CNA Classes in Dorchester, South Carolina

Dorchester CNA Training - South Carolina

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Dorchester, SC

Are you considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Dorchester, South Carolina? Becoming a CNA or nurse aide is a rewarding career path that allows you to make a direct impact on the lives of patients and their families. If you’re ready to start your journey, this guide will help you understand the process of becoming a CNA in Dorchester and the local training options available.

About Dorchester

Dorchester, SC, is a charming community located in Dorchester County, known for its rich history and Southern hospitality. Though it is a smaller town, Dorchester is part of the larger Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan area, giving residents access to both rural tranquility and urban conveniences. Nearby, you can explore the scenic Ashley River or visit historic sites like Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site. For more information about the town, you can visit the Dorchester County official website.

CNA Training Programs in Dorchester, SC

While Dorchester itself may not have a large number of CNA training programs, there are several excellent options nearby. Here are three schools offering Certified Nursing Assistant programs within a reasonable distance from Dorchester:

1. Trident Technical College (Charleston Campus)
   • Location: Charleston, SC (approx. 30 minutes from Dorchester)
   • Program: Trident Technical College offers a comprehensive CNA program designed to prepare students for the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Learn more: Trident Technical College CNA Program
2. Dorchester County Career and Technology Center
   • Location: St. George, SC (approx. 20 minutes from Dorchester)
   • Program: This center provides a CNA training program for high school students and adults. The program focuses on essential skills like patient care, infection control, and basic medical procedures.
   • Learn more: Dorchester County Career and Technology Center
3. Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
   • Location: Orangeburg, SC (approx. 45 minutes from Dorchester)
   • Program: Offering a state-approved CNA course, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College prepares students to enter the workforce as nursing assistants or to continue their education in healthcare.
   • Learn more: Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Dorchester

Once you’ve completed your CNA training and earned your certification, there are several healthcare facilities and nursing homes in and around Dorchester where you can seek employment. Here are a few options:

1. Summerville Medical Center
   • Location: Summerville, SC (approx. 15 minutes from Dorchester)
   • Description: Summerville Medical Center is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and women’s health. They frequently hire CNAs to assist in patient care.
   • Employment Opportunities: Summerville Medical Center Careers
2. The Village at Summerville
   • Location: Summerville, SC (approx. 20 minutes from Dorchester)
   • Description: The Village at Summerville is a senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. CNAs play an essential role in providing care for residents in this facility.
   • Employment Opportunities: The Village at Summerville Careers
3. Trident Health System
   • Location: Charleston, SC (approx. 30 minutes from Dorchester)
   • Description: Trident Health System operates several hospitals and healthcare facilities in the region, including Trident Medical Center and Moncks Corner Medical Center. They offer numerous opportunities for CNAs across various departments.
   • Employment Opportunities: Trident Health Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in South Carolina

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in South Carolina, you must meet the state’s certification requirements, which are overseen by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). Here is a step-by-step outline of what you need to do:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: You must complete a CNA training program approved by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The program typically includes 100-120 hours of training, consisting of both classroom instruction and clinical experience.

2. Pass the CNA Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the South Carolina Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes a written (or oral) test and a skills evaluation.

3. Get Listed on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the competency exam, you will be listed on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. This is required for employment as a CNA in the state.

For more information on CNA certification requirements in South Carolina, visit the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services CNA Information.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Dorchester, SC, is a great way to start a fulfilling career in healthcare. With local CNA training programs and numerous employment opportunities in the area, there’s never been a better time to take the first step. Contact one of the schools listed above today to learn more about their CNA courses and get started on your path to success!

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in South Carolina may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Dorchester?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Dorchester usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Dorchester will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Dorchester?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in South Carolina, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in South Carolina, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Dorchester is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out South Carolina CNA Salary info.