparation.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,711 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Northern Wyoming Community College District
Sheridan, WYProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,132 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northern Wyoming Community College District
- Sheridan's Nursing program offers multiple consolidation preceptored placements, sharpening clinical skills and readiness for complex patient care.
- Students benefit from hands-on training using high-fidelity simulation, virtual reality, and augmented reality technologies in state-of-the-art nursing labs.
- The program includes embedded certificates valued by employers that help reduce burnout, enhancing career resilience and employability.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,132 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Western Wyoming Community College
Rock Springs, WYProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,141 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Western Wyoming Community College
- Western Wyoming Community College's Nursing Program consistently achieves first-time national licensing exam pass rates above state and national averages, demonstrating strong graduate competence and program quality.
- The program offers a hybrid curriculum combining traditional face-to-face instruction and distance learning for theoretical content, while hands-on labs and clinical experiences occur in multiple real-world settings across a broad geographic area, enhancing practical skill development and flexibility.
- Graduates enjoy high employer and graduate satisfaction alongside excellent employment rates, with many employers noting that Western's nursing graduates perform at a higher level than other new nurses.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,141 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Laramie County Community College
Cheyenne, WYProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,814 Avg. Aid Amount
- 37% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Laramie County Community College
- LCCC's Nursing program offers students automatic eligibility to enroll concurrently in the University of Wyoming’s ReNEW BSN program, enabling a flexible path to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while completing the ADN.
- The program features a standalone hybrid Practical Nursing (PN) option with online instruction and bi-semester residencies, designed to serve students statewide, especially benefiting rural communities with flexible scheduling and local clinical placements.
- LCCC Nursing students have a high PN licensure exam passage rate averaging 93%, reflecting strong academic preparation and leading to early employment opportunities as Licensed Practical Nurses during their studies.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,814 Avg. Aid Amount
- 37% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,245 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Casper College
- Casper College’s Nursing program features a seamless transfer agreement allowing ADN graduates to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees through partnerships with universities nationwide.
- The program uses the ReNEW curriculum, enabling students to complete their Associate Degree in Nursing while preparing for an easy transition to an online BSN completion at the University of Wyoming.
- Students learn from highly experienced Wyoming instructors who provide strong clinical training and personal support, fostering resilience and success through challenging moments.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,245 Avg. Aid Amount
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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