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Our Vision

Our high quality training and education,
reflecting evolving market demand,
reduces poverty and increases prosperity ­
ultimately raising the standard of living
of citizens traditionally left behind.

Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.)

The Nursing Assistant is a skilled health professional who provides nursing care to the sick, confined or rehabilitating client under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. Upon completion of the C.N.A. course students are eligible to sit for the State Certification Exam.

Step 1 - Application and Eligibility Screening

Interested candidates should contact Tameka Carn at (803) 829-1805 or Garon Jackson at (843) 560-1616 to make an appointment to fill out the LO/UD application and to determine eligibility to participate in free training services.  A $25.00 non-refundable application fee is required.

Step 2 - Testing

Once accepted into the program, candidates will be scheduled for the appropriate placement tests through Adult Education.  LO/UD will cover most of the cost for all required tests.

Step 3 - Remediation (if necessary)

If needed, candidates will work with Adult Education to improve test scores and then re-take the placement test in order to enroll in future classes. 

Step 4 - Medical and Criminal Background Screening

Because of legal requirements for hands-on training in a medical facility, all training participants are required to get a two-step  PPD (tuberculosis) screening, have an updated shot record, and undergo a SLED criminal background check.  Most expenses and SLED tests will be paid by LO/UD.  Participants are required to pay for their PPD Skin Test.

Step 5 - Training

The pre-C.N.A. curriculum (40 hrs) covers academic skills, stress/time management, and employability skills.   This required component of the LO/UD C.N.A. program is taught by Adult Education.

The Certified Nurse Aid curriculum (96 hours) is a SC Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS) approved course that prepares students to pass the certification exam to become a CNA. It includes an academic component that will be taught in a classroom setting and a clinical component where the student will gain clinical experience in a long-term care facility.  The C.N.A. curriculum is taught by instructors from either Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College or Trident Technical College.

Step 6 - Job Placement

Once a student has successfully completed the CNA curriculum, the LOUD staff assists them in gaining employment, although employment is not guaranteed.  The average starting salary for C.N.A. is $9.00/hr.