Are you planning on becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in South Carolina?
Well, you’re in just the right place! Figuring out the processes and requirements necessary to becoming a CNA can be stressful, so we’ve compiled an easy, step-by-step article.
Furthermore, we’ll be answering frequently asked questions on the subject, such as:
- How much does a Certified Nurse Assistant make in South Carolina?
- What are the job opportunities for CNAs in South Carolina?
- Besides completing a CNA training program, what are my other options for becoming a CNA?
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s jump straight into how to become a CNA in South Carolina.
How to Become a CNA in South Carolina in 4 Easy Steps
Becoming a CNA is much easier than it seems. Here are the steps:
- Consider your path and reason
- Choose and complete a state-approved CNA training program
- Apply for and take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program or NNAAP
- Get registered as a CNA in South Carolina
#1: Consider Your Path and Reason
You’ve decided to pursue becoming a CNA. That’s great! Now, you have to consider two very important questions: Why and how?
Finding your reason for pursuing a career is like finding the light at the end of a dark tunnel.
Maybe you want to experience working in a healthcare environment before committing to a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing). Maybe you’ve retired from your old career or are taking a break from school and want to spend your newly found free time taking care of those in need. Keeping your whys in mind can invigorate you with brand new motivation and dedication.
Once you’ve figured out your objectives, the next step is to determine how you will achieve these goals.
How do you intend to become a CNA in South Carolina? Which training program are you going to attend? If you don’t want to attend a training program, are you eligible to register through a different route?
#2: Choose and Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program
Once you’ve arranged the inner workings of your brain, it’s time to choose a program!
Make sure that you are eligible to attend a CNA training program. The minimum requirements are:
- Being at least 16 to 18 years old
- A high school diploma or GED certificate
- Passing the medical exam, drug test, and criminal background check
- Passing a health exam
- Proof of updated standard vaccinations
CNA hopefuls must attend a state-sanctioned CNA training program. You may view a list of approved South Carolina CNA programs here. In the provided link, you’ll find all the addresses, contact numbers, and training program codes of 147 South Carolina CNA programs.
Your chosen training program should be a minimum of 100 hours, 40 of which should be conducted in clinical settings. Training program costs vary, so do your research to find the perfect program for you.
#3: Take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP)
After completing your training program, you will need to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program.
This exam evaluates your knowledge of nurse aide-related skills and knowledge. It is separated into two parts: a multiple-choice exam and a skills assessment. Both parts will be taken on the same day, and you may take the exam online or in a testing facility.
Multiple-Choice Exam
The multiple-choice portion may be taken written or orally (in either English or Spanish). It consists of seventy multiple-choice questions.
For this part, you can find practice questions from various sources online. Here’s one from Credentia!
Skills Evaluation
You will need to perform five nurse aide skills within 30 minutes during the skills assessment portion. Your performance will be graded by a Nurse Aide Evaluator.
What are these five nurse aide skills? One task will always be on hand hygiene, and another will be a measurement task, such as measuring weight or blood pressure. The other three tasks are randomly selected.
You are given three attempts to pass the examination. If not, you’ll need to undergo training again before you can be eligible for the NNAAP.
For more information on the NNAAP, make sure to read the South Carolina Candidate Handbook.
#4: Get Registered as a South Carolina CNA
In South Carolina, prospective CNAs also apply for registry placement when applying for the examination.You can find applications here.
The required documents include eligibility documentation (proof that you are eligible to become a CNA), examination fees, and a screening questionnaire.
Once you’ve passed the exam and been registered, you can now work as a CNA in South Carolina!
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNA in South Carolina
How much does a Certified Nurse Assistant make in South Carolina?
The average salary of a CNA in South Carolina is $32,064; however, the range typically falls within $29,223 to $35,407. Salaries will also vary depending on the city and many other factors.
What are the job opportunities for CNAs in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, CNAs can work in state-approved nursing homes and long-term care facilities. As of 2018, the number of jobs for CNAs is expected to grow by more than 10% within 10 years.
Besides completing a CNA training program in South Carolina, how else can I be eligible for CNA certification?
Other than taking a training program before the NNAAP, there are four other ways you can still be eligible to take the NNAAP:
- Being a candidate who trained outside of South Carolina. You are still eligible to take the NNAAP if you completed a 100-hour, state-approved training program in a different state within the last 24 months. Unless you have been placed on the registry, you must show proof of work experience through a document proving eight hours paid working as a CNA.
- Having a lapsed/expired South Carolina CNA Registry. You may still be eligible if your registry has not expired for more than 24 months and you completed a state-approved 100-hour training program.
- Having a lapsed CNA Registry from a different state. Requirements are the same as above: completing a 100-hour CNA program beforehand, and your certificate having not expired for more than 24 months.
- Being a Student Nurse, LPN or RN Graduate, or Military Candidate. Please contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (scnar@scdhhs.gov) as eligibility is on a case-to-case basis.
Conclusion
Becoming a CNA in South Carolina takes effort, but we hope our simple and comprehensive guide helped you on your journey!
Please feel free to leave a remark if you have any additional queries.