CNA Classes in South Dakota
Start your CNA career in South Dakota with confidence. Explore accredited CNA classes, certification requirements, and career opportunities across the state.
Training Hours
State-approved CNA programs require a minimum of 75 hours to qualify for certification.
Program Costs
CNA Training costs range from free to $1,000+, with financial aid or employer support at some schools.
CNA Salary
Certified Nursing Assistants in South Dakota earn an average annual salary of $36,360 based on the latest data.
Verified Sources
This page is backed by trusted sources, including state agencies and labor data reports.
Why Become a CNA in South Dakota?
South Dakota’s healthcare sector is experiencing significant growth, creating abundant job opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants across the state. With CNA employment projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030 and 830 annual job openings, qualified caregivers are in high demand throughout South Dakota’s diverse healthcare facilities. The state’s rapidly aging population, with 24% of residents (218,787 people) now age 60 or older and projected to reach 21% age 65+ by 2029, drives consistent need for compassionate care professionals. As a CNA in South Dakota, you’ll earn competitive wages averaging $29,324 annually, with opportunities ranging from $26,725 to $32,380 depending on experience and location. From bustling urban medical centers to rural community clinics, your skills as a CNA will be valued, respected, and provide a solid foundation for a fulfilling healthcare career.
Find & Compare CNA Classes in South Dakota
You’ve learned why becoming a CNA is a smart move — now explore training options near you. Use the ZIP code search or browse our regularly updated list of accredited CNA programs in South Dakota to compare costs, durations, and locations. We review this directory frequently to ensure accuracy, and all programs listed are verified through official school and state sources.
Disclaimer: Program costs, class schedules, and durations listed are based on information publicly available from each school’s official website at the time of publication. Details may change without notice. We recommend contacting the school directly to confirm the most accurate and up-to-date information. CNAClasses.com is not affiliated with the programs listed and does not guarantee pricing, availability, or course details. If you notice outdated or incorrect information, please contact us so we can make updates.
Not Sure Where to Start?
We’ll walk you through every step — from CNA classes to certification.
How to Become a CNA in South Dakota
Starting your journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant in South Dakota provides an accessible pathway into healthcare with strong job stability. The South Dakota Department of Health manages the certification process through the South Dakota Board of Nursing, with testing administered by Headmaster LLP.
South Dakota CNA programs require a minimum of 75 hours of training, with costs typically ranging from $710 to $1,500 depending on the provider. Most programs can be completed in just a few weeks, with CNAs in South Dakota earning an average of $29,324 annually. Follow these steps to begin your journey as a South Dakota CNA.
1) Eligibility Requirements for CNA Training in South Dakota
Before enrolling in a CNA program in South Dakota, you should understand the basic requirements:
- Must be at least 16 years old (though many employers prefer applicants 18+)
- High school diploma or GED is recommended by most programs
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Must complete required health screenings (specific requirements vary by program)
- Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
The background check is particularly important as it helps ensure patient safety. While specific disqualifying offenses aren’t detailed in state regulations, healthcare facilities typically screen for violent crimes, abuse, and drug-related convictions.
2) CNA Training Hour Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota follows federal guidelines for CNA education:
- Total of 75 training hours required:
- Classroom instruction covering theoretical knowledge
- At least 16 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Before any direct patient contact, students must complete specific training in:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Infection control
- Safety and emergency procedures
- Promoting residents’ independence
- Respecting residents’ rights
All training must be completed through programs approved by the South Dakota Department of Health. Programs are designed to comply with federal and state requirements for nursing assistant training in various healthcare settings.
3) Complete an Accredited CNA Training Program in South Dakota
Selecting a quality training program approved by the South Dakota Department of Health will prepare you for success:
- Programs are available through various approved providers:
- Community colleges
- Technical schools
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Long-term care facilities
- Online options like Avera CNA Online Training Solutions
Program costs vary by provider but typically include:
- Tuition (around $710 at Southeast Tech in Sioux Falls)
- 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 (some facilities offer free training with employment commitment)
- Payment plans offered by many training providers
4) Pass the CNA Certification Exam in South Dakota
After completing your training, you must pass the competency examination administered by Headmaster LLP:
- The exam consists of two parts:
- Written test: 75 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit
- Skills evaluation: Performance of 5 selected nurse aide skills within a 35-minute time limit
- You must achieve a score of at least 75% on both components to pass
- The first skill will be either Bedpan/Measuring Output or Perineal Care, requiring actual hand washing
- For the remaining skills, you may verbalize hand washing
- Missing a critical step results in automatic failure
- Total exam fee: $169.50
When preparing for your exam, focus on key topics including safety, communication, infection control, data collection, personal care, basic nursing skills, mental health, role and responsibility, care of impaired residents, disease processes, resident rights, and older adult growth and development.
5) Register with the South Dakota CNA Registry
The final step in becoming a certified nursing assistant in South Dakota:
- After passing your exam, you are automatically listed on the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry
- Your certification becomes active once you’re listed in the registry
- You can verify your listing by contacting the registry or checking their online portal
Ready to Start CNA Training in South Dakota?
Now that you know the steps, it’s time to take the first one. Use our directory to find accredited CNA programs near you and begin your training with confidence.
Key South Dakota CNA Certification Contacts & Guidelines
South Dakota offers excellent opportunities for CNAs with a straightforward certification process and clear renewal requirements. This comprehensive resource hub connects you with essential South Dakota-specific tools to help maintain your certification, find employment, and advance your career in a state where CNAs play a vital role in both rural and urban healthcare settings. Whether you’re new to the profession or looking to maintain your status, these resources will help you navigate your CNA journey with confidence.
South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry
The South Dakota Department of Health manages the state’s Nurse Aide Registry, which is your primary resource for certification matters in South Dakota.
Contact Information:
- Website: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/health/regulation-licensure-and-certification/health-facilities-unit/nurse-aide-registry
- Phone: (605) 362-2760
- 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 South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry Search portal: https://services.ndhhs.gov/nurseaide/verify/
Certification Renewal in South Dakota
Maintaining your CNA certification in South Dakota requires adherence to specific guidelines:
Renewal Requirements:
- Certification validity: 24 months
- Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
- Employment requirement: Must work at least 12 hours as a nurse aide for monetary compensation during the preceding 24 months
- Continuing education: Must complete a minimum of 12 hours of training per year (24 hours total within the 2-year certification period)
- Renewal process:
- Submit renewal application to the South Dakota Board of Nursing
- Provide verification of employment
- Submit proof of completed training hours
- No renewal fee required
- Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you must complete a Lapsed Certified Nurse Aide Renewal Application and provide verification of required work hours and training
For renewal forms and detailed instructions, visit: https://services.ndhhs.gov/nurseaide/renew/
CNA Reciprocity in South Dakota
If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in South Dakota, follow these steps for reciprocity:
- Verify current certification in your original state
- Complete the South Dakota Interstate Endorsement Application online
- Submit required documentation:
- Copy of your current CNA certification
- Proof of completing a training program that meets federal requirements
- Verification of employment as a CNA within the last 24 months
- State-issued ID or driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Submit your application online through the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry
Allow 5-7 business days for processing. South Dakota allows you to work for up to 4 months while your application is being processed, but applications expire after 4 months if requirements are not met.For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://services.ndhhs.gov/nurseaide/apply/
Continuing Education Opportunities
South Dakota requires 24 hours of continuing education for CNA renewal. Here are resources to help you meet these requirements:
Education Providers:
- South Dakota Technical College System
- Website: https://www.southeasttech.edu/
- Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
- South Dakota Health Care Association
- Website: https://www.sdhca.org/
- Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNA in South Dakota
No, you cannot take the CNA test without completing approved training in South Dakota. The state requires all candidates to complete a state-approved 75-hour training program before being eligible to sit for the certification exam. There is an exception for nursing students who have successfully completed fundamentals of nursing courses with a grade of C or better, as they may apply for a training waiver. Even with this waiver, candidates must still pass both the written and skills portions of the competency evaluation to become certified.
A CNA license in South Dakota remains valid for two years from the date of issuance. To maintain active status, you must work at least 12 hours as a nursing assistant during the preceding 24-month period and complete a minimum of 12 hours of training per year (24 hours total) within the last 24 months. If your certification expires, you’ll need to either retake both the written and skills exams or complete a state-approved reactivation program to reinstate your license, depending on how long it has been inactive.
You can complete part of your CNA training online in South Dakota, but not the entire certification process. While the theoretical portion of your education may be available through distance learning programs like Avera CNA Online Training Solutions, South Dakota requires at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice that must be completed in-person at approved healthcare facilities. After completing both the online coursework and in-person clinical training (totaling 75 hours), you must pass both the knowledge and skills competency examinations to become certified.
Certain criminal convictions can disqualify you from becoming a CNA in South Dakota, particularly those involving abuse, neglect, or violent crimes. The South Dakota Department of Health conducts mandatory background checks, and convictions for patient abuse, theft, drug offenses, or fraud may prevent certification. Additionally, providing false information on your application, failing to complete the required 75 hours of training, or not passing both portions of the competency evaluation (with a minimum score of 75%) will result in disqualification.
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