Certified Nurse Assistant
What is a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)?
A certified nurse assistant is an individual who has successfully completed an approved Nurse Aide Training, Competency, and Evaluation Program (NATCEP) and meets the certification requirements prescribed by the state board of nursing. As a CNA, you will work under the supervision of the nursing and medical staff to provide direct care to clients in an acute care setting or long term care facility. Basic nursing skills include such activities as feeding, bathing, and specimen collection. The CNA observes and records the client’s condition, vital signs, and intake and output. Nurse assistants are also referred to as nurse aides.
Who Can Enroll?
The Nurse Assistant course at CWC is available to anyone 16 years of age or older. Nurse assistant certification is a prerequisite for entrance into many registered nursing programs.
When is the Nurse Assistant Course Offered?
Central Wyoming College offers the Nurse Assistant course during the fall and spring semesters, and summer session. Refer to the CWC Schedule of Courses for specific dates and times, or contact the nursing office at the college.
Course Delivery Information
The lecture and skills laboratory components of the course comprise about 64 hours, and the clinical component is 36 hours of actual patient care. The lecture and lab components must be successfully completed before the student is eligible to participate in clinical. The student must independently work through the Power Point lecture presentations in Web CT (online classroom) outside regularly scheduled class times. The on-campus meeting times will be for skills lab instruction and test taking. Absence from skills labs is discouraged since frequent absence is associated with poor performance and the student being unsuccessful in the course. There can be no absences from clinical.
Students may use any of the CWC student computer labs at the main campus or the outreach centers in Lander, Jackson, Dubois, or Thermopolis. Central Wyoming College does not have any obligation to ensure computer access.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification must be by American Heart Association for Healthcare Provider. CPR is required prior to the first clinical day and will be taught during skills lab time. Students are responsible for the cost of the card. You will not be allowed to attend clinical without current CPR status.
Physical Requirements
Nurse assistant students must meet the physical requirements of their respective clinical agency. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor if a potential problem exists in meeting the physical requirements. Students are required to have a current tuberculin (TB) skin test and rubella vaccine or titer.
Cost Considerations
Cost considerations include tuition and fees, textbook, stethoscope, goggles, uniform/scrubs, background check, substance abuse test, CPR card, and certification fees at the completion of the course.
Criminal Background Check and Substance Abuse Test
A criminal background check and substance abuse test are required prior to
participating in clinical training. In addition, the Wyoming State Board of
Nursing requires a criminal background check and fingerprinting upon
application to take the certification examination.
Certification Process
Upon completion of the Nurse Assistant course, you will submit an application to the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. The certification examination is conducted monthly at various sites throughout the state and the cost is $210. Your instructor will provide you with a schedule. You have two years from the time of course completion to take the certification examination; however, faculty encourages you to take the certification examination soon after the completion of the course. The Wyoming State Board of Nursing determines eligibility to take the certification examination and is responsible for the oversight of nursing practice in the state of Wyoming.
How Do I Register?
For registration information, contact the Records Office at 855-2115 or toll free 1-800-735-8418, extension 2115. You may also contact the nurse assistant program coordinator at the college at 855-2128 or toll free 1-800-735-8418, extension 2128.