South Dakota has an increasingly booming population of elderly residents, with around 15% of the population currently aged over 65 years. This means there is a constant need for skilled medical professionals. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) make up an essential part of this and working as a CNA is a great way to take the first step in your South Dakota healthcare journey.
The state of South Dakota requires prospective CNAs to undergo a state-approved nurse aide training program, unless they qualify for exemption by passing other nursing courses. Completion of the training will allow the candidate to sit the exam and begin their career as a CNA. CNAs in South Dakota can make around $33,000 to $35,000 per year.
South Dakota CNA Certification Requirements
Eligibility to take CNA classes and work in South Dakota varies depending on the location and the institution. There is no state requirement for a GED or high school diploma, but most institutions do require one for entry. Some requirements that exist across all state-approved courses include:
- Passing the school’s entrance examination
- Possessing a valid government-issued ID.
- Providing proof of good physical and mental health from a physician.
- Having a completely clean criminal record
- Having a valid card for CPR for Healthcare
- Passing a physical exam and providing a negative TB test within 1 year of the application.
- Being 18 years or over
- Providing proof of immunizations.
South Dakota CNA Classes & Testing Costs
To sit the examination and become a qualified CNA in South Dakota, you must first complete a state-approved training program, unless you are exempt. The training is a minimum 75 hours. This can be completed in as little as four to six weeks. Completion of this course qualifies you for the two-part examination.
The cost of the examination is $159.50 or $169.50 if you opt for oral instead of written examination. The costs of the prerequisite training can vary greatly depending on the institution and where you are located, usually starting at $450 and going as high as $950 for tuition, not including the costs of textbooks, uniforms, and other incremental costs. Contacting healthcare providers may allow you to arrange free training in exchange for the promise to work at the institution after you pass the exam. An incomplete list of places that may offer free training can be found here.
CNA Classes & Nurse Aide Courses in South Dakota
If you are tempted by the sound of becoming a CNA in South Dakota, the following links will help you get started. These are some institutes that offer either free or paid CNA programs. Please contact the institutions themselves for further information on the program, curriculum, or costs.
| Training Program | City | Zip Code | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avera St. Luke's Hospital | Aberdeen, SD | 57401 | 605-622-5000 |
| Diamond Care Center | Bridgewater, SD | 57319 | 605-729-2525 |
| United Living Community | Brookings, SD | 57006 | 605-692-5351 |
| Brookings Health System | Brookings, SD | 57006 | 605-696-9000 |
| Oglala Lakota College | Kyle, SD | 57752 | 605-455-6000 |
| Bethel Lutheran Home | Madison, SD | 57042 | 605-256-4539 |
| Sinte Gleska University | Mission, SD | 57555 | 605-856-8100 |
| Avera Queen of Peace Hospital | Mitchell, SD | 57301 | 605-995-2000 |
| Dakota Wesleyan University | Mitchell, SD | 57301 | 800-333-8506 |
| Philip Health Services | Philip, SD | 57567 | 605-859-2511 |
| National American University | Rapid City, SD | 57702 | 605-341-3368 |
| Western Dakota Tech | Rapid City, SD | 57703 | 605-718-2400 |
| Westhills Village | Rapid City, SD | 57701 | 605-342-0255 |
| Oglala Lakota College | Rapid City, SD | 57701 | 605-342-1513 |
| Dow Rummel Village | Sioux Falls, SD | 57104 | 605-789-3752 |
| Dow Rummel | Sioux Falls, SD | 57104 | 605-336-1490 |
| Southeast Tech - George S. Mickelson Center | Sioux Falls, SD | 57107 | 605-367-7624 |
| Southeast Technology Center at Southeast Tech | Sioux Falls, SD | 57107 | 605-367-7624 |
| The HUB at Southeast Tech | Sioux Falls, SD | 57107 | 605-367-7624 |
| Southeast Technical institute | Sioux Falls, SD | 57107 | 605-718-4112 |
| Ed Wood Trade & Industry Center at Southeast Tech | Sioux Falls, SD | 57107 | 605-367-7624 |
| Boyce-Marshman Link Student Housing at Southeast Tech | Sioux Falls, SD | 57107 | 605-367-5769 |
| Scarbrough Childcare Center at Southeast Tech | Sioux Falls, SD | 57107 | 605-367-8444 |
| Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community | Sioux Falls, SD | 57103 | 605-322-5600 |
| Interim HealthCare of Sioux Falls SD | Sioux Falls, SD | 57103 | 605-371-4253 |
| Sanford Health | Sioux Falls, SD | 57117 | 605-333-1000 |
| Augustana University | Sioux Falls, SD | 57197 | 605-274-0770 |
| University of South Dakota | Vermillion, SD | 57069 | 605-658-6200 |
| Jenkin's Living Center | Watertown, SD | 57201 | 605-886-5777 |
| Lake Area Technical Institute | Watertown, SD | 57201 | 605-882-5284 |
| Avera Weskota Memorial Hospital | Wessington Springs, SD | 57382 | 605-539-1201 |
| Winner Regional Hospital | Winner, SD | 57580 | 605-842-7100 |
CNA Classes in Sioux Falls, SD
Avera Education. This is a hybrid online course that offers three units to fully cover all aspects of CNA training. Prospective students must pay for and complete an 8-hour skills exam. Students can either apply independently or be sponsored by a facility.
Interim HealthCare. This facility offers flexibility and good financial rates for prospective CNAs who wish to work for them during and after training. There is a heavy focus on the real-life aspects of care, and a combined focus on classroom and clinical training supervised by experienced RNs. Places are available on an as-required basis.
Sioux Falls Career and Technical Education Academy. Targeted specifically at high school students, this course provides the tools for entry-level CNA work upon graduation. 16 hours of clinical training are provided alongside classroom instruction from experienced tutors. Graduates of this program are also provided with assistance on finding a job after it is complete.
CNA Classes in Rapid City, SD
Western Dakota Tech. This course is two classes, worth, three college credits, which cover all of the basics required to undergo the state competency examination. Fees are around $600. More info can be found by calling at (605) 718-2963.
National American University. This is a very flexible 75-hour program which is co-operative with the rest of the school’s healthcare management division. Further information can be located through their online form at the link above or by calling the school on (800)-209-1082.
CNA Classes in Aberdeen, SD
Bethesda Aberdeen When assistance positions are required, this nursing home offers state-accredited CNA training and hands-on experience in a care facility. They can be contacted at 605-225-7580 or by filling out their online query form here.
Additional South Dakota CNA resources
After the above links help you get started, make sure to keep a note of the following links to help you with your further education and career.
South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry
To contact the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry, use the information below:
Board of Nursing
4305 S. Louise Ave., Ste. 201
Sioux Falls, SD 57106-3124
PH: (605) 362-2760
FAX: (605) 362-2768
Website
Out of State CNAs
Active out-of-state CNAs can register to work in South Dakota by applying for endorsement. The form and instructions can be found here.
CNA Renewal in South Dakota
Once registered, your license is valid for two years and may be renewed so long as you have worked eight full hours during this time either paid or volunteer. It must be renewed at least 90 days before expiration. There is no renewal fee.
How much does a CNA make in South Dakota?
Salary varies depending on where in the state and which institution you work with, with urban populations generally giving higher wages but having a higher cost of living in return. In South Dakota, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for a starting CNA is $15.54/hr, or $32,330 annually. Scientific research industries pay the most, while private and family care is generally the lowest paid. Experience and education add to your overall salary, and generally, it sees a rise every few years.