Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 24, 2025
South Carolina’s patient care system depends heavily on Certified Nursing Assistants who are commonly known as CNAs. Through state-approved training, they learn to assist nurses by helping residents bathe, dress, eat, and move safely, keeping vital signs on track and reporting any changes promptly. Patients in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private homes across the state benefit from the caring work of CNAs who provide comfort, dignity, and continuity of care.
Kingstree, SC - Public 2-Year - wiltech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Williamsburg Technical College delivers an accelerated Nursing Assistant Certificate program strategically designed for rapid entry into healthcare. Spanning just one semester, this 16-credit hour curriculum provides intensive training with robust clinical experiences in long-term care environments. Students receive comprehensive instruction in patient care techniques, vital sign monitoring, and professional healthcare protocols. The program's structured approach ensures graduates are fully prepared to successfully complete the state Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) examination, positioning them for immediate workforce deployment in medical settings.
Conway, SC - Public 2-Year - hgtc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Horry-Georgetown Technical College offers a dynamic Nursing Assistant certificate program designed to quickly launch healthcare careers. Their strategic 9-credit curriculum equips students with essential patient care skills, emphasizing hands-on training and professional competencies. Graduates are thoroughly prepared to successfully complete state certification exams, with multiple campus locations providing flexible learning options. The program maintains rigorous standards, requiring students to be at least 18 years old, hold CPR certification, and achieve a minimum 'C' grade. Comprehensive training ensures readiness for immediate employment in diverse healthcare environments including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinical settings.
Sumter, SC - Public 2-Year - cctech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Carolina Technical College's Certified Nursing Assistant program delivers an intensive, hands-on curriculum designed to transform students into competent healthcare professionals. Beyond foundational patient care techniques, the program emphasizes practical clinical experiences across diverse medical environments. Students receive comprehensive training in geriatric and acute patient care, complemented by critical CPR certification. The affordable $1,718 program cost includes evening class schedules, enabling working professionals to advance their careers. Graduates emerge prepared to excel in short-term facilities, long-term care institutions, and home healthcare settings, with a strong emphasis on ethical patient interaction and professional standards.
Florence, SC - Public 2-Year - fdtc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florence-Darlington Technical College offers a dynamic Certified Nursing Assistant program tailored for aspiring healthcare professionals seeking rapid career entry. This workforce-oriented curriculum prioritizes hands-on clinical skills and comprehensive patient care techniques. Students benefit from a streamlined educational pathway that eliminates traditional college application barriers and provides multiple campus location options. The program's robust training directly prepares participants for the South Carolina Nurse Aide Exam, ensuring graduates are immediately employable in diverse healthcare environments. With an emphasis on practical skill development and professional readiness, students gain essential competencies in patient interaction, medical documentation, and fundamental nursing procedures.
Spartanburg, SC - Public 2-Year - sccsc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Spartanburg Community College's CNA program delivers a robust 110-hour training experience designed to equip aspiring healthcare professionals with essential patient care skills. Students gain comprehensive knowledge through intensive coursework and clinical training, preparing them for diverse healthcare environments including hospitals, nursing facilities, and home health agencies. The program strategically positions graduates to successfully complete the SC Nurse Aide Registry certification exam, ensuring immediate employability in a rapidly expanding healthcare sector. With a structured curriculum covering critical patient interaction techniques, medical protocols, and hands-on clinical experiences, students develop a strong foundation for launching their healthcare careers.
South Carolina state law does not support online certification but allows nursing aide courses to blend distance learning with required hands-on training. Students can study online modules and participate in discussions and complete quizzes at their convenience from home which enables adult learners to balance their education with their professional responsibilities and family obligations. The state requires each student to complete their entire clinical requirement under direct supervision at an approved facility which means skills labs and bedside rotations continue at partner nursing homes or on campus.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Tri-County Technical College |
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| Williamsburg Technical College |
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| Horry-Georgetown Technical College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | Complete a 100-hour approved CNA program, clear background checks, and pass the written and skills exams within two years (or qualify via reciprocity, military/RN/LPN experience) |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | South Carolina DHEC Nurse Aide Registry (Credentia) |
| Training Program Requirements | 100 hours total, including at least 40 supervised clinical hours |
| Exam and Application Fees | $45 written/oral test, $95 skills evaluation, no registry fee |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the knowledge test and five-skill practical (up to three attempts) |
| Registry Activation Time | Name added to registry as soon as exam results are reported |
| Renewal Requirements | Every two years, complete eight hours of paid CNA work under RN/LPN supervision and pay a $35 renewal fee |
| License by Endorsement | Apply for reciprocity with proof of active certification and training, no additional exam or fee required |
South Carolina Certified Nursing Assistants receive fair compensation for their critical role in direct patient care. The current research indicates that Certified Nursing Assistants receive an average hourly compensation of seventeen dollars which amounts to annual earnings of thirty-five thousand dollars. The starting hourly wage for nurse aides in rural areas reaches up to fourteen dollars but experienced staff in hospitals and long-term care facilities in metropolitan areas can earn twenty dollars per hour. The job market shows positive prospects. The rising number of elderly people creates higher demand for long-term care along with rehabilitation and home health services which generates job openings throughout all counties.
| Salary & Career Outlook | South Carolina | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $33,800 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $16.25 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$43,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $33,800 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$30,020 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~6,700 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Central Carolina Technical College |
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| Spartanburg Community College |
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| Florence-Darlington Technical College |
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The attainment of CNA certification typically begins the healthcare professional path without being the ultimate goal. The knowledge and professional relationships gained through bedside work allow aides to develop skills and confidence which helps them achieve career advancement opportunities. Many South Carolina technical colleges provide Licensed Practical Nurse programs which either require or accept nurse aide experience while giving certified aides application points for their CNA credentials. After obtaining their LPN license, students can transition to Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs to become Registered Nurses. Medical institutions provide educational support and scheduling accommodations together with career advancement opportunities to help nurses advance their careers.
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