CNA Classes in Columbia, SC: 7 State-Approved Programs
Columbia has 7 CNA training programs on South Carolina's approved list. South Carolina requires 100 hours of training, 40 of them clinical. Typical CNA pay in the Columbia area is $37,400 a year, about the same as the South Carolina figure, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
CNA programs in Columbia
Each program below appears on South Carolina's official approved list. 1 of them is run by a nursing facility or care center, judging by the listed type or program name. Confirm current approval, start dates, and cost with the program before enrolling.
| Program | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| COLUMBIA HANDS OF HOPE | 1812 WASHINGTON STREET, 29201 | (803) 708-2504 |
| HEYWARD CAREER & TECHNOLOGY CENTER | 3560 LYNHAVEN DRIVE, 29204 | (803) 735-3343 |
| MEDTECH INC. - SPARTANBURG | 3300 B KAY STREET, 29210 | (803) 731-2824 |
| MEDTECH, INC. SPARTANBURG II | 3300 B KAY STREET, 29210 | (803) 731-2824 |
| MIDLANDS TECH NURSING DIVISION | 1260 LEXINGTON DRIVE, 29170 | (803) 822-4995 |
| NHC HEALTHCARE NORTH AUGUSTA AIDE PRG S11085 +18432270752 | PROGRAM S00581 +18039355715 2200 HARDEN STREET, 29201 | (803) 278-4272 |
| RIDGEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | 4801 HARD SCRABBLE ROAD, 29229 | (803) 422-0246 |
Programs: South Carolina approved nurse aide training program list, mirrored September 2026. Pay: BLS OES May 2025. Programs open and close during the year; confirm current approval with the program or the state list before enrolling.
Where CNAs work in Columbia
CMS lists 12 Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing homes in Columbia, each with its reported nurse aide staffing, staff turnover, and inspection record. Compare the nursing homes in Columbia.
Under federal rule 42 CFR 483.152(c), a nurse aide who is employed by, or has a job offer from, a nursing facility on the day training begins cannot be charged for any part of the training and competency evaluation program, including textbooks. An aide who is hired by a facility within 12 months of completing a program is entitled to reimbursement of the cost, which the state must provide for on a pro rata basis while the aide works as a nurse aide.
CNA pay in Columbia
BLS OES May 2025, typical (median) annual pay for nursing assistants · CNA salary in Columbia
After training: exam and registry
Graduates take South Carolina's competency exam, a written or oral test and a skills test, and are then listed on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. Employers check that listing before hiring. How the South Carolina registry works.
CNA classes in other South Carolina cities
- Greenville (6)
- Rock Hill (5)
- Jeff Davis Dr. Spartanburg (4)
- Blythewood (3)
- Cheraw (3)
- Lexington (3)
- Pendleton (3)
- Beaufort (2)
- Bus Winnosboro (2)
- Clinton (2)
- Denmark (2)
- Florence (2)
Questions about CNA classes in Columbia
- How many CNA classes are in Columbia, SC?
- South Carolina's approved nurse aide training list names 7 CNA programs in Columbia. Each is listed on this page with its address and phone number.
- How much do CNAs make in Columbia?
- Typical CNA pay in the Columbia area is $37,400 a year, or $17.98 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The South Carolina figure is $37,220.
- How long is CNA training in Columbia?
- Programs in Columbia follow South Carolina's requirement of 100 training hours, including 40 clinical hours. The federal minimum is 75 hours.
- Can I get free CNA training in Columbia?
- Under federal rule 42 CFR 483.152(c), a nurse aide who is employed by, or has a job offer from, a nursing facility on the day training begins cannot be charged for any part of the training and competency evaluation program, including textbooks. An aide who is hired by a facility within 12 months of completing a program is entitled to reimbursement of the cost, which the state must provide for on a pro rata basis while the aide works as a nurse aide. CMS lists 12 nursing homes in Columbia.