CNA Certification in South Dakota
How to Become a CNA in South Dakota
In South Dakota, there is currently a major shortage of qualified nurse aides. This is partly due to federal regulations that mandate nursing aide certification. Becoming a CNA is still an exciting process because of the many available CNA job positions.The CNA certification process is relatively simple. You must first take short CNA classes that are regulated by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. Next, you must take a test to prove you are qualified to be a nurse aide.
Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes
Step 1
Find an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program
You can find many CNA training programs in education systems and hospitals in South Dakota. An approved CNA program must be at least 75 training hours– at least 16 of those hours in a clinical setting. Many students will qualify for free CNA training. Check out our article to see who is eligible for free training.
Before enrolling in CNA training, you must take a full physical exam and also do a background check.
Step 2
Complete your CNA training program.
The courses you must take include everything you will need to know as a CNA like knowledge of CPR, precautions for safety, putting a patient in the bath, delivering and assisting with food, and keeping a clean environment for residents.
CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification
Step 1
Register to take your CNA certification exam.
You can register to take your CNA certification test after you complete your program classes.
The exam will be administered by D&S Diversified Technologies LLP.
Step 2
Prepare for the CNA certification exam by reviewing your CNA program material. There are also free practice tests available for you to take and gauge your CNA knowledge before the actual test.
Step 3
Take your CNA certification exam.
The first part of the test consists of a paper exam. Here, you will be tested on your knowledge of daily nurse aide routines and on much of what your classroom training covered. You need to get at least 70% to pass this part.
During the second part of the test, you will be required to perform five randomly-chosen nurse aide skills. You need to get at least 80% to pass this part. If you pass both parts, you will be certified and will be listed on the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry.
Step 4
After you pass the test, you should then make a resume, highlighting your education, training, certification, special skills, and experience. When you are satisfied that you have a strong resume, you can then start submitting applications along with your resume to potential employers.
You can also choose to take additional LPN or RN training courses which will make more lucrative job opportunities available to you.
The South Dakota Department of Labor projects a 16.8% CNA job growth rate. The current average yearly CNA salary in South Dakota is $25,510. Wages will also depend on what area of South Dakota you live or work in. Often, the bigger cities offer higher pay in addition to more employers.
For more information regarding CNA certification in South Dakota, please contact the South Dakota Board of Nursing.
4305 South Louise Avenue
Suite 201
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57106-3115
Phone: (605) 362-2760