CNA Certification in South Carolina

You can work under the direction of professional nurses to provide assistance with activities of daily living for patients if you work as a certified nursing assistant.  There is quite a bit that you will want to know if you plan to start a career as a CNA.

Required Hours and Training for CNA’s in South Carolina

Some states have non-certified aides who are allowed to provide some basic services in healthcare settings.  However, an individual cannot be classified as a certified nursing assistant without receiving proper certification.  To become a CNA, you will need to enroll in a training program for nursing assistants that has been approved by the state.

A state approved certified nursing assistant program in South Carolina will require at least 80 hours of total training.  There will be classroom training as well as clinical experience under the direction of a registered nurse.  You will need to sit for South Carolina’s certified nursing assistant program before being granted certification.  You will be certified after you pass the exam.

Transfer CNA Certification Via Reciprocity to South Carolina

If you hold a nursing assistant certification in another state that is still current and in good standing, you may qualify for certification in South Carolina through reciprocity. You will need to download the application at: http://www.asisvcs.com/publications/pdf/074102.pdf  and fill it out in its entirety. If you have additional questions, you can call 1-800-475-8290 or visit the Pearson Vue website at:  http://www.asisvcs.com/indhome.asp?CPCAT=0741NURSE and click on the Frequently Asked Questions tab.

In order to qualify for reciprocity in the state of South Carolina, you have to show proof that you completed a 100 hour State Approved Nurse Aide Program, which includes clinical hours. You will also need to include a copy of your certificate from your former state. Once you have completed the application for reciprocity, you will need to submit it along with the requested documents to: Pearson Vue- South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry- P.O. Box 13785-Philadelphia, PA19101-3785

CNA Certification Renewal

You will need to renew your nursing assistant certification every two years. You will receive your renewal paperwork a couple months before your certification is set to expire. You will need to complete this paperwork in its entirety and submit it to the address provided to you. Other documentation and fees might be required as well.

In order to renew your certification you must work for pay as a nursing assistant or provide nursing related duties for a minimum of 8 hours during the 24 month certification period. If you worked for a healthcare facility that is Medicaid certified in South Carolina your employer is required to pay the recertification fee.

Please keep in mind that you may need to sit for the nursing assistant certification exam again if you allow your certification to expire. This is determined on a case by case basis. You will need to e-mail scnar@scdhhs.gov regarding your situation.

Helpful Resources: Free Nurse aide training in South Carolina and Accredited CNA training classes in South Carolina