The certified nurse aide training courses that are on this page are all the programs that are available in Pavillion, Wyoming. You must remember to only choose a school that’s approved by the state’s Board of Nursing to become licensed in Wyoming.

Wind River High School
1994 Cougar Drive
Pavillion, WY
Contact Details:
Fremont County BOCES
320 West Main St
3rd Floor
Riverton WY 82501
Phone: (307) 856-2028
Fax: (307) 856-4058
Email: kbensonboces@gmail.com

The first step in becoming a CNA is to apply for a course that’s approved by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing (WSBN). Candidates need to learn the basic competencies that they will use when taking care of different patients. Finding a suitable training course has become easier recently because of the increased number of healthcare institutions and training schools that are now offering training.

Each training school has its own requirements for acceptance. Many of them, however, required the following from their students:

•    Age: preferably at least 18 years old; 16 years old may apply, but need to get a letter of approval that’s signed by a parent.
•    Education: the majority of the programs in the state accepts only those who have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
•    Health: must undergo and pass medical and physical examinations; should be free of any communicable diseases.
•    Criminal Background: all nursing aides are required to undergo background checks; applicants need to make sure that they’ll be able to pass.
•    English Proficiency: applicants must be able to speak and understand Basic English since the majority of the patients will be speaking the language.

Once you’re accepted, you will be spending most of your time in the classroom for your lectures on different nursing concepts like infection control, medical terms, therapeutic communication skills, patients’ rights, and human anatomy. At the same time, you’ll also be spending your time in the clinical area for your hands-on practical training. Students will be trained on basic nursing procedures such as vital signs, catheter care, feeding through NGT, offering bed pans, and assisting in daily activities.

It usually takes around 3 to 4 months to complete a program, depending on the program schedule. Completing a CNA course is not only necessary for training, but it is also needed to establish eligibility for the exams. Applicants who completed the 1st semester of an RN program or LPN program within the last 2 years are allowed to apply for the exams if they can provide proof of training and education.

Taking the CNA exams is a necessary step to becoming a CNA. This is a two part examination that consists of a written exam and a manual skills demonstration. The written exam may be replaced by an oral exam if the applicant has trouble reading. An applicant who manages to pass both tests within 12 months after his or her training, then his or her name will be placed on the Nurse Aide Registry. A nursing assistant is considered certified as soon as his or her name is on the NAR.  You can check your status as a CNA by going to https://cnaregistry.health.wyo.gov/.

Aside from testing, another way of entering the NAR is by applying for endorsement. This process is only for individuals who are already certified nursing assistants in another state.  To qualify, a CNA shall:

1.    Complete a state-approved CNA program and pass the competency evaluation exam;
2.    Pass the completed application form for NAR placement (https://nursing-online.state.wy.us/Resources/CNA%20Exam%20App%2010-25-2013.pdf) and pay the $60 application fee;
3.    Submit fingerprints and pay $60 for the DCI background check;
4.    Submit verification of initial state certification by examination (duration may vary depending on the state); and
5.    Work for at least 16 hours as a paid CNA while under the supervision of a registered nurse.

A CNA certification will allow you to work in any health care facility in the State of Wyoming. Although the town of Pavillion is only home to about 250 people, there are some health care facilities where you can try to apply for a job. As part of Fremont County, this small town of only 0.21 square miles is closely bordered by other towns and cities. photo attribution: tamuc