CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in Columbia, South Carolina (SC)

Between the larger cities of Charleston and Charlotte, is Columbia, SC. This is a popular place for living, working, attending college, and visiting. As a small city of 123k residents, it offers a distinctly different type of environment than the busier cities nearby, and yet it also offers an extremely busy job market too. This is particularly true for those who are considering a career as a certified nursing assistant after completing CNA classes in Columbia.

Education and Licensing in Columbia, SC

Before starting to seek employment, however, you have to be sure that you meet all of the state requirements for CNA training and licensing. This means that you will have successfully completed one of the Columbia CNA programs approved by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Before you can enroll in CNA classes, you must meet a specific set of state criteria. These include undergoing the mandatory health exam that includes drug screening and a full TB test, proving that you are over the age of 18, demonstrating proof of a high school diploma or GED, and also submitting to a full criminal background check.

Once these things are done, you are free to enroll in the program and begin your CNA classes. Any approved courses include a minimum of 80 hours of classroom study and then another 70 hours of clinical work that provides “hands on” training.

When all of the coursework is finished, it is up to the student to schedule their state exam in the appropriate. This is done in a Pearson Vue location (which has contracted with the state for all testing). When the exam is passed, the student is listed on the state CNA registry, and can start to seek a job working as a CNA of any kind!

CNA Programs in Columbia, SC

There are many listings approved programs in the state, but Columbia Health Care is one good option that is approved to offer CNA classes in Columbia.

Skills Learned during Columbia CNA Training

What skills will you need to become a CNA? The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that a CNA is many things, including a home health aide, a caregiver, and much more. While doing your training, you will be required to learn many different things, and some will be practical while others are purely technical. A general list of the things you will study in your CNA classes includes:

• How to properly care for the patients, including everything from feeding and bathing, to moving them from bed to a chair, etc.,
• How to provide services to the supervising nurses and physicians at a medical facility,
• How to properly and safely toilet, change, and lift patients,
• The basics of human anatomy and physiology , and
• Using and implementing patient safety techniques.

Training can include housekeeping since CNAs can also work as live in caregivers for a patient. The state guidelines may also allow CNA students to learn about dispensing medications and working directly under the supervision of a head nurse or a doctor.

Wage Information

According to Salary.com, the median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Columbia, SC is $30,310, as of August 4, 2020, with a range usually between $25,190-$36,347.

Information about CNA Jobs in Columbia, South Carolina

Where do you look to find job listings for CNAs? There are three effective’ ways that this can be done, including general job hunts or very targeted ones.

An effective general searching method is to visit the Craigslist page for the city, as this reveals all of the current jobs, and lets you know what you can expect to earn.

Another way to seek work is by looking for the exact work you want to do, i.e. live in care giving, etc. Contacting a few nursing staffing agencies in the city is a quick way to learn about specific CNA jobs. A suggested firm is Favorite Healthcare.

Key Employers

A third way to seek work is to consider places where you can increase your knowledge and skills. One or more of the hospitals and medical centers in the region may really provide great opportunities as these locations can allow you to determine your strengths and preferences. The top places to look for work include:

• HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation Hospital
• Sisters of Charity Providence Hospital
• Palmetto Health Richland

The many tools and steps outlined above can help you become licensed and get you working as a CNA in no time!