Northwest College CNA Program

Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to equip you with essential healthcare skills. This program is perfect for both recent high school graduates and career changers looking to enter the healthcare field with purpose and stability. Through classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, you’ll learn to provide compassionate patient care while working within healthcare teams. Completing the CNA training at Northwest College prepares you to take the state certification exam, opening doors to meaningful work in various healthcare settings throughout Wyoming and beyond.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 5 weeks (including classroom learning, lab practice, and clinical experience)
• Cost of Program: Tuition based on credit hour rates ($105 per credit for Wyoming residents, $158 for WUE students, $315 for non-residents) for a 4-credit course
• Accreditation: Approved by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing
• CNA Program Schedule: Offered during Fall and Spring semesters with on-campus format
• Number of Credits: 4 credits (part of a 7-credit Skills Certificate if completed with Medical Terminology)

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning
  Students learn the basic theory, principles, and skills necessary to provide patient care in healthcare settings. Topics include medical terminology, state and federal laws governing nursing assistant practice, and meeting patients’ physical, psychosocial, mental, spiritual, and cultural needs. The course consists of 3 hours of lecture weekly.
• Clinical Experience
  Students participate in hands-on clinical rotations in healthcare facilities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. The program includes 3 hours of lab/clinical practice weekly, with clinical experiences conducted at healthcare facilities over multiple full days.
• Exam Preparation
  The program prepares students to take the American Red Cross National Certified Nursing Assistant Examination. Successful completion of this written and skills examination qualifies candidates to apply for official state certification through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements.

For clinical participation, students must provide:

• Negative TB test results
• Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification (American Heart Association)
• Clean, unwrinkled scrubs and athletic shoes for clinical practice

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Northwest College CNA program is offered during both Fall and Spring semesters in an on-campus format. The program involves weekly lectures and labs with dedicated clinical days scheduled at healthcare facilities. Classes include face-to-face lab/lecture components with some online content.

Clinical experiences are conducted over several full days (typically 0600-1600) at designated healthcare facilities. Students should be prepared for early morning start times during clinical rotations.

Please contact the program directly for current class schedule options including specific lab and clinical rotation dates.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Program Tuition: Based on Northwest College’s credit hour rates:
  • Wyoming Residents: $105 per credit ($420 for the 4-credit course)
  • Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Students: $158 per credit ($632 for the course)
  • Non-Residents: $315 per credit ($1,260 for the course)
• Additional Fees:
  • Facilities Fee: $8.50 per credit
  • Fixed Fees: $3.50 per credit
  • Instructional Fee: $2.50 per credit
  • Student Service Fee: $19.00 per credit
  • Technology Fee: $19.50 per credit
  • Course-specific fees may apply
• Financial Assistance: Northwest College offers various scholarships and financial aid options. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for financial assistance.

How to Apply

To apply for the CNA program at Northwest College:

1. Complete the Northwest College application for admission
2. Contact the Admissions Office or Health Professions Division for program-specific requirements
3. Prepare necessary documentation for clinical participation (TB test, CPR certification)
4. Register for NRST 1510 – Nurse Assistant course

For more information on the application process, contact the Admissions Office at 307-754-6101 or [email protected].

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Northwest College
• Address: 231 West 6th Street, Powell, Wyoming 82435
• Phone Number: 307-754-6474 (Nursing Program Director)
• Email: [email protected] (Marnee Crawford, Director of Nursing)
• Website: https://nwc.edu/academics/programs/nursing-certified-nursing-assistant-s-c.html

Additional Resources

• CNA Estimated Cost of Attendance: A detailed breakdown of program costs is available at: https://nwc.edu/academics/programs/documents/cna/CNA-Cost-of-attendance.pdf
• Skills Certificate Option: Students who successfully complete both NRST 1510 Nursing Assistant (4 credits) and NRST 1200 Medical Terminology (3 credits) are eligible for a Northwest College Nursing Assistant Skills Certificate, totaling 7 credit hours.

Summary and Next Steps

Northwest College’s CNA program in Powell, Wyoming provides an excellent foundation for your healthcare career. In just five weeks, you’ll gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience. The program’s approachable format makes it ideal for students seeking quick entry into the healthcare field with meaningful employment opportunities.

Upon successful completion of the course with a grade of “C” (74%) or higher, you’ll be qualified to take the American Red Cross National Certified Nursing Assistant Examination. This opens the door to state certification through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing, allowing you to begin making a difference in patients’ lives across various healthcare settings.

Ready to take your first step toward a rewarding healthcare career? Contact Northwest College’s Admissions Office or the Health Professions Division today to learn more about upcoming class schedules and application requirements.

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