Ensuring Sustainability of the Wyoming Innovation Partnership

As 2024 kicks off, the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) remains dedicated to advancing education, workforce development, and institutional alignment throughout the state. Phase III of the WIP initiative is fast approaching, and Governor Gordon has requested $30 million from the Wyoming State Legislature this budget session to fortify and solidify the workforce development programs initiated in earlier phases.

A key element of the WIP’s mission is establishing coordination among higher education institutions across the state to curate a comprehensive and interconnected educational ecosystem that is in alignment with industry to support the State's economic development strategy. Establishing successful programs at colleges is a nuanced and resource-intensive endeavor that takes time. 

The WIP-funded programs stand as a testament to how an infusion of funding and support can accelerate this process for colleges and communities to meet industry’s workforce demands.

Building a Robust Healthcare Workforce

The WIP is making significant strides to address critical healthcare workforce shortages through targeted initiatives. These programs are still ongoing and, with the help of additional Phase III funding, will continue to strengthen available opportunities as core components of Wyoming’s healthcare education.

Echocardiography Program

Phase I tackled the severe shortage of echocardiography technologists in Wyoming and surrounding areas by developing a new echocardiography program at Laramie County Community College (LCCC). This program serves as an auxiliary or advanced program for medical imaging students and offers additional avenues for career advancement and specialization within the medical imaging field right here in Wyoming.

CNA Program

Similarly, WIP responded to a shortage in certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) offers a CNA program designed to prepare students to practice as registered nurses, further expanding workforce development efforts in the healthcare industry. With WIP’s support, WWCC realized a notable 13% rise in CNA program enrollment between fall 2020 and fall 2023, underscoring the impactful outcomes of the initiative.

Why WCCC Executive Director Ben Moritz Sees WIP as Transformational

“The Wyoming Innovation Partnership has empowered organizations across the state to tackle regional industry-driven challenges with remarkable ingenuity and efficiency, leading to lasting and transformative impacts.”

- Ben Moritz

Executive Director, Wyoming Community College Commission

Phase III Strives for Program Sustainability

Phase III of the WIP is focused on enshrining the healthcare development efforts from previous phases by securing funding for and continuity of these programs. By making sure these programs are fully supported, they will become key curriculum offerings at their respective institutions and continue to build a strong pipeline of highly skilled healthcare professionals right here in Wyoming.

WIP Supports Healthcare Programs

Echocardiography Program - Laramie County Community College

• Three-semester program focused on medical imaging of the heart.

• Graduates are eligible for national certifying examinations.

• State-of-the-art equipment and a fully-equipped laboratory for hands-on experience.

CNA Program - Western Wyoming Community College

• Hybrid Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program with hands-on lab and clinical experiences.

• Consistently high pass rates on national licensing exams.

• Provides a solid foundation for aspiring registered nurses.

CNA and MA Expansion - Eastern Wyoming College

• CNA program with stackable certificates and expansion to two locations.

• Launching a Medical Assistant (MA) Program with a stair-step approach.

• Development and purchase of a mobile simulation laboratory.

Practical Nursing Program - Laramie County Community College

• Establishing a Practical Nursing (PN) program to address staffing shortages.

• Standalone hybrid/asynchronous format for accessibility.

• Benefits rural communities and provides an on-ramp to healthcare careers.

RN Expansion - Gillette College

• Addresses the shortage of Registered Nurses (RN).

• Enhancing clinical and simulation activities for health science programming.

• Request includes updated simulators and a simulation/clinical coordinator position.

Addiction Studies - Casper College and University of Wyoming at Casper

• Increasing awareness and enrollment in substance use disorder programs.

• Enhancing training facilities and developing a graduate-level curriculum.

• Aimed at increasing the number of Certified Addiction Practitioners and Licensed Addictions Therapists (LAT) in Wyoming.

WyEMS Grant Program

To further expand Wyoming's emergency healthcare capabilities, the Department of Workforce Services in collaboration with the WIP supports the WyEMS grant program, offering financial assistance for training expenses to Wyoming residents enrolled in EMT/EMS training programs during Spring 2024. Programs are currently available at Northwest College, Laramie County Community College, and Casper College. The grant aims to enhance the accessibility of emergency medical services education, allowing students across the state to pursue training and contribute to the vital field of emergency medical response.

Healthcare Student Highlight: Rimma Roge - Student, Laramie County Community College

“I feel like I will have the high standards and the skills to perform in Wyoming… having this program and having students come out of this program is going to really help Wyoming and help the industry.”

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