CNA Classes & Programs in Columbia, South Carolina
20 state-approved CNA programs in Columbia, including online, 4-week and evening options.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
CNA training in Columbia
- Programs
- 20
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $35,050
- $16.85 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 4,810
- in the Columbia region
- Healthcare facilities
- 23
- 12 nursing homes, 6 hospitals and 5 home health agencies
- Population
- 136,754
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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.
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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.
Program Types in Columbia
| Type | In Columbia | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Columbia | See other South Carolina cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 3 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 3 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 4 programs | See them ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 20 CNA programs in Columbia
Excellence In Healthcare
Cost$1,360Hours100Weeks–
- Address
- 1531E Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 361-5850
Excellence In Healthcare offers a 100 hour Nursing Assistant course with options for in-person or online theory and hands-on skills practice. Tuition is listed as 1360 including a 110 nonrefundable enrollment fee.
Visit websiteNursing Unlimited Nurse Aide Training Center
Cost$1,495Hours–Weeks4
- Address
- 2638 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29204
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 556-0343
State-approved CNA training with 4- and 6-week options, small classes, and hands-on lab and clinical. Tuition includes materials, CPR/BLS, and the state exam fee.
Visit websiteLearning To Care Academy
Cost$1,500Hours100Weeks6
- Address
- 410 Veterans Rd, Columbia, SC 29209
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 413-5211
- Schedule
- Evening classes
The Nurse Assistant Training Program includes 100 hours (60 classroom/lab and 40 clinical), with evening classes for five weeks and daytime clinicals in week six. Tuition of 1500 includes exam fee and many required items such as CPR, uniform, badge, and background check.
Visit websiteHazel's Heart Health Care Academy
Cost$1,595Hours100Weeks6
- Address
- 1225 Laurel St Suite 314, Columbia, SC 29201
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 238-5193
Hazel’s Heart Healthcare Academy offers a Nurse Assistant Training Program delivering 100 hours over 6 weeks with classroom, skills lab, and clinical training. A hybrid cohort option provides online theory with in‑person labs and clinicals.
Visit websiteCasania's Healthcare Academy
Cost$1,596Hours100Weeks3
- Address
- 1115 Belleview Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 851-6694
The Nurse Aide Training program provides 100 hours of instruction with options for an intensive 3 week daytime schedule or a 6 week format.
Visit websiteColumbia Hands Of Hope
Cost$1,700Hours100Weeks6
- Address
- 1812 Washington Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 708-2504
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Six-week, 100-hour nurse aide program with classroom/virtual theory, lab, and clinicals; evening classes available. Tuition includes the state exam.
Visit websiteBen Lippen Hs Health Science Acad
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 7401 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 331-5749
Ben Lippen’s Health Science CNA program teaches foundational patient care skills with supervised clinical practice and CPR, preparing students for entry-level roles in healthcare. The program is offered at the Monticello Road campus.
Visit websiteC. A. Johnson Health Sciences Magnet High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2219 Barhamville Road, Columbia, SC 29204
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 253-7067
The Health Sciences Magnet provides clinical experiences and offers students the opportunity to become a certified nursing assistant before graduation.
Visit websiteC.M. Tucker Jr Nurse Aide Training Program
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2200 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 935-5715
C.M. Tucker Jr Nurse Aide Training Program is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Care Solutions Nurse Aide Training Program
Cost–Hours100Weeks–
- Address
- 2712 Middleburg Dr, Columbia, SC 29204
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 588-9158
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Private nurse aide school offering a 100-hour program with classroom, lab, and clinical training; day and evening cohorts available.
Carolina Career Institute
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 6615-B Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223
- Phone
- (803) 786-1120
Carolina Career Institute is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Carolina Nursing Assistant Program Academy
Cost–Hours100Weeks–
- Address
- 2712 Middleburg Dr, Columbia, SC 29204
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 543-8349
- Schedule
- Evening classes
CNAPA offers a 100 hour nurse aide program with classroom, lab, and clinical training in day and evening cohorts.
Heyward Career & Technology Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 3560 Lynhaven Drive, Columbia, SC 29204
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 735-3343
Richland One students can apply to Heyward’s Certified Nursing Assistant program offered through the career center. See district materials for current applications and prerequisites.
Visit websiteMedtech Inc. - Spartanburg
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 3300 B Kay Street, Columbia, SC 29210
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 731-2824
Medtech Inc. - Spartanburg is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Pruitt Health Blythewood
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1075 Heather Green Dr, Columbia, SC 29229
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 382-2300
Pruitt Health Blythewood is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteRichland Northeast High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 7500 Brookfield Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 699-2800
Richland Northeast High School is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteRidgeview High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 4801 Hard Scrabble Rd, Columbia, SC 29229
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 699-2999
Ridgeview High School is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteRidgeview High School
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 4801 Hard Scrabble Road, Columbia, SC 29229
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 422-0246
Ridgeview High School is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteStep It Up Medical Training
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 121 John Mark Dial Dr, Columbia, SC 29209
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (803) 873-2501
Step It Up Medical Training is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Tart's CPR And Learning Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- Two Notch Road Suite 18, Columbia, SC 29223
- Phone
- (803) 665-5170
Tart's CPR And Learning Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Cost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
Not sure which of the 20 programs fits you?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major South Carolina cities
- Charleston1 program
- North Charleston3 programs
- Mount Pleasant2 programs
- Rock Hill6 programs
- Greenville11 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Columbia
| Median annual pay | $35,050 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $16.85 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 4,810 |
| Salary region | Columbia |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Columbia (12 facilities)
12 nursing homes in Columbia 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C M Tucker Jr Nursing Care Center Roddey Pavilion2200 Harden Street(803) 737-5300Map | 308 | 4.6 |
| Wildewood Downs1215 Wildewood Downs Circle(803) 788-5115Map | 32 | 3.2 |
| Nhc Healthcare - Parklane7601 Parklane Road(803) 741-9090Map | 106 | 2.7 |
| Rice Estate Rehabilitation And Healthcare100 Finley Road(803) 691-5720Map | 80 | 2.6 |
| C M Tucker Jr Nursing Care Center Fewell And Stone2200 Harden Street(803) 737-5300Map | 252 | 2.4 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Columbia (6 facilities)
6 hospitals in Columbia offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Columbia Sc Va Medical CenterAcute Care - Veterans Administration · 6439 Garners Ferry Road(803) 776-4000Map | 5/5 |
| Prisma Health BaptistAcute Care Hospitals · 1330 Taylor At Marion St(803) 296-5010Map | 5/5 |
| Prisma Health Baptist ParkridgeAcute Care Hospitals · 400 Palmetto Health Parkway(803) 907-7000Map | 4/5 |
| Musc Health Columbia Medical Center DowntownAcute Care Hospitals · 2435 Forest Drive(803) 256-5300Map | 3/5 |
| Prisma Health Richland HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 5 Medical Park(803) 434-7000Map | 3/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Columbia (5 facilities)
5 home health agencies in Columbia 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 |
|---|---|
| Pruitthealth Home Health-Columbia240 Stoneridge Dr(803) 626-0089Map | 4.5/5 |
| Prisma Health Homecare1400 Pickens Street Suite 310, Po Box 7275(803) 296-3100Map | 4.0/5 |
| Centerwell Home Health2000 Center Point Road Suite 2300(803) 731-2365Map | 3.5/5 |
| Providence Home Health140 Stoneridge Drive, Ste 520(803) 343-5100Map | 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 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.
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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Columbia.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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. The shortest published length here is 3 weeks, at Casania's Healthcare Academy.
How much does CNA training cost in Columbia?
CNA programs in Columbia cost between $1,360 and $1,700, depending on the school. The lowest-priced paid option is Excellence In Healthcare at $1,360. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Columbia?
No program in Columbia 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 Columbia?
Yes. 3 programs in Columbia offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Columbia?
Yes. 3 programs in Columbia are accelerated. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 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. CMS lists 12 nursing homes, 6 hospitals and 5 home health agencies in Columbia. 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.