CNA Classes in Custer, South Dakota

Custer 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 Custer, SD

If you’re considering a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Custer, South Dakota, you’re in the right place! CNAs play a critical role in healthcare, providing essential care to patients in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. This guide will walk you through the steps to become a CNA in Custer, SD, and help you explore the local training programs and employment opportunities available in the area.

About Custer, SD

Custer, located in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, is a small but vibrant town known for its proximity to Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. With a population of just over 2,000, Custer offers a close-knit community and easy access to outdoor recreation. Learn more about the town by visiting the City of Custer official website.

CNA Training Programs in Custer, SD

While Custer itself may not have a large number of CNA training programs, there are several options nearby that can help you get started on your journey to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. Below are some of the closest schools offering CNA programs near Custer, SD:

1. Western Dakota Technical College
   Location: Rapid City, SD (approximately 40 miles from Custer)
   Western Dakota Technical College offers a comprehensive CNA program designed to prepare students for the South Dakota CNA certification exam. The course includes classroom instruction, hands-on lab work, and clinical experience in a healthcare setting.
   Learn more about the CNA program at Western Dakota Tech.

2. Black Hills State University – Rapid City Campus
   Location: Rapid City, SD (approximately 40 miles from Custer)
   Black Hills State University offers CNA courses at its Rapid City campus. These courses are designed for individuals looking to enter the healthcare field quickly and efficiently. The program covers patient care, safety, and the skills necessary to succeed in a healthcare environment.
   Visit the Black Hills State University CNA program page.

3. South Dakota State University – West River Nursing Program
   Location: Rapid City, SD (approximately 40 miles from Custer)
   South Dakota State University offers a variety of nursing-related programs, including a CNA course that provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills required to work in healthcare settings.
   Learn more about the West River Nursing Program.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Custer

Once you’ve completed your CNA certification, there are several healthcare facilities in and around Custer that offer employment opportunities for CNAs. Below are a few local options:

1. Custer Regional Health
   Location: Custer, SD
   Custer Regional Health is part of Monument Health and offers a range of healthcare services, including long-term care, rehabilitation, and emergency services. CNAs are often in demand here to assist with patient care.
   Explore employment opportunities at Monument Health.

2. Monument Health – Rapid City Hospital
   Location: Rapid City, SD (approximately 40 miles from Custer)
   Monument Health Rapid City Hospital is a major healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of services. CNAs are frequently hired to work in various departments, including medical-surgical units, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
   Check out CNA job openings at Monument Health Rapid City.

3. Golden Ridge Assisted Living
   Location: Lead, SD (approximately 55 miles from Custer)
   Golden Ridge Assisted Living provides care for elderly residents and employs CNAs to assist with daily living activities and healthcare needs.
   Learn more about Golden Ridge Assisted Living.

CNA Certification Requirements in South Dakota

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in South Dakota, you need to complete a state-approved CNA training program and pass the South Dakota CNA certification exam. The process includes both a written and skills-based test. Here are the key steps:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: You must complete a CNA course that includes at least 75 hours of training, with a minimum of 16 hours of clinical, hands-on experience.

2. Pass the CNA Certification Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the South Dakota CNA exam administered by Headmaster LLP. The exam consists of a written portion and a skills demonstration.

3. Register with the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be placed on the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry, allowing you to work as a CNA in the state.
   Visit the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry.

4. Renewal: CNA certifications in South Dakota must be renewed every two years, and CNAs are required to complete a minimum of 12 hours of in-service training each year to maintain their certification.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Custer, SD, is a great way to start a fulfilling career in healthcare. Whether you’re looking to work in a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility, CNAs are always in demand. Take the first step by contacting one of the local schools listed above to learn more about their CNA programs. With the right training and certification, you’ll be well on your way to making a difference in the lives of patients in your community!

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 Custer?

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 Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer?

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