Online CNA Classes in South Carolina: View & Compare SC Schools
If you’re a high school graduate or professional in South Carolina wanting to transition into the medical industry, you can take the first step toward a thriving nursing career by learning how to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). As a CNA, you can make a difference as a healthcare professional and positively impact the lives of those you work with.
Becoming a CNA in South Carolina means completing formal education and sitting for the certification exam. Fortunately, there are several flexible online CNA class options for those who have work and family obligations that prevent them from being able to attend a traditional program. Read on to discover the online CNA classes in South Carolina that could work for prospective students like you.
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Inside Online CNA Classes in South Carolina
If you want to pursue an exciting career in allied health, online CNA classes in South Carolina may be a convenient, affordable option. They’re designed to teach you the basic nursing skills that equip you for jobs in hospitals, home health, long-term care facilities, and assisted living facilities. As a CNA, you’ll give hands-on care to people who need assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, walking, and going to the bathroom.
Keep in mind that in most cases, the didactic classwork can be completed online, but there will still be an in-person element required to graduate.
If you’re looking for the best online CNA classes in South Carolina, we’re here to help with this informative guide. We’re spotlighting some of the top CNA classes and their important features to give you an idea of what to look for when choosing the program that’s right for you.
Nursing Assistant Certificate — Midlands Technical College
As one of the few online CNA classes in South Carolina, Midlands Technical College offers a hybrid Certified Nursing Assistant Program that teaches anatomy and physiology, basic nursing skills, communication, and soft skills. Students learn how to assist with activities of daily living, take vital signs, and use appropriate safety measures. Clinicals for online students take place in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and extended care facilities.
This program consists of 22 credit hours that can be completed in either two or four semesters, depending on whether students choose full-time or part-time enrollment. Tuition costs $4,136; the course is eligible for financial aid. A variety of scholarships and resources are available for CNA students, some of which are offered directly through the college.
Duration: 22 credit hours (2 full-time semesters)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $4,136
Admissions Requirements: Pass a background check and drug screening, show proof of immunization and CPR certification, and overall school admission requirements, such as a GED or high school diploma.
Curriculum: Basic nursing principles including anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, assisting with activities of daily living, taking vital signs, and more.
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Patient Care Technician Certification Course — University of South Carolina
The Patient Care Technician Certification Course at the University of South Carolina is a 12-month training program that not only prepares students to become a certified nursing assistant, but takes the job a bit further – graduates will be qualified to do things that most CNAs cannot, such as use EKGs or draw blood. The program includes a voucher that is good for the examination that allows graduates to become a patient care technician.
During the course, students learn fundamental nursing principles and master the necessary skills to provide care for people who need assistance with activities of daily living. Upon successful completion, students will be prepared to work in nursing facilities and long-term care facilities.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Online – asynchronous
Cost: $2,795
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED is strongly encouraged.
Curriculum: In addition to medical terminology, vital signs, and other necessities for CNAs, this program also teaches the use of certain medical devices, such as EKGs, as well as phlebotomy and specimen collection.
Nurse Aide Certification — Carolinas College of Health Sciences
The Nurse Aide: CNA Program at Carolinas College provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for patients, including checking vital signs, assisting with the activities of daily living, and performing other duties as directed by a supervising nurse or doctor. Students can choose their own schedule (weekdays, weekends, etc.) as well as take some of their courses online for greater flexibility.
Students can finish the program within three months, and they will be first in line for positions offered by Atrium Health upon graduation. Students should expect to complete 120 hours of study and can look to financial aid to cover the expenses if they qualify. Three start dates that coincide with the start of spring, fall, and summer semesters allow students to plan ahead.
Duration: 2-3 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $1,200
Admissions Requirements: Students must apply to the college, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a criminal background check.
Curriculum: Checking vital signs, understanding medical terminology, and being able to handle the activities of daily living for patients are the underpinnings of this program.
Student Support: FAQs About CNA Programs
If you still have questions about becoming a certified nursing assistant, you may find the answer here. We address the most pressing concerns and top questions from other perspective students interested in online CNA classes in South Carolina, so continue on to discover more.
Are there free CNA classes in South Carolina?
In general, free CNA classes are rare. South Carolina occasionally offers a free CNA program through the University of South Carolina, depending upon funding. This program is associated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and offers an opportunity for students on a tight budget to break into this promising career. In the case of the Palmetto Caregivers, they are made possible through a grant focused on addressing the state’s need for CNAs.
Those who are already working in skilled nursing facilities might be able to get free courses and training through their employer.
Can you become a CNA in South Carolina in four weeks?
Although most CNA programs last eight weeks, four-week classes do exist. Schools such as Piedmont Community College streamline the course to fit into a short period of time. That said, you will still need to pass the state exam, apply for, and receive your license.
Certified nursing assistant programs in South Carolina range from four to 16 weeks, depending on the program and enrollment. The time to take the board exam and apply for a license may vary. However, you may work for up to four months in a Medicaid-funded facility without certification if you’re in or graduated from an approved CNA program.
Can you take the CNA test without taking classes in South Carolina?
No, you must complete a state-approved certified nursing assistant program to become eligible for the exam. Approved programs align with South Carolina’s Core Curriculum. This ensures you’ve received adequate training to practice as a CNA safely and competently. It also shows potential employers that you have the necessary skills to fulfill your duties. This keeps you, your patients, and your employer safe from malpractice issues.
While you might be able to learn on the job, especially if you currently work in a skilled nursing facility, you will still have to take the proper approved courses to earn that coveted certification.
What is the career trajectory for a CNA in South Carolina?
Nursing assistants in South Carolina have multiple options after getting licensed. There is no shortage of demand for CNAs in the Palmetto State; besides that, most graduates of CNA programs will have access to career assistance and placement through their school.
Not only can certified nursing assistants work in a variety of facilities, but healthcare professionals can also stack certifications by becoming a med tech or a phlebotomist. Those who want to become a nurse may choose to enroll in an online CNA to LPN nursing program.
In other words, getting the CNA certification is a powerful goal in and of itself, but it can also serve as a stepping stone to many other careers in the allied health field.
How often is a CNA license renewed in South Carolina?
CNA renewal requirements differ for each state, but as a CNA in South Carolina, you must renew your CNA license every two years. The only requirement to maintain an active license is that you must work a minimum of eight consecutive hours for pay during those two years. No continuing education credits are required.
About 90 days before your license expires, you will receive a reminder with directions for how to renew, a process that is completed online with the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
Salary and Career Growth: CNAs in South Carolina
In addition to learning about some of the best CNA programs in South Carolina and reviewing the certification process, it’s wise to get an idea of what your salary and employment prospects will be as you enter the workforce.
The data reveals that demand for CNAs in the state is very healthy. Nationally, the career is anticipated to grow 4.2% over the next ten years. However, in South Carolina, it is projected to grow 10.1%, which is more than twice as fast. This rapid growth indicates that new CNAs should not have difficulty finding a job, and many opportunities are likely to offer perks to attract candidates. Regarding pay, CNAs statewide earn between $26,880 and $41,140 annually, with a median salary of $35,090. Two of the highest-paying areas are Charleston-North Charleston and Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, where those in the 90th percentile earn over $43,000 a year. Continue to the data below to explore more trends.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $26,880 | $35,090 | $41,140 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $31,140 | $38,340 | $43,970 |
| Columbia, SC | $24,680 | $35,050 | $38,890 |
| Florence, SC | $24,960 | $31,400 | $37,710 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | $29,030 | $35,180 | $43,650 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC | $29,250 | $36,100 | $38,430 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | $27,860 | $33,190 | $38,620 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $27,800 | $36,890 | $42,710 |
| Sumter, SC | $23,570 | $34,380 | $36,070 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,361,300 | 1,417,800 | 56,500 | 4.20% | 202,400 |
| South Carolina | 19,300 | 21,250 | 1,950 | 10.10% | 3,070 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
