CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (SD)

Often viewed as a “quad-state” area thanks to its borders on Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska, the city of Sioux Falls, SD is unique and a place with a character all its own. It is also one of the many smaller cities in the country with a high demand for CNAs. With a population of more than 155k, it is clearly a city with a strong job market, and if you are hoping to settle there or start a career there, working as a CNA may be the ideal choice. The first step toward reaching this goal is to register for CNA classes in Sioux Falls.

Information about CNA Jobs in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

You need only take a quick look at online job listings for the area, such as the CNA jobs on Indeed.com, and you will find that you can get CNA training and put it to use in many ways. Whether as a home health aide, nursing assistant, live in caregiver, or some other type of certified nursing assistant, there is a lot of work available.

If you are someone who already has training and wants to work in a specific setting, you can turn to the different staffing agencies or similar programs to help you find the ideal position. They have all of the openings currently available, and one of the most reliable agencies is Keloland Employment.

CNA Classes and Licensing in Sioux Falls

In order to even begin looking for work, however, you must have your CNA licensing. This means you will have successfully completed one of the CNA programs pre-approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. Once you complete the required CNA classes and training,  you must take the mandatory exam and only then can you become licensed.

The CNA programs in Sioux Falls follow a standard outline of 75 hours (minimum) spent in training, with 16 in a “hands on” or clinical setting and the remaining balance in specific CNA classes. Before being allowed to enroll in CNA programs, students have to prove that they have completed high school (or taken a GED), will have to pass the physical exam (including drug screening), and undergo a full criminal background check.

Once this is done, and the CNA training is completed, they schedule their exam with the appropriate vendor. If they pass they then become licensed and placed on the state registry. They can then begin seeking work!

Approved CNA Training Programs in Sioux Falls

The Board of Nursing has the full list of programs on their website, but of those in Sioux Falls, the following CNA programs are local and already approved to offer CNA classes in Sioux Falls:

• Southeast Technical Institute
• Sioux Falls School District – CTE Academy
• National American University

Best Employers to Know

With all of your training and licensing done you may still be unsure of how to proceed. This is one reason that hospitals and clinics are great places for preliminary work experiences. They can show a CNA all of the various ways that their skills can be put to use, and some of the best in the region include:

• Sanford USD Medical Center

Salary Information

Many people wonder what they can earn as a CNA in Sioux Falls, and it should be noted that the average income for those in the city is well below the national average. This is not to be a discouragement, however, because the cost of living in the city is also well below the national average too, and everything balances out. The median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Sioux Falls, SD is $28,290, as of August 6, 2020, with a range usually between $23,495-$33,907 (Salary.com).

Essential Skills Learned in CNA Training Programs

What do you have to know how to do in order to work as a certified nursing assistant in Sioux Falls, SD? You will need to master a lot of material in your CNA classes. As you can see from the list below, it is a blend of technical and practical information, and includes:

• Lifting and moving techniques;
• How to take vital signs;
• Listening to and responding to common patient concerns, and how to communicate this to physicians and nurses;
• Basic CPR;
• How to properly toilet and dress patients;
• How to clean, bathe, feed, and generally care for patients in many settings.
• Encouragement of independence for the patients;
• Safety of the patient;
• Enforcing patients’ rights; and
• Control of infection

Additionally, a CNA should be naturally patient, compassionate, have the ability to multi-task, work independently, and have a sense of humor!