Western Wyoming Community College CNA Program

The Certified Nursing Assistant program at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs, Wyoming provides essential healthcare training for individuals looking to start a rewarding career in patient care. This four-credit course prepares students to work as assistants under the supervision of licensed nursing personnel, with special emphasis on elderly client care. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate exploring healthcare careers or an adult seeking a meaningful career change, the CNA training at Western Wyoming Community College equips you with the fundamental skills needed in today’s healthcare settings. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to take the competency exam to become certified in the State of Wyoming, which is necessary for employment as a nursing assistant throughout the state.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: One semester
• Cost of Program: Contact the program directly for current tuition and fees information
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for current pass rate information
• CNA Program Schedule: Contact the program directly for current schedule options

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning
  The program includes comprehensive instruction in basic nursing assistant principles, teaching students the fundamentals of elderly care. Course content covers basic nursing skills, personal care techniques, and knowledge needed to provide quality patient care in healthcare settings. Students’ time is divided between theory and laboratory sessions, giving them both conceptual understanding and practical skills training.
• Clinical Experience
  Students participate in supervised clinical experiences where they can apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare environments. The hands-on component allows students to practice and demonstrate skills related to client care. Clinical attendance is mandatory to pass the course, giving students essential real-world experience before certification.
• Exam Preparation
  Satisfactory completion of the course entitles students to take a competency exam to become “Certified” in the State of Wyoming. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for this certification exam, which is necessary for employment as a nursing assistant in Wyoming.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet the following requirements to attend clinical rotations, which are mandatory for passing the course:

• Health Requirements:
  • American Heart Association BLS/Healthcare Provider certification
  • Immunizations including:
    • TB skin test or Quantiferon blood test
    • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine or proof of immunity
    • Tdap vaccine
    • Varicella vaccine
    • Hepatitis B vaccine
    • COVID-19 vaccine (recommended)
    • Seasonal influenza vaccine (if in flu season)

Western follows the requirements established by their clinical partners, as well as Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and recommendations for immunizations for healthcare providers.

Please note that admission to the nursing assistant course is not a guarantee of eligibility to become certified. Students with questions about certification eligibility should contact the Wyoming State Board of Nursing.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Please contact the program directly for current class schedule options. The program structure includes both classroom learning and clinical rotations at healthcare facilities.

Detailed information regarding class schedules, clinical sites, and time commitments is provided upon enrollment in the program.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Tuition and Fees:
  As Wyoming’s most affordable college, Western Wyoming Community College offers competitive tuition rates. Contact the Business Office for specific CNA program costs.
• Financial Assistance Options:
  • Western provided approximately $7,000,000 in scholarships and financial aid in 2022-2023
  • Wyoming Works program funding may be available (see Financial Aid office)
  • Various scholarship opportunities through Western’s institutional and foundation scholarships
  • External scholarships from community organizations
  • Federal financial aid may be available to eligible students

To explore financial aid options, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The scholarship application period at Western is typically December 1st through April 1st for the following academic year.

How to Apply

To apply for the CNA program at Western Wyoming Community College:

1. Complete an application for admission to Western Wyoming Community College at https://apply.westernwyoming.edu/
2. If this is the only class you plan to take, you can apply as a “Non-degree seeking” student
3. After your application is processed, you will be assigned a Western email address for all future communications
4. Connect with the Admissions Team by emailing [email protected] for guidance on next steps
5. Complete the Western Welcome and Title IX programs in your My Western portal
6. Meet with your assigned Student Success Coach for course planning and registration
7. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if seeking financial assistance

For additional information or assistance with the application process, contact the Admissions Team directly.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Western Wyoming Community College
• Address: 2500 College Drive, Rock Springs, WY 82901
• Phone Number: Contact the School of Health Sciences for program-specific information
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.westernwyoming.edu/academics/major-programs/health-care/health-science/nursing-assistant.php

Additional Resources

• Wyoming State Board of Nursing Application: For information about certification requirements and to apply for certification after completing the program, visit: https://wsbn.wyo.gov/licensing
• Criminal Background Checks FAQs: Information regarding background checks and their impact on certification eligibility can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14k-bu70GQZ21seg4tRt-c3c_UFnD9g7-/view

Summary and Next Steps

Western Wyoming Community College’s CNA program offers a solid foundation for your healthcare career in Rock Springs, Wyoming. This four-credit course combines essential classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, preparing you to provide compassionate care to patients in various healthcare settings. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to take the state competency exam to become certified as a nursing assistant in Wyoming.

Whether you’re looking for immediate employment opportunities or planning to continue your education in the healthcare field, this CNA program provides valuable skills and knowledge that serve as an excellent starting point. With Western’s commitment to student success and affordable education, you’ll find the support you need to achieve your healthcare career goals.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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