Becoming a CNA in South Dakota

What is Involved in Completing CNA Training in South Dakota?

There is currently a severe shortage of qualified nurse aides in South Dakota, partially because of federal regulations mandating nursing assistant certification. This makes becoming a CNA an exciting process, because there are many job openings awaiting you.The process to become certified is actually relatively simple. First, you must take short CNA classes that are regulated by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. You must then take a test to show you have learned the necessary skills it takes to be a nurse aide.

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in South Dakota

Step 1:

Find an approved program in your state:

Find a CNA Training Program

 
CNA training programs in South Dakota can often be found in many education systems and hospitals in South Dakota.  Approved CNA training programs in South Dakota must consist of at least 75 training hours, with at least 16 of these hours in a clinical setting. Remarkably, many students will qualify for free CNA training, so check out our article discussing how certain people are eligible for these benefits.

Before enrolling in CNA training in South Dakota, you will be required to undergo a full physical exam, as well as a background check.

Step 2:

Complete your CNA training program.

Courses to be expected while you are studying obtain the essentials for the state test. They also include everything you will need to know while practicing like CPR, precautions for safety, putting a patient in the bath, delivering and assisting with food and keeping a clean environment for the residents.

CNA Testing Procedures and Applying for CNA Certification in South Dakota

Step 1:

Register to take your CNA certification exam. You can register to take your CNA certification test when you have completed your training program’s classes.

The exam will be administered by D&S Diversified Technologies LLP.

Step 2:

Prepare for the CNA certification exam by reviewing the material that you learned in your CNA training program. You can also take practice tests, which can help give you an idea of which areas you may need to study more.

Step 3:

Take your CNA certification exam

The first part of the test consists of a paper exam. During this portion of the exam, you will be tested on your knowledge of day to day aspects of being a nurse aide. Much of what you learned in the classroom portion of your training will be covered on this part of the test. A score of 70% or better would be a passing grade.

During the second part of the exam, you will be required to perform five randomly chosen nurse aide skills. You must master this portion of the exam with 80% or better. If you successfully pass both parts of the test, you can consider yourself certified, and you will be given a space on the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry.

Step 4:

Once you pass the CNA certification exam in South Dakota, you can then write your resume, which should highlight your education, training, certification, special skills, and experience. When you are satisfied that you have create a strong resume, you can then start submitting it to potential employers.

You can also choose to take additional LPN or RN training courses, which will qualify you for more lucrative job opportunities.

The South Dakota Department of Labor reports that you can anticipate a 16.8% rate of growth in job openings for the nurse aide. The current CNA salary in South Dakota is an average $25,510 a year, and wages will highly depend on what area of the state you live and work. Often, the more sizable cities offer higher pay, in addition to more variety of employers.

For more information regarding CNA certification in South Dakota, feel free to contact the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

South Dakota Board of Nursing

4305 South Louise Avenue

Suite 201 

Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57106-3115

Phone: (605)362-2760