Your 2025 Guide to Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in South Carolina: Top Programs, Requirements, Exam & Salary Insights

Quick Summary: Ready to embark on a fulfilling healthcare career in the Palmetto State? Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in South Carolina is a direct path to making a significant impact in patient care. This comprehensive guide walks you through every essential step: understanding South Carolina's specific certification requirements set by the Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), finding SCDHHS-approved Nurse Aide Training Programs (NATPs), mastering the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP®) Examination administered by Credentia, and exploring salary expectations across South Carolina. We've included details on criminal background checks (SLED checks), financial aid opportunities like SC WINS and SC Works, and crucial tips for career growth and maintaining your active status on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. Whether you're new to healthcare or seeking a new direction, this resource is your launchpad for a successful CNA career in South Carolina.

Introduction: Your Path to Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide in South Carolina

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in South Carolina! If you're looking for a rewarding career in healthcare where you can provide direct, compassionate care to those in need, this is an excellent starting point. This guide is specifically tailored for individuals in South Carolina, detailing the steps to certification as set by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). We'll cover everything from understanding the CNA role and meeting state requirements, to finding an approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP), preparing for the state competency exam administered by Credentia, and exploring career opportunities across the Palmetto State. Let's begin your journey.

1. What is a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) is a valued healthcare professional who provides essential hands-on care to patients and residents in various settings, under the supervision of licensed nursing staff like Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Their primary focus is on assisting individuals with their basic daily needs, ensuring their comfort, safety, and dignity. Key responsibilities typically include:

• Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding.
• Taking and accurately recording vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure).
• Helping with mobility: transferring individuals, assisting with walking, and repositioning to prevent complications.
• Observing patients' conditions and reporting any significant changes to the supervising nurse.
• Providing emotional support, companionship, and promoting patient/resident rights.
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized environment.
• Following infection control procedures.

The CNA role in South Carolina demands physical stamina, empathy, excellent communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail. It offers a deeply rewarding experience and serves as a strong foundation for those wishing to advance their careers in nursing or other healthcare fields.

2. Job Outlook & Demand for CNAs in South Carolina

The demand for Certified Nurse Aides in South Carolina is consistently strong and projected to grow. This is driven by factors such as South Carolina's growing and aging population, leading to increased needs in long-term care facilities, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and home health services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects steady national growth for nursing assistants, and South Carolina, with its expanding healthcare sector, contributes significantly to this demand.

SC Works, South Carolina's workforce development system, also highlights Nursing Assistants as an in-demand occupation. Numerous openings arise annually due to both new job creation and the need to replace workers who retire or move to other occupations.

3. Understanding Local CNA Demand Across South Carolina

CNA job opportunities are widespread throughout South Carolina, with varying concentrations by region:

• Major Metropolitan Areas: Columbia (Richland & Lexington counties), Charleston (Charleston, Berkeley, & Dorchester counties), and the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson Upstate region have the highest concentration of healthcare facilities, including numerous hospitals, large skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and home care agencies, leading to the greatest number of CNA openings.
• Coastal Areas: Myrtle Beach (Horry County) and Hilton Head Island/Beaufort area also have significant healthcare sectors due to tourism and retirement populations, creating consistent demand.
• Midlands & Pee Dee Regions: Cities like Florence, Sumter, and Aiken also have established healthcare networks with steady demand.
• Rural South Carolina: While the volume of large facilities might be lower than in major urban centers, there's a steady and often critical need for CNAs in smaller community hospitals, nursing homes, and particularly in home health, serving geographically dispersed populations.

Exploring the SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) job board and connecting with local healthcare providers and SCDHHS-approved training programs can offer insights into regional demand.

4. CNA Salary & Benefits in South Carolina

Average Compensation

Salaries for CNAs in South Carolina are generally competitive for the Southeastern region. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for May 2023, Nursing Assistants in South Carolina earned a mean hourly wage of $16.28, translating to an average annual salary of approximately $33,870.

Wages can vary significantly based on region (e.g., higher in Charleston or Columbia compared to some rural areas), years of experience, type of facility (hospitals often pay more than some SNFs), and additional certifications. Entry-level CNA positions might start in the $13-$15/hour range, while experienced CNAs or those in high-demand areas can earn more.

Pay by Setting (Typical South Carolina Estimates for CNA)

Setting	Average Hourly Wage Range (SC)
Hospitals	$15.00 – $20.00+
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) / Long-Term Care	$14.00 – $19.00
Home Health Agencies	$13.50 – $18.00 (plus potential mileage)
Assisted Living Facilities / Community Residential Care Facilities	$14.00 – $18.50

Note: These are general estimates. Always research specific regions and employers.

Shift Differentials & Overtime

Many South Carolina healthcare facilities offer shift differentials (e.g., an extra $0.75-$3.00/hour) for evening, night, weekend, or holiday shifts. Overtime pay (typically 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 40 in a week) can also increase earnings.

Common Benefits Packages

Full-time CNAs in South Carolina, particularly in larger institutions, often receive benefits such as:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) or 403(b), SC Retirement System for some public employees)
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Life insurance and disability coverage

5. South Carolina CNA Certification Requirements (SCDHHS)

To become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in South Carolina and be placed on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry, you must meet specific requirements set by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), Division of Community and Facility Services:

• Age & Education: While SCDHHS doesn't specify a minimum age for training, you generally must be at least 18 years old to be employed as a CNA, especially in long-term care facilities. A high school diploma or GED is generally preferred or required by most training programs and employers. You must be able to understand, speak, read, and write English.
• Complete an SCDHHS-Approved Training Program: You must successfully complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP). This program must consist of a minimum of 100 clock hours, which includes:
  • A minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction and lab practice.
  • A minimum of 60 hours of supervised clinical training in an SCDHHS-approved healthcare setting (typically a nursing facility).
• Pass the Competency Examination: After completing training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP®) Examination. This exam is administered in South Carolina by Credentia. It includes both a Written (or Oral) examination and a Skills Evaluation.
• Criminal History Background Check: South Carolina law requires healthcare facilities, particularly long-term care facilities, to conduct criminal background checks (SLED - South Carolina Law Enforcement Division checks) on prospective employees who will have direct access to patients/residents. This is typically done by the employer prior to hiring. Certain convictions may prohibit employment. The SCDHHS Nurse Aide Registry will also reflect any findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property, which would bar certification or result in revocation.
• Health Screening: You must have a health examination, including a TB test (PPD skin test or chest X-ray if indicated), verifying you are in good health and can perform CNA duties. This is usually required before starting clinical training.
• Application for Examination: Your NATP instructor or coordinator will typically assist you with the application process to take the Credentia NNAAP® Examination.

There are other pathways to eligibility for the exam (e.g., certain nursing students, out-of-state CNAs seeking reciprocity, individuals with lapsed South Carolina certification under specific conditions), but completing a South Carolina NATP is the most common route.

Always verify the most current requirements with the SCDHHS Nurse Aide Registry page and your chosen SCDHHS-approved training program.

6. Finding SCDHHS-Approved Nurse Aide Training Programs (NATPs) in SC

It is essential to select a Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) that is approved by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). Only graduates of these approved programs are eligible to take the state competency exam and be listed on the SC Nurse Aide Registry. The SCDHHS website provides a list of approved programs. Common providers in South Carolina include:

• South Carolina Technical College System: Many of the 16 technical colleges across South Carolina offer excellent, affordable, SCDHHS-approved NATPs. These are often eligible for state financial aid like SC WINS.
• Private Postsecondary Career Schools & Vocational Institutes: Numerous private career colleges and technical institutes in South Carolina offer Nurse Aide training. Ensure they are SCDHHS-approved and licensed by the SC Commission on Higher Education if applicable.
• Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs): Some nursing homes offer their own SCDHHS-approved NATPs. These may be free if you commit to working for the facility, as federal law prohibits approved nursing homes from charging for training provided to their prospective or current employees.
• High Schools with Health Science Programs: Some South Carolina high schools offer Nurse Aide training as part of their Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.
• American Red Cross: Some Red Cross chapters in South Carolina may offer SCDHHS-approved Nurse Aide training.

When choosing a program in South Carolina, consider:

• SCDHHS Approval: This is mandatory. Verify on the SCDHHS website's list of approved NATPs.
• Cost & Financial Aid: Inquire about tuition, fees (for SLED checks, books, uniform, physical exam, state exam fee – Credentia's fee), and available aid (SC WINS, SC Works WIOA, Pell Grants, scholarships, payment plans).
• Schedule & Duration: Programs range from intensive full-time (e.g., 4-7 weeks for a 100-hour program) to part-time options.
• Location & Clinical Sites: Factor in commute times for both classroom and clinical portions.
• State Exam Pass Rates: Ask the program about their graduates' success on the Credentia NNAAP® Examination.
• Job Placement Assistance: Some programs offer help with resume writing and job searching.

You can search for approved programs via the SCDHHS Approved Nurse Aide Training Program Search.

7. What to Expect from Your South Carolina CNA Program Structure & Duration

All South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)-approved Nurse Aide Training Programs (NATPs) must provide a minimum of 100 total clock hours of instruction and training. This is typically structured as follows:

• Classroom Instruction and Laboratory Practice (minimum 40 hours): This portion covers theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills practice in a simulated lab environment.
• Supervised Clinical Training (minimum 60 hours): This hands-on portion must be conducted in an SCDHHS-approved clinical setting, typically a nursing facility. Students apply their learned skills providing direct care to residents under the close supervision of an SCDHHS-approved instructor (typically an RN with specific qualifications). Topics generally include:
  • Introduction to the role of the Nurse Aide, healthcare settings, ethics, and resident rights.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Infection control, safety, and emergency procedures (including CPR, often integrated or a co-requisite).
  • Basic anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
  • Personal care skills (hygiene, grooming, bathing, dressing).
  • Nutrition, hydration, and elimination needs.
  • Vital signs measurement and observation skills.
  • Care of residents with common conditions, including cognitive impairments like dementia.
  • Restorative care and promoting independence.
  A specified portion of classroom instruction (typically covering safety, residents' rights, infection control) must be completed before students can participate in direct resident care.

Program Duration (for a 100-hour program):

• Full-Time Programs: Can often be completed in as little as 3-5 weeks, depending on the daily schedule intensity.
• Part-Time Programs (Evenings/Weekends): May take 6-10 weeks or longer to complete.

Regardless of the format, all approved programs are designed to prepare students thoroughly for the South Carolina NNAAP® Examination and for competent practice as a CNA.

8. The South Carolina NNAAP® Examination (Credentia): What You Need to Know

After successfully completing your SCDHHS-approved NATP, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP®) Examination to be eligible for listing on the SC Nurse Aide Registry. This exam is administered in South Carolina by Credentia. The exam consists of two parts, both of which must be passed:

1. Written (or Oral) Examination

• Consists of 70 multiple-choice questions (60 scored, 10 non-scored pretest questions).
• Tests your knowledge on topics covered in your training program, such as physical care skills, psychosocial care skills, and the role of the nurse aide.
• You will have two hours (120 minutes) to complete this examination.
• An oral version (audio recording via headphones) is available in English if requested in advance during the application process.

2. Skills Evaluation

• You will be asked to perform five randomly selected nursing assistant skills.
• One of the skills will always be Hand Hygiene (Hand Washing). Another skill will involve taking a measurement (e.g., blood pressure, weight, urinary output).
• A Nurse Aide Evaluator will observe and score your performance based on critical steps for each skill. You must perform all critical steps correctly to pass a skill.
• You will have a specific time limit (check the Candidate Handbook, typically around 25-35 minutes) to complete all five skills.

Attempts & Retakes: In South Carolina, you generally have up to three attempts to pass both parts of the exam within 24 months (two years) from the date you completed your training program. If you fail one part, you only need to retake that part. If you do not pass both parts within the three attempts or the two-year timeframe, you must complete another SCDHHS-approved NATP.

On Exam Day: Arrive on time. You MUST bring two forms of current, valid (not expired), signature-bearing identification. One ID must be a U.S. government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, state ID, passport). The second ID must also be signed. Both names must match exactly what was submitted on your application. Wear appropriate attire (usually scrubs, flat non-skid enclosed shoes) and a watch with a second hand.

Always refer to the latest South Carolina Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook from Credentia for the most current exam policies, procedures, skill lists, fees, and testing site information.

9. Getting Certified and Listed on the SC Nurse Aide Registry

Initial Registry Listing

Once you successfully pass both the Written (or Oral) Examination and the Skills Evaluation administered by Credentia, Credentia will transmit your results to the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). If you have met all requirements, SCDHHS will place your name on the official South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry with an "active" status. No separate physical certificate is typically mailed by SCDHHS; your active status on the online registry serves as proof of your certification. Employers are required by law to verify your active status on this registry before hiring you as a CNA. You can check your status online via the SCDHHS Nurse Aide Registry search portal.

Maintaining Your Active Listing on the Registry: Renewal

Your active Nurse Aide listing on the South Carolina Registry is valid for 24 months (two years) from the date of your last recorded qualifying employment or initial certification date.

• Work Requirement: To renew your active listing, you must have worked for monetary compensation as a Nurse Aide, performing nursing or nursing-related services, for at least eight (8) hours under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN) within your most recent 24-month registry period. This work must be verifiable.
• No State-Mandated CEUs for Registry Renewal: South Carolina SCDHHS does not currently require specific Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Nurse Aide Registry renewal itself. However, federal regulations require nursing facilities to provide at least 12 hours of in-service education annually to their Nurse Aides.
• Renewal Process: The renewal process is typically handled through the employer verifying work hours or by the CNA submitting proof of employment to the SCDHHS Nurse Aide Registry. It is your responsibility to ensure your listing is renewed before it expires. Check the SCDHHS website for current renewal procedures.

If you do not meet the work requirement within a 24-month period, your listing on the registry will expire. To be relisted after expiration, you will generally need to re-apply for and pass both parts of the Credentia NNAAP® Examination again. If your listing has been expired for more than 24 months, you may be required to complete a new SCDHHS-approved NATP.

Out-of-State Nurse Aides: Reciprocity/Endorsement

If you are a Nurse Aide certified in another state and your certification is active and in good standing (no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property), you can apply for listing on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry through "reciprocity" (endorsement). You'll need to complete the "Interstate Endorsement Application" (available on the SCDHHS website) and submit it with required documentation, including verification from your original state of certification. If your credentials meet South Carolina's standards, you may be granted active listing on the SC Nurse Aide Registry without retaking the exam. Employment will still require South Carolina-compliant SLED background checks.

10. Real Stories: CNA Journeys in South Carolina

Jasmine's Start in Columbia

Jasmine, a recent high school graduate from Columbia, utilized the SC WINS scholarship to attend an SCDHHS-approved NATP at a local technical college. "The 100-hour program felt very thorough, especially the clinicals at a Richland County nursing home," she says. After passing her Credentia exams, Jasmine was hired by a large hospital system in Columbia and is excited about her future in healthcare.

David's Career Shift in Charleston

David, after working in the service industry for several years in Charleston, decided he wanted a career with more stability and meaning. He attended an NATP offered by a private vocational school with evening classes. "The instructors were very focused on preparing us for the NNAAP skills," David notes. He now works at a skilled nursing facility in Charleston County and enjoys the patient interaction.

Maria's Opportunity in the Upstate

Maria, from a town near Greenville, found an NATP offered by a local healthcare training center. "Living in the Upstate, I knew there were many healthcare opportunities. The program was quick and got me ready for the exam," she shares. After certification, she was quickly hired by a home health agency, providing care to clients across several counties.

11. A Day in the Life of a South Carolina CNA

A typical day for a CNA in South Carolina, whether in a bustling Charleston hospital or a nursing home in the Pee Dee region, is centered on providing compassionate and competent direct care:

• Beginning of Shift:
  • Clock in, receive report from the previous shift about resident/patient assignments, current conditions, and specific care instructions or changes.
  • Gather necessary supplies for assigned individuals.
  • Make initial rounds to greet individuals and assess immediate needs.
• Morning/Daytime Routine:
  • Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, grooming, and toileting, always respecting dignity and promoting independence.
  • Serve meal trays, assist with feeding if needed, encourage fluid intake, and accurately record intake and output.
  • Take and record vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure) as scheduled or as indicated by the care plan.
  • Change bed linens, maintain room cleanliness and safety (e.g., ensuring call light is within reach, bed in low position).
  • Assist with mobility: ambulation (walking), transfers (e.g., bed to chair, using a gait belt), range-of-motion exercises, and frequent repositioning to prevent skin breakdown.
• Throughout the Shift:
  • Respond promptly and courteously to call lights and individual requests.
  • Carefully observe individuals for any changes in condition (physical, mental, emotional) and report these immediately to the licensed nurse.
  • Provide emotional support, active listening, and engage in appropriate social interaction.
  • Accurately document all care provided, observations, and any incidents according to facility policy and state regulations.
  • Adhere strictly to infection control protocols (e.g., proper handwashing, use of Personal Protective Equipment - PPE).
• End of Shift:
  • Ensure individuals are comfortable, safe, and their immediate needs are addressed before the next shift.
  • Complete all charting thoroughly and accurately.
  • Provide a comprehensive, factual report to the oncoming CNA/shift.

South Carolina CNAs are crucial members of the healthcare team, requiring diligence, keen observational skills, and a strong commitment to resident-centered care.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Aspiring South Carolina CNAs

Are criminal background checks mandatory to become a CNA in South Carolina?

Yes. Healthcare facilities in South Carolina are required by law to conduct SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) criminal background checks on employees who provide direct patient care. Employers typically initiate these checks before hiring. Certain convictions can prevent employment and affect your registry status.

Are Continuing Education Units (CEUs) required to renew my South Carolina CNA Registry listing?

No, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) does not mandate specific CEUs for CNA registry renewal. Renewal depends on meeting the work requirement (at least 8 hours of paid CNA work under licensed nurse supervision within the preceding 24 months). However, federal law requires nursing facilities to provide at least 12 hours of in-service education annually.

Can I work as a CNA in South Carolina while waiting for my exam results?

After completing an SCDHHS-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP), you may work up to 120 days as a “nurse aide trainee” in a nursing facility while pursuing certification. You cannot work as a Certified Nurse Aide or count toward staffing ratios until you pass the exam and are active on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. Employment is also contingent on clearing the SLED background check.

What if my South Carolina CNA Registry listing expires?

If your listing expires because you didn’t meet the work requirement, you cannot work as a CNA. To be relisted, you must reapply and pass both parts of the Credentia NNAAP® examination again. Listings expired over 24 months may require completing a new SCDHHS-approved NATP.

How do I transfer my out-of-state CNA certification to South Carolina (reciprocity)?

Apply for certification by endorsement with SCDHHS by submitting the “Interstate Endorsement Application,” verification of your active, good-standing out-of-state certification, and meeting South Carolina’s requirements. If approved, you may be added to the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry without re-testing. Employer-required SLED background checks will still apply.

13. Tips for Success in Your CNA Training and Career in SC

• Master the NNAAP® Skills: South Carolina uses the NNAAP® exam. Practice every skill according to the official Credentia NNAAP® skills checklist (available in the SC Candidate Handbook), focusing on all critical steps.
• Understand SLED Background Check Procedures: Be prepared for employer-conducted SLED checks.
• Complete All 100 Training Hours: SCDHHS-approved programs have strict attendance policies for the required 100 hours. Be present and engaged.
• Study for the Written/Oral Exam: Use practice questions, review your training materials thoroughly, and understand core concepts like resident rights, safety, and infection control.
• Professionalism is Key: Maintain a professional demeanor, appropriate attire (especially non-skid shoes), respectful communication, and a positive attitude.
• Ensure Employment Verification for Registry Renewal: If you change jobs, make sure your qualifying work hours are properly documented and verifiable to SCDHHS for renewal. Keep your contact information with the registry current.
• Stay Informed: Periodically check the SCDHHS and Credentia (SC) websites for any updates to regulations or procedures.

14. Advancing Your Career: Paths Beyond CNA in South Carolina

Your South Carolina CNA certification is an excellent starting point. Many CNAs in SC advance to other roles:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): A very common next step. LPN programs in South Carolina (often at technical colleges) typically take 12-18 months. The South Carolina Board of Nursing (part of LLR) regulates LPNs.
• Registered Nurse (RN): Pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an SC Board of Nursing-approved program.
• Medication Technician (Med Tech): Specific training and certification, often facility-based or through private programs, allow individuals to administer medications in certain settings like assisted living (Community Residential Care Facilities - CRCFs) under specific SC DHEC regulations. This is separate from CNA certification.
• Specialized Roles: With experience, CNAs can specialize in areas like hospice care, restorative care, or dementia care. Some facilities may offer additional training for roles like Patient Care Technician (PCT) in hospitals.
• Healthcare Administration or Education: With experience and further degrees, CNAs can move into management, staff development, or become NATP instructors (requires RN licensure and specific SCDHHS qualifications).

Many South Carolina healthcare employers, especially larger hospital systems and technical colleges, offer tuition assistance or pathways for employees pursuing further education.

15. CNA Training Costs & Financial Aid in South Carolina

The cost of Nurse Aide Training Programs (NATPs) in South Carolina can vary:

Program Type	Typical Tuition Range (SC)	Additional Fees (SLED Check, Books, Uniform, Exam, etc. Estimate)	Common Financial Aid Options
South Carolina Technical College	$800 – $1,800 (often eligible for SC WINS)	$150 – $350 (Credentia exam fee ~$130, SLED check ~$25-50, books, uniform)	SC WINS, Pell Grants (if eligible), SC Works WIOA, scholarships.
Private Vocational School	$1,000 – $2,500+	$200 – $450	School payment plans, WIOA, some scholarships, private loans.
Facility-Based (SNF) Training	Often Free (if offered by an approved nursing facility to prospective or current employees, by federal law)	Minimal or covered by facility. SLED check fee might still apply initially.	Employer-sponsored.

Key South Carolina Financial Aid & Cost-Saving Tips:

• SC WINS (Workforce and Industrial Needs Scholarship): For eligible SC residents attending an SC technical college in a high-demand field (CNA often qualifies), covering tuition and some fees after other aid.
• FAFSA: Complete for federal Pell Grants if attending an eligible college program.
• SC Works (WIOA): Contact your local SC Works Center for information on WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) training grants.
• Employer-Sponsored Training: Inquire with local nursing facilities about free NATPs for prospective employees. Federal law dictates that if a nursing home offers the training and you go to work for them (or have an offer), they cannot charge you for any portion of that training, including the competency exam.
• Lottery Tuition Assistance Program (LTAP): May be available for eligible students at SC technical colleges.

Always get a detailed breakdown of ALL costs before enrolling: tuition, SLED background check fee, textbook, uniform, equipment, physical exam/TB test, CPR certification (if required separately), and the Credentia NNAAP® exam fee.

Conclusion: Start Your CNA Journey in South Carolina Today!

Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide in South Carolina is a significant and rewarding step towards a career in the healthcare field. The Palmetto State offers numerous opportunities for dedicated individuals committed to providing quality, compassionate care. By understanding South Carolina's specific requirements through SCDHHS, choosing a quality SCDHHS-approved training program, successfully navigating background check processes and the Credentia NNAAP® Examination, and committing to professional conduct, you will be well-prepared for a successful and fulfilling career.

Your journey to making a difference begins with your initiative. Use the resources in this guide to research programs in your area of South Carolina and take that important first step.

Visit the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) Nurse Aide Registry page and the Credentia South Carolina Nurse Aide page for official program information, forms, exam details, and to embark on your path. A vital role in South Carolina's healthcare system awaits you!

References & Further Reading (South Carolina)

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Nursing Assistants and Orderlies" — www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, "May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates South Carolina - 31-1131 Nursing Assistants" — www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_sc.htm#31-1131
3. South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) - Nurse Aide Registry — www.scdhhs.gov/service/certified-nurse-aide-registry
4. SCDHHS - Approved Nurse Aide Training Program Search — apps.scdhhs.gov/NursingAideRegistry/TrainingProgramSearch.aspx
5. Credentia - South Carolina Nurse Aide NNAAP® Examination — credentia.com/test-takers/sc (Access Candidate Handbook here)
6. SC Works (for WIOA and job/training resources) — scworks.org/
7. South Carolina Technical College System - SC WINS — www.sctechsystem.edu/students/sc-wins-scholarship.html
8. South Carolina Board of Nursing (LLR) (for LPN, RN info) — llr.sc.gov/nurse/
9. SLED CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories) — catch.sled.sc.gov/ (for individual background checks)