CNA Programs in South Dakota

South Dakota CNA Training

Presently, many business experts are telling people to think about going back to school if they've been laid off or are having trouble finding work in today's sluggish economy. While it's a great idea for an individual to continue his or her education in order to make their resume more attractive to future employers, it's even more important to make sure there is going to be a market for the skills that they'll be acquiring. South Dakota CNA classes are a very popular option because people have discovered that there is a great demand for health care professionals who can start working right away.

Many people think that doctors and nurses are the only medical professionals that hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities are interested in hiring, but that is not correct. While doctors and nurses are responsible for the tasks of examining, diagnosing and prescribing treatment plans for their patients, they depend on certified nursing assistants to help them carry out these tasks in the most efficient manner. South Dakota CNA classes are an important step that will help a person get the training that he or she needs to land a job in this fast-paced field.

Becoming a CNA in South Dakota

In order to become a CNA in South Dakota, one must first complete an approved training program of a minimum of 75 hours. The 75 hour requirement can be waived for nursing students who have already completed coursework in nursing theory as well as clinical training. RNs and LPNs are exempt from the 75 hours as well as all components of the exam.

After the Training is Complete

Once a training program has been completed or exemption status has been granted, one is eligible to complete the CNA test. The exam consists of two components: a written/oral multiple choice section and a hands-on skill test. A score of at least 75% is necessary for both portions of the test. The following subjects are featured in the multiple choice section of the exam:

• Safety
• Communication/Interpersonal Skills
• Infection Control
• Basic Rights
• Basic Nursing Skills
• Personal Care
• Role/Responsibility
• Physical and Mental Health/Illness
• Aging Process

Once certified, an individual must re-register every 2 years through the South Dakota School of Nursing.

Additional Resources:

On-Campus & Online CNA Schools

South Dakota CNA Resources on NurseGroups.com