Eighteen CNA programs across seven nursing schools in Wyoming serve the entire state, yet demand for nursing assistants continues to climb in facilities from Cheyenne's medical centers to rural long-term care homes near the Montana border. That scarcity makes program selection straightforward in one sense: the options are limited. It also means competition for seats can be tighter than in states with dozens of training providers.
Net prices at Wyoming's community colleges range from roughly $4,700 to over $11,000 per year before aid, a gap that reflects real differences in institutional support rather than program quality. Candidates in Casper, Gillette, or Laramie face fewer local choices than those near Cheyenne, where hybrid delivery expands scheduling flexibility. State certification requires both classroom instruction and supervised clinical hours, so fully online completion is not an option here.
Wyoming's Best CNA Classes and Programs, Ranked
Every school below is a Wyoming institution with an active nursing assistant pathway, ordered with affordability and value as the guiding lens. CNA training is short and low-credit, so cost, completion time, and the financial support a college offers tend to matter more here than prestige. Each card lists what the school offers, where it is located, and how the program is delivered.
How we ranked these
- Median graduate debt loads
- Net price after grant aid
- Program length and format
- Completion and retention signals
- Regional access for students
- Original research on individual programs
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- In-house program catalog data
Northwest College
#1Powell, WY · ~$7,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Rural career changers entering healthcare
Northwest College anchors CNA training in Wyoming's Big Horn Basin with a 7-credit skills certificate that students can finish in a single term. The college also sponsors concurrent CNA classes in Worland, Greybull, Lovell, and the Cody area, which widens access for students who live far from the Powell campus. Completing the two-course sequence (Nursing Assistant plus Medical Terminology) with at least a C earns the skills certificate and qualifies graduates to apply for the Prometric exam and Wyoming certification. Schools offering this program have graduation rates of about 49%.
- 7 credit hours total
- On-campus format with hands-on skills practice
- Fall and spring entry terms
- Two-course certificate: Nursing Assistant plus Medical Terminology
- Grade of C (74%) or higher required in both courses
- Prepares students for the Prometric exam and Wyoming certification
- Covers client care skills, medical terminology, and state and federal law
- Financial aid, scholarships, and academic advising available
Western Wyoming Community College
#2Rock Springs, WY · $7,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Hands-on learners preferring lab and clinical practice
Western Wyoming Community College runs a compact nursing assistant certificate built around theory, lab, and clinical practice, with a curriculum that leans into care of older adults. A new health science wing, planned to support roughly 200 students a year across nursing and nurse assistant programs, reflects the college's investment in this career pathway. Wyoming Works funding can help cover the course, and the program spells out its clinical requirements up front: vaccinations, CPR certification, and a background check, with COVID-19 vaccination recommended rather than mandatory. Schools offering this program have graduation rates of about 33%.
- 4-credit certificate program
- Theory, lab, and supervised clinical components
- Focus on care of elderly clients
- Prepares students for the Wyoming certification exam
- Healthcare Provider BLS certification required
- Hybrid format with a mandatory clinical component
- Vaccinations, CPR, and background check required
- Eligible for Wyoming Works funding
Casper College
#3Casper, WY · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Aspiring nurses starting a long-term pathway
Casper College delivers CNA training through its workforce and continuing education arm, with classroom, lab, and clinical affiliate hours at a campus in the center of the state. Two eight-week sessions run each fall, and each section is capped at 12 students, so seats fill quickly. Starting in fall 2026, CNA certification is no longer required for admission to the college's nursing program, but it still earns applicants five admission points, which keeps the course a smart first step for students aiming at an RN. Schools offering this program have graduation rates of about 43%.
- Two eight-week sessions offered each fall
- Four credits per session
- Daytime class hours with classroom and lab instruction
- Clinical affiliate learning with partner facilities
- Cohort limited to 12 students
- Prepares students for the certification exam and Wyoming licensure
- Exam and licensure fees are not included
- Financial aid available with a six-credit minimum
- Program cost of $1,400 per person
- Awarded continuing education units
- Testing and licensing fees included
- Includes tuberculosis testing, books, and CPR certification
- Covers patient care skills, body mechanics, and vital signs
- Taught by experienced instructors
- Fall semester start
- Financial assistance available
Sheridan College-Northern Wyoming Community College District
#4Sheridan, WY · $5,000 – $11,000/yr
Sheridan College, part of the Northern Wyoming Community College District, delivers CNA training in a hybrid format with six-week and 14-week options so working students can choose their pace. Online coursework is paired with five in-person lab days and supervised clinical rotations, and the program is offered on both the Sheridan and Johnson County campuses. Instruction covers basic nursing skills, personal care, body systems, mental health topics, and residents' rights, all aligned to the state certification exam. Scholarships, financial aid, and industry partnerships round out the support students receive.
- 6-week and 14-week options
- Hybrid format: online coursework plus five in-person lab days
- Clinical rotations included
- Prepares students for the State Nursing Assistant Certification Examination
- Covers basic nursing skills, personal care, and body systems
- Includes basic life support, mental health, and residents' rights
- Offered on the Sheridan and Johnson County campuses
- Scholarships and financial aid available
Laramie County Community College
#5Cheyenne, WY · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Laramie County Community College is the primary CNA provider in Cheyenne, running a state-approved hybrid course that pairs online instruction with a 30-hour clinical experience at a local nursing facility. Sessions run multiple times a year, and the college publishes a full cost breakdown, with tuition and lab fees around $481 and a total program cost near $1,200 before books, uniforms, and a lab kit. Immunizations, CPR certification, a background check, and a current TB test are required before clinical placement. Graduates sit for the Prometric exam and Wyoming state certification.
- State-approved CNA curriculum
- Hybrid online and in-person coursework
- 30-hour supervised clinical experience
- Total program cost of about $1,200
- Tuition and lab fees run about $481
- Lab kit costs $116.95; textbooks rented or purchased separately
- Immunizations, CPR, background check, and TB test required
- Prepares students for the Prometric exam and state certification
Eastern Wyoming College
#6Torrington, WY · $5,000/yr (net price)
Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington keeps its CNA course to 10 weeks and four credits, with lectures, labs, and clinical time in small classes. The program runs every semester at multiple locations across the region, which suits students who need a class close to home. Grant funding and Workforce Development Services support help with cost, and the college also offers a CNA II course and a medication aide path for graduates ready to move up. Schools offering this program have graduation rates of about 52%.
- 10-week program length
- 4 credit hours
- Campus lectures, labs, and supervised clinical time
- Small class sizes
- Classes offered each semester at multiple locations
- Grant funding and Workforce Development Services support
- CNA II and medication aide paths after certification
- Prepares graduates for hospitals and long-term care facilities
Central Wyoming College
#7Riverton, WY · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
Central Wyoming College in Riverton compresses CNA training into four to six weeks, with campus lab practice and hands-on clinical experience built in. The program is open to students as young as 16, which makes it a practical entry point for dual-enrollment high schoolers and early career starters. Graduates are prepared for the state certification exam and for work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, and the college offers CNA II and medication aide options for continued advancement. Schools offering this program have graduation rates of about 37%.
- 4 to 6 week training period
- Campus lab practice plus hands-on clinical experience
- Prepares students for the state certification exam
- Minimum age of 16 for admission
- Patient care skills, vital signs monitoring, and communication training
- CNA II and medication aide advancement options
- Graduates prepared for hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics
How These CNA Program Rankings Were Built
Three federal data points anchor every ranking on this page: net price, the share of students receiving Pell Grants, and the school's overall graduation rate. All three come from the U.S. Department of Education's IPEDS and College Scorecard databases, the same sources used across higher-education research nationally.
Where available, program-level earnings for CNA completers are pulled from Scorecard completer data. That figure isn't reported for every school, and when it's missing, the ranking relies more heavily on the other metrics.
Graduation Rates Aren't CNA-Specific
It matters to be clear about a limitation here: graduation rates reflect the entire institution, not the Certified Nursing Assistant program alone. A community college's overall completion rate includes nursing students, welding students, and liberal arts transfers alike. It's a useful proxy for institutional stability and student support, but not a direct measure of the quality of CNA Classes & Programs.
What's Missing, and Why
Clinical skills exam pass rates and employer hiring partnerships would tell prospective students a lot, but no standardized federal dataset tracks either one at the program level in Wyoming. Rather than guess or rely on self-reported marketing claims from individual schools, this ranking leaves those factors out entirely. That's a deliberate choice: it's better to be transparent about what can be measured reliably than to pretend precision that doesn't exist.
CNA Training in Cheyenne, Casper, Gillette, and Laramie
Wyoming's four largest population centers each offer at least one CNA training pathway, but the options vary considerably in delivery format, institutional net price, and admissions requirements. Cheyenne stands out as the only city among these four with a hybrid option, while Casper and Gillette provide campus based and hybrid routes respectively. Laramie itself does not host a dedicated CNA program at the University of Wyoming; prospective students in that area typically look to nearby Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne or other community colleges across the state.
| City | School | Delivery Format | In State Tuition (Institutional) | Estimated Net Price | Background Check | AHA CPR Required | Multiple Program Providers in City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne | Laramie County Community College | Hybrid (online coursework plus in person labs and clinicals) | $4,613 | $7,287 | Yes, required before starting the program | Yes, AHA Healthcare Provider certification | No, single provider |
| Casper | Casper College | Campus based (classroom, lab, and clinical affiliate sites) | $4,470 | $9,593 | Yes, fingerprints and law enforcement check required before clinicals | Yes, per nursing program requirements | No, single provider |
| Gillette and Sheridan (shared district) | Sheridan College, Northern Wyoming Community College District | Hybrid (6 or 14 week online component plus five in person lab days and clinicals) | $4,830 | $9,346 | Not confirmed from official program sources | Not confirmed from official program sources | Gillette College campus operates under the same district, offering additional access |
| Laramie | No dedicated CNA program based in the city | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Nearest options include LCCC in Cheyenne or other community colleges statewide |
What It Costs to Become a CNA in Wyoming: The Full Breakdown
Most prospective CNAs focus on tuition alone, but the real price tag includes state exam fees, Board of Nursing certification costs, supplies, and health requirements. The breakdown below captures a typical all-in estimate for a Wyoming community college CNA program so you can budget with confidence.
Explore other Wyoming related topics
From Enrollment to Badge: Wyoming CNA Certification Step by Step
Earning your Certified Nursing Assistant credential in Wyoming follows a clear, predictable path. Most candidates move from enrollment to a registry-listed badge in roughly eight to twelve weeks, depending on program scheduling and exam availability. Here is every milestone you need to hit.
Paying for CNA Training: Financial Aid, Grants, and Employer-Sponsored Options
What funding is available to cover CNA training costs in Wyoming? Several programs, including No-Cost CNA Programs, can reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket expense, depending on your employment status, income, and willingness to commit to a local employer after certification.
WIOA Funding Through Wyoming Workforce Services
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is one of the most accessible paths to funded CNA training in Wyoming. CNA is among the approved fields, alongside medical assistant, phlebotomy, LPN, RN, and EMT. You apply through your local Wyoming Department of Workforce Services center, where a case manager will assess your eligibility.1
- Adult program: Age 18 or older, unemployed or under-employed, and meeting low-income guidelines.
- Youth program: Ages 14 to 21 if currently in school, or 16 to 24 if out of school, with at least one qualifying barrier.
- Dislocated Worker program: Age 18 or older and displaced from employment due to economic conditions, business closure, or natural disaster.
Employer-Sponsored Training
Many Wyoming hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies train CNAs in-house, covering tuition and exam fees when you agree to work for them after certification. These arrangements vary by facility and are not part of a statewide reimbursement program, so ask hiring managers directly about available options.
State Healthcare Training Grants and Pell Grants
Newly enrolled students in a healthcare career pathway may qualify for up to $10,000 through a state-supported program to complete a qualified healthcare credential within two years.2 If your CNA program is housed at an accredited community college, you may also be eligible for federal Pell Grants, which do not need to be repaid, and other financial aid for nursing students. Contact the financial aid office early to confirm your program qualifies.
Hybrid and Online CNA Classes in Wyoming: What's Actually Available
Can you take CNA classes online in Wyoming? The short answer is partially. Wyoming requires all CNA students to complete clinical and lab hours in person, so no program in the state is fully online. When you see "online CNA classes" advertised here, the accurate term is hybrid: you study theory modules on your own schedule, then report to a campus or clinical site for hands-on skills practice and patient care rotations.
Pros
- Hybrid coursework lets you complete theory at your own pace, a real advantage in a rural state where campuses may be hours away.
- Online modules reduce commute time significantly, which matters when Wyoming's nearest training site could be a long drive.
- Self-paced study allows working adults and parents to fit CNA theory around existing schedules without sitting in a classroom every week.
- Two ranked programs currently offer a hybrid format: Sheridan College (with Gillette College) and Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, both combining online learning with required in-person components.
Cons
- Clinical and lab hours must still be completed on site, so you will need to travel to a campus or healthcare facility regardless of the online portion.
- Only two of the seven ranked Wyoming CNA programs use a hybrid format, limiting your geographic options if you want online flexibility.
- Less cumulative hands-on practice time before clinicals can leave hybrid students feeling less prepared compared to peers in fully campus-based programs.
- Hybrid formats require strong self-discipline; students who thrive on structured, in-person instruction may find the independent coursework challenging.
CNA Wages Across Wyoming: What the Numbers Say
According to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 data), certified nursing assistants in Wyoming earn a statewide median annual wage of $39,160. That figure sits between a 25th percentile of $37,180 and a 75th percentile of $47,340, meaning experienced CNAs or those working in higher paying settings can earn noticeably more than entry level peers. Because metro level breakdowns for individual Wyoming areas such as Cheyenne, Casper, Gillette, and rural non metro regions are limited in the published dataset, the statewide figures below serve as the most reliable benchmark. CNAs looking for the highest paying opportunities in Wyoming should focus on hospital and specialty care settings, which typically compensate above the median, and consider regions where workforce shortages drive wages higher.
| Wage Percentile | Annual Wage | Approximate Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | Not yet published for Wyoming | Not yet published for Wyoming |
| 25th Percentile | $37,180 | $17.88 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $39,160 | $18.83 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,340 | $22.76 |
| Mean (Average) | $41,470 | $19.94 |
CNA Vs. LPN Vs. Medical Assistant: Entry-Level Healthcare Roles Compared
If you are weighing your options for breaking into healthcare in Wyoming, it helps to see how the three most common entry-level roles stack up. The CNA path is the fastest way to start working with patients, and it also serves as a natural stepping stone toward LPN or RN licensure. Below is a side-by-side look at how each role compares on the factors that matter most. Quick note on verification: to confirm your CNA certification status in Wyoming, search the Wyoming Nurse Aide Registry through the state Board of Nursing's online license lookup portal. Employers are required to verify registry placement before assigning patient care duties.
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Medical Assistant (MA) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Training Required | 175 hours (including 100 clinical hours) | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program, typically 12 to 18 months | Varies by program; certificate programs often run 9 to 12 months |
| Credential Type | State registry placement on the Wyoming Nurse Aide Registry | State licensure through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing, tracked in the Nursys national database | Voluntary national certification (CMA or RMA); not regulated through the CNA registry |
| Scope of Practice | Basic nursing care under supervision in long-term care and other licensed facilities | Broader clinical duties including medication administration, wound care, and patient assessment under RN or physician direction | Administrative and basic clinical tasks in outpatient and clinic settings under provider supervision |
| Typical Work Settings | Nursing homes, assisted living, hospitals, home health | Hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, long-term care | Physician offices, outpatient clinics, urgent care centers |
| Career Ladder Potential | Can advance to CNA II, then pursue LPN or RN education | Can bridge to RN through LPN-to-RN programs | Limited direct pathway to nursing licensure; separate nursing program required |
| Time to First Paycheck | As few as 4 to 8 weeks after enrollment | Approximately 12 to 18 months after enrollment | Approximately 9 to 12 months after enrollment |
Salary Insight
Salary Insight