CNA Classes in Brookings, South Dakota

Brookings 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 Brookings, South Dakota

About Brookings

Brookings, South Dakota, is a vibrant city known for its friendly community and rich history. As the fourth-largest city in the state, Brookings offers a blend of urban amenities and small-town charm. Home to South Dakota State University, the city boasts a dynamic cultural scene, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community. You can learn more about Brookings by visiting the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Brookings, South Dakota

If you’re considering becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Brookings, there are several local options for training programs:

1. South Dakota State University (SDSU)
   • Location: Brookings, SD
   • Program: SDSU offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the CNA certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experience.
   • Website: SDSU CNA Program
2. Lake Area Technical College
   • Location: Watertown, SD (approximately 50 miles from Brookings)
   • Program: Lake Area Technical College offers a Nurse Aide program that covers essential skills and knowledge required for the CNA certification. The program includes both theoretical and practical components.
   • Website: Lake Area Technical College Nurse Aide Program
3. Southeast Technical College
   • Location: Sioux Falls, SD (approximately 55 miles from Brookings)
   • Program: Southeast Technical College provides a Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for entry-level positions in healthcare. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience.
   • Website: Southeast Technical College Nursing Assistant Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Brookings

Brookings offers various employment opportunities for CNAs in healthcare facilities and nursing homes. Here are some major employers in the area:

1. Brookings Health System
   • Location: Brookings, SD
   • Description: Brookings Health System is a non-profit, city-owned health system that provides a wide range of services, including hospital care, long-term care, and outpatient services. They frequently have openings for CNAs.
   • Website: Brookings Health System Careers
2. United Living Community
   • Location: Brookings, SD
   • Description: United Living Community offers skilled nursing care, assisted living, and rehabilitation services. They are known for their compassionate care and supportive work environment.
   • Website: United Living Community Careers
3. Edgewood Healthcare
   • Location: Brookings, SD
   • Description: Edgewood Healthcare provides assisted living and memory care services. They are committed to enhancing the quality of life for their residents and offer various employment opportunities for CNAs.
   • Website: Edgewood Healthcare 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: You must complete a training program that is approved by the South Dakota Department of Health.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the training program, you must pass the South Dakota CNA competency exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
3. Background Check: You must undergo a criminal background check.
4. State Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be listed on the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry.

For more detailed information, you can visit the South Dakota Department of Health and the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Brookings, South Dakota, is a rewarding choice. With several local training programs and ample employment opportunities, you can start your journey towards a fulfilling career in healthcare. Contact a school today to learn more about their CNA programs and take the first step towards 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 Brookings?

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 Brookings 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 Brookings 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 Brookings?

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