Sheridan College CNA Program

Sheridan College offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at both their main Sheridan campus and Johnson County campus in Buffalo, Wyoming. This practical healthcare training prepares you to provide essential patient care while building a strong foundation for potential advancement in the medical field. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or exploring a meaningful career change, the CNA program at Sheridan College equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to care for patients in nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to sit for the National Nursing Assistant Certification Examination and begin your rewarding journey in patient care.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 14 weeks (includes online learning and in-person lab/clinical days)
• Cost of Program: Approximately $1,000 for in-state residents (includes tuition, fees, and additional expenses)
• Accreditation: Program offered through Northern Wyoming Community College District
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for current pass rate information
• CNA Program Schedule: Multiple start dates throughout the year with both Sheridan and Buffalo campus options; primarily online learning with scheduled in-person skills labs and clinical rotations

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning
  The program provides comprehensive instruction in basic nursing and personal care skills, knowledge of body systems, mental health, social service needs, basic restorative services, residents’ rights, introduction to long-term care, and basic life support (BLS) for healthcare providers. Students access course materials through the college’s online learning management system (Canvas), with approximately 6 hours of online coursework per week.
• Clinical Experience
  Students participate in on-site clinical rotations to apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings. The program includes five in-person days for hands-on skills practice in the classroom and clinical experience at healthcare facilities. These practical sessions allow students to demonstrate their care abilities under professional supervision.
• Exam Preparation
  The curriculum prepares students to take the National Nursing Assistant Certification Examination. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to sit for this certification exam, which is required to become a certified nursing assistant in Wyoming.

Admission Requirements

There are no prerequisites or documents needed prior to registering for the CNA class. However, students must:

• Apply for general admission to Northern Wyoming Community College District (if not a current student)
• If only taking the CNA class, apply as “Non-degree seeking or professional development”
• Have access to a computer with internet capability for online coursework
• Use the college-assigned email for all course communications

For questions regarding future certifications based on results of criminal background checks or drug screens, please contact the course instructor and/or Wyoming State Board of Nursing. Admission to the nursing assistant course is not a guarantee of eligibility to become certified.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The CNA program at Sheridan College offers flexible scheduling options throughout the year:

• Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions available
• 14 weeks total program duration
• Primarily online learning format (approximately 6 hours per week)
• Five in-person days for required lab skills and clinical rotations
• Classes available at both Sheridan campus (Health Science Building Rm W185) and Johnson County campus in Buffalo (Room 105)

Specific upcoming class dates include:

• Fall 2025: August 25 – December 12
• Spring 2026 (Session 1): January 20 – May 8
• Spring 2026 (Session 2): March 11 – May 8

Please contact the program directly for the most current schedule and availability.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Total Estimated Costs: $1,000 (in-state residency)

• Tuition and Fees:
  • NWCCD tuition for 3-credit class: $483 (in-state resident)
  • Software License fee: $60.00 (for ICEV.com or HealthCenter21)
• Additional Required Expenses:
  • Fingerprinting for background check, TB test, BLS class: costs vary
  • Royal/Medium Blue Scrubs (top and pants): $60
  • Wyoming State Board of Nursing Certification Fee: $120-$145
  • CNA state board exam: $127
• Financial Assistance:
  • Various scholarships are available through Sheridan College and the Sheridan College Foundation
  • The High Academic Achievement Scholarship is offered to new students with an ACT composite score of 25 or higher
  • Wyoming-specific funding opportunities include the Hathaway Scholarship, Kickstart Wyoming’s Tomorrow Scholarship, and Wyoming Works

For additional scholarship information, visit the Sheridan College Financial Aid office or their website.

How to Apply

To register for the CNA program at Sheridan College:

1. Apply for general admission to NWCCD at www.sheridan.edu (if not a current student)
   • If this is the only class you are taking, apply as “Non-degree seeking or professional development”
2. Once accepted, register for the course by either:
   • Contacting Enrollment Services at 307-675-0115
   • Accessing your Self-Service on the HUB and registering for NRST 1510
3. Purchase required course materials:
   • Software license from www.ICEV.com or HealthCenter21 software license from the college bookstore
   • Royal/Medium Blue scrubs for clinical rotations

For additional application information or assistance, contact the Enrollment Services office or the CNA program instructor directly.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Sheridan College (Northern Wyoming Community College District)
• Address:
  • Main Campus: 1 Whitney Way, Sheridan, WY 82801
  • Johnson County Campus: 63 N. Burkitt Ave., Buffalo, WY 82834
• Phone Number: 307-675-0303 (CNA Program Instructor)
• Email: [email protected] (Elizabeth Maguire, BSN, RN – CNA Instructor)
• Website: https://www.sheridan.edu/academics/programs/nursing-cna/

Additional Resources

• CNA Program Information Documents:
  • Sheridan CNA Dates & Info: Available for download from the Sheridan College website
  • Buffalo CNA Dates & Info: Available for download from the Sheridan College website
• Scholarship Information:
  • Various scholarships are available through the Sheridan College Foundation
  • Information on state funding options like Hathaway Scholarship and Wyoming Works
  • External scholarship opportunities from local and regional organizations

Summary and Next Steps

Sheridan College’s CNA program offers a flexible, accessible pathway to begin your healthcare career in Wyoming. With a blend of online learning and hands-on clinical experience, you’ll develop the essential skills needed to provide compassionate patient care in various healthcare settings. The program’s reasonable cost (approximately $1,000 for in-state residents) and multiple start dates throughout the year make it an attractive option for both recent high school graduates and career changers.

Upon successful completion of this 14-week program, you’ll be prepared to take the National Nursing Assistant Certification Examination and enter a field with steady employment opportunities. The knowledge and experience gained can also serve as a solid foundation for further advancement in nursing or other healthcare careers.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
Compare multiple schools, costs, and start dates near you.