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Becoming a CNA in South Carolina

If you’re considering becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in South Carolina, you’re on the right path to entering a rewarding healthcare career. CNAs are essential to patient care and work under the supervision of licensed nurses to provide basic healthcare needs. South Carolina offers clear steps to follow in order to become certified, and I’ll walk you through each one, from meeting the basic requirements to maintaining your certification. Here’s how to get started:

Steps to Become a CNA in South Carolina

  • Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure that you qualify to begin CNA training, including meeting age and health requirements.

  • Attend a School: Enroll in a state-approved CNA program in South Carolina, which includes classroom instruction and clinical training.

  • Pass the CNA Exam: Successfully pass the South Carolina CNA exam, which includes a written and skills evaluation.

  • Certification Registration and Upkeep: Once certified, maintain your active status by renewing your certification every two years and completing the necessary in-service training hours.



1. Meet Basic Requirements

 

Before applying to any CNA program, it’s essential to make sure you meet the state’s basic requirements for certification. These qualifications ensure that you’re ready to handle the responsibilities of a CNA and that you’re legally permitted to work in South Carolina healthcare facilities.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

 

  • Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to enroll in a CNA training program in South Carolina.

  • Health Requirements: Depending on the program, you may need to complete a physical exam, TB skin test, and submit proof of up-to-date vaccinations, including Hepatitis B.

  • Background Check: All CNA candidates in South Carolina are required to pass a criminal background check. This ensures that candidates have a clean record and are eligible to work in healthcare settings.

 

By fulfilling these basic criteria, you’ll be ready to apply for a CNA training program in South Carolina.

 

 

2. Attend a School

 

Once you’ve confirmed that you meet the basic requirements, your next step is to attend a state-approved CNA training program. South Carolina mandates that all CNA candidates complete both classroom and clinical training before taking the certification exam.

 

Program Requirements:

 

  • Total Training Hours: South Carolina requires that you complete 100 hours of training, divided into:

  • 60 hours of classroom instruction.

  • 40 hours of clinical training, where you’ll get hands-on experience in a healthcare facility under the supervision of a registered nurse.

  • Curriculum:

  • Basic Nursing Skills: Training on how to measure vital signs, assist with patient mobility, and perform personal care tasks such as bathing and grooming.

  • Patient Rights: Learn about patient confidentiality, dignity, and the ethical responsibilities of a CNA.

  • Infection Control: You’ll cover proper hygiene practices, such as hand washing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), to prevent the spread of infections.

  • Emergency Procedures: Get training on how to respond to emergency situations, including performing the Heimlich maneuver and basic life support (BLS) techniques.

 

Choosing the Right Program:

 

  • Accreditation: Ensure that the program is state-approved. South Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) oversees CNA training programs. You can find a list of approved programs on their website.

  • Program Type: CNA programs in South Carolina are available in different formats, including full-time, part-time, and even online hybrid programs. The classroom portion can be completed online, but clinical training must be done in person.

  • Cost and Financial Aid: CNA programs in South Carolina typically cost between $500 and $1,500, depending on the provider. Some nursing homes offer free training if you agree to work for them after certification. Be sure to ask about financial aid or scholarship opportunities.

 

Sample CNA Programs in South Carolina

School Name Location Program Length Cost Contact Information
Midlands Technical College Columbia, SC 6-8 weeks $1,200 (803) 738-8324
Trident Technical College Charleston, SC 4-6 weeks $1,500 (843) 574-6111
Greenville Technical College Greenville, SC 8 weeks $900 (864) 250-8000

 

Featured CNA Programs in South Carolina

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3. Pass the CNA Exam

After completing your CNA training program, your next step is to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), which is administered by Pearson VUE in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS).

 

Exam Structure:

 

  1. Written Exam:

 

  • The written portion consists of 70 multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge of CNA responsibilities, including infection control, patient care, and emergency procedures.

  • If you have difficulty with reading, you can request the oral version of the exam. This includes the same 60 multiple-choice questions and an additional 10 reading comprehension questions to assess your English skills.

  1. Skills Test:

  • The skills test evaluates your ability to perform five CNA tasks. You’ll be asked to demonstrate these skills in a clinical setting, which may include tasks like assisting a patient to walk, taking vital signs, and providing personal care.

  • You will be evaluated by a registered nurse on how well you perform these tasks, and you’ll need to demonstrate competence in at least four out of five skills to pass.

How to Register for the Exam:

  • To take the CNA exam, you must complete the Application for Registration by Competency Examination through Pearson VUE. You can do this online by visiting the Pearson VUE website or contacting their customer service for assistance.

Exam Costs:

Exam Component Cost
Written & Skills Evaluation $101
Oral & Skills Evaluation $101
Written/Oral Exam (re-test) $30
Skills Exam (re-test) $71

Preparing for the Exam:

 

  • It’s important to study thoroughly and practice your clinical skills before the exam. Consider taking a CNA practice test to familiarize yourself with the types of questions you’ll encounter. Take our CNA practice test here to get started.

On the Day of the Exam:

  • Arrive at the testing site 30 minutes early.

  • Bring two forms of identification, including one photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport).

  • Wear scrubs and non-skid shoes for the skills portion of the exam.

Retaking the Exam:

  • If you fail either the written or skills portion of the exam, you can retake the failed section up to two more times. If you do not pass after three attempts, you’ll be required to re-enroll in a CNA training program before testing again.

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

Once you pass the exam, you’ll be added to the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry, which allows you to legally work as a CNA in the state. The next step is maintaining your certification over time.

Registering as a CNA:

  • After passing the exam, your results will be sent to the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. You can check your certification status by visiting the registry’s website.

Renewing Your Certification:

  • Renewal Period: Your CNA certification is valid for two years. To keep your certification active, you must renew it every 24 months.

  • Work Requirement: You must have worked at least 8 hours as a CNA during the 24-month certification period to qualify for renewal.

  • In-Service Training Requirement: In addition to the work requirement, you must complete 12 hours of continuing education or in-service training per year.

Lapsed Certification:

  • If you fail to meet the renewal requirements, your certification will lapse, and you’ll need to re-enroll in a CNA training program and pass the exam again to regain active status.

Renewal Process:

  • To renew your certification, submit the Renewal Application and proof of employment and training to the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). You can do this online or by mailing the required documents to their office.

South Carolina CNA Certification Summary

Requirement Details
Total Training Hours 100 hours (60 classroom, 40 clinical)
Exam Components Written/Oral and Skills Evaluation
Exam Cost $101 total
Renewal Period Every 2 years
Work Requirement for Renewal 8 hours of CNA work in 24 months
In-Service Training 12 hours per year

 

With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in South Carolina. Whether you’re looking for a fast-paced program or a more flexible part-time option, there are plenty of CNA training programs available throughout the state.

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id Name Image Website Street Address City State Zip Code Map Link plus_code Phone latitude longitude latlong Category Reviews Rating 5star 4star 3star 2star 1star description Monday Hours Tuesday Hours Wednesday Hours Thursday Hours Friday Hours Saturday Hours Sunday Hours Details
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1,688 Central Carolina Technical College AF1QipMzyiV2cMvh2_q1ZVIZ-lpniUmFyPTT9TmzWBuH=w408-h272-k-no https://www.cctech.edu/ 506 N Guignard Dr Sumter SC 29150 WJMH+9G Sumter, South Carolina (803) 778-1961 33.93 -80.37 33.9334744-80.3711271 College 58 3.6 33 1 5 3 16 8AM to 6PM 8AM to 4:30PM 8AM to 4:30PM 8AM to 4:30PM 8AM to 4:30PM Closed Closed More details