Mid-Carolina AHEC CNA Program

Mid-Carolina Area Health Education Center (AHEC) offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare. Located in Lancaster, South Carolina, this program equips students with essential skills for providing compassionate patient care in various healthcare settings. Whether you’re looking to start a new healthcare career or explore a stepping stone into nursing, the CNA program at Mid-Carolina AHEC provides the foundation needed to become eligible for the state certification exam. Our program follows the curriculum requirements of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) and focuses on developing both the technical skills and caring attitude needed for success in nurse aide training in Lancaster, SC.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 100 hours (40 hours classroom, 20 hours skills lab, 40 hours clinical)
• Cost of Program: $950.00 (includes textbook)
• Accreditation: Approved by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for current pass rate information
• CNA Program Schedule: Classes meet for approximately 6 weeks; upcoming class starts September 9, 2025 to October 17, 2025

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning: The 40-hour classroom component provides students with fundamental knowledge needed to perform basic care services. Topics include patient care fundamentals, understanding the healthcare system, roles and responsibilities of nursing assistants, and essential nursing skills. Students learn through lectures, discussions, and multimedia presentations using the Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care textbook.
• Clinical Experience: Students complete 40 hours of hands-on clinical training in a healthcare facility under the supervision of a registered nurse instructor. This practical experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while caring for patients or residents in long-term care, acute care, or other healthcare environments.
• Exam Preparation: The program prepares students for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Examination, which includes both written and manual skills components. Satisfactory completion of the course provides eligibility to take this certification exam, which leads to certification as a nursing assistant in South Carolina.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the CNA program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have successfully completed high school, private school, home schooling, or obtained a recognized high school equivalency credential
• Be able to read, write, and speak English
• Be in good health and able to bend, twist, lift at least 50 pounds, and be free from communicable disease
• Not be listed on the Nurse Aide Registry in revoked status

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The program offers a structured schedule designed to accommodate students while ensuring comprehensive training:

• Upcoming class session: September 9, 2025 to October 17, 2025
• Total program duration: Approximately 6 weeks
• Class size: Maximum of 16 students per session (minimum of 5 students required for the program to be offered)

Should the minimum number of students not be met, the training program will reschedule the start date, and registered students will be notified.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Program Tuition: $950.00
• What’s Included: Tuition includes the course textbook (Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care – The Basics, 6th Edition) and BLS certification class offered at Mid-Carolina AHEC

Additional expenses not included in tuition (approximately $250.00):

• South Carolina Certification Exam Fee
• Green scrub uniform and white shoes
• Black non-erasable pen and small notebook
• Watch with second hand or digital display
• Clinical requirements including background check, drug screen, TB test, and immunization verification

Payment Methods: Cash, Check, or Cashier’s Check

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information.

How to Apply

To apply for the CNA program at Mid-Carolina AHEC:

1. Complete the registration form online or contact Rebecca Jackson at (803) 286-4121 or email [email protected]
2. After submitting the form, your information will be reviewed, and upon approval, you’ll receive payment information
3. Submit required documentation including proof of high school completion and other admission requirements

For detailed application instructions, please contact the program coordinator directly.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Mid-Carolina Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
• Address: 1824 Highway 9 Bypass West, Lancaster, SC 29721
• Phone Number: (803) 286-4121
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.midcarolinaahec.org

Additional Resources

For additional information about the CNA program, please contact the program coordinator to discuss:

• South Carolina Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook
• Program schedules and upcoming class dates
• Detailed clinical requirements
• Certification process information

Please contact Rebecca Jackson, Program Coordinator, directly for more information about these resources.

Summary and Next Steps

The Mid-Carolina AHEC CNA Program in Lancaster, SC offers a comprehensive pathway to begin your healthcare career. This 100-hour program combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience to prepare you for success as a certified nursing assistant. With small class sizes, experienced instructors, and a curriculum approved by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to provide compassionate care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.

Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Examination and begin a rewarding career in healthcare. Whether this is your first step into the medical field or a building block toward advanced nursing education, Mid-Carolina AHEC provides the foundation you need. Take the first step toward your healthcare career today by contacting Rebecca Jackson at (803) 286-4121 to register for the upcoming class starting September 9, 2025.

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