CNA Classes & Programs in Columbia, South Carolina
Get Information from CNA Programs in Columbia and Nearby
In Columbia, 20 CNA programs are available to help prepare students for entry into healthcare roles throughout South Carolina’s capital city. The city’s educational landscape supports aspiring certified nursing assistants with a variety of training options designed to meet different learning needs and schedules.
Prospective students can choose from traditional CNA classes along with online courses and accelerated programs—three online options and three accelerated choices are available among Columbia's offerings. These programs emphasize practical skills development necessary for state certification and job readiness in settings ranging from hospitals to long-term care facilities. In the Columbia region, CNAs earn around $35,050 annually—slightly below the statewide figure of $35,090—which prospective professionals should consider when planning their careers.
No free CNA classes are currently available in Columbia; however, with diverse program formats including online and accelerated paths, students have flexible ways to complete their training and begin working as CNAs.
Quick Facts About Columbia
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Population136,754Residents
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CNA Programs20State-approved Programs
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Median Income$54,095Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$16.85Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$35,050Median Annual Salary
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Facilities23CMS Healthcare Facilities12 Nursing Homes • 6 Hospitals • 5 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Columbia and Nearby
Schools in Columbia and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Columbia
Students in Columbia can choose from 20 CNA classes that prepare them for South Carolina certification and registry placement. Program options include online CNA classes and accelerated programs designed to help candidates qualify quickly. Training covers core patient care skills needed for success on the state exam and supports future employment in Columbia’s expanding healthcare sector.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Columbia, but free classes are available in other cities throughout South Carolina.
Accelerated programs: available in Columbia and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Columbia offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Tart's CPR And Learning Center
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Ridgeview High School
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Ridgeview High School
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Step It Up Medical Training
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Pruitt Health Blythewood
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Richland Northeast High School
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Medtech Inc. - Spartanburg
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Nursing Unlimited Nurse Aide Training Center
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Learning To Care Academy
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Hazel's Heart Health Care Academy
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Heyward Career & Technology Center
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Excellence In Healthcare
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Carolina Nursing Assistant Program Academy
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Casania's Healthcare Academy
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Columbia Hands Of Hope
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C. A. Johnson Health Sciences Magnet High School
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C.M. Tucker Jr Nurse Aide Training Program
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Care Solutions Nurse Aide Training Program
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Carolina Career Institute
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Ben Lippen Hs Health Science Acad
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Columbia
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$35,050Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$16.85Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs4,810CNA Positions
In the Columbia region, approximately 4,810 CNAs are employed across diverse healthcare settings according to regional labor market data. CNA jobs in Columbia support medical teams at hospitals, long-term care centers, rehabilitation facilities, and community-based agencies throughout this major South Carolina city.
The CNA salary in Columbia reflects both regional dynamics and statewide benchmarks. The CNA salary in Columbia is around $35,050 per year (about $16.85 per hour), based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This regional median is similar to the statewide median salary of $35,090 annually for South Carolina CNAs. Candidates should keep this modest difference in mind as they consider employment opportunities locally versus elsewhere in the state.
CNA job opportunities span many types of employers within Columbia’s CMS-certified facility network—including C M Tucker Jr Nursing Care Center Roddey Pavilion (a large government-operated center with over 300 beds), Wildewood Downs (a smaller private facility), and NHC Healthcare - Parklane (with over 100 beds). Major hospital systems such as Prisma Health Baptist Hospital and MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown also employ significant numbers of CNAs within their clinical teams. Several home health agencies—including PruittHealth Home Health-Columbia—provide additional career paths outside traditional inpatient settings.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Columbia? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, and Sumter, 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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Columbia (12 facilities)
12 nursing homes in Columbia providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
C M Tucker Jr Nursing Care Center Roddey Pavilion
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C M Tucker Jr Nursing Care Center Fewell And Stone
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Columbia (6 facilities)
6 hospitals in Columbia offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Columbia Sc Va Medical Center
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Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge
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Musc Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Columbia (5 facilities)
5 home health agencies in Columbia providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Pruitthealth Home Health-Columbia
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Prisma Health Homecare
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Centerwell Home Health
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Columbia, SC
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Columbia, 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 Columbia 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
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Columbia
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Columbia?
Most CNA programs in Columbia 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 Columbia?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Columbia?
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 Columbia?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Columbia?
Yes, some schools in Columbia or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Columbia there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, and Sumter. 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 Columbia?
CNAs in Columbia are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.