Wyoming CNA Requirements and State Approved CNA Programs

Certified nursing assistants act as essential liaisons between Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and their patients. They assist patients or residents at long term care facilities with their healthcare needs under the direction of an LPN or RN. Wyoming’s nurse assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, including adult day care centers, specialized clinics, hospitals, home health agencies, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Nurse aide training prepares you for an entry-level position in the healthcare industry where you’ll work to enhance the lives of those you serve and promote quality, direct patient care. Wyoming’s State Board of Nursing determines the criteria and upholds the standards for nursing aide training and certification. The Wyoming Department of Health, Office of Healthcare Licensing and Surveys, reviews and approves nurse aide training programs, and the Office of Healthcare Licensing and Surveys (OHLS) maintains the state’s nurse aide registry.

CNA Classes in Wyoming:

Certification Requirements

A CNA must obtain placement on the state registry in order to work in licensed nursing care facilities and swing beds within the state. As a prospective CNA, you must apply for and graduate from a state-accredited nursing aide training program and pass the nurse aide competency exam in order to obtain certification for employment. Employers must verify a prospective employee’s status on the registry before extending an offer of employment.

If you’re currently enrolled in a training program, you can apply for a temporary license to work for a period of 120 days (4 months). The one-time permit is available only to nurse aides who are applying for certification by examination. You can apply for the permit after completing the training or at a later date. The department will invalidate your permit if you fail any portion of the competency exam.

Out-of-state CNAs and other individuals applying for an application by endorsement can apply for a 90-day permit from the board of nursing. The board makes the permit available when the nurse aide submits proof of certification from another state.

Prerequisites to Training

Each school determines its own requirements for program entry. Neither state nor federal authorities impose restrictions on entry as it relates to education. Your training provider may host an orientation session before enrollment to share details about the program and evaluate prospective students’ ability to complete the training. Your educational background becomes an issue after certification. Some employers are more likely to employ high school graduates. High school graduates may also earn more and advance to other careers in the medical industry after further study.

Following are some other prerequisites to training:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate in English
  • High School graduate or GED equivalent (recommended)
  • No records of arrest, crimes, or assault of any kind
  • Valid state-issued ID card
  • Physical Exam and TB Clearance (current within 1 year)
  • Immunization (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Meningitis)

Wyoming Certified Nurse Aide Training Requirements

The Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA) governs the training and evaluation of nurse aides across the nation. The Wyoming Board of Nursing, in accordance with the guidelines, require’s prospective nurse aides to complete a training program of a minimum 120 hours. Some schools facilitate more than the required minimum hours to prepare graduates for success on the job. Programs consist of classroom and clinical training to prepare students with both practical and theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning.

Classroom instruction takes the form of lectures, presentations, interactive discussions, and live demonstrations. Topics covered include personal care and hygiene, basic nursing principles, safety and emergency, patient transfers, vital signs, medical terminology and abbreviations, law and ethics, nutrition, communication, death and dying. The clinical experience gives students the opportunity to put their classroom learning to work in a real-world setting under the direction of the registered nurse instructor. Many Wyoming training providers also host informative sessions to help students prepare and practice for the state certification exam.

Training programs run for 4 to 8 weeks depending on schedule. After graduating from the program, you’re eligible to sit the nurse aide evaluation for placement on the state’s registry.

Cost of CNA Training Wyoming

Where you train will determine how much you pay for instruction. The total fee, inclusive of tuition and other costs, is generally highest at for-profit institutes and community colleges. Community colleges and universities cost more due to miscellaneous fees – lab fees, student fees, library fees, registration, caution fees, parking, administrative fees are just some of the costs attached to education at community colleges. If you have budget constraints, you should visit local nursing homes in your area to ask about opportunities for free training.

In general, you should expect to pay an average of $900 for tuition at community colleges and private programs. You should allocate funds for the state certification, supplies, textbooks, scrubs, and medical tools. Check the school’s financial aid office for grants that will reduce the cost of training. You can also ask your employer to fund the cost of your training if you work in the healthcare industry. Based on federal laws, you’re eligible for a pro-rated reimbursement of your expenses if you obtain employment at a Medicare/Medicaid-funded facility within 12 months of certification.

Nurse Aide Testing

Wyoming’s nurse aide competency exam, administered by Pearson Vue, comprises of two parts: the written (or oral) examination and the skills evaluation. First-time testers must take both components on the same day, and pass both in order to receive state certification.

The written exam contains 70 multiple choice questions – delivered in English. If you have difficulty reading English, you can request the Oral option on your application form – you cannot request the oral option on testing day. The oral exam comprises of 60 questions and 10 multiple choice reading comprehension questions – delivered in English or Spanish.

During the skills evaluation, you’ll have to demonstrate your nurse aide skills through your performance of five (5) randomly selected tasks. The duration of the skills exam depends on the skills assigned but is generally 20 to 45 minutes. The trained Nurse Aide Evaluator will rate your performance and award a score. You must perform all five tasks correctly in order to receive a passing grade. Wyoming’s Board of Nursing requires nurse aide candidates to pass the competency exam within one year of completing a state-accredited program. If you fail to pass the exam within the stipulated period, you’ll have to retrain in order to challenge the exam.

Download the candidate handbook to review the list of skills and for sample questions from the written exam.

Certification Costs 

  • Written and skills exam – $98
  • Oral and skills exam – $98
  • Spanish oral exam and skills evaluation – $98
  • Written retest – $33
  • Skills retest – $65
  • Oral retest – $33
  • Application fee – $60
  • Criminal background check fee – $60

Walk with the following items on exam day:

  • Check in at least 30 minutes before the exam
  • Two forms of official ID
  • Three sharpened No. 2 pencils and eraser
  • Watch with a second hand
  • Social security number
  • Uniform scrubs and flat, non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the skills exam

Wyoming Nursing Assistant Certification

The Wyoming State Board of Nursing no longer issues paper copies of licenses, certificates, or temporary permits. You may use the License Verification online to check the status of your license.

Certification is required for all CNA positions, including those practicing in home health, community health, or public health.

Certification by Exam

As a graduate of an approved nursing assistant program, you are eligible to apply for registration as a CNA based on your success on the exam.

  • Complete the application in full and keep a copy for your records. Do not leave blanks – use N/A for questions that are not applicable.
  • Provide a copy of your social security card and a driver’s license, passport, birth certificate or another form of lawful presence.
  • Provide a valid email address
  • Enclose the registration fee of $60 in the form of money order, cashier’s check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.
  • Submit fingerprint cards and fees. Fingerprint cards are available through a local law enforcement office. Complete your fingerprints on two blue FBI cards. Return the cards with the completed application. The Board will not issue a permanent certificate until the CBC results are returned – checks can take 35 to 55 days. The background check fee is $60.
  • Verify that your name is on the Participant List from the CNA course.

Certification by Endorsement

CNAs with an active, unencumbered certificate to practice in another jurisdiction, may apply for certification by endorsement.

  • Complete the application in full and keep a copy for your records. Do not leave blanks – use N/A for questions that are not applicable.
  • Provide a copy of your social security card and a driver’s license, passport, birth certificate or another form of lawful presence.
  • Provide a valid email address
  • Enclose the endorsement fee of $60 in the form of money order, cashier’s check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.
  • Submit fingerprint cards and fees. Fingerprint cards are available through a local law enforcement office. Complete your fingerprints on two blue FBI cards. Return the cards with the completed application. The Board will not issue a permanent certificate until the CBC results are returned – checks can take 35 to 55 days. The background check fee is $60.
  • Provide evidence of current/active license in another jurisdiction
  • Submit evidence of a current certificate in good standing from another state or US territory
  • Meet one of the continued competencies

Certification by Deeming

Nursing students can apply for certification based on the completion of the first semester of an approved nursing program.

  • Complete the application in full and keep a copy for your records. Do not leave blanks – use N/A for questions that are not applicable.
  • Provide a copy of your social security card and a driver’s license, passport, birth certificate or another form of lawful presence.
  • Provide a valid email address
  • Enclose the fee of $60 in the form of money order, cashier’s check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.
  • Submit fingerprint cards and fees. Fingerprint cards are available through a local law enforcement office. Complete your fingerprints on two blue FBI cards. Return the cards with the completed application. The Board will not issue a permanent certificate until the CBC results are returned – checks can take 35 to 55 days. The background check fee is $60.
  • Submit an official transcript confirming completion of the first semester of a Board-approved LPN or RN program within two years of submitting the application.

Certification by Recertification

  • Complete the application in full and keep a copy for your records. Do not leave blanks – use N/A for questions that are not applicable.
  • Provide a copy of your social security card and a driver’s license, passport, birth certificate or another form of lawful presence.
  • Provide a valid email address
  • Enclose the fee of $60 in the form of money order, cashier’s check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.
  • Meet one of the continued competencies.
  • Submit fingerprint cards and fees if you answer “yes” to a discipline history question which has not been previously disclosed.

Temporary Permits

Graduate and endorsement candidates may be eligible for a temporary permit. The temporary permit for graduates is valid for 120 days and 90 days for endorsement candidates. The permit is non-renewable. The permit is only available if you check the appropriate box under Temporary Permit on page 4 of the application.

The following steps must be completed before the Temporary Permit can be issued:

  • A completed application for certification with no blank lines
  • Proof of lawful presence
  • Submission of all fees
  • Appropriate documentation for nay “yes” answers to the disciplinary questions
  • Verification of licensures from state of original licensure (Endorsement Candidates)

Eligibility for a temporary permit is dependent on history. A temporary permit may not be issued if you answer “yes” to a disciplinary history question. If you fail to disclose your disciplinary history, your permit will be revoked when the Board receives notice of the information. Graduate Temporary Permits will expire immediately if you fail the written or skills portion of the CNA exam.

Continued Competencies

  • Work a minimum of sixteen (16) hours as a CNA and completed 24 hours of learning activities related to CNA practice
  • Complete a nursing assistant training and competency evaluation program approved by the Board and pass a national NA certifying exam in the past two years
  • Complete the first semester of a Board-approved nursing education program within the last two years.

CNA Renewal Wyoming

Your CNA license remains valid for two years. Certification expires on December 31st on even-numbered years. To be eligible for renewal, you must:

  • Submit proof of at least sixteen hours of work for monetary compensation
  • Have at least 24 hours of in-service training.

Inform the registry if your address or name changes, so you’ll receive updates – e.g. the renewal form – when the registry sends them out.

Contact the Registry: 
Wyoming Nurse Aide Registry
Wyoming Board of Nursing
130 Hobbs Avenue, Suite B, Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone (307) 777-7601
License Verification: (877) 626-2681
Fax: (307) 777-3519

State Approved CNA Programs in Wyoming:

Afton, WY CNA programs:
WWCC Outreach-Afton
445 Swift Creek Ln., Afton, WY 82901
307-382-1801

Star Valley Medical Center
445 Swift Creek Ln., Afton, WY 83110
307-885-5800

Buffalo, WY CNA programs:
Annie Holt Care Center
497 W Lott St., Buffalo, WY 82801
307-674-6446

Casper, WY CNA programs:
Casper College
125 College Drive, Casper, WY 82601
307-268-2717

CNA Cares Enterprises
60 Magnolia, Casper, WY 82001
307-235-1907

NCSD Pathways Innovation Center
3000 Independence Court, Casper, WY 82604
307-253-3100

Quality Health Care Training Center
949 North Durbin St, Casper, WY 82609
307-333-5010

Wyoming CNA Services
933 West 14th St., Casper, WY
307-797-3229

Cheyenne, WY CNA programs:
Central High School (LCSD #1)
5500 Education Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82001
307-771-2216

East High School (LCSD #1)
2800 E Pershing Blvd, Cheyenne, WY 82009
307-771-2663 x2160

Laramie County School District #1-South High School
1213 W Allison Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82007
307-771-2410 ext. 22607

Laramie County Community College
1400 E College Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82001
307-778-1267

HCP Education Center
1013 Logan Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82007
307-778-8861

Cody, WY CNA programs:
NWC Outreach-Cody
1501 Stampede Avenue, Cody, WY 82435
307-754-6479

Douglas, WY CNA programs:
EWC Outreach-Douglas
3200 West C St, Douglas, WY 82210
307-532-8247

Cowboy State Healthcare Training
222 South 5th St, Douglas, WY, 82633
307-351-3023

Dubois, WY CNA programs:
Dubois High School
700 North 1st St, Dubois, WY 82501
307-856-2028

Evanston, WY CNA programs:
WWCC Outreach-Evanston
831 Hwy 150 S, Evanston, WY 82901
307-382-1801

Wyoming State Hospital
831 Hwy 150 S, Evanston, WY 82930
307-789-3464

Gillette, WY CNA programs:
Pioneer Manor/Campbell County Memorial Hospital
900 W 8th St, Gillette, WY 82716
307-682-4709

NWCCD Gillete College
3801 College Dr, Gillette WY 82718

Green River, WY CNA programs:
Castle Rock Convalescent Center
1445 Uinta Drive, Green River, WY 82935
307-872-4600

Jackson, WY CNA programs:
CWC Outreach-Jackson
240 South Glennwood, Suite 124, Jackson, WY 82501
307-855-2128

CWC Outreach-Jackson High School
1910 West High School Road, Jackson, WY 82501
307-855-2128

Kemmerer, WY CNA programs:
South Lincoln Nursing Center
711 Onyx Street, Kemmerer, WY 83101
307-877-5717

Lander, WY CNA programs:
Lander Valley High School
8204 Wyoming 789, Lander, WY 82501
307-856-2028

Laramie, WY CNA programs:
JALH Health Services LLC
503 South 15th, Laramie, WY 82070
307-851-5000

LCCC at Albany County
1125 Boulder Driver, Laramie, WY 82070
307-778-1267

Lovell, WY CNA programs:
Northwest College-Lovell Outreach
115 Lane 12, Lovell, WY 82435
307-754-6479

Lusk, WY CNA programs:
Eastern Wyoming College-Lusk Campus
921 S Ballancee, Lusk WY 82240
307-532-8247

Lyman, WY CNA programs:
WWCC Outreach-Lyman
PO Box 1090, Lyman, WY 82901
307-382-1801

Mountain View, WY CNA programs:
WWCC Outreach-Mountain View
129 W 2nd St, Mountain View, WY 82939
307-382-1801

Newcastle, WY CNA programs:
EWC Outreach-Newcastle
627 Pine Street, Newcastle, WY 82240
307-532-8247

Pavillion, WY CNA programs:
Wind River High School
1994 Cougar Drive, Pavillion, WY 82501
307-856-2028

Pinedale, WY CNA programs:
WWCC Outreach-Pinedale
PO Box 977, Pinedale, WY 82941
307-382-1801

Subletter Center
333 N Bridger Ave, Pinedale WY 82941
307-367-4161

Powell, WY CNA programs:
Northwest College
231 West 6th, Powell, WY 82435
307-754-6479

Powell Valley Hospital
777 Avenue H, Powell, WY 82435
307-754-2267

Rawlins, WY CNA programs:
Carbon Co Higher Education Center-Vocational Core
812 E Murray St, Rawlins, WY 82301
307-328-9274

Riverton, WY CNA programs:
Central Wyoming College
2660 Peck Avenue, Riverton, WY 82501
307-855-2128

Fremont County BOCES
320 West Main St, Riverton, WY 82501
307-856-2028

Rock Springs, WY CNA programs:
Western Wyoming Community College
2500 College Drive, Rock Springs, WY 82901
307-382-1801

Sheridan, WY CNA programs:
NWCCD -Sheridan College
3059 Coffee Avenue, Sheridan, WY 82801
307-674-6446

NWCCD Outreach-Sheridan H.S.
1056 Long Drive, Sheridan, WY 82801
307-674-6446

Sheridan Manor
1851 Big Horn Ave, Sheridan, WY 82801
307-674-4416

Westview Nursing Assistant Program
1990 W Loucks St Sheridan, WY 82801
307-672-9789

Wyoming Girls NA Training Program
3500 Big Horn Ave, Sheridan WY 82801
307-675-3020

Sundance, WY CNA programs:
Eastern Wyoming College-Sundance Campus
1016 E Cleveland St, Sundance, WY 82240
307-532-8247

Thermopolis, WY CNA programs:
CWC Outreach-Thermopolis
150 E Arapahoe, Thermopolis, WY 82243
307-855-2128

Thermopolis High School
415 Springview, Thermopolis, WY 82243
307-856-2028

Torrington, WY CNA programs:
Eastern Wyoming College
3200 West C Street, Torrington, WY 82633
307-532-8247

Wheatland, WY CNA programs:
Eastern Wyoming College- Wheatland Outreach Campus
1350 Oak Street, Wheatland, WY 82240
307-532-8247

Cowboy State Healthcare Training
100 19th St. Wheatland, WY 82240
307-351-3023

Worland, WY CNA programs:
Worland Healthcare and Rehabilitation
1901 Howell, Worland, WY 82201
307-347-4285

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