CNA Classes in South Carolina

Before enrolling in a CNA program in South Carolina, you should understand the basic requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years old (though many employers prefer applicants 18+)
• Most programs require a high school diploma or GED
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must complete required health screenings (specific requirements vary by program)

The background check is particularly important as it helps ensure patient safety. When applying for certification, you’ll need to answer screening questions about any felony convictions or listings on abuse registries. Answering “yes” to these questions will trigger a review by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services before you can proceed with testing.

South Carolina has established comprehensive training standards for nursing assistant programs:

• Total of 100 training hours required:
  • 60 classroom hours (including 20 hours dedicated to skills training)
  • 40 hours of clinical training in a hospital or approved nursing facility
• The curriculum includes:
  • Introduction (16 hours) covering communication, infection control, safety procedures, and resident rights
  • Core curriculum (16-40 hours) including:
    • Role of the Nurse Aide (1.5 hours)
    • Resident’s Rights (3.0 hours)
    • Basic Nursing Skills (7.0 hours)
    • Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents (5.0 hours)
    • Mental Health and Social Service Needs (2.0 hours)
    • Personal Care Skills (2.5 hours)
    • Basic Restorative Services (3.0 hours)

All training must be completed through programs approved by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The clinical portion provides valuable hands-on experience under supervision, helping you build confidence in your skills.

Finding a quality training program approved by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will prepare you for success:

• Programs are available through various approved providers:
  • Community colleges
  • Technical schools
  • Hospitals and medical centers
  • Long-term care facilities

Program costs vary by provider but typically include:

• Tuition ($800-$1,500)
• Textbooks and study materials
• Background check fees
• Uniform costs
• Medical requirements like TB tests

Financial assistance options include:

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants
• Employer-sponsored training (many facilities offer free training with employment commitment)
• Payment plans offered by many training providers

South Carolina has a unique benefit: federal and state laws prohibit nursing homes that participate in Medicaid/Medicare programs from charging their employed nurse aides for examination fees. If you’re employed by or have a written commitment from such a facility, your employer must pay for your exam and any retests.

After completing your training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination administered by Credentia:

• The exam consists of two parts taken on the same day:
  • Written test: 70 multiple-choice questions (two-hour time limit)
  • Skills evaluation: Demonstration of five randomly selected nurse aide skills (30-minute time limit)
• Alternative exam options:
  • Oral examination in English or Spanish available (60 multiple-choice questions plus 10 reading comprehension questions)
• Testing requirements:
  • You must pass both parts of the exam within two years from your training completion date or within three attempts, whichever comes first
  • If you fail either section, you only need to retake that portion
  • If you fail to pass within the timeframe or attempts, you must complete another 100-hour training program

The total exam fee is $140. When preparing for your exam, focus on mastering both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills taught in your program. Many students find the hands-on skills portion more challenging, so practice these techniques thoroughly before your test date.

The final step in becoming a certified nursing assistant in South Carolina:

• After passing your exam, you are automatically listed on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry
• Your certification becomes active once you’re listed in the registry
• Employers are required to verify your registry status before hiring you

The South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry, managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) in partnership with Credentia, is your primary resource for certification matters in South Carolina.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.scdhhs.gov/resources/programs-and-initiatives/long-term-living/nursing-facilities/nurse-aide
• Phone: (888) 549-0820
• Email: [email protected]

The registry provides services such as:

• Verifying certification status
• Processing renewal applications
• Handling license transfers
• Investigating complaints
• Maintaining a searchable database of certified nurse aides

To check your certification status, visit the Credentia Nurse Aide Registry Search portal: https://credentia.com/test-takers/sc

Maintaining your CNA certification in South Carolina requires adherence to specific guidelines:

Renewal Requirements:

• Certification validity: 24 months
• Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
• Employment requirement: Must work at least 8 hours as a nurse aide within the 24-month certification period under the supervision of an RN or LPN
• Continuing education: No formal continuing education requirements for basic renewal
• Renewal process:
  • Submit renewal application online through the Credentia platform
  • Provide verification of employment
  • Pay the renewal fee ($35)
• Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a competency evaluation or retake the CNA exam

For renewal forms and detailed instructions, visit: https://credentia.com/test-takers/sc

If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in South Carolina, follow these steps for reciprocity:

• Verify current certification in your original state
• Complete the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry Reciprocity Application through Credentia
• Submit required documentation:
  • Copy of your current CNA certification
  • Proof of completing a training program that meets federal requirements (minimum 100-hour basic state-approved nurse aide course)
  • Verification that your certification has not expired for more than 24 months
  • State-issued ID or driver’s license
  • Social Security card

Allow 2-4 weeks for processing. South Carolina does not require additional skills testing for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications.For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://credentia.com/test-takers/sc

While South Carolina doesn’t mandate continuing education for CNA renewal, ongoing learning can enhance your skills and career prospects:

Education Providers:

• South Carolina Technical College System
  • Website: https://www.sctechsystem.edu/
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• South Carolina Health Care Association
  • Website: https://www.schca.org/
  • Provides workshops and professional development for healthcare workers
• South Carolina Nurses Association
  • Website: https://www.scnurses.org/
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals
• American Red Cross of South Carolina
  • Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/south-carolina.html
  • Provides healthcare training and certification courses