CNA Programs in South Carolina
CNA training in South Carolina through a State approved training program is the first step a new CNA must take toward CNA certification. There are numerous CNA programs offered throughout the state by colleges, vocational schools, high schools and nursing facilities. You will find a link to the state approved CNA programs in South Carolina below. Make sure to enroll in a program that is state approved or you will not be eligible for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program examination, also required for certification as a nurse aide in South Carolina.
CNA programs in South Carolina are required to be at least 80 clock hours. Students learn basic nursing skills and are prepared for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Examination. Students will complete required classroom instruction as well as laboratory instruction and clinical or hands-on training where they will apply their classroom and laboratory knowledge to actual patients in a nursing facility under direct supervision of a Registered Nurse or instructor. Some programs may require you have a high school diploma or GED and employers may require this as well.
More CNAs in South Carolina should be aware of the opportunity to receive free CNA training in South Carolina. A CNA who is offered employment prior to beginning a CNA training program by a Medicaid or Medicare certified facility in South Carolina can not be charged any fees for training, testing or related course materials. Same goes for any CNA who receives an offer of employment from a South Carolina Medicaid or Medicare certified facility within 12 months of completing a CNA training program. The CNA is entitled to reimbursement of any fees related to training, testing or course required materials*. A CNA will just need to inquire with their employer or their program instructor to learn more about this process. A link to the Medicaid/Medicare certified facilities in South Carolina can be found below.
CNA Certification in South Carolina
A Nurse Aide in South Carolina must be certified to provide any type of direct care to patients in a Medicaid/Medicare nursing facility. CNA certification in South Carolina for a new CNA with no prior experience or nurse training requires completion of a state approved CNA program, successfully passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Examination and then applying for addition to the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. The South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by Pearson Vue, who’s website also contains all the information needed to apply for the exam and registry as well as a host of CNA related material.
CNA Job Outlook and Salary in South Carolina
Prior to committing to any career training it is wise to investigate what the employment opportunities will be upon completion of training and whether it was worth the time and financial commitment to that training. The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce projects 19% job growth through 2016 in the CNA, orderlies and attendants career fields. This equates to 510 annual openings, above average growth. To get a more current and “real world” idea of the job market for a CNA in your community, check your local classified ads or a job posting website. Contact employers and see if they are hiring and ask what starting salaries are for an entry-level CNA. The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce also reports that the average hourly wage for a CNA in South Carolina is $10.14 and the average annual salary for a CNA in South Carolina is $21,090.
Based on the above data it seems that with the opportunity to receive free CNA training as well as the fact that the time commitment to a CNA training is relatively short, it may be an opportunistic time to be entering this field. The CNA field is also often a catalyst to becoming a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse or health care management careers, which means that there are multiple career advancement options going forward.
Another popular health care career worthy of exploring that offers similar earnings and job growth projections, 33% job growth in South Carolina, is Medical Assisting. Training for a Medical Assistant usually takes 6 months to 18 months depending on the program. Learn more about the Medical Assistant programs in South Carolina.
*Please visit the South Carolina Health & Human Services website for additional information on schools, reimbursement of fees and additional information.
CNA Training Programs in South Carolina
Approved CNA Training Programs in SC
Attending an approved program is required for CNA certification in South Carolina and addition to the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry.
Programs Offered: Nurse Aide, Nursing Assistant
List of approved schools offering CNA Training in South Carolina provided by the South Carolina Department of Health & Human Services: Click Here
List of Medicaid certified nursing facilities in South Carolina provided by the South Carolina Department of Health & Human Services: Click Here