CNA Classes in Rapid City, South Dakota

Rapid City 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 Rapid City, South Dakota

About Rapid City

Nestled on the eastern slope of the Black Hills mountain range, Rapid City, South Dakota, is a vibrant community known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and welcoming atmosphere. As the gateway to iconic landmarks such as Mount Rushmore and the Badlands National Park, Rapid City offers a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventures. For more information, visit the official Rapid City website.

CNA Training Programs in Rapid City, South Dakota

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Rapid City, there are several excellent training programs available to help you get started:

1. Western Dakota Technical College
   • Program Description: Western Dakota Technical College offers a comprehensive CNA program designed to provide students with the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in healthcare. The program includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and clinical experience.
   • Location: Southeast Rapid City
   • Program Link: Western Dakota Technical College CNA Program
2. South Dakota Department of Health
   • Program Description: The South Dakota Department of Health provides a Nurse Aide Training Program that meets state and federal requirements. This program ensures students are well-prepared for the CNA certification exam and a career in healthcare.
   • Location: Various locations in Rapid City
   • Program Link: South Dakota Department of Health Nurse Aide Training
3. Good Samaritan Society – St. Martin Village
   • Program Description: Good Samaritan Society offers a CNA training program at their St. Martin Village location. This program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to provide high-quality care to residents in long-term care facilities.
   • Location: Southwest Rapid City
   • Program Link: Good Samaritan Society CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Rapid City

Rapid City boasts a variety of healthcare facilities and nursing homes where CNAs can find rewarding employment opportunities. Here are some of the top employers in the area:

1. Monument Health Rapid City Hospital
   • Description: Monument Health Rapid City Hospital is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of medical services. CNAs can find numerous opportunities in various departments within the hospital.
   • Location: Downtown Rapid City
   • Employment Opportunities: Monument Health Careers
2. Good Samaritan Society – St. Martin Village
   • Description: This facility provides long-term care services and is committed to offering compassionate care to its residents. CNAs play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of life for those in their care.
   • Location: Southwest Rapid City
   • Employment Opportunities: Good Samaritan Society Careers
3. Rapid City Regional Hospital
   • Description: As part of the Monument Health network, Rapid City Regional Hospital offers a variety of employment opportunities for CNAs in different medical departments.
   • Location: West Rapid City
   • Employment Opportunities: Rapid City Regional Hospital 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 successfully complete a CNA training program 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 written and skills tests.
3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the certification process.
4. Certification Application: Submit an application for certification to the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

For more detailed 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 Rapid City, South Dakota, is a rewarding and fulfilling journey. With excellent training programs and ample employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact one of the local schools today and start your path toward a meaningful career in healthcare.

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 Rapid City?

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 Rapid City 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 Rapid City 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 Rapid City?

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