CNA Classes & Programs in Georgia

Certified Nursing Assistants are the heartbeat of patient care in Georgia’s hospitals, nursing homes, and community health settings. CNAs help residents eat, move, heal, and maintain dignity—often forming the closest daily connection between patients and the healthcare system. From Atlanta’s major medical centers to rural long-term care facilities, Georgia depends on well-trained CNAs to keep care running smoothly.

For people looking to enter healthcare without spending years in school, Georgia CNA training offers one of the quickest and most inexpensive paths to meaningful work. Many students use CNA certification as a first step before advancing to LPN, medical assisting, or registered nursing.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Georgia’s official CNA training program and certification process
• What CNA classes and clinical shifts actually involve
• Typical timelines and costs across Georgia programs
• Whether online CNA options are allowed in the state
• How to choose a high-quality Georgia CNA school

CNA Programs in Georgia: At-a-Glance

Why Become a CNA in Georgia?

Georgia's healthcare system serves a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse population. Demand for nursing assistants (sometimes referred to as “nurse aides”) remains steady as hospitals expand, rehabilitation centers add beds, and long-term care facilities care for more seniors each year. CNAs are often the professionals who notice changes in a patient's condition first, making the role both responsible and rewarding.

Another reason many Georgians choose CNA training is flexibility. Programs are offered through technical colleges, adult education centers, and even some healthcare employers, with options for evenings and weekends. For students balancing work or family, CNA classes can fit into real life while still leading to stable employment within weeks.

Georgia CNA Training & Certification

Becoming certified in Georgia is a straightforward process built around approved education, competency testing, and registry placement.

Training Path

Georgia requires completion of a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program totaling at least 85 hours. Training blends classroom instruction with skills labs and hands-on clinical practice so students are prepared for real patient care, not just test questions.

Certification Exam

Graduates must pass the Georgia Nurse Aide Exam administered through Credentia. The exam includes:

• A knowledge portion covering safety, resident rights, infection control, and care procedures
• A skills evaluation where candidates demonstrate selected tasks such as transfers, hand hygiene, or measuring vital signs

Both parts must be passed to earn CNA certification.

Registry & Renewal

After passing, your name is placed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry, the official record employers use to verify eligibility. To stay active, CNAs must meet Georgia's renewal requirements, which typically involve proof of paid CNA employment within the renewal period.

CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Georgia

CNA Coursework & Clinical Overview

Georgia clinical rotations usually take place in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or hospital units. Students practice real duties, such as assisting with mobility, documenting care, and interacting with residents, under instructor supervision. These hours are part of the 85-hour requirement and are critical for exam readiness.

How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Georgia?

Most Georgia CNA programs can be finished in about 4 to 10 weeks. The timeline depends on:

• Full-time daytime vs. evening schedules
• How quickly clinical placements are arranged
• Whether the program is accelerated or spread over a term

Students seeking the shortest path often choose intensive weekday formats, while working adults may prefer part-time options.

Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Georgia?

Georgia does not approve fully online CNA programs for certification. Because patient care is hands-on, students must complete:

• In-person skills labs
• Supervised clinical shifts at approved facilities

Many schools offer hybrid CNA classes where lectures are online, but all practical training must be completed face-to-face before you can sit for the state exam.

Georgia CNA Employment and Wages

CNA salaries in Georgia varies by region and employer, with higher wages often found in metro Atlanta hospitals and specialty care facilities. Experience, shift differentials, and certifications can also influence earnings.

How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Georgia

Rather than simply picking the lowest-cost or quickest option, look for a program that truly prepares you for the first day on the job.

Consider these factors:

• State approval: Only approved programs qualify you for the Georgia exam
• Quality of clinical sites: Real exposure to busy facilities builds confidence
• Instructor support: Small skills labs and hands-on feedback matter
• Hidden costs: Ask about background checks, uniforms, and testing fees
• Reputation with employers: Schools known locally often help graduates get hired

Visiting a class or speaking with current students can reveal more than any brochure.

CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Georgia

CNA certification is often the first rung on the healthcare ladder, letting Georgians earn income while deciding whether to pursue higher nursing credentials. For those who wish to advance their careers, CNA to RN programs offer streamlined entry into nursing. Also check out nursing schools in Georgia.

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