The Dental Assistant Certificate I Program is designed to prepare the student for an entry-level position as a dental assistant and to provide additional coursework necessary for transfer to a dental hygiene program if desired. Students gain knowledge and skills through classroom instruction and lab activities. General education courses introduce the student to basic computer and interpersonal communication skills. 

A dental assistant works under the supervision of a dentist by performing a variety of office management, patient care and laboratory duties, often working chair-side as dentists examine and treat patients. In addition, the dental assistant maintains patient records, promotes comfort and safety in the dental chair, obtains oral x-rays, sterilizes instruments and instructs patients on proper dental health. 

The successful dental assistant must have strong communication skills, display a positive attitude, observe strict confidentiality rules, and possess motor skill coordination necessary for safe patient care.

Program Requirements

General Education Requirements

PROGRAM ELECTIVES

The student must choose a minimum of seven (7) credits from the following courses:

Total Credit Hours: 30-31

The Dental Assistant Certificate II Program is designed to prepare the student for an entry-level position as a dental assistant. The curriculum provides the student with an opportunity to develop knowledge and skills through classroom instruction and hands-on activities in the campus lab.

A dental assistant works under the supervision of a dentist by performing a variety of office management, patient care, and laboratory duties, often working chair-side as dentists examine and treat patients. In addition, the dental assistant maintains patient records, promotes comfort and safety in the dental chair, obtains oral x-rays, sterilizes instruments, and instructs patients on proper dental health.

The successful dental assistant must have strong communication skills, display a positive attitude, observe strict confidentiality rules, and possess motor skill coordination necessary for safe patient care.

Program Requirements

Total Credit Hours: 13

Medical Assistants are multi-skilled allied health professionals who work under the direction of licensed practitioners to perform administrative and clinical functions. They prepare patients and rooms for examination, gather vital signs and health history, assist with procedures, administer medications, draw blood, perform basic lab tests, administer ECGs, and communicate and coordinate with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team. Administrative duties include scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, bookkeeping, and billing and insurance processing.

Enrolled students develop knowledge and skills through classroom instruction, hands-on activities in the campus lab, and clinical practicum hours. A criminal background check, drug test, and immunizations may be required to be eligible for practicum experiences at affiliated healthcare agencies.

Program Requirements

General Education Requirements

Total Credit Hours: 31-32

Learn administrative skills required to perform duties as front office staff in hospitals, clinics, private practices, or other healthcare settings. Front office medical support professionals are typically the first point of contact with patients. They facilitate the smooth running of the office. Their unique role combines both direct and indirect patient care duties. Responsibilities vary depending on the type of facility and may include scheduling appointments, arranging clinical procedures, processing insurance claims, medical coding, maintaining patient records, and entering data. Students are introduced to software applications, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, and professional communication skills. This unique certificate may be completed in as little as one semester.

Program Requirements

Total Credit Hours: 12

Full Certificate information available soon.

MEDA 1800: Phlebotomy Principles in Practice (3 credits)

Phlebotomists are skilled healthcare workers who perform blood collection procedures and prepare samples for lab analysis. Career opportunities include hospitals, laboratories, outpatient surgery centers, doctors’ offices, and clinics. Phlebotomists may also find employment in dialysis and blood donation centers, and community health fairs. 

A career in phlebotomy has a quick training period and a secure job market. If you like helping others and meeting new people on a daily basis, this may be the job you’re looking for. A career in phlebotomy may also serve as a stepping stone. Working alongside other healthcare professionals will help toward gaining an understanding of the various roles. Some career paths of phlebotomy-certified individuals include nursing, medical assisting, ECG technician, and medical lab tech. As you gain more experience, you will open yourself up to new opportunities. 

This one-semester hybrid course combines online classroom instruction with hands-on activities in the campus lab. Topics include patient identification, specimen collection, labeling vials, diagnostic testing, documenting lab results, and specimen storage and transport. Because phlebotomists collect blood and are at risk for exposure to a variety of diseases, an emphasis on universal precautions helps to ensure their safety and that of their patients. 

Students who meet the minimum number of venipunctures and capillary punctures are eligible to take the phlebotomy certification examination through the National Center for Competency Testing to earn the title NCPT (National Certified Phlebotomy Technician). 

HLTK 1665: Electrocardiography Techniques (1 credit)

Whether you’re an experienced healthcare worker looking to expand your skill set, or want to begin a new career working closely with patients and the healthcare team, enrolling in the ECG course is a step in the right direction. 

ECG technicians, sometimes referred to as telemetry technicians, are allied health workers who use specialized equipment to measure the heart’s electrical activity. This information helps to identify irregularities in the heart that could lead to a heart attack or heart disease. 

ECG techs work mostly in hospitals, but can also work in long-term care facilities or private practices. They are responsible for explaining the procedure to the patient, positioning the patient appropriately for testing, and connecting the necessary electrodes. The technician then monitors heart performance and the patient’s blood pressure. Findings are reported to the ordering physician or healthcare provider. 

This 1-credit course combines classroom instruction with hands-on activities in the campus lab. Students must have a United States high school diploma or equivalent. Upon completion, students are eligible to apply for ECG technician certification through the National Center for Competency Testing. 

NRST 1510: Nursing Assistant (4 credits)

A certified nursing assistant is an individual who has successfully completed an approved training program and has passed the state certification examination. As a CNA, you will work under the supervision of nurses and other licensed healthcare professionals to provide basic care to patients in a variety of settings. Nursing assistants are the primary caregivers in meeting the day-to-day needs of patients, and play a significant role in relaying information about the condition of patients to members of the healthcare team. 

The nursing assistant course is available to anyone 16 years of age or older. Becoming a nursing assistant could be a stepping stone for continuing your education. CNAs have the opportunity to move up a career ladder to potentially higher-paying jobs such as a CNA II and medication aide.

This course is taught in a blended format that includes online activities combined with hands-on skills practice in the campus lab followed by direct patient care in a clinical setting under the supervision of an instructor. At times, the clinical agency that provides training opportunities will offer employment to students who demonstrate ability. The Central Wyoming College nursing program follows the requirements established by our clinical partners. Prior to the first clinical day, students must provide certain immunization records and submit to a criminal background check and urine drug screen. 

Most nursing assistant courses are four to six weeks in length and are not restricted to a semester-length schedule. It doesn’t take long to become a nursing assistant and you will continue to learn once you find employment. Classes are offered on the Riverton campus during the summer session, while classes in Jackson take place in the fall, spring, and summer sessions. For registration information, contact a CWC academic advisor.

Students who complete the course are eligible to test for state certification. The certification examination is conducted monthly at various test sites throughout the state. Your instructor will provide you with application and fee information. Successful completion of the nursing assistant course does not guarantee certification.

NRST 1550: Certified Nursing Assistant II (2 credits)

This course provides CNAs an opportunity to prepare for practice in an expanded role and to perform certain technical skills beyond basic CNA training. Students develop knowledge and skills through classroom instruction and hands-on activities in the campus lab. Emphasis is on sterile techniques, wound care, capillary blood glucose, discontinuing IV catheters, urinary procedures, respiratory procedures, and tube feeding. 

To enroll, the student must be a certified nursing assistant, 18 years of age or older, and have a high school diploma or the equivalent. 

Enrolled students must pass a comprehensive written examination and a final skills practicum at the required level. Students who complete the course are eligible to apply for state certification through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. There is a $10 fee and licensure candidates must record 1500 work hours as a CNA on the application form. 

For more information, contact Stacey Stanek at 307-855-2226 or email sstanek@cwc.edu. 

NRST 1600:  Medication Aide (6 credits)

If you are a currently licensed CNA II and want to advance your career, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!

The role of the medication aide is to give daily medications, either prescription or non-prescription, under the direction of a registered professional. The aide must administer the right medication in the indicated dosage at the correct time, and then record dosages and monitor for adverse reactions.  

This 100-hour course consists of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Enrolled students must pass a comprehensive written test and a final skills practicum at the required level. Completion of the course qualifies the student to take the national examination to receive certification as a Medication Aide-Certified (MA-C) through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing.

Not all states permit the use of medication aides and those that do vary widely in their training requirements and what medication aides are permitted to do. 

For more information, contact Stacey Stanek at 307-855-2226 or email sstanek@cwc.edu.