Key Points
- Complete a CNA program in Wyoming in just 4 to 6 weeks.
- Cheyenne offers the state's highest CNA pay, averaging $46,090.
- Wyoming projects 15 percent growth for nursing assistant jobs by 2028.
Best CNA Classes in Wyoming – Top Programs Ranked 2027
Find the best CNA training in Wyoming: compare programs in Cheyenne, Gillette, Casper, and beyond.
Wyoming’s nursing assistant workforce is projected to grow 15 to 16 percent between 2018 and 2028, outpacing the national average. That demand translates into a fast, stable career entry point: most state-approved programs take just four to six weeks to complete.
Before enrolling, students confront real choices: program cost, location, and whether a school’s exam pass rate justifies its tuition. With Wyoming CNA training often priced under $2,000 and an aging population fueling long-term care hiring, finding the right fit is a practical, not academic, decision.
Wyoming's Top-Performing CNA Programs for 2027
Wyoming's community and technical colleges keep CNA training short and close to home, with most students completing classroom, lab, and clinical hours in a matter of weeks. The programs below stand out for blending affordability, student support, and formats that work for rural and working learners. Use this list as a starting point, then confirm current schedules, costs, and clinical requirements with the school before enrolling.
Casper College
#1Casper, WY · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Nursing school hopefuls wanting campus cohorts
Casper College places CNA training inside its nursing school, so students work through the same state-aligned curriculum used in Wyoming health care facilities. The for-credit path offers two eight-week campus cohorts each fall with a 12-student limit, while a continuing education option bundles testing, books, CPR, and licensing fees into one $1,400 tuition. The college reports a graduation rate around 43% and a net price after aid near $9,600, which is helpful for budget-conscious learners. A current CNA license is also required for admission to the college's associate degree nursing program beginning fall 2024, making this a strong entry point for nursing advancement.
- Campus-based format in Casper
- Two eight-week sessions offered each fall
- Four credits per session with daytime class hours
- Limited to 12 students per cohort
- Includes classroom instruction, nursing labs, and clinical affiliate learning
- Prepares students for Wyoming licensure and the certification exam
- Financial aid may apply if taking six or more credits
- Exam and licensure fees are not included
- All-inclusive cost of $1,400 per person
- Covers testing and licensing fees, TB testing, books, and CPR certification
- Includes continuing education units
- Campus-based program through Continuing Education
- Fall semester start with experienced instructors
- Focuses on patient care, vital signs, and body mechanics
- Financial assistance available
Sheridan College-Northern Wyoming Community College District
#2Sheridan, WY · $5,000 – $11,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Working adults needing flexible hybrid scheduling
Sheridan College's Northern Wyoming Community College District delivers CNA training through a hybrid model that combines online lessons with just five required in-person days, making it one of the more flexible options in the region. Students can choose a 6-week or 14-week schedule and complete clinical rotations at local facilities. The institution reports a graduation rate around 42% and a net price after aid near $9,300, with scholarships and financial aid available to help offset costs. The same program is offered across district campuses, which supports learners in the Sheridan and Gillette areas.
- Hybrid learning with online coursework plus five in-person lab days
- Choose a 6-week or 14-week schedule
- Includes supervised clinical rotations at local facilities
- Covers basic nursing, personal care, body systems, and life support
- Prepares students for the state certification exam
- Offered across two campuses in the college district
- Scholarships and financial aid opportunities available
Laramie County Community College
#3Cheyenne, WY · $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Southeastern Wyoming learners seeking low-cost hybrid training
Laramie County Community College offers a hybrid CNA course that pairs asynchronous online theory with in-person labs and a 30-hour clinical at a local nursing home. The full course runs about seven weeks and costs approximately $1,200, which includes tuition, lab fees, and materials. With a graduation rate around 38% and a net price after aid near $7,300, it is one of the more affordable college options in the state. Classes are offered in Cheyenne and Laramie, making it a practical route for southeastern Wyoming learners.
- Hybrid format with asynchronous online theory and in-person labs
- Total course cost around $1,200 including tuition, lab kit, and materials
- Includes a 30-hour supervised clinical at a local nursing home
- Meets OBRA guidelines and prepares students for the CNA qualifying exam
- CPR certification, background check, and health requirements required before clinicals
- Spring sessions offered in Cheyenne and Laramie
- Graduates earn a certificate that leads to exam eligibility
Western Wyoming Community College
#4Rock Springs, WY · $7,000/yr (est. net price)
Western Wyoming Community College structures its CNA training as a single four-credit course that blends classroom theory, lab practice, and supervised clinical shifts. The program emphasizes care for elderly clients and prepares students for Wyoming's certification exam. The college reports a graduation rate near 33% and a net price after aid around $6,600, and the program is eligible for Wyoming Works funding, which can significantly lower out-of-pocket costs for qualifying students.
- Hybrid format combining classroom theory, labs, and clinical shifts
- Four total credit hours in a single course
- Focus on caring for elderly clients under licensed nursing supervision
- Clinical attendance and immunization records are mandatory
- Requires BLS/Healthcare Provider certification before clinical placement
- Eligible for Wyoming Works state workforce funding
- Prepares students for the Wyoming certification exam
Northwest College
#5Powell, WY · ~$7,000/yr (est.)
Northwest College provides a campus-based, seven-credit CNA skills certificate with fall and spring start dates. The one-year program covers client care, medical terminology, legal guidelines, and patient needs in a small-college setting in Powell. The college reports a graduation rate near 49% and a net price after aid around $7,500, with scholarships and wrap-around advising and tutoring support. Outreach options may also extend access to nearby communities like Cody.
- Campus-based skills certificate in Powell, Wyoming
- Seven total credit hours with start dates in fall and spring
- One-year program designed as a fast track to CNA exam eligibility
- Covers client care, medical terminology, and nursing practice laws
- Addresses physical, emotional, and cultural patient needs
- Scholarships and financial aid are available
- Includes academic advising, tutoring, and counseling support
Eastern Wyoming College
#6Torrington, WY · $5,000/yr (est. net price)
Eastern Wyoming College offers a 10-week, four-credit CNA program with lectures, labs, and clinical time in small class settings. The college reports a graduation rate around 52% and a net price after aid near $4,800, one of the most affordable figures on this list, with grant and workforce development funding commonly available. Classes are offered each semester in multiple eastern Wyoming locations, and the program supports pathway options like CNA II and medication aide training.
- 10-week campus-based program with lectures, labs, and clinical time
- Four credit hours and small class sizes
- Affordable tuition with grant funding and workforce development support available
- Classes offered each semester in multiple eastern Wyoming locations
- Covers patient care skills such as bathing, feeding, and transporting
- Pathway options include CNA II and medication aide certification
- Prepares students for entry-level roles in hospitals and long-term care
Central Wyoming College
#7Riverton, WY · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.)
Central Wyoming College's CNA certification combines online lessons with hands-on lab work and 36 hours of supervised patient care. Most students complete the four-credit course in four to six weeks, and it is open to anyone age 16 or older. The college reports a graduation rate around 37% and a net price after aid near $11,600, though financial aid and scholarships may reduce the total. The short timeline makes it a practical first step toward CNA II and medication aide roles.
- Blends online lessons with in-person campus lab skills practice
- Most students finish in four to six weeks
- Four total credit hours, including 36 hours of supervised clinical care
- Open to anyone age 16 or older
- Prepares students to sit for state certification
- Requires background check and drug test before clinical placement
- Provides a pathway to CNA II and medication aide roles
What CNA Training Costs in Wyoming (And How to Pay for It)
How much does it actually cost to become a CNA in Wyoming? The honest answer is: less than most people expect, especially compared to other healthcare credentials.
What You Can Expect to Pay
Program costs vary depending on which school you choose and how many credit hours the curriculum requires. Wyoming's community colleges keep tuition competitive, and the total out-of-pocket cost for CNA classes is often well under $2,000 when you account for everything.
Laramie County Community College (LCCC) in Cheyenne offers a clear example of what a full budget looks like. The program runs approximately $1,200 all-in for in-state students. Breaking that down:
- Tuition and lab fee: $481.25
- Lab kit: $116.95
- Textbook (purchase): $116.95, or rental at $89.95
- Uniform and scrubs: around $60, plus $15 for a required watch
- Shoes: approximately $60
- CPR certification: $50
- Background check: $15 to $20
- State board exam fee: $115
- State board application fee: $60
- State board background check fee: $60
Add a small credit card processing fee and you are looking at roughly $1,200 total. That is a very manageable number for a credential that opens the door to steady healthcare employment.
Other Wyoming schools fall in a similar range. Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington and Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs both carry annual in-state tuition under $4,300, making them among the most affordable options in the state. Northwest College in Powell and Sheridan College (which also serves the Gillette area) round out a competitive group of programs priced for working adults.
Ways to Cover the Cost
Even a modest tuition bill does not have to come entirely from your pocket. Wyoming students have several realistic options for reducing or eliminating out-of-pocket costs, and after certification, our guide to landing your first CNA job can help you find work.
- WIOA funding: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides grants for job training in high-demand fields. Healthcare qualifies, and a Wyoming workforce center can tell you if you are eligible.
- Pell Grants: Federal Pell Grants are available to students at accredited community colleges who meet income requirements. Roughly 70 percent of students at schools like LCCC and Western Wyoming receive Pell Grant funding.
- Employer tuition reimbursement: Many long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies in Wyoming will pay for your training in exchange for a commitment to work for them after certification. Ask any healthcare employer you are interested in before you pay out of pocket.
- Scholarships: Sheridan College and other programs offer scholarships specifically for healthcare students. Check with the financial aid office at the school you are considering.
A Note on Cost Variations
Prices listed here reflect the 2025-2026 academic year and can shift slightly. Out-of-state students pay significantly more at most schools, sometimes two to three times the in-state rate. Establishing Wyoming residency or choosing a school in your local community college district is the simplest way to keep costs low.
If you need help finding CNA classes by price and location, cnaclasses.org has a school-matching tool that filters Wyoming options by city, cost, and format.
Questions to Ask Yourself
CNAs spend most of their day on their feet, often helping residents move, bathe, and transfer between beds and wheelchairs. If you have chronic back or joint issues, talk with a healthcare provider before committing to training.
Most Wyoming healthcare facilities staff CNAs around the clock. Flexibility with scheduling is essential, so consider whether your family obligations and lifestyle can adapt to shifts that change from week to week.
CNAs often build close bonds with residents and may witness declining health or loss. Emotional resilience and access to a personal support system make a real difference in sustaining a long, fulfilling career.
Many Wyoming CNAs use the credential as a launchpad toward LPN or RN programs, while others build rewarding decades long careers in direct patient care. Clarifying your goal now helps you choose the right program and plan your next steps.
CNA Training Timelines: How Quickly Can You Get Certified?
CNA training timelines in Wyoming revolve around one core question: how many weeks will it take to complete the required instructional hours? Most state-approved programs mandate a set number of classroom and clinical hours, and the calendar length reflects how those hours are scheduled each week.
Understanding the Basic Requirements
Wyoming sets a minimum number of training hours for nursing assistant candidates, typically combining theory, lab skills, and hands-on clinical practice in a healthcare facility. The exact total is determined by state regulations, so your first stop should be the Wyoming Board of Nursing or Department of Health website to confirm the current hour requirement for state-approved programs.
Full-Time, Part-Time, and Accelerated Options
Programs across the state package those hours differently to accommodate students with varied schedules:
- Full-time day programs: Often complete in four to eight weeks when attending class and clinicals during standard weekday hours.
- Part-time evening or weekend tracks: Stretch over several months, letting you train while working or managing family commitments.
- Accelerated formats: Some schools compress the curriculum into an intensive two-to-three-week block, demanding full-day attendance and rapid skill acquisition.
When comparing options, call community colleges, vocational schools, and nursing homes that run in-house training to ask about their current scheduling patterns. The National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) also maintains directories that can help you locate programs and understand typical timeframes. Remember that a shorter calendar doesn’t mean fewer total hours; it simply means the same content is covered more intensively. Always verify that a program’s schedule actually fits your life before enrolling, because consistent attendance is essential to mastering the skills you will need for the state competency exam.
Your Path to a Wyoming CNA License: Step-by-Step
Getting certified as a certified nursing assistant in Wyoming is a straightforward first step toward a rewarding CNA career, but the details matter. Miss a step or misread the timeline, and you can delay your start date by weeks. Here is the full process, laid out clearly.
Complete a State-Approved Training Program
Wyoming requires a minimum of 75 hours of training, with at least 15 of those hours spent in a supervised clinical setting with real patients. Most programs run between four and eight weeks depending on scheduling. You need to finish your coursework through a program approved by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing before you can move on to testing.
Pass the Wyoming Nurse Aide Competency Exam
Once training is complete, you sit for the Wyoming Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The exam has two parts: a written knowledge test and a hands-on skills demonstration. You have up to five attempts to pass, so while most candidates succeed on the first try, you do have room to regroup if needed. The exam fee is $120, and you submit your application through the WSBN Nurse Portal online. The application fee is also $120.2
Clear the Background Check
A criminal background check is required as part of the certification process. This is standard across healthcare roles in Wyoming. Plan ahead, as processing times can vary. Any disqualifying findings are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Get Listed on the Wyoming Nurse Aide Registry
After passing your exam, the Wyoming Department of Health adds your name to the Nurse Aide Registry. Employers check this registry before hiring, so your listing is essentially your professional credential. Keep your contact information current so your record stays accurate.
Renew Every Two Years
Your certification is valid for 24 months. To renew, you must have worked at least 8 hours as a paid nursing assistant during that period.3 There is no continuing education requirement tied to renewal at this time, but you do need to demonstrate active employment in the field. If you let your certification lapse without the required work hours, you may need to retrain before reapplying.
Tracking your renewal date from day one saves you from scrambling later. Set a reminder well before the 24-month mark so you have time to confirm your work hours are documented.
Wyoming's demand for nursing assistants is expected to grow 15 to 16 percent between 2018 and 2028, outpacing the national average for many healthcare occupations. This strong growth reflects an aging population and expanding long-term care needs across the state.
Spotlight on Cheyenne, Gillette, and Casper: CNA Classes Near You
Where you live in Wyoming shapes which CNA program makes the most practical sense. Cheyenne, Gillette, and Casper each have distinct training options, and understanding what's available locally can save you weeks of research.
Cheyenne: Flexible Options from a Community College
Laramie County Community College anchors CNA training in Cheyenne with a hybrid program that combines online coursework with hands-on clinical practice. The program runs approximately $1,200 and requires 30 hours of clinical training, meeting Wyoming's state minimum. The hybrid format suits students who need to work while they study, since the online portion offers scheduling flexibility that a fully in-person program cannot. For questions about schedules and seat availability, the program contact is Dawn Williams at 307-778-1267.
Cheyenne also hosts HCP Education Center, which runs a three-week intensive CNA course in a weekday daytime format.2 This accelerated, in-person option is built for students who want to move quickly from enrollment to certification. Three weeks is a serious time commitment during business hours, so it works best for students without full-time daytime obligations.
Casper: Small Classes and Structured Scheduling
Casper College offers a CNA certificate program that runs about four months, carries eight credit hours, and caps class sizes at 12 students.3 This means more hands-on attention from instructors and a better shot at clinical site availability. Total program cost runs around $1,400.3 Because seats are limited, prospective students should contact the college early to ask about application deadlines and whether a waitlist is currently active.
Pioneer Manor in Casper also appears on the Wyoming Department of Health's 2026 approved training programs list, which can be a useful resource if you're looking for employer-based training closer to a direct hire track.
Gillette: Check the State Approval List
Gillette's CNA training landscape is smaller than Cheyenne or Casper, and specific program schedules are not always published well in advance. The Wyoming Department of Health maintains an updated list of approved CNA training programs statewide, and that list is your most reliable starting point for finding current options in the Gillette area. Local long-term care facilities sometimes offer training directly, so it's worth calling facilities near you in addition to checking community college schedules.
No matter which city you're in, seat availability and class start dates shift frequently. Reaching out directly to programs rather than relying only on published schedules is the most practical way to get accurate, current information.
Earning Your CNA Online: Hybrid Options in Wyoming
On-campus CNA training delivers a traditional, hands-on classroom environment, but hybrid programs pair online coursework with in-person clinical labs, giving you more flexibility around work or family schedules.
What Is a Hybrid CNA Program?
Hybrid CNA training splits theory and skills. You complete the textbook portion – anatomy, infection control, residents’ rights – through self-paced online modules, then attend mandatory in-person sessions at a campus lab or partner healthcare facility to practice and demonstrate clinical competencies.
How to Find Approved Hybrid Programs in Wyoming
Not every Wyoming school advertises hybrid delivery on its website, so a bit of detective work pays off. - Check the Board of Nursing website: The Wyoming State Board of Nursing maintains a current list of approved nurse aide training programs. Some describe their delivery method, but if it isn’t clear, you can call the board for guidance. - Contact community colleges directly: Reach out to schools such as Casper College or Laramie County Community College and ask whether they offer a hybrid track with online theory and in-person clinicals. Admissions staff can explain the format and next start date. - Research federal resources: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website connects to official state resources for CNA training requirements. It’s a fast way to verify what Wyoming mandates before you enroll.
How to Verify Program Approval
All CNA programs that lead to state certification must be approved by the Wyoming Board of Nursing. You can also confirm accreditation through the Wyoming Department of Education for community college offerings. Avoid any program that cannot show current state approval; unapproved training won’t make you eligible for the competency exam.
Which Wyoming CNA Programs Get Results? Exam Pass Rates and Job Outcomes
Which Wyoming CNA programs have the best exam pass rates? Understanding a school’s exam performance helps you choose training that truly prepares you for the state competency test. While official pass-rate data is only partially public, knowing what to look for can steer you toward programs with a strong track record.
Statewide Pass Rates Set the Baseline
Wyoming’s overall CNA exam pass rate sits at 83.8%, based on 1,210 test-takers.1 For perspective, the national first-time CNA pass rate typically ranges from 75% to 80%.3 This figure gives you a benchmark: any individual program that consistently falls well below this number may need closer inspection. There are currently 76 CNA programs across 34 Wyoming cities,1 so you have enough options to be selective.
What Central Wyoming College’s Numbers Reveal
Central Wyoming College reports two distinct outcomes for 2023-2024:2
- Basic CNA program: 79% pass rate (19 of 24 candidates passed).
- CNA II advanced track: 100% pass rate (1 of 1 candidate passed).
The CNA II result is encouraging, but the tiny sample size makes it less reliable than the basic program’s data. A single tester can’t reflect a trend. When you see a 100% pass rate, always ask how many students were tested.
How to Use This Information (and What’s Missing)
Official job placement or employer satisfaction data is not published by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. That doesn’t mean outcomes don’t matter; you just have to gather them yourself.
- Ask for pass rates directly: Request the program’s most recent first-time pass rate and the number of testers behind it.
- Compare to the state average: A rate above 83.8% suggests solid exam preparation.
- Dig into career support: Inquire about job-placement assistance, local employer partnerships, or graduate employment surveys. Even without a formal placement rate, a program that actively helps with hiring is more likely to get you working.
- Consider the full picture: Exam pass rates are one piece. Combine them with factors like cost, clinical hours, scheduling flexibility, and instructor quality to find the right fit.
By asking the right questions, you can identify a Wyoming CNA program that not only teaches the skills but also sets you up to pass the exam and start your career confidently.
Wyoming CNA Salary Overview
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), nursing assistants in Wyoming earn a median annual wage of $38,360. The statewide average salary is $41,040, with the middle 50% earning between $36,980 and $46,260. Approximately 2,680 CNAs are employed across the state.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Employment | 2,680 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $41,040 |
| Median Wage | $38,360 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,980 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,260 |
CNA Pay by City in Wyoming
Salaries for nursing assistants in Wyoming vary by location. In Cheyenne, CNAs earn a median annual wage of $46,090, while those in Casper see a median of $37,590. Employment numbers are similar in both metros, with 460 CNAs in Cheyenne and 450 in Casper.
| Metro Area | Total CNAs Employed | Annual Mean Wage | Median Annual Salary | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne, WY | 460 | $44,570 | $46,090 | $37,450 | $48,180 |
| Casper, WY | 450 | $39,190 | $37,590 | $37,070 | $41,560 |
Common Questions About CNA Training in Wyoming
Getting your CNA certification in Wyoming brings up a lot of practical questions, especially about costs, timelines, and licensing steps. Below, we answer the ones we hear most often from students just like you.
How do I get my CNA license in Wyoming?
Start by completing a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, including classroom and clinical work. Then pass the Wyoming Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which has a written (or oral) part and a skills demonstration. Once you pass, your name is added to the Wyoming CNA Registry, and you can work as a certified nurse aide.
What’s the shortest CNA program in Wyoming?
Full-time, accelerated programs can take as little as two to three weeks if you attend daily. These intensive courses pack the required 75 training hours into a condensed schedule. Part-time or evening options typically run four to six weeks. Check with individual schools, some may offer Hybrid Online CNA Classes that shorten on-campus time.
Can I get financial help for CNA classes?
Yes. Many nursing homes and long-term care facilities offer tuition reimbursement if you work for them after certification. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants, community college scholarships, and payment plans can also help. Contact the program director or a local workforce center to explore what’s currently available.
