Wyoming institutions provide a variety of options for healthcare workers who want to become an RN.
For instance, you can start out as a CNA or an LPN.
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Licensing Requirements To Become a Registered Nurse in Wyoming
The Wyoming State Board of Nursing requires all RNs to fill out the “Verification of Licensure” form.
When registering for your license, you’ll be asked questions about your previous licensing history.
For instance, the state will want to know if you’re in good standing, or if you have a restricted, revoked, or suspended license.
You’ll also have to let them know if you’ve passed your NCLEX-RN exam or not before being granted a license.
If you’re applying for a license for the first time, you will have to have completed the board-approved training.
This usually consists of about two years of schooling at the associate level or four years of schooling at the bachelor’s degree level.
You will also have to make sure you put in between 200 and 400 work hours before receiving your license.
If you’ve already made it to the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certification level (APRN), you’ll need to fulfill three hours of continuing education (CE).
These CE hours must cover prescribing controlled substances and treatment of substance abuse disorders.
Visit the Wyoming State Board of Nursing for more information.
5 Registered Nurse Schools in Wyoming
1. Eastern Wyoming College
Eastern Wyoming College offers training that will prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
It says on their website that this program will make you eligible to take your nursing exam in any state.
Verify that it meets state WY requirements before you register, however.
Classes you would take at Eastern Wyoming may include General Biology, English I: Composition, and Human Anatomy.
You’ll also take math and other foundational classes related to nursing.
In this training program, you may travel to surrounding communities as part of your learning experience.
Throughout your courses, you will complete necessary hands-on clinical time as you practice safety and develop decision-making skills when taking care of patients.
2. Central Wyoming College
Central Wyoming College offers an associate degree in nursing (ADN).
As you train, you will gain work experience while working toward your RN certificate.
The curriculum you receive at Central Wyoming College will prepare you to pass your NCLEX-RN exam.
Afterward, you will have an opportunity to seek entry-level RN positions.
The ADN program here will also help you make a smooth transition from achieving an associate degree to earning a bachelor’s degree.
When enrolled, you’ll become a part of a team-based education that ensures you gain practice for success in leading the care for real patients.
You will have plenty of chances to learn about nursing itself when participating in this instruction.
However, your training will also enhance your communication and problem-solving skills, which is about half of what working in healthcare is about.
3. Laramie County Community College (LCCC)
At LCCC, you will take general education classes to build your foundation.
With those, you will also start out in nursing classes appropriate for your current experience level.
You can begin learning as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Then, you can move on to becoming an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) Advanced Placement student.
Your other choice is to earn your Associate Degree in Nursing ADN, which sets you on the path to working as an RN.
Your course content should prepare you for taking your NCLEX-PN exam too.
This comes before your desire to become an RN and is a good start if you’ve never worked in healthcare.
This training could also qualify you to acquire your RN licensure.
4. Northwest College Wyoming (NWC)
NWC offers nursing education at all levels – CNA, LPN, and RN.
Start at the level that best fits your current experience to enhance your healthcare skills.
Learn how to interact with other team members and develop the leadership qualities required to oversee nursing staff as an RN.
The RN training you receive at NWC will open new job opportunities.
For instance, you could become a long-term care, neonatal, or forensics nurse.
Otherwise, you can transition into case management or become a Medical Office Administrator.
No matter what your healthcare career goals are, you are likely to find your place at NWC.
If you’re ready to become an RN, you can enroll in this school’s associate degree program.
5. Sheridan and Gillette Colleges
Both Sheridan and Gillege Colleges are a part of the Northern Wyoming Community College District (NWCCD).
You can enter the nursing associate degree program.
When you complete it, you will be ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Your training within the NWCCD system includes simulated training and hands-on experience.
Local healthcare facilities will welcome the chance to help you develop your skills.
You also have the option of continuing on to earn a bachelor’s degree at the University of Wyoming.
Courses you take within the NWCCD system will count toward that university training.
Your partnership with the university puts you in the hands of an RN BSN Completion Advisor.
This will ensure that you advance as far in your career as you want to go.
Registered Nurse Schools in Wyoming – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Wyoming
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Eastern Wyoming College | 3200 W C St, Torrington, WY 82240 |
| Central Wyoming College | Main Campus, 2660 Peck Ave, Riverton, WY 82501 |
| Laramie County Community College | 1400 E College Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82007 |
| Northwest College Wyoming | 231 W 6th St, Powell, WY 82435 |
| Sheridan and Gillette Colleges | 300 West Sinclair, Gillette, WY 82718 |
Salary
The average yearly income for a Registered Nurse in Cheyenne, WY ranges from $54,042 to $96,916.
That may seem like quite a difference in pay for these positions.
It’s because everyone has a unique set of certifications they have decided to achieve beyond the initial NCLEX-RN exam passing.
Continuing your nursing education beyond the associate degree level, for example, can raise your income.
Obtaining additional certifications also will put you over the top amount typically earned.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in Wyoming
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Cheyenne | $60,250 |
| Casper | $61,870 |
| Laramie | $60,960 |
| Gillette | $58,760 |
| Rock Springs | $60,950 |
| Sheridan | $62,600 |
| Riverton | $60,870 |
| Cody | $62,600 |
| Green River | $60,950 |
| Evanston | $61,450 |
Regional Salary in Wyoming
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casper, WY | 930 | $79,400 | $38.17 | $96,400 | $62,380 |
| Cheyenne, WY | 1,130 | $91,490 | $43.98 | $120,700 | $63,420 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does WY state RN licensing cost?
It depends on your current status.
RN fees typically range from about $110 for reactivation to $130-$135 for licensure by either exam or endorsement.
APRN fees are a bit higher, totaling as high as $250.
Where do RNs usually work?
They usually work at hospitals and doctor’s offices, schools and nursing homes, and clinics or urgent care centers.
Some non-profit groups and employers hire in-house RNs too.
What kind of financial aid can RNs get?
You usually can apply for federal and state financial aid by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Workforce-based programs might have funding from other sources, such as from employers who offer to pay for an employee’s training.
Do you have to pay tuition to become an RN?
Yes, it does cost money.
However, you can attend a board-approved training program that makes you eligible for financial aid.
How long does Wyoming RN training take?
To become an RN, you need at least two years of schooling.
You can, however, start out as an LPN and work your way up to becoming an RN as you gain experience and continue schooling.
