Watertown, SD

Lake Area Technical College

Certified Nursing Assistant

Location

Watertown, SD

State Required Hours

75 hours minimum

Address

1201 Arrow Avenue NE

Watertown, SD 57201

About This Program

Lake Area Tech in Watertown offers a Certified Nursing Assistant program through its Corporate Education division, serving northeastern South Dakota. The South Dakota Department of Health-approved curriculum delivers 40 hours of online classroom instruction plus 35 hours of supervised clinical practice at a long-term care facility, exceeding the state's 75-hour minimum. Classes start quarterly in January, April, July, and October.

Location & Directions

1201 Arrow Avenue NE, Watertown, SD 57201

Becoming a CNA in South Dakota

South Dakota is one of a small group of states where Certified Nurse Aides are regulated directly by the Board of Nursing rather than the Department of Health. SDBON's Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Program (SDUAP) maintains the official CNA registry, approves training programs, contracts with D&SDT-Headmaster for competency testing, and acts on disciplinary findings.

Minimum Age

16

Training Hours

75 hours minimum

Exam Vendor

D&SDT-Headmaster (delivered through the TestMaster Universe / TMU platform)

Time to Cert

6-12 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the CNA program at Lake Area Technical College include?

Lake Area Tech in Watertown offers a Certified Nursing Assistant program through its Corporate Education division, serving northeastern South Dakota. The program is located at 1201 Arrow Avenue NE, Watertown, SD 57201. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (605) 882-5284 or visit https://www.lakeareatech.edu/academics/on-campus-programs/nursing/.

How much does Lake Area Technical College cost?

Lake Area Technical College has not published a flat tuition figure on this directory; pricing for the certified nursing assistant depends on residency, financial aid, and any employer sponsorships. Call (605) 882-5284 or visit the program website at https://www.lakeareatech.edu/academics/on-campus-programs/nursing/ to request the current fee schedule. For reference, total CNA training costs in South Dakota generally fall in the range of $400-$1,200 including tuition (often free at facilities), Headmaster testing, and any optional fingerprint costs.

How long is the program at Lake Area Technical College?

Lake Area Technical College has not published a fixed length for this directory. Programs in South Dakota must meet the state minimum of 75 hours minimum, so plan accordingly. Call (605) 882-5284 or check the program website at https://www.lakeareatech.edu/academics/on-campus-programs/nursing/ to confirm the program length, start dates, and full-time vs part-time schedule options.

How do I apply or contact Lake Area Technical College?

Call Lake Area Technical College directly at (605) 882-5284 or visit https://www.lakeareatech.edu/academics/on-campus-programs/nursing/. The program is located at 1201 Arrow Avenue NE, Watertown, SD 57201. Ask about upcoming cohort start dates, application deadlines, background-check requirements, and any scholarships or financial-aid options before enrolling.

What South Dakota CNA requirements should I know before enrolling at Lake Area Technical College?

Before enrolling at Lake Area Technical College, make sure you meet South Dakota's minimum age (16), education requirements, and background-check rules. South Dakota requires 75 hours minimum of state-approved training and uses D&SDT-Headmaster (delivered through the TestMaster Universe / TMU platform) for the competency exam, with most candidates reaching certification in 6-12 weeks. See the full South Dakota CNA requirements page for a complete checklist.

Are there other CNA programs near Watertown?

Yes. In addition to Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, our directory includes CNA training programs in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Mitchell, Yankton. Comparing programs by location, schedule, and cost is the easiest way to find the best fit for your situation. Browse all South Dakota CNA classes for the full list.