The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program at Northeastern Technical College is designed to provide the academic and the practical skills necessary for students to successfully complete the Nursing Assistant Certification Exam required by the S.C. Department of Health and Human Services for nurse aides and assistants.

Classes are offered during the day and evening hours and are held on campus at NETC. Day classes usually meet from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. two days per week for three weeks of classroom instruction and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. for one and a half weeks for clinical instruction. Evening classes usually meet two nights per week from 6:00 until 10:00 for approximately 15 weeks, and clinical may be held on some weekends.

The class consists of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 60 hours of supervised clinical training. Each student is required to have a SLED criminal background check upon registration. The clinical site will determine if a student with a criminal record can participate at their facility. Prior to entering the clinical portion of the training, each student will be required to have a physical exam completed by a physician, purchase uniforms for use in the hospital and nursing home, and successfully completed CPR training. These items, along with textbooks are paid for by the student in addition to the tuition fees.

High school graduation is not required for admission to the class; however, an ability to read at a sufficient grade level is required for entrance into the program. A pre-test will be administered to determine grade level.

Registration for the class is completed by filling out a Continuing Education Registration Form and paying the tuition fee. This may be done at the Office of Continuing Education, located in Willamette Hall (Building 200) Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. or Friday, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Tuition                                
Textbooks:                                  
Supplies                                      
State Exam Fee:                         
Physical Exam                            
Uniforms*                                     
SLED Background Check             
Community CPR                          
Drug Test                                    

$467
$90-$100
$75
$95
Varies
Varies
$25
$47
$35

* Uniforms
The Book Nook at Northeastern Technical College orders uniforms or lab jackets appropriate for Nursing Assistant clinical activities. Students may purchase uniforms at other sites, including Wal-Mart or Heaven Sent. If you wish to order your uniform from the Book Nook, please follow these guidelines:

For Day Classes on Campus: Day Nursing Assistant students have 4 days from the first day of class to order your uniforms. Book Nook is open 8am-6:30pm, Monday-Thursday and 8am-1pm on Friday.

For Evening Classes on Campus: Your instructor will announces a date for ordering your uniforms. You should be prepared by bringing your registration receipt and money to pay for uniforms on that evening. You should arrive at the Book Nook no later than 6pm to try on uniforms, place and pay for orders.

Nursing Assistants are considered to be a high-risk group for exposure to Hepatitis-B since health care is often provided to patients carrying the Hepatitis-B virus. Although not required, it is recommended that all Nursing Assistant students at NETC consider receiving the Hepatitis-B vaccine prior to the clinical portion of your training. This should be done in consultation with your family physician. Students are responsible for the costs involved in the vaccination. Students deciding not to receive the vaccine will be required to sign a waiver at the beginning of classes. Either proof of beginning the vaccination process or a signed waiver must be in the student's college file prior to beginning the clinical phase of training.