South Dakota CNA Requirements and State Approved Training Programs

There’s a huge challenge brewing in the healthcare sector: the growing senior population. In South Dakota, the significant increase in the senior population far exceeds the influx of healthcare workers needed to care for them. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the shortage of healthcare workers to get worse over the next decade. The shortage is especially evident in entry-level positions, such as orderlies and Certified Nursing Assistants. Even with burdensome shortages, South Dakota’s Department of Health must uphold stringent training, testing and certification requirements for entry-level CNAs. The Department of Health along with the Board of Nursing ensure all prospective nurse aides receive appropriate training in order to safeguard public health. 

CNA Classes in South Dakota:

Certification Requirements

Under state and federal rules, prospective nurse assistants must complete a training and evaluation program and obtain placement on the state registry before working in long-term care. Training emphasizes the promotion of resident independence and support for quality of life, care, health, and safety. The overall goal is to improve the mental, physical, social and spiritual well-being of residents and reduce instances of abuse and neglect.

Employers at licensed facilities must obtain a copy of the Nurse Assistant Registry verification for all nurse aide employees – this applies to permanent, temporary or volunteer staff. Checks with the registry not only confirms the prospective employee’s status, but also reveal findings of neglect, abuse, or misappropriation of resident property. According to federal provisions, long term care facilities can employ an individual for a period of 120 days while the individual is enrolled in the state-approved training program. The employee must complete the state’s requirements for training and certification before the end of the non-renewable period.

In South Dakota, only nurse aide students, can apply for a waiver of the state’s training requirements. You can apply for an exemption from training if you complete the fundamentals of nursing courses with a grade of C or higher. The training must be from an SD-approved nursing degree program.

Prerequisites to Training

A high school diploma, good physical and mental health, and a criminal-free background are the main prerequisites for entry into South Dakota’s nurse aide training programs. Certified Nurse Assistants fill an entry-level position on the healthcare team, and the prerequisites are a reflection of this position, which provides easy entry into the competitive sector. While a high school diploma or GED is a common requirement for most schools, you can find schools that will enroll any student who can demonstrate competency in reading and comprehension. If you plan to advance to other positions in the industry, you should take the GED test as it will improve your chances of entry into degree programs.

Following are some other prerequisites to training:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • High School graduate or GED equivalent (recommended)
  • Pass the school’s entrance assessment
  • No records of arrest, crimes, or assault of any kind
  • Valid CPR for Healthcare Provider card
  • Valid government-issued ID card
  • Physical Exam and TB Clearance (current within 1 year)
  • Immunization (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Meningitis)

South Dakota Certified Nurse Aide Training Requirements

As a prospective nurse aide, you must complete at least 75 hours of state-accredited training to acquire certification. The training involves classroom instruction, hands-on lab, and clinical rotation to prepare students for the two-part state certification exam. During the classroom component of the training, instructors cover the roles and responsibilities of nursing assistants, anatomy, physiology, vital signs, infection control, nutrition, personal care, mobility, medical terminology and other critical aspects of the state curriculum.

Throughout the short but intensive clinical rotation, students gain exposure to a real-world long term care environment and assist with the activities of daily living. They work in teams, under the direction of a licensed nurse, to assist residents with grooming, bathing, mobility, and prepping for medical exams. The duration of the training depends on the provider, but typically last for 3 to 4 weeks. After completing the full 75 hours of training, graduates are eligible to take the state exam for placement on the registry.

Cost of CNA Training South Dakota

More than 100 facilities in South Dakota offer state-approved nurse aide training. From nursing homes like Bowdle Nursing Home to colleges and private institutes like Oglala Lakota College and New Tec, Inc., you’re sure to find a program that will suit your pace and, more importantly, your budget. Nurse aide training programs in the state cost an average of $450, significantly lower than the national average. The average cost is for tuition only and does not reflect other expenses, such as books, scrubs (for clinical), medical supplies, materials, and state certification. With those costs added, your final bill could be anywhere from $700 to $950. While the costs may seem insignificant, compared to the training costs for other careers, raising the funds could seem like an insurmountable task if you’re unemployed.

Luckily, nursing homes and hospitals account for more than 60 percent of state-accredited programs. This increases your chances of qualifying for free training – if you search long and hard. Remember, nursing homes sponsor training to recruit new employees, so you’ll benefit from immediate employment in addition to free training. By law, your employer must cover your cost of training and testing if you’re employed at a licensed facility. If you use the paid route for nurse aide training, you can ask your future employer to pick up the tab as long as you begin working within 12 months of certification.

Nurse Aide Testing

South Dakota’s nurse aide competency exam, administered by Headmaster, comprises of two components; a written or oral exam and a skills demonstration component. Candidates must successfully complete both components of the exam for inclusion on the state’s registry. First-time testers must take both components of the online test.

The knowledge test comprises of 75 questions covering aspects of nine subject areas, including safety, communication skills, basic rights, roles and responsibilities, infection control, aging process, physical health and illness, basic nursing skills and more. Candidates must complete the test in the 90 allotted minutes and score at least 75% to pass the exam. There’s an oral option that is available for candidates who have difficulty reading English. The request of for the oral test must be made at the time of the application.

The skills test assesses candidates’ performance of hand washing and four randomly selected nurse aide skills. Candidates must complete the crucial steps for each skill and score at least 75% to pass the exam. The duration of the test is 30 minutes. The candidate handbook contains a full listing of skills and steps for each skill.

Certification Costs 

  • Oral knowledge test – $80.50
  • Knowledge test – $70.50
  • Skills test – $89.00

Walk with the following items on exam day:

  • Check in at least 20 minutes before the exam
  • Two forms of official ID
  • Test notification letter
  • Watch with a second hand
  • Uniform scrubs and flat, non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the skills exam

Out-of-State CNAs

Out-of-state CNAS can apply for inclusion on the South Dakota CNA Registry through endorsement:

  • Download and fill out the application for endorsement

Note: If there are findings of abuse or neglect on your record, the registry will deny your application for transfer.

Renewal

You can renew your CNA license up to 90 days prior to the 2-year expiration.

You must:

  • Provide proof of employment/volunteer hours and addresses
  • Relevant documents if you’re updating your name and

There’s no fee for renewing your license.

Contact the Registry:

South Dakota Board of Nursing

Stephanie Orth

4305 South Louise Avenue, Ste 201

Sioux Falls, SD 57105

1-605-642-1388

State Approved CNA Training Programs in South Dakota

Aberdeen, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Avera Mother Joseph Manor

1002 N. Jay Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401

605-622-5850

Bethesda Home of Aberdeen

1224 South High Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401

605-225-7580

Manor Care Health Services

400 8th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401

605-225-2550

Aberdeen, SD Freestanding CNA programs:

Hub Area Vocational Center

640 9th Avenue Southwest, Aberdeen, SD 57401

605-725-7800

Aberdeen, SD Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Presentation College

1500 N. Main Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401

800-437-6060

Alcester, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Morningside Care Center

101 Church St. P.O. Box 500, Alcester, SD 57001

605-934-2011

Arlington, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Golden Living Center-Arlington

120 Care Center Road, Arlington, SD 57212

605-683-5796

Armour, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Golden Living Center-Armour

106 Braddock, Armour, SD 57313

605-724-2911

Beresford, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Bethesda of Beresford

606 West Cedar, Beresford, SD 57004

605-763-2050

Bowdle, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Bowdle Nursing Home

8001 5th Street, Bowdle, SD 57428

605-285-6146

Bristol, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Sun Dial Manor

410 Second Street, Bristol, SD 57219

605-492-3615

Bridgewater, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Diamond Care Center

901 North Main Avenue, Bridgewater, SD 57319

605-729-2525

Britton, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Wheatcrest Hills

1311 Vander Horck Street, Britton, SD 57430

605-448-2251

Brookings, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Brookview Manor

300 22nd Avenue, Brookings, SD 57006

605-696-9000

United Living Community

405 1st Ave, Brookings, SD 57006

605-692-5351

Canistota, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Center-Canistota

700 Main St, Canistota, SD 57012

605-296-3442

Canton, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Canton

1022 North Dakota Street, Canton, SD 57013

605-987-2696

Centerville, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Centerville

4800 W. 57th St., Centerville, SD 57108

605-563-2251

Centerville Care and Rehab

500 Vermillion Street, Centerville, SD 57014

605-563-2251

Chamberlain, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Sanford Mid-Dakota Care Center

300 South Byron Boulevard, Chamberlain, SD 57325

605-234-5511

Clark, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Golden Living Center-Clark

201 8th Ave NW, Clark, SD 57225

605-532-3431

Clear Lake, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Deuel County

913 Colonel Pete Street, Clear Lake, SD 57226

605-874-2159

Corsica, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Corsica

455 North Dakota Avenue, Corsica, SD 57328

605-946-5467

Custer, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Custer Regional Senior Care

1065 Montgomery Street, Custer, SD 57730

605-673-2237

Dell Rapids, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Terrace Manor

1400 Thresher Drive, Dell Rapids, SD 57022

605-428-5478

Desmet, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-DeSmet

411 Calumet Ave, DeSmet, SD 57231

605-854-3327

Eagle Butte, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Medicine Wheel Village

PO Box 590, Eagle Butte, SD 57625

605-964-8155

Elk Point, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Prairie Estates Care Center

600 S. Franklin St., Elk Point, SD 57025

605-356-2622

Estelline, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Estelline Nursing-Care Center

205 Fjerestad Ave E, Estelline, SD 57234

605-873-2278

Eureka, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Avera Eureka Health Care Center

202 J Ave, Eureka, SD 57437

605-284-2145

Faulkton, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Faulkton Healthcare Center

PO Box 100, Faulkton, SD 57438

605-598-6262

Flandreau, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Riverview Health Services

611 East Second Ave, Flandreau, SD 57028

605-997-2481

Freeman, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Oakview Terrace

510 East 8th St, Freeman, SD 57029

605-925-4000

Gettysburg, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Avera Gettysburg Hospital

606 East Garfield Avenue, Gettysburg, SD 57442

605-765-2488

Gregory, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Avera Rosebud Country Care Center

300 Park Ave, Gregory, SD 57533

605-835-8394

Highmore, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Highmore Healthcare Center

410 8th Street SE, Highmore, SD 57345

605-852-2255

Hot Springs, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

South Dakota Veterans Home

2500 Minnekahta Avenue, Hot Springs, SD 57747

605-745-5127

Hot Springs, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Fall River Health Services

1201 Hwy 71 South Hot Springs, SD 57747-8800

605-745-3159

Howard, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Howard

300 West Hazel Avenue, Howard, SD 57349

605-772-4481

Huron, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Sunquest Healthcare Center

1345 Michigan Avenue Southwest, Huron, SD 57350

605-352-8471

Irene, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Sunset Manor Avera

129 East Clay Street, Irene, SD 57037

605-263-3318

Kadoka, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Kadoka Nursing Home

605 Maple Street, Kadoka, SD 57543, United States

605- 837-2270

Lake Andes, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Lake Andes Health Care Center

740 East Lake Street, Lake Andes, SD 57356

605-487-7674

Lake Norden, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Golden Living Center-Lake Norden

803 Park Street, Lake Norden, SD 57248

605-785-3654

Lennox, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Center-Lennox

404 East 6th Avenue, Lennox, SD 57039

605-647-2251

Madison, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Bethel Lutheran Home

1001 South Egan Avenue, Madison, SD 57042

605-256-4539

Golden Living Center-Madison

718 NE Eighth St., Madison, SD 57042

605-256-4531

Martin, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Bennett County Hospital and Nursing Home

102 Major Allen, PO Box 70, Martin, SD 57551

605-685-6622

Marion, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Tieszen Memorial Home Inc

312 East State Avenue, Marion, SD 57043

605-648-3384

Millbank, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Golden Living Center-Millbank

1103 S. 2nd Street, Millbank, SD 57252

605-432-4556

Miller, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Miller

421 East 4th Street, Miller, SD 57362

605-853-2701

Mission, SD HIGH SCHOOLS offering CNA programs:

Sioux Falls School District-CTE Academy

P.O. Box 105, Mission, SD 57555

605-856-8100

Mission, SD Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Sinte Gleska University

101 Antelope Circle, Mission, SD 57555

605-856-8100

Mitchell, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Avera Brady Health-Rehabilitation

525 N. Foster St, Mitchell, SD 57301

605-995-2000

Mobridge, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Golden Living Center-Mobridge

1100 4th Avenue East, Mobridge, SD 57601

605-845-7201

Mobridge Regional Hospital

1401 10th Avenue West, Mobridge, SD 57601

605-845-3692

Nemo, SD Freestanding programs:

Boxelder Job Corps USDAFS

P.O. Box 110, 22023 Job Corps Place, Nemo, SD 57759-0110

605-348-3636

New Underwood, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-New Underwood

412 South Madison Avenue, New Underwood, SD 57761

605-754-6489

Parkston, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Avera Bormann Manor

401 West Glynn Drive, Parkston, SD 57366

605-928-3311

Philip, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Philip Health Services

503 West Pine Street, Philip, SD 57567

605-859-2511

Pierre, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Golden Living Center-Pierre

950 East Park, Pierre, SD 57501

605-224-8628

Maryhouse Nursing Home

801 East Sioux Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501

605-224-3100

Pine Ridge, SD Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Oglala Lakota College

127 Knollwood Drive, Pine Ridge, SD 57701

605-342-1513

Platte, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Platte Care Center

601 E. 7th Street, Platte, SD 57369

605-337-3364

Rapid City, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Golden Living Training Center

302 St Cloud St, Rapid City, SD 57701

605-343-4738

Comfort Keepers

910 5th St., Ste 103, Rapid City, SD 57701

605-679-6848

Regional Homecare and Hospice of the Hills

224 Elk Street, Rapid City, SD 57701

605-755-7710

Rapid City, SD Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

National American University

5301 U.S. 16, Rapid City, SD 57701

605-394-4800

Redfield, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Golden Living Center

1015 3rd Street East, Redfield, SD 57469

605-472-2288

Eastern Star Home

126 West 12th Avenue, Redfield, SD 57469

605-472-2255

Rosholt, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Rosholt Nursing Care Center

85 1st Avenue East-PO BOX 108, Rosholt, SD 57260

605-537-4272

Salem, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Golden Living Center-Salem

500 Colonial Drive, Salem, SD 57058

605-425-2203

Scotland, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Scotland

4800 W. 57th St., Scotland, SD 57108

605-583-2216

Selby, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Selby

4861 Lincoln Avenue, Selby, Selby, SD 57472

605-649-7663

Sioux Falls, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Avera Prince of Peace

4500 S. Prince of Peace Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57103

605-322-5600

Bethany Home Sioux Falls

1901 S Holly Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105

605-338-2351

Interim HealthCare of Sioux Falls, SD

3626 South Southeastern Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57103

605-371-4253

Bethany Lutheran Home

1901 S. Holly Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105

605-338-2351

Golden Living Center-Covington Heights

3900 S. Cathy Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57106

605-361-8822

Good Samaritan Sioux Falls

4800 W. 57th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57108

605-361-3311

LifeScape

1020 W. 18th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

605-444-9700

Sioux Falls, SD Freestanding CNA programs:

NEW TEC, Inc

27074 Henry Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57108

605-336-5005

Sioux Falls Career and Technical Education Academy

4700 North Career Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57107

605-367-5504

Southeast Technical Institute

2320 N. Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107

605-367-7624

Sisseton, SD Colleges and Universities offering CNA programs:

Sisseton Wahpeton College

12572 BIA Highway 700, Sisseton, SD 57262

605-698-3966

Sisseton, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Tekakwitha Living Center

6 Chestnut Street East, Sisseton, SD 57262

605-698-7693

Spearfish, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

David M Dorsett Health Care

1020 North 10th Street, Spearfish, SD 57783

605-642-2716

Sturgis, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Sturgis Regional Senior Care

PO Box 6000, Sturgis, SD 57709

605-347-2536

Tripp, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Tripp

300 North Dobson Street, Tripp, SD 57376

605-935-6101

Tyndall, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Tyndall

2304 Laurel Street, Tyndall, SD 57066

605-589-3350

Avera  St  Michael’s Hospital

410 West 16th Avenue, Tyndall, SD 57066

605-589-3341

Vermillion, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Sanford Vermillion Care Center

125 South Walker Street, Vermillion, SD 57069

605-624-2611

Viborg, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home

315 North Washington Street, Viborg, SD 57070

605-326-5161

Wagner, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Good Samaritan Society-Wagner

515 South Dakota 46, Wagner, SD 57380

605-384-3661

Wakonda, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Wakonda Heritage Manor

515 Ohio Street, Wakonda, SD 57073

605-267-2081

 

Watertown, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Golden Living Center-Watertown

415 4th Ave. NE, Watertown, SD 57201

605-889-8431

 

Jenkins Living Center

215 South Maple Street, Watertown, SD 57201

605-886-5777

Watertown, SD Freestanding CNA programs:

Lake Area Technical Institute

1201 Arrow Avenue-PO Box 730, Watertown, SD 572011

605-882-5824

Webster, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Bethesda Nursing Home

129 W. Highway 12, Webster, SD 57274

605-345-3331

 

Wessington Springs, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Weskota Manor Avera Health

604 First Street NE, Wessington Springs, SD 57382

605-539-1201

White Lake, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Aurora Brule Nursing Home

408 South Johnston Street, White Lake, SD 57383

605-249-2216

Wilmot, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Wilmot Care Center

501 4th Street, Wilmot, SD 57279

605-938-4418

Winner, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Winner Regional Healthcare Center

745 East 8th Street, Winner, SD 57580

605-842-7100

Woonsocket, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Prairie View Care Center

600-Franklin, Woonsocket, SD 57025

605-356-2622

Yankton, SD Freestanding CNA programs:

Avera CNA Online Training Solutions

1000 West 4th Street, Suite 9, Yankton, SD 57078

(605) 668-8475

Yankton, SD Nursing Homes and Hospitals offering CNA programs:

Avera Sister James Care Center

1212 W 8th St, Yankton, SD 57078

605-665-9429

South Dakota Human Services Center

700 Governors Drive, Yankton, SD 57501

605-773-3165

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