CNA Training in South Carolina

Complete CNA certification training in 3 months to become a licensed nursing assistant

A home health care position can have a flexible schedule with several different patients in different locations. People who don’t like the idea of being in the same setting all day might be interested in a home health aide position. If you enjoy going to work in the same place every day, you might prefer a nursing home or hospital setting. Generally, you will be paid a little more if you are working nights and or holidays in a home health care setting. When working as a CNA, part of the reward is knowing that you are helping others live more happy and comfortable lives.

How Can I Find CNA Training Programs Near Me?

Browse our list of South Carolina schools that offer CNA training courses to become a certified nursing assistant. Nurse aide programs are usually offered at community colleges, junior colleges, trade schools and technical/vocational schools. Our directory includes as many CNA programs as possible, but is not complete as there may be additional CNA programs that are not listed here. Many long-term care facilities offer CNA training to current employees and trainees. In many cases these programs are not widely advertised, but can be discovered by contacting the facilities directly. Use our custom school search tool to identify CNA training programs near you with open enrollment.

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How Much Can You Make as a CNA in South Carolina?

The current pay rate for a new CNA in South Carolina starts at around $22,000 per year. If a CNA is hired through an agency, they usually receive $1 – $2 more per hour because of the “on-call” nature of the work. Benefits are more likely to be received from a full-time employment position.

How to Become a CNA in South Carolina

After all the classes and testing are passed, the work is waiting. A CNA is expected to fulfill many daily responsibilities. Along with patient care, such as bathing, dressing, and helping the patient become comfortable, the CNA can be called upon to check blood pressure, take temperature readings and check the patient’s heart rate. Controlling infection, assisting doctors, transporting patients to testing areas and helping the patient exercise are also typical CNA duties. It is not unusual to have the responsibility of communicating with the patient and their family on a daily basis as well.

Can I Transfer My CNA License to South Carolina?

If you are a certified nursing assistant from another state and have just moved to South Carolina you can apply to the Nursing Aide Registry in South Carolina for what is called “reciprocity”. As long as you can provide verification that you completed a state approved CNA certification program, are currently certified in another state, and have worked as a CNA recently. You would not need to take the South Carolina exam or training if you are granted reciprocity. CNA licenses usually need to be renewed every two years.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost? How Long Does it Take?

Classes can take from 3 to 7 weeks to complete and many schools offer test prep as part of their course. After taking the certification test, it can take anywhere from two weeks to a month to receive your certification papers. The education requirements for nurse aide training programs are regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

To become a nursing assistant in South Carolina you must complete 80 credit hours of training from an approved institution. Hands on clinical training must account for at least 40 of the 80 hours. You will then be required to successfully complete the CNA competency evaluation exam. The average cost of CNA training in South Carolina is around $600. There are some nursing homes that will offer on-site training or sponsorship, which can greatly reduce the cost or eliminate it all together. It is possible to take the classroom portion of the training in an online format.

CNA Classes in South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina CNA Certification Requirements

– complete state approved CNA training program
– pass both parts of competency evaluation (written & skills)
– pass competency test within 24 months of completion of training

South Carolina CNA Resources

South Carolina Board of Nursing
South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry
Nurse Aide Employment Outlook 2010-2011
National Association of Health Care Assistants
National Network of Career Nursing Assistants