CNA Classes in Box Elder, South Dakota

Box Elder 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 Box Elder, South Dakota

About Box Elder

Box Elder, located in the western part of South Dakota, is a vibrant and growing community known for its proximity to Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base. With a blend of small-town charm and access to larger city amenities, Box Elder offers a unique environment for those looking to start a career in healthcare. For more information about the town, visit the official Box Elder website.

CNA Training Programs in Box Elder, South Dakota

While Box Elder itself may have limited options for CNA training programs, nearby Rapid City offers several reputable schools where you can pursue your certification.

1. Western Dakota Tech
   • Location: Rapid City, SD (approximately 10 miles from Box Elder)
   • Program: Western Dakota Tech offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the South Dakota CNA certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • More Information: Western Dakota Tech Nursing Assistant Program
2. South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
   • Location: Rapid City, SD (approximately 11 miles from Box Elder)
   • Program: Known primarily for its engineering programs, the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology also offers a robust CNA training course. The program focuses on essential nursing skills and patient care techniques.
   • More Information: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Nursing Assistant Program
3. Black Hills State University – Rapid City Campus
   • Location: Rapid City, SD (approximately 12 miles from Box Elder)
   • Program: Black Hills State University provides a Nursing Assistant course that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills training. This program is ideal for those looking to quickly enter the healthcare field.
   • More Information: Black Hills State University Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Box Elder

Box Elder and its surrounding areas offer numerous employment opportunities for CNAs. Here are some of the major healthcare facilities and nursing homes where you might find job openings:

1. Regional Health Rapid City Hospital
   • Location: Rapid City, SD (approximately 10 miles from Box Elder)
   • Description: As one of the largest healthcare providers in the region, Regional Health Rapid City Hospital offers a wide range of medical services and is a significant employer for CNAs.
   • Employment Opportunities: Regional Health Rapid City Hospital Careers
2. Good Samaritan Society – St. Martin Village
   • Location: Rapid City, SD (approximately 11 miles from Box Elder)
   • Description: This senior living community provides various levels of care, including skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, making it a great place for CNAs to work.
   • Employment Opportunities: Good Samaritan Society Careers
3. Avantara Mountain View
   • Location: Rapid City, SD (approximately 12 miles from Box Elder)
   • Description: Avantara Mountain View is a nursing home that offers specialized care for elderly residents. They frequently hire CNAs to support their patient care teams.
   • Employment Opportunities: Avantara Mountain View Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in South Dakota

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in South Dakota, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a CNA training program that is approved by the South Dakota Department of Health.
2. Pass the CNA Certification Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the South Dakota CNA certification exam, which includes both a written test and a skills evaluation.
3. Background Check: Undergo and pass a criminal background check.
4. Register with the South Dakota Board of Nursing: Once you have passed your exam, you must register with the South Dakota Board of Nursing to be listed on the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry.

For more information, visit the South Dakota Department of Health and the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Box Elder, South Dakota, is a rewarding decision. With the right training and certification, you can join the ranks of healthcare professionals dedicated to making a difference in patients’ lives. Contact a local school today to start 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 Box Elder?

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 Box Elder 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 Box Elder 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 Box Elder?

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 Box Elder is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out South Dakota CNA Salary info.