CNA Classes & Programs in Charleston, South Carolina
1 state-approved CNA program in Charleston. Free, 4-week and online programs are offered in other South Carolina cities.
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CNA training in Charleston
- Programs
- 1
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $38,340
- $18.44 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 2,440
- in the Charleston-North Charleston region
- Healthcare facilities
- 18
- 8 nursing homes, 6 hospitals and 4 home health agencies
- Population
- 149,960
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Charleston is home to 1 CNA program, offering aspiring certified nursing assistants a pathway into the healthcare field. This coastal South Carolina city provides access to state-approved CNA training, which prepares students for vital roles supporting patients and clinical teams. In the Charleston-North Charleston metro area, CNAs play an important part in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health settings.
Prospective students in Charleston will find CNA classes that emphasize practical skill-building and readiness for South Carolina certification. The city’s healthcare environment includes 8 CMS-certified nursing homes, 6 hospitals, and 4 home health agencies, offering a diverse range of employment settings after graduation. In the Charleston-North Charleston region, CNAs earn around $38,340 annually—above the statewide figure of around $35,090—providing a strong incentive for those considering this career path.
While there are currently no free or online CNA programs available in Charleston, the local training option delivers focused preparation for individuals seeking to enter this rewarding healthcare profession.
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Browse CNA Classes in Charleston
Students in Charleston can choose from 1 CNA program that prepares graduates for South Carolina CNA certification. This training equips students with essential patient care skills and helps them qualify for placement on the state registry. With local demand for CNAs across a variety of healthcare employers, completing a CNA class here supports entry into meaningful patient care careers.
Program Types in Charleston
| Type | In Charleston | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Charleston | See other South Carolina cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Charleston | See other South Carolina cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Charleston | See other South Carolina cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Charleston | See other South Carolina cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
The CNA program in Charleston
NHC Healthcare Charleston
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 222-5555
NHC Healthcare Charleston is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
CNA Programs Near Charleston
- North Charleston3 programs
- Mount Pleasant2 programs
- Summerville2 programs
- Goose Creek1 program
- Hanahan1 program
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Major South Carolina cities
All South Carolina cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Charleston
| Median annual pay | $38,340 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.44 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 2,440 |
| Salary region | Charleston-North Charleston |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Charleston-North Charleston region, approximately 2,440 CNAs are employed according to recent data. Demand for certified nursing assistants remains steady throughout the metropolitan area as facilities seek qualified staff to deliver essential daily care and support patient well-being. CNA jobs in Charleston span hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies.
The CNA salary in Charleston reflects regional trends. In the Charleston-North Charleston area, CNAs earn around $38,340 per year (or about $18.44 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This median wage is above the statewide South Carolina figure of $35,090 annually. Regional differences may reflect local cost of living and facility needs; job seekers can use these figures to gauge earning potential in comparison to other markets within South Carolina.
Charleston’s healthcare sector offers varied employment opportunities for CNAs across multiple facility types. Notable employers include Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Health Care Center—a non-profit facility with 41 beds—and Ashley River Healthcare, a for-profit center with 125 beds serving many residents. Hospitals such as MUSC Medical Center and Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier Hospital are also significant sites where CNAs may be employed. Home health agencies like Amedisys Home Health Of Charleston East further expand options for those interested in providing care in patients’ homes. Facility data is based on CMS-certified providers as of July 2025.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Charleston (8 facilities)
8 nursing homes in Charleston providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Health Care Center1 Bishop Gadsden Way(843) 762-3300Map | 41 | 3.0 |
| Retreat At Wellmore Of Daniel Island580 Robert Daniel Drive(843) 566-1000Map | 60 | 2.6 |
| Nhc Healthcare - Charleston2230 Ashley Crossing Drive(843) 766-5228Map | 88 | 2.4 |
| Ashley River Healthcare1137 Sam Rittenberg Blvd(843) 763-0233Map | 125 | 2.2 |
| White Oak Manor - Charleston9285 Medical Plaza Dr(843) 797-8282Map | 176 | 2.2 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Charleston (6 facilities)
6 hospitals in Charleston offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Charleston Va Medical CenterAcute Care - Veterans Administration · 109 Bee Street(843) 577-5011Map | 5/5 |
| Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 2095 Henry Tecklenburg Drive(843) 402-1000Map | 4/5 |
| Roper HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 316 Calhoun St(843) 724-2000Map | 4/5 |
| Musc Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 169 Ashley Ave(843) 792-1414Map | 3/5 |
| Trident Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 9330 Medical Plaza Dr(843) 797-7000Map | 3/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Charleston (4 facilities)
4 home health agencies in Charleston providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 4 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Amedisys Home Health Of Charleston East1180 Sam Rittenburg Blvd(843) 554-7161Map | 4.5/5 |
| Musc Health At Home, By Bayada- Charleston4055 Faber Place Dr. Ste 212(843) 576-5378Map | 4.0/5 |
| Phc Home Health408 Folly Road(843) 762-1177Map | 3.0/5 |
| Roper-St. Francis Home Health1483 Tobias Gadson Blvd., Suite 208A(843) 402-3093Map | 3.0/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Charleston? Explore CNA programs and jobs in North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, and Hanahan, or browse the South Carolina CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Charleston, SC
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Charleston, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by South Carolina. These include completing a SCDHHS-approved Nurse Aide Training Program, passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam administered by Credentia, and being listed on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 100 total hours of training (60 hours classroom and lab + 40 hours supervised clinical practice)
- Completion of 16 hours of required instruction before any direct resident contact
- Passing both parts of the NNAAP exam (written/oral knowledge test and skills evaluation)
- Placement on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry managed by Credentia (CNA365)
Once certified, you can apply for CNA positions at nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies throughout Charleston and surrounding areas.
Already certified in another state? You may qualify for reciprocity to transfer your certification into South Carolina without retraining. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in South Carolina guide.
For full details on testing, certification, renewal, and maintaining an active listing, see our step-by-step CNA License & Registration in South Carolina guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Charleston.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Charleston
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Charleston?
Most CNA programs in Charleston can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Charleston?
Contact the program in Charleston directly for its current cost. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Charleston?
No program in Charleston is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other South Carolina cities. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Charleston?
No program in Charleston is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other South Carolina cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Charleston?
No 4-week program is listed in Charleston. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other South Carolina cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Charleston there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek and Hanahan. You can also look at the South Carolina state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the South Carolina CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in South Carolina, you must be added to the official state registry. See our South Carolina CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Charleston?
CNAs in Charleston are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 8 nursing homes, 6 hospitals and 4 home health agencies in Charleston. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.