South Piedmont female student in nursing gown.

Nursing Related Courses

Skills Development

Your Healthcare Career Starts Here

Looking to begin or advance your healthcare career? The place to start is South Piedmont’s nurse and medication aide programs. Whether you’re entering the field for the first time or building on your existing skills, our affordable, hands-on training will prepare you for success in the high-demand healthcare industry.

The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program provides the foundational skills you need to work in a hospital, long-term care facility, or home health position. Already trained? Our Nurse Assistant Refresher course helps you regain certification and return to the workforce with confidence. Looking to take on more responsibility? Our Medication Aide program qualifies you to administer medications in skilled care settings.

With flexible scheduling, strong job placement support, and a reputation for excellence, South Piedmont is the place to start for a rewarding healthcare career. Get started today and make an impact in our community.

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The Program Options

1 Week
If you’re a current NC Nursing Assistant looking to become a certified medication aide, this 24-hour course meets the required training. After successfully completing the course, you’ll be eligible to take the Medication Aide Examination and qualify for listing on the North Carolina Medication Aide Registry. For more information about certification, visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website.

Mode

In-person

Prerequisites

Complete all items on the requirements checklist.

1 Semester
Nurse Assistant I will prepare you to provide personal care and perform basic nursing skills for patients of all ages. This course includes 50 hours of classroom instruction, 70 lab hours, and 40 hours of clinical experience. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to test for state certification.

You cannot enroll for this course online. See the checklist for required documentation and costs.

Mode

In-person

Prerequisites

Complete all items on the requirements checklist.

1 Semester
This 40-hour course is designed to provide you with a review of the knowledge, skills, and abilities that must be demonstrated on the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Examination, which is necessary for being listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry. 

You cannot enroll for this course online. See the printable checklist of required documentation and cost of the program.

Mode

In-person

Prerequisites

Complete all items on the requirements checklist.

Checklist for Nurse Assistant, Refresher, and Medication Aide

Requirements to register:

  1. Driver’s license (must be current) or DMV identification card, military ID card, passport, Social Security card (signed & cannot be laminated), employment authorization document, or birth certificate. Important: If a student does not have a signed Social Security card, they CANNOT take the North Carolina Nurse Aide exam to be certified and listed on the NC Nurse Aide Registry.
  2. Proof of one of the following:
    • High School diploma or high school equivalency diploma (HiSET or GED); current enrollment in a high school equivalency program; current high school students must have a minimum of a 2.8 GPA; current college enrollment; an associate degree or higher.
  3. CPR card (must not expire before the end of class, must include an instructor-led skill session)
  4. Copies of the following vaccinations:
    • Negative TB Skin Test: A two-step is required for Anson County classes (two negative readings, TB skin test lasts one year), or QuantiFERON Gold blood test. A one-step test is required for Union County. 
    • Tetanus shot within the past 10 years. 
    • Hepatitis B (titer or signed declination form)
    • Flu shot (Flu shots are only required for fall courses. Students will be required to get flu shots before starting clinical rotation if the clinical sites require it.)
    • MMR (immunization or titer)
    • Varicella (immunization or titer)
    • COVID vaccine (optional)
  • Important: Drug screening and a background check will also be required (instructions provided to you).

FAQs

  • How old do I have to be to take CNA? At least 16 ½ years old
  • How do I register? You must have all the required documentation in order to register. We cannot hold seats; students are registered on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • How much does the class cost? The registration fee is $374.40.

To register, please email navigate@spcc.edu and make sure you have all required documents.

Requirements to register:

  1. Proof of Nurse Aide I registry listing or completion of a state-approved nursing assistant program within the last two years. Students’ listing on the nurse aide registry cannot have been expired for more than 2 ½ years.
  2. Signed Social Security card (cannot be laminated), employment authorization document, or birth certificate

AND

  • Students must provide one of the following picture ID’s:
    • Valid driver’s license
    • DMV identification
    • Military ID card
    • Passport
  • Registration fee: $248
  • To register, please email navigate@spcc.edu and make sure you have all required documents.
  • Requirements to register
    • Copy of current listing on NC NAI RegistryCopy of high school diploma or GEDSocial Security card
    • Valid driver’s license

Registration fee: $224.40

To register, please email navigate@spcc.edu and make sure you have all required documents.

Upcoming courses:
Course TitleLocationDatesTime
Nurse Assistant(CNA 1)(FULL)MonroeAugust 18,2025-December 10, 2025 on Mondays and Wednesdays9 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Nurse Assistant(CNA 1)(FULL)PolktonAugust 19,2025-December 9, 2025 on Tuesdays and Thursdays3 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
Nurse Assistant 1 RefresherMonroeOctober 2, 2025-November 4, 2025, Tuesdays and Thursdays9 a.m.-1:15 p.m. (40-hour course)
Medication AideMonroeSeptember 2, 2025-September 18, 2025, Tuesdays and Thursdays9 a.m.-1:15 p.m. (24-hour course)

Your Path to Patient Care Starts Here

If you’re looking to start or restart a career in healthcare, South Piedmont Community College offers exceptional opportunities through its CNA, Medication Aide, and Nurse Assistant Refresher courses. Whether you’re entering the field for the first time or returning after time away, these programs are designed to equip you with the skills, confidence, and credentials you need to succeed. The curriculum is hands-on, up-to-date with current healthcare standards, and taught by experienced instructors who are passionate about your success.

What sets South Piedmont apart is its commitment to student outcomes. From small class sizes to personalized instruction, every element of the program is tailored to ensure that students leave ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Exterior view of the Braswell Building at South Piedmont’s Old Charlotte Highway (OCH) campus.
Jessica Bowers photo.

Outstanding Professional Preparation

Our goal here at South Piedmont Community College is to prepare our students to provide basic skills to care for patients in a safe and caring manner and take the knowledge they gain to advance their education and/or careers if they choose. We make it our priority to send out competent healthcare professionals in the field. We are extremely proud of our students’ pass rates and their success.

Jessica H. Bowers, Program Director

Make the Most of Your Time at South Piedmont

Deepen your education by participating in our Enhanced Learning Opportunities.

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Get in Touch

We’re excited to talk to you about your future and how we can help you reach your goals. Reach out today!