CNA Training in Wyoming
CNA training programs approved by the Wyoming Department of Health Office of Health Care Licensing and Surveys are offered at hospitals, high schools, colleges, nursing homes and related facilities. CNA certification in Wyoming requires completion of a state approved CNA program among other requirements. A list of approved nursing assistant training programs can be found below.
Federal law makes free CNA training an option in Wyoming. How it works is if you are offered employment with a facility that accepts Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement, that facility can not charge you any fees for training, testing or course related materials. Another scenario would be if you have already completed a CNA training program and you are offered employment by a facility that accepts Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement within 12 months of completing the CNA program, you are entitled to reimbursement of any training, testing and course related materials fees. To learn more about this, inquire with your instructor or employer. This is one of the most outstanding benefits of pursuing a CNA career path. You won’t find free career training in many other industries.
CNA Certification in Wyoming
As was mentioned above, completion of a Wyoming Department of Health Office of Health Care Licensing and Surveys approved CNA program is the first step toward CNA certification in Wyoming. The NNAAP Exam is the second step in the certification process. Upon successful completion of a CNA training program you will need to apply for and pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam. The Office of Health Care Licensing and Surveys also maintains the Wyoming CNA Registry. After passing the NNAAP Exam you will need to fill out an application for listing on the Registry. CNAs are not allowed to practice in the state of Wyoming unless they are listed on the Registry.
CNA Salary and Job Outlook in Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Employment Research and Planning posted results from the September, 2009 Wyoming Wage Survey, which found that CNAs, orderlies and attendants make an average hourly wage of $12.58 and an average annual salary of $26,176. Job growth for CNAs, orderlies and attendants in Wyoming is projected at 22.1% through 2016 by the Wyoming Department of Employment Research and Planning. Job growth in the Health Care and Social Assistance fields is projected at 24% through 2018 making it one of the fastest growing industries in Wyoming. Based on the provided data and projections, becoming a CNA in Wyoming may be an opportunity not to be missed. To get a better idea of the employment opportunities in your community contact the nursing homes and other employers of CNAs. Ask if they are hiring and what they pay an entry-level CNA.
Career advancement for a CNA in Wyoming is flourishing. As the state deals with its shortage of LPNs and RNs, the opportunity for a CNA to advance their career into professional nursing is very tangible and employment after completion of an RN or LPN program is especially promising. Many CNAs have also chosen to enter the management and administrative sides of health care by earning a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in health care or business.
A popular health care career option that individuals researching CNA programs also look into is Medical Assisting. Medical Assisting offers similar earnings and job growth projections, 44.3% job growth in Wyoming. Training for a Medical Assistant usually takes 6 months to 18 months depending on the program. Learn more about the Medical Assistant programs in Wyoming.
Nursing Assistant Programs in Wyoming
Approved CNA Training Programs in WY
Programs Offered: Nursing Assistant Training
List of approved schools courtesy of the Wyoming Department of Health: Click Here