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Students apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom into clinical practice.
Students apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom into clinical practice.
Students apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom into clinical practice.
Nursing is a challenging and rewarding career with countless job opportunities and a variety of career paths. The ADN is one of the quickest routes to becoming an RN. Graduates who pass the NCLEX-RN examination can enter the workforce in an entry-level position while advancing their career in a specialty area. ADN graduates also have the opportunity to continue on a streamlined pathway to earn an optional bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Program Features
The CWC nursing program uses a team-based learning strategy that emphasizes student preparation out of class followed by the application of knowledge in class. TBL facilitates active learning through the use of small group classroom activities. This student-centered approach brings real-world meaning to concepts explored in the classroom, while enhancing professional skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. TBL prepares graduates for professional nursing practice and promotes lifelong learning skills.
The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Central Wyoming College located in Riverton, Wyoming, is accredited by the
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing Program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at
http://www.acenursing.org/search-programs/
Additionally, the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Central Wyoming College is approved by the
Wyoming State Board of Nursing
130 Hobbs Avenue
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002
(307) 777-7601
Further information regarding Wyoming nursing education may be found at http://wsbn.wyo.gov/education
Only graduates of state board approved nursing programs are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). A passing score must be achieved to earn the legal title of “registered nurse.” Admission to the program is not a guarantee of professional licensure.
There are a number of reasons that the Wyoming State Board of Nursing may deny, revoke, limit, or suspend a nursing license. The Board protects the public by screening candidates for licensure in order to identify potentially unsafe nurses. The law provides for denial of licensure for acts which are substantially related to nursing qualifications, duties, or abilities. The complete regulation (33-21-146) taken from The Nurse Practice Act may be viewed at http://wsbn.wyo.gov/home
Standard | Performance Requirements |
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Intellectual Ability |
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Interpersonal Skills |
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Motor Skills |
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Physical Endurance and Mobility |
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Applications must be received by 11:59PM (MST) on the application deadline.
Before you begin the nursing application, be sure you have reviewed the “Prerequisites and Admission Eligibility” menu above. Nursing program admission decisions are based on the fulfillment of these requirements.
Carefully read the instructions that appear throughout the application form and pay close attention to the accuracy in your online responses. Once your application is submitted, it will be held for review by the nursing selection committee. Applicants are notified of committee decisions in early April for the fall start.
Please submit the application form only once in the current cycle. If you have updates to any information that was submitted, contact the nursing office at 307-855-2226 or email sstanek@job908.com.
Congratulations on your decision to enter nursing. Let’s get started.
Apply Now |
Each year, 32 students are selected to enter the program on the main campus in Riverton, and 8 students are selected for the outreach campus in Jackson. Admission to the program is competitive and enrollment is controlled. Complete applications are reviewed and ranked using a two-tier system.
In Tier I, points are awarded in the following areas:
To receive bonus points, you must contact the nursing director at the college and provide a valid license number. Additionally, a letter verifying current employment must be written on company letterhead and sent directly from a human resource official at the employing agency to the CWC Nursing Director at 2660 Peck Avenue, Riverton, WY 82501 by the March 1 program application deadline. Documentation must include job title, hours worked per week, date of hire, and verification of current employment. The employer’s contact information must also be included for validation purposes.
Total points are calculated using a weighted formula:
Applicants who accept an offer of admission to the program will advance to Tier II and must meet the following requirements before admission can be finalized:
Full admission is contingent upon completion of Tier II requirements. Students will receive instructions from the nursing office for fulfilling these requirements. Failure to meet the requirements by May 31 will result in a rescinded admission offer.
Applicants are notified of admission decisions via postal service 4-6 weeks after the March 1 application deadline and will receive (1) a letter of acceptance, (2) an offer for placement on the alternate list, or (3) a letter of non-acceptance. An alternate list is maintained for each cohort in the event an applicant declines acceptance. Students ranked on the alternate list will be notified if an opening occurs.
An applicant who is notified of admission to the program must return the Acceptance Reply Form in order to reserve a position in the class. Admission may not be deferred or rolled over to a later term. If an accepted applicant opts to withdraw their application, notification of withdrawal must be received by the nursing office in a timely manner. Failure to notify the nursing office of intent to withdraw the application may affect future consideration for admission.
Students not accepted to the program who are interested in reapplying must complete the Nursing Program Admission Application prior to the March 1 deadline in the next admission cycle, and submit official college transcripts reflecting coursework completed since the last application, if applicable.
Graduates complete 66 total program credits leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing. The curriculum includes a combination of general education and professional nursing courses. Once prerequisite coursework requirements are met, the program is designed to be completed in two academic years (four semesters). Enrolled students must complete the required nursing courses in sequence. The recommended ADN Program of Study is designed to help students with long-range planning. Students should work with their academic advisor in planning their schedule.
Course Number | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
BIOL 1010 | General Biology (LSCI) | 4 |
ENGL 1010 | English Composition I (WRI) | 3 |
ENGL 1020 | English Composition II (WRII) | 3 |
MATH 1400 | College Algebra (MATH) | 4 |
POLS 1000 | American & WY Government (POLS) | 3 |
PSYC 1000 | General Psychology (SOC) | 4 |
ZOO 2015 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
ZOO 2025 | Human Physiology | 4 |
UNST 1005 | University Studies (UNST)* | 1 |
Total: 30 |
*Students who have a minimum of 12 college-level credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA are exempt.
Course Number | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
NURS 1100 | Professional Nursing Care in Health Promotion | 8 |
NURS 1110 | Pharmacology in Health Promotion | 1 |
NURS 1200 | Professional Nursing Care of the Patient with Chronic Illness | 8 |
NURS 1210 | Pharmacology in Chronic Illness | 1 |
NURS 2300 | Professional Nursing Care of the Patient with Acute Illness | 8 |
NURS 2310 | Pharmacology in Acute Illness | 1 |
NURS 2400 | Professional Nursing Care of the Patient with Complex Illness | 8 |
NURS 2410 | Pharmacology in Complex Illness | 1 |
Total: 36 |
The on-campus nursing classroom is a state-of-the-art teaching space that is equipped for distance delivery by means of video conferencing technology allowing real-time interaction with nursing students and faculty at an outreach site in Jackson, Wyoming. All nursing courses have an online classroom to handle announcements, topic outlines, discussion boards, and other communication from the faculty. Student response systems allow for enhanced participation during class and provide instructors with instant feedback related to student understanding of content.
Active classroom learning strategies used to assist the student in meeting outcomes include team-based learning activities, case studies, group work, demonstration and return demonstration, practice worksheets, concept mapping, textbooks and eResources, and ATI online products.
Team-based learning is an instructional approach designed around modules that are presented in a three-step cycle: (1) student out-of-class preparation and review, (2) in-class readiness assurance testing, and (3) application-focused exercise. An appeals process encourages students to review the material, evaluate their understanding, and defend the choice they made. This approach to learning fosters the development of high-level thinking skills and brings real-world meaning to concepts explored in the classroom.
The simulation and skills labs present a sophisticated and innovative learning environment in which students synthesize didactic and clinical knowledge as they transition into professional practice. Here you will apply concepts learned in the classroom to hands-on skills practice. The simulation lab is occupied by life-size mannequins, from infant through adult, that simulate symptoms, diseases, and conditions that nurses are likely to see in an actual patient care setting. The labs are fully furnished with supplies and equipment to create a realistic hospital environment.
High-fidelity clinical simulations are integrated throughout the curriculum and provide realistic and challenging scenarios to assist students in developing clinical judgment and decision-making skills. These scenarios allow students to respond to patient situations and learn correct interventions in a controlled environment, thereby decreasing risks inherent in practicing skills on live patients. A debriefing area allows for discussions and reflective learning following a simulated learning experience.
Online virtual clinical experiences may be used to enhance onsite instruction where practical learning opportunities in the community are limited.
Clinical rotations begin in the first semester of the program. Each core nursing course has a clinical component whereby students are placed in a clinical setting and engage in learning experiences where they provide direct care to patients under the close supervision of a nursing professional. Our main objective is the careful selection of a variety of community agencies whose clinical opportunities meet the goals of the nursing program.
In the fourth semester of the program, a merit-based, preceptor-guided clinical experience may be available to qualifying students. The purpose is to provide students an opportunity to apply all elements of prior learning into an authentic clinical practice situation and to facilitate transition into practice. During the preceptorship, students will provide direct patient care under the guidance of a registered nurse preceptor.
Most testing is done is a computer laboratory to resemble the style and format of the national licensing examination. In certain situations, a secure online test proctoring service may be used. In that event, the student must have access to a computer with microphone capabilities and a webcam for test-taking purposes.
The program uses innovative and emerging teaching strategies and technologies to engage students in the learning process. Students accepted to the program must be computer literate and have high-speed internet access. Students must supply a mobile device that is small enough to fit into the uniform pocket and capable of supporting the required software products. The college uses the Canvas Learning Management System to deliver hybrid and online course content.
Technology is integrated into the nursing curriculum in a variety of ways, including
Students wishing to transfer credit into the nursing program must meet the following requirements:
Enrolled nursing students may be considered for program-specific scholarships provided they meet stated criteria and complete the CWC scholarship application. The online scholarship application form is available November 1 thru March 1 and must be completed annually. Some scholarship awards also require a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the CWC financial aid office. Failure to complete this form may affect award eligibility. Nursing scholarship awards are determined in May and recipients are notified via their CWC student email account in early June.
Check out Central Scholarships for more information.
Advanced placement in the Associate Degree Nursing Program is available for licensed practical nurses. Interested applicants must contact the nursing director.
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 nursing program follows the requirements established by our clinical partners, as well as Centers for Disease Control guidelines and recommendations for immunizations for healthcare providers. Prior to the first clinical day, students must provide certain immunization records and submit to a criminal background check and 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 currently licensed CNAs an opportunity to prepare for practice in an expanded role in healthcare settings. You will develop knowledge and skills through classroom instruction and hands-on activities in the campus lab. Emphasis is on sterile techniques, wound care, discontinuing IV catheters, urinary procedures, respiratory procedures, and tube feeding, and electrocardiography.
Enrolled students must pass a comprehensive written examination and a final skills practicum at the required level. Students who successfully complete the course are eligible to apply for certification through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. There is a $10 fee and licensure candidates may be required to provide documentation of 1500 hours of work as a CNA on the application form.
For more information, contact Stacey Stanek at 307-855-2226 or email sstanek@job908.com.
NRST 1600: Medication Aide (4 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 the patient 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. Successful completion of NRST-1600 qualifies the student to take the National Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE) administered by Pearson Vue to receive MA-C certification 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@job908.com.
Stacey Stanek
Nursing Director
307-855-2226
sstanek@job908.com
Nursing Director and Professor of Nursing
Stacey is the contact person for students who are applying to the nursing program.
Instructor of Nursing
Liz Oliver has a strong background in acute care in rural settings and has spent a great deal of time mentoring new nurses.
Nursing Instructor
Lacey is a nursing instructor at the CWC outreach center in Jackson, Wyoming.
Professor of Nursing
Professor of Nursing
Amy began working as a registered nurse in 1997 and loves bringing her experience to the classroom.
Nursing Instructor
Melissa joins the CWC nursing team with experience in multiple areas of nursing practice.
INSTRUCTOR OF NURSING
NURSING INSTRUCTOR
Anna is a nursing instructor at the CWC outreach center in Jackson, Wyoming.
Nursing Instructor
Jim brings with him nine years of nursing experiences from his time spent working in ICU, home health, and teaching at a four-year university in Michigan’s upper peninsula.
2660 Peck Avenue
Riverton, WY 82501
(307) 855 – 2000
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120 Enterprise Blvd.
Lander, WY 82520
(307) 332 – 3394
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240 S. Glenwood St #124
P.O. Box 4795
Jackson, WY 83001
(307) 733 – 7425
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302 W. Ramshorn
P.O. Box 175
Dubois, WY 82513
(307) 455 – 2625
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