Certified Nursing Assistant

Course

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) are valued members of healthcare teams, often focusing on the emotional needs of patients as well as performing their CNA duties.  

Southeast Tech’s program focuses on: 

• Safety
• Infection Control 
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Basic nursing skills
• Personal care
• Aging process
• CNA roles and responsibilities

Program Video

What’s Your Role as a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Are you looking for a field where you can help others? Through the CNA course at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, you will gain the skills needed to compassionately serve in a healthcare setting.

A CNA is trained in basic nursing skills and personal care. Duties may include measuring vital signs, cleaning and bathing patients, repositioning patients to aid comfort and prevent bed sores, listening to health concerns.

Learn Online, Practice in Person and Get Real-World Experience

During CNA training, students complete online coursework and attend on-campus sessions to practice hands-on skills, helping connect theory with real-world applications. This course includes 16 hours of clinical experience at a long-term care facility in or near the Sioux Falls area. Clinical experiences are arranged by STC and will take place throughout the semester during evenings and/or weekends. Clinical schedules will be distributed at the beginning of the semester. 

Certification as a Nurse’s Aid: Upon successful completion of the course and fulfillment of all state and federal training requirements, you may be eligible to take the South Dakota Nurse Aide certification exam.

First Steps to RN / LPN: Working as a CNA provides valuable hands-on experience that many nursing schools highly regard. the course is also a prerequisite to several of STC's associate degrees and diplomas in healthcare fields.

Tailored Learning: This course has online, clinical and on-campus elements.

Turn CNA Training into Career Opportunities

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a regional hub for many healthcare centers, which draw rural residents to the area. Your career opportunities upon graduation include many of these hospitals, clinics and long-term care centers. Graduates find employment with the following healthcare employers:  

• Avera Health Systems
• Good Samaritan Society
• Sanford Health Sioux Falls  
• Veteran’s Administration Health Care System
• Many more long-term care and home care agencies