CNA Classes in Aberdeen, South Dakota

Aberdeen CNA Training - South Dakota

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 Aberdeen, SD

If you’re considering a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Aberdeen, South Dakota, you’re making a great choice! CNAs play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing essential care and support to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of becoming a CNA in Aberdeen, including local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements.

About Aberdeen, SD

Aberdeen, located in northeastern South Dakota, is known for its rich history, vibrant community, and strong healthcare system. The city is home to Northern State University and features attractions like Storybook Land and Wylie Park. With a population of around 28,000, Aberdeen offers a small-town feel with the amenities of a larger city. You can learn more about the city by visiting the official Aberdeen website.

CNA Training Programs in Aberdeen, SD

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Aberdeen, you’ll need to complete a state-approved CNA training program. Fortunately, there are several options in and around the city that offer quality CNA courses. Here are some top choices:

1. Presentation College
   • Location: Aberdeen, SD
   • Program Overview: Presentation College offers a comprehensive CNA training program designed to prepare students for the South Dakota CNA certification exam. The curriculum covers essential nursing skills, patient care techniques, and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Website: Presentation College CNA Program
2. Avera St. Luke’s Hospital
   • Location: Aberdeen, SD
   • Program Overview: Avera St. Luke’s Hospital offers a CNA training program that focuses on clinical skills, patient care, and safety. The program is affiliated with Avera Health, one of the largest healthcare networks in South Dakota, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in a hospital setting.
   • Website: Avera St. Luke’s CNA Program
3. Lake Area Technical College
   • Location: Watertown, SD (approximately 70 miles from Aberdeen)
   • Program Overview: Lake Area Technical College offers a CNA program that includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience. While the campus is located in Watertown, it is one of the closest options for Aberdeen residents seeking CNA certification.
   • Website: Lake Area Technical College CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Aberdeen

Once you’ve completed your CNA training and certification, you’ll find plenty of job opportunities in Aberdeen. The city is home to several healthcare facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living centers. Here are some top employers:

1. Avera St. Luke’s Hospital
   • Location: Central Aberdeen
   • Overview: Avera St. Luke’s Hospital is a 123-bed facility offering a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. As part of the Avera Health network, it provides numerous opportunities for CNAs in various departments.
   • Employment Opportunities: Avera St. Luke’s Careers
2. Bethesda Home of Aberdeen
   • Location: West Aberdeen
   • Overview: Bethesda Home of Aberdeen is a non-profit, faith-based long-term care facility offering skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and assisted living services. CNAs play a critical role in providing compassionate care to residents.
   • Employment Opportunities: Bethesda Home Careers
3. ManorCare Health Services
   • Location: North Aberdeen
   • Overview: ManorCare Health Services provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. The facility is known for its high-quality care and offers numerous CNA positions to help meet the needs of its residents.
   • Employment Opportunities: ManorCare Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in South Dakota

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in South Dakota, you must meet specific certification requirements set by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. Here are the key steps to becoming a CNA in the state:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: You must complete a CNA training program that is approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. These programs typically include 75 hours of training, with a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.

2. Pass the CNA Certification Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the South Dakota CNA certification exam, which includes a written test and a skills evaluation.

3. Register with the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will need to apply for inclusion in the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry. This allows you to legally work as a CNA in the state.

4. Maintain Certification: CNAs in South Dakota must renew their certification every two years. This requires proof of employment as a CNA during the certification period and may involve continuing education.

For more information on certification requirements, visit the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Aberdeen, SD, is a fantastic way to start a rewarding career in healthcare. With several local CNA programs, ample employment opportunities, and straightforward certification requirements, you’re well on your way to making a difference in the lives of others. Contact a school today to begin your journey toward becoming a CNA!

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 Dakota 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 Aberdeen?

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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in South Dakota, you can find CNA training starting in November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, or February 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in South Dakota, 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 Aberdeen is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out South Dakota CNA Salary info.