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How to Become a Certified Nurse Aide in Georgia

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(found 313 schools)

You may have heard that the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), also known as Certified Nursing Assistant is one of the fastest growing and most stable occupations around, but you may not know everything that is involved in becoming a CNA in Georgia. Here you will find a guide designed to help answer your questions about CNA certification routes, training and testing, staying certified, and job/salary outlook as a Certified Nursing Assistant in the state of Georgia.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

  • Step 1: Select One of the Six Paths to Becoming a CNA in Georgia
  • Step 2: Complete the Required Training
  • Step 3: Pass the State Exam – NNAAP
  • Step 4: CNA Registry and Certification Renewal
  • Step 5: Work as a CNA in Georgia

Step 1: Select One of the Six Paths to Becoming a CNA in Georgia


  • Route 1: New Candidates
  • Route 2: RN and LPN Candidates
  • Route 3: Out-of-State Trained CNA
  • Route 4: Out-of-State Trained CNA with Lapsed Certification
  • Route 5: Georgia-Expired Registration
  • Route 6: Reciprocity
  • The NNAAP Examination

If you are interested in starting a CNA career, or getting back into it, there are six main options for certification in the state of Georgia. Each path is unique. Make sure you read this information carefully so you can decide which one is right for you.

Route 1: New Candidates

One way to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Georgia is by successfully completing an in-state and state-approved CNA program. From the date you finish your CNA classes, you will have one full year to take and pass the NNAAP exam. It is only by completing both the required courses and passing the exam that you will be placed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. You must submit a completed application to the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Service (NACES) to schedule your testing, but make sure it’s before your one-year mark. You will also need the following documents in order to register for the CNA test:

  • A completed application form which can be found at Pearson’s website here
  • A notarized and instructor-signed training certificate which you should receive upon course completion
  • A copy of your Social Security Card
  • A copy of your Photo I.D.

You must submit these documents, along with one of the approved payment methods, in order to schedule your exam. Please review the payment methods in the section, “How Much and How to Pay“.

Route 2: RN and LPN Candidates

This route is for those who are currently licensed as an RN or an LPN in the U.S. From the time your application is received, you will have one year to complete the NNAAP exam. This is very important, because if you fail to make the one-year deadline, you will have to follow the first eligibility route if you still wish to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Georgia.

Instead of a training certificate, you will need:

  • A copy of your RN/LPN license
  • A copy of your Social Security Card
  • A copy of your Photo I.D.

These must be submitted with your payment in order to be approved.

Route 3: Out-of-State Trained CNA

If you have completed a CNA program in another state, but haven’t yet completed the NNAAP, then this section is for you. In order to register with the GA Nurse Aid Registry, you must pass the NNAAP examination within one year from the day you completed your out-of-state course. You will have to submit an application to NACES before this one-year mark with the following documents:

  • A copy of your training certificate (signed by your instructor, with your completion date, and the state where you were trained)
  • A copy of your Social Security Card
  • A copy of your Photo I.D.

However, if you miss the one-year mark and still wish to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, you will have to complete another course and follow the steps provided in Route 1.

Route 4: Out-of-State Trained CNA with Lapsed Certification

If you are a Certified Nursing Assistant who has been trained and registered in another state, but your registration has expired, follow these steps to get your certification. Within three years from your certification expiration date, you will have three attempts to take and pass the NNAAP exam. You should be aware though, if you fail all three times or the three years have passed, you will be required to retake a CNA certification course and then retest. You will have to provide a few documents:

  • A copy of your official out-of-state registry verification showing that you are still in Good Standing from the state where your certification has expired
  • A statement about the state where you received training
  • A copy of your Social Security Card
  • A copy of your Photo I.D.

Route 5: Georgia-Expired Registration

This route is almost exactly the same as Route 4, except for a few documents. You’ll need:

  • Your certification number
  • The expiration date
  • A copy of your Social Security Card
  • A copy of your Photo I.D.

Route 6: Reciprocity

If you have been certified as a CNA in another state but haven’t worked within the past two years, or if you are not eligible to work in a Long Term Care Facility, you will have to take this route to get certification in Georgia. All that is required is for you to pass the NNAAP examination, and then you will be a registered Georgia Nurse Aide. You will have to submit a completed application to NACES before your GMCF Approval to Test Letter has expired. This approval expires after one year. If you fail the test three times or wait until after the expiration date, you will have to go through another course and retake the test through Route 1.

You will have to provide:

  • A copy of your Social Security Card
  • A copy of your Photo I.D.
  • A copy of your unexpired GMCF Approval to Test Letter

If your CNA certification is active in another state’s Nurse Aide Registry, you can refer to the section, “What if I’m Coming From Out of State” to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Georgia without training and without taking the Georgia NNAAP exam.

The NNAAP Examination

A couple of things should be noted here. For all candidates, the NNAAP exam is limited to three attempts before you are required to take another training course. Additionally, you will only be allowed a one-time reschedule of your exam if the testing date falls outside of your one-year mark. The rescheduled date must be within one month of your original date. This applies to all candidates.

Now that you have reviewed the available paths for becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Georgia, you may be interested in learning what to expect from your future training program.

Back to Top

Step 2: Complete the Required Training


  • How to Get Started
  • How to Find the Right Program
  • CNA Training Classes (Including Pass Rates) in Georgia
  • How Long Will It Take
  • What About the Cost
  • What You Can Expect to Learn
  • Who Can Teach You

How to Get Started

The requirements for getting started are fairly straightforward. You have to be at least 16 years old, eligible to work in the U.S., and able to speak and write in English. A high school diploma is not necessary. While background checks are not mandatory for all courses, the registry, or to complete the NNAAP, you will more than likely have to face background checks with potential employers, so a clean record is recommended.

How to Find the Right Program

There are several key factors you will want to consider when searching for the right CNA certification classes. Keep in mind that approved programs are held in high schools, technical schools, colleges, nursing homes, acute facilities, and private post-secondary schools. In the state of Georgia, no online Certified Nursing Assistant courses are allowed. This means that if you want to get Certified Nursing Assistant training in Georgia, you will need to attend an in-person program. Some other things you will need to consider are the program’s location, its credentials, and its reputation.

CNA Training Classes (Including Pass Rates) in Georgia

The table includes 313 state-approved CNA schools in Georgia. Use the search bar to find the right local CNA classes for you.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

RegionCityCNA Program ProviderSkills Pass Rate
in 2015
NorthwestAcworthChattahoochee Technical College - North Metro
www.chattahoocheetech.edu
0.57
NorthwestAcworthChattahoochee Technical College - North Metro Continuing Education
www.chattahoocheetech.edu
0.71
SouthwestAlbanyAlbany Technical College - Main Campus
www.albanytech.edu
-
SouthwestAlbanyAlbany Technical College Monroe Comprehensive High School
www.albanytech.edu
0.25
SouthwestAlbanyGWANA0.88
SouthwestAlbanyHeritage Health Career Center, Inc.
www.heritagehcc.com
0.96
SouthwestAlbanyNew Beginnings Health & Career Training Center - Cuthbert-
SouthwestAlbanyNew Beginnings Health And Career Training Center
www.newbeginningsalbany.com
0.91
SouthwestAlbanyQuality Healthcare, LLC0.73
SouthwestAlbanyTurner Job Corps Center
turner.jobcorps.gov
0.81
SoutheastAlmaBacon County High School
www.baconcountyhigh.com
0.87
SouthwestAmericusInnovative Senior Solutions0.5
SouthwestAmericusMagnolia Manor Nursing Center0.66
Middle GeorgiaAshburnPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
Middle GeorgiaAshburnSouthern Regional Technical College
southernregional.edu
0.72
NortheastAthensAthens Tech Core CNA 0.88
NortheastAthensInnovative Healthcare Institute, LLC-
NortheastAthensPruittHealth Athens Heritage
www.pruitthealth.com
-
NortheastAthensPruittHealth Grandview
www.pruitthealth.com
-
NortheastAthensThe Oaks of Athens
www.pruitthealth.com
-
Metro AtlantaAtlantaAmerican Red Cross
www.redcross.org
0.72
Metro AtlantaAtlantaAtlanta Job Corps Center
atlanta.jobcorps.gov
0.85
Metro AtlantaAtlantaAtlanta Technical College
www.atlantatech.edu
0.27
Metro AtlantaAtlantaCovenant CNA School
www.covenantcna.com
0.85
Metro AtlantaAtlantaCross Keys High School0.8
Metro AtlantaAtlantaEverest College - Atlanta West
www.everest.edu
-
Metro AtlantaAtlantaMurray Career Institute
www.murraycareerinstitute.com
0.73
Metro AtlantaAtlantaProactive Medical Training Center, Inc.
proactivemedicaltraining.com
-
Metro AtlantaAtlantaPruittHealth of Brookhaven
www.pruitthealth.com
0.66
Metro AtlantaAtlantaPruittHealth West Atlanta-
East CentralAugustaA.R. Johnson Health Science & Engineering Magnet School
www.rcboe.org
1
East CentralAugustaHelms College
helms.edu
0.3
East Central AugustaPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
East Central AugustaRoyalbea's Professional Training & Development Center
www.royalbeas.com
-
East Central AugustaTender Care Training Center
www.tendercaretraining.com
0.65
East Central AugustaTraining for Life Center, LLC
website
0.84
East CentralAugustaAugusta Technical College
www.augustatech.edu
0.52
Metro AtlantaAustellHealth Tech Training Institute, LLC
www.healthtechtraininginstitue.com
0.73
Metro AtlantaAustellPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
SouthwestBainbridgeBainbridge High School
www.boe.dcboe.com
1
SouthwestBainbridgeBainbridge State College
www.bainbridge.edu
0.91
SouthwestBainbridgeBainbridge State College - Miller County Dual
www.bainbridge.edu
-
SouthwestBainbridgeBainbridge State College - Seminole County Dual
www.bainbridge.edu
1
NortheastBaldwinThe Oaks - Scenic View
www.pruitthealth.com
-
West CentralBarnesvilleHeritage Inn of Barnesville
www.heritageinnbarnesville.org
-
SoutheastBaxleyCoastal Pines Technical College
www.coastalpines.edu
-
NortheastBlairsvilleUnion County High School
high.ucschools.org
1
NortheastBlairsvilleUnion County Nursing Home
www.uniongeneralhospital.com
0.93
SouthwestBlakelyBainbridge State College - Early County
www.bainbridge.edu
0.75
NorthwestBlue RidgeFannin County High School
www.fannin.k12.ga.us
0.97
NorthwestBlue RidgeNorth Georgia CNA Training Institute0.76
NorthwestBlue RidgePruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
NortheastBraseltonMedical Institute of Northeast Georgia, LLC
www.ming101.com
0.91
SoutheastBrunswickADL Training & Testing, Inc.
adltraining-cna.com
0.92
SoutheastBrunswickBrunswick Job Corps Center
brunswick.jobcorps.gov
0.87
SoutheastBrunswickCoastal Pines Technical College - Golden Isles
www.coastalpines.edu
0.4
SoutheastBrunswickSears Manor Nursing Home, LLC-
Metro AtlantaBufordFavored Healthcare Services
www.favoredhealthcareservices.com
0.41
SouthwestCairoCairo High School - Grady County Vocational Center0.65
SouthwestCairoLife Way Training Institute0.92
NorthwestCalhounCalhoun Health Care Center-
NorthwestCalhounCNA Nursing School of Calhoun
cnanursingschool.com
0.73
SouthwestCamillaMitchell County High School0.94
SouthwestCamillaSouthern Regional Technical College - Pelham High School
southernregional.edu
0.75
NorthwestCarrolltonThe Oaks-
NorthwestCarrolltonUniversity of West Georgia
www.westga.edu
1
NorthwestCarrolltonVillage Samaritan, LLC
villagesamaritan.com
0.79
NorthwestCarrolltonWest Georgia Technical College
www.westgatech.edu
0.59
NorthwestCartersvilleBartow County College & Career Academy
www.edlinesites.net
0.55
NorthwestCartersvilleMaple Ridge Health Care Center
mapleridgehc.com
-
NorthwestCartersvilleThe Training Center of NW Georgia, Inc.
www.trainingcenternwga.com
0.84
NorthwestCedartownCedartown High School
www.polk.k12.ga.us
0.71
Metro AtlantaChambleeMalik College0.68
Metro AtlantaChambleeWarren Technical School-
NorthwestChatsworthChatsworth Health Care Center-
NortheastClarkesvilleNorth Georgia Technical College
northgatech.edu
0.57
Metro AtlantaClarkstonGeorgia Piedmont Technical College - DeKalb
www.gptc.edu
0.64
NortheastClaytonMountain View Health Care1
NortheastClevelandWhite County High School0.81
Middle GeorgiaCochranBleckley County High School
www.bleckley.k12.ga.us
0.59
Metro AtlantaCollege ParkFAKS Allied Health Education Center
www.faks-allied-health.com
0.84
Metro AtlantaCollege ParkThe Sorce Consulting and Training, LLC
www.thesorcetraining.com
0.73
West CentralColumbusColumbus Technical College
www.columbustech.edu
0.98
West CentralColumbusColumbus Technical College - Dual Enrollment
www.columbustech.edu
0.91
West CentralColumbusF&L Nurse's Aide Program-
West CentralColumbusMuscogee Manor & Rehabilitation Center
www.muscogeemanorga.com
-
West CentralColumbusOrchard View Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing
www.columbusorchardview.com
-
West CentralColumbusSouth Columbus Nurse's Aide Program0.6
West CentralColumbusStat Medical Services, Inc.
www.statmedical.biz
0.92
NortheastComerMadison County Health and Rehabilitation0.83
Metro AtlantaConyersAshona Medical Institute0.69
Metro AtlantaConyersPremier Medical Careers
www.premiermedicalcareers.com
0.9
Middle GeorgiaCordeleSouth Georgia Technical College
www.southgatech.edu
0.86
Metro AtlantaCovingtonGeorgia Piedmont Technical College - Newton
www.gptc.edu
0.6
Metro AtlantaCovingtonGeorgia Piedmont Technical College Continuing Education
www.gptc.edu
-
Metro AtlantaCummingAngels All Around, Inc.
www.angelshomecareservice.com
0.69
NortheastDahlonegaGold City Convalescent Center-
NorthwestDallasCPR With Mickey, Inc.
www.cprwithmickey.com
0.77
NorthwestDallasPaulding County High School
www.paulding.k12.ga.us
-
NorthwestDallasWellstar Paulding Nursing Center1
NorthwestDaltonGeorgia Northwestern Tech College - Whitfield Career
www.gntc.edu
0.9
NorthwestDaltonRegency Park Health & Rehabilitation
www.regencyparkhealth.org
0.88
SoutheastDarienCoastal Pines Technical College - McIntosh Academy0.81
Metro AtlantaDecaturDekalb High School of Technology South0.74
Metro AtlantaDecaturEast Lake Arbor Healthcare-
Metro AtlantaDecaturLife Solutions For Health, LLC
www.lifesolutionsforhealth.com
0.91
Metro AtlantaDecaturProfessional Medical Institute, Inc.0.91
Metro AtlantaDecaturSouthwest DeKalb High School0.91
Metro AtlantaDecaturTowers High School0.8
Middle GeorgiaDouglasCoffee County High School
www.coffee.k12.ga.us
0.69
Middle GeorgiaDouglasShady Acres Health & Rehabilitation
www.shadyacreshealth.org
-
Middle GeorgiaDouglasYcarte Health Career Center, LLC
www.ycartehealthcareercenter.com
0.64
Metro AtlantaDouglasvilleAssured & Associates Personal Care of Georgia
assuredandassociates.com
0.76
Metro AtlantaDouglasvilleCovenant Medical Training Institute
www.covenantmedtraining.com
0.89
NorthwestDouglasvilleWest Georgia Technical College
www.westgatech.edu
0.86
East CentralDublinOconee Fall Line Technical College - South Campus
www.oftc.edu
0.8
Metro AtlantaDuluthAlliance Care Medical Academy, Inc.
www.alliancecare.org
0.89
Metro AtlantaDuluthWoodruff Medical Training and Testing
woodruffmedical.edu
0.78
Metro AtlantaDunwoodySunrise Senior Living
www.sunriseseniorliving.com
0.76
West CentralEatontonCentral Georgia Technical College - Putnam
centralgatech.edu
0.8
Metro AtlantaEllenwoodCedar Grove High School-
NorthwestEllijayGilmer Nursing Home
www.northgeorgiamedicalcenter.com
1
East CentralEvansColumbia County Schools0.89
Metro AtlantaFairburnFairburn Health Care Center
fairburnhcc.com
-
Metro AtlantaFairburnNew Hope Learning Center
www.newhopelc.com
0.5
Metro AtlantaFayettevilleGolden Age Healthcare Training, Inc.
www.goldenagetrainingga.com
0.87
Metro AtlantaFayettevilleHealthcare Training Center, LLC
www.hctrainingcenter.com
0.61
Metro AtlantaFayettevilleSanzie Healthcare Services, Inc.
www.sanziehealthcareservices.com
-
Middle GeorgiaFitzgeraldPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
Middle GeorgiaFitzgeraldWiregrass Georgia Technical College
www.wiregrass.edu
-
NortheastFlowery BranchNorth Georgia Nursing Academy
www.ngnanursing.org
0.84
West CentralForsythCentral Georgia Technical College - Mary Persons High School
mphs.monroe.k12.ga.us
0.95
West CentralForsythPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
West CentralForsythPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
NorthwestFort OglethorpeNHC HealthCare Fort Oglethorpe
www.nhcfortoglethorpe.com
0.68
NorthwestFranklinPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
NorthwestFranklinWest Georgia Technical College - Heard County
www.westgatech.edu
0.83
NortheastGainesvilleOaks Limestone
www.pruitthealth.com
-
NortheastGainesvilleWoodruff Medical Training & Testing
www.woodruffmedical.edu
0.77
East CentralGibsonGibson Health & Rehabilitation Center-
East CentralGracewoodEast Central Regional Hospital Gracewood Nursing-
West CentralGrayCentral Georgia Technical College - Jones County
centralgatech.edu
-
West CentralGreenvillePruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
1
NorthwestGreenvilleWest Georgia Technical College
www.westgatech.edu
-
Metro AtlantaGriffinGriffin-Spalding High School
www.spalding.k12.ga.us
0.96
Metro AtlantaGriffinReliance Healthcare & Hospice
website
-
Metro AtlantaGriffinSouthern Crescent Technical College
www.sctech.edu
0.88
East Central GrovetownRemedy Health Career Center, LLC0.85
Metro AtlantaHapevilleMetropolitan Career School
www.metrocareerschool.com
0.68
NortheastHartwellHart Care Center, Inc.-
NortheastHartwellHart County High School
hchs.hart.k12.ga.us
-
West CentralHawkinsvilleCentral Georgia Technical College - Hawkinsville
centralgatech.edu
0.8
SoutheastHazlehurstCoastal Pines Technical College
www.coastalpines.edu
0.09
NortheastHiawasseeChatuge Regional Nursing Home
www.uniongeneralhospital.com
0.84
SoutheastHinesvilleInfinite Health Care Academy
www.infinitehcacademy.com
0.7
SoutheastHinesvilleLiberty College & Career Academy
www.liberty.k12.ga.us
0.86
SoutheastHinesvillePathways Health Career Training Center, LLC0.8
Metro AtlantaJacksonBlessed Assurance Healthcare0.7
NorthwestJasperGrandview Health Care Center-
NorthwestJasperPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
West CentralJeffersonvilleCentral Georgia Technical College - Twiggs County
centralgatech.edu
-
SoutheastJesupCoastal Pines Technical College
www.coastalpines.edu
0.65
SoutheastJesupCoastal Pines Technical College - Appling County High School
www.coastalpines.edu
-
Metro AtlantaKennesawKennesaw State University Continuing Education Department
ccpe.kennesaw.edu
-
SoutheastKingslandCamden County High School
wildcat.camden.k12.ga.us
0.88
NorthwestLaGrangeWest Georgia Technical College
www.westgatech.edu
0.91
NorthwestLaGrangeWest Georgia Technical College - Lagrange High School
www.troup.org
-
NorthwestLaGrangeWest Georgia Technical College - Troup High School
www.troup.org
1
NortheastLavoniaFuture Nurse Learning Center
www.futurenurselearningcenter.com
0.81
Metro AtlantaLawrencevilleGwinnett Technical College
www.gwinnetttech.edu
0.94
Metro AtlantaLawrencevilleMaxwell High School of Technology
www.maxwellhigh.com
0.96
Metro AtlantaLawrencevilleMentee College
menteemedicalinstitute.org
0.96
SouthwestLeesburgAlbany Technical College - Lee County High School
www.lee.k12.ga.us
-
Metro AtlantaLilburnEducation & Career Resources of Georgia
www.ecrga.com
0.76
Metro AtlantaLilburnPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
NortheastLincolntonLincoln County High School
lchs.lincolncountyschools.org
0.7
Metro AtlantaLithoniaArabia Mountain High School-
Metro AtlantaLithoniaHope Institute, LLC0.54
Metro AtlantaLocust GroveMedPrep South, LLC
www.medprepsouth.com
0.9
East Central LouisvillePruittHealth Old Capital-
Metro AtlantaMabletonCobb Medical Institute, Inc.
www.cobbcnaschool.com
0.93
West CentralMaconCentral Georgia Technical College
centralgatech.edu
0.88
West CentralMaconCentral Georgia Technical College - Hutchings
centralgatech.edu
0.79
West CentralMaconCentral Georgia Technical College - NE High School-
West CentralMaconEndurance Holistic Health Education and Training0.72
West CentralMaconExtended Health Services, Inc.0.82
West CentralMaconPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
West CentralMaconPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
Metro AtlantaMariettaChattahoochee Technical College
www.chattahoocheetech.edu
0.7
Metro AtlantaMariettaCumberland Medical Institute, LLC
www.cumberlandmedical.net
0.93
Metro AtlantaMariettaMetro Medical Training Center
www.metromtc.net
0.67
West CentralMarshallvilleThe Oaks Nursing Home, Inc.
www.theoakswebsite.com
0.83
East CentralMartinezBreath of Life Training, LLC-
East CentralMartinezElevations Professional CNA Program0.42
Metro AtlantaMcDonoughNewport Institute of Tech & Healthcare Training
website
0.84
Metro AtlantaMcdonoughNV Enterprises Training Academy
www.nvetacna.com
0.58
East CentralMetterAzalea Health & Rehabilitation
www.azaleahealth.org
0.63
West CentralMilledgevilleBeyond Nurse Aide Training Program0.5
West CentralMilledgevilleCentral Georgia Technical College - Baldwin
centralgatech.edu
0.83
West CentralMilledgevilleCollaborative Health Care Training Institute0.86
West CentralMilledgevilleGeorgia War Veterans Home
veterans.georgia.gov
0.25
West CentralMilledgevillePeachstate Nursing Agency, Ltd.0.63
East Central MillenPruittHealth Bethany
www.pruitthealth.com
1
West CentralMonticelloJasper County High School0.95
Metro AtlantaMorrowClayton State University Continuing Education
www.clayton.edu
-
SouthwestMoultriePruittHealth Sunrise
www.pruitthealth.com
-
SouthwestMoultrieSouthern Regional Technical College
southernregional.edu
0.86
Middle GeorgiaNashvilleBerrien High School
berrien.ga.bch.schoolinsites.com
1
Metro AtlantaNewnanNewnan Health & Rehabilitation
www.newnanhealthrehabilitation.org
-
Metro AtlantaNewnanVillage Samaritan Training Institute
villagesamaritan.com
0.73
NorthwestNewnanWest Georgia Technical College
www.westgatech.edu
0.69
Metro AtlantaNorcrossAtlanta Career Institute
www.atlantacareerinstitute.net
0.69
Metro AtlantaNorcrossCNU Medical Institute, Inc.
www.cnumedical.com
1
Metro AtlantaNorcrossGood Nursing and Medical Training, LLC
www.goodnursingga.com
-
Metro AtlantaNorcrossNew Horizons Medical Institute, Inc.
newhorizonsmedical.com
0.71
SouthwestNorman ParkColquitt County High School
high1.colquitt.schooldesk.net
1
NortheastOakwoodLanier Technical College
www.laniertech.edu
0.7
Middle GeorgiaOcillaPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
Middle GeorgiaOcillaWiregrass Georgia Technical College - Irwin
www.wiregrass.edu
-
Middle GeorgiaPearsonWiregrass Georgia Technical College - Atkinson
www.wiregrass.edu
-
West CentralPerrySummerhill Senior Living Community
www.summerhillseniorcommunity.com
1
SouthwestPlainsLillian Carter Health and Rehabilitation Center
lilliancarterhealth.org
-
Metro AtlantaPowder SpringsAllwell Healthcare Certification, Inc.-
SouthwestQuitmanPresbyterian Home, Inc.
www.presbyterianhomesinc.org
0.84
Middle GeorgiaQuitmanWiregrass Georgia Technical College - Brooks Campus
www.wiregrass.edu
0.66
SouthwestRichlandFour County Health and Rehabilitation
www.fourcountyhealth.org
0.7
SoutheastRinconEffingham College & Career Academy
www.effinghamschools.com
0.85
SoutheastRinconZenith Training and Testing Institute, LLC-
Metro AtlantaRiverdaleActive Assist Care, Inc.
www.activeassistcare.com
0.67
Metro AtlantaRiverdaleCenter for Progressive Training, Inc.0.77
Metro AtlantaRiverdaleShadow Nursing, LLC
www.shadownursingcna.com
-
West CentralRobertaCentral Georgia Technical College - Crawford
centralgatech.edu
-
NorthwestRock SpringGeorgia Northwestern Technical College - Career Academy
www.gntc.edu
0.77
NorthwestRock SpringGeorgia Northwestern Technical College - Walker County
www.gntc.edu
0.52
NorthwestRomeFloyd County College & Career Academy
floydcca.sharpschool.net
-
NorthwestRomeGeorgia Highlands College
www.highlands.edu
-
NorthwestRomeGeorgia Northwestern Technical College - Floyd County
www.gntc.edu
0.58
NorthwestRomePruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
NorthwestRomeRome High School
www.rcs.rome.ga.us
0.68
Metro AtlantaRoswellCVSC, LLC0.42
East CentralSandersvilleOconee Fall Line Technical College - North Campus
www.oftc.edu
0.61
SoutheastSavannahDominion Health Care Solutions, LLC
dominionhealthcaretraining.com
0.78
SoutheastSavannahRiverview Health & Rehabilitation Center
riverviewhealth.net
-
SoutheastSavannahSavannah Technical College
www.savannahtech.edu
0.81
SoutheastSavannahSojourner of Savannah, Inc.1
SoutheastSavannahWoodville Tompkins Technical & Career High School
website
0.86
Metro AtlantaSmyrnaFortis College-
Metro AtlantaSmyrnaLovelace Multicare Training Institute-
Metro AtlantaSnellvilleADAS Medical Training School0.57
Metro AtlantaSnellvilleCaregiver Solutions, LLC-
Metro AtlantaSocial CircleSocial Circle High School
www.socialcircleschools.com
0.41
Middle GeorgiaSparksWiregrass Georgia Technical College - Cook Campus
www.wiregrass.edu
0.5
East Central SpartaSparta Health & Rehabilitation
www.spartahealthrehabilitation.org
-
Middle GeorgiaStatenvilleWiregrass Georgia Technical College - Echols
www.wiregrass.edu
0.8
East Central StatesboroOgeechee Technical College
www.ogeecheetech.edu
0.85
East Central StatesboroOgeechee Technical College - Claxton High School
www.ogeecheetech.edu
-
East Central StatesboroOgeechee Technical College - Economic Development
www.ogeecheetech.edu
-
East Central StatesboroOgeechee Technical College - Portal High School
www.ogeecheetech.edu
-
East Central StatesboroOgeechee Technical College - Screven High School
www.ogeecheetech.edu
-
East Central StatesboroOgeechee Technical College - Statesboro High School
www.ogeecheetech.edu
-
Metro AtlantaStone MountainGeorgia Health Care Training Center1
Metro AtlantaStone MountainNew Beginning CNA Training0.85
Metro AtlantaStone MountainNew Covenant Community-
Metro AtlantaStone MountainRosemont at Stone Mountain
rosemontatstonemtn.com
-
Metro AtlantaStone MountainStephenson High School-
NorthwestSummervilleChattooga High School
chattooga.chs.schoolfusion.us
0.92
NorthwestSummervilleOakview Health & Rehabilitation
www.oakviewhealth.org
0.55
East Central SwainsboroSoutheastern Technical College
www.southeasterntech.edu
0.77
East Central SwainsboroSoutheastern Technical College - Dual Enrollment
www.southeasterntech.edu
0.7
Middle GeorgiaSylvesterPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
0.33
Middle GeorgiaSylvesterWorth County High School
www.worthschools.net
1
NorthwestTempleFaithful Guardian, LLC
www.faithfulguardian.com
-
West CentralThomastonRiverside Health & Rehabilitation
www.riversidehealthrehabilitation.org
-
Metro AtlantaThomastonSouthern Crescent Technical College
www.sctech.edu
1
West CentralThomastonUpson-Lee High School
ulhs.upson.k12.ga.us
1
SouthwestThomasvilleSouth Georgia Career Center0.85
SouthwestThomasvilleSouthern Regional Technical College
southernregional.edu
0.57
SouthwestThomasvilleSouthern Regional Technical College - Thomas County High School
www.thomas.k12.ga.us
-
SouthwestThomasvilleSouthern Regional Technical College - Thomasville High School
ths.tcitys.org
0.66
SouthwestThomasvilleThomas County Central High School
www.thomas.k12.ga.us
0.96
East Central ThomsonThomson Health & Rehabilitation
www.thomsonhealthrehab.com
-
Middle GeorgiaTiftonSouthern Regional Technical College
southernregional.edu
0.71
Middle GeorgiaTiftonSouthern Regional Tech-Tift County High School
tchs.tiftschools.com
0.73
NortheastTigerRabun County High School1
NortheastToccoaPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
0.55
NortheastToccoaStephens County Hospital
stephenscountyhospital.com
0.79
West CentralToomsboroPruittHealth
www.pruitthealth.com
-
NorthwestTrentonDade County High School
dchs.dadecountyschools.org
-
Metro AtlantaTuckerChristies Health Service0.5
Metro AtlantaTuckerWoodruff Medical Training & Testing
woodruffmedical.edu
0.81
East CentralUnion PointGreene Point Health and Rehabilitation0.74
Middle GeorgiaValdostaPruittHealth Lakehaven
www.pruitthealth.com
-
Middle GeorgiaValdostaValdosta High School
vhs.gocats.org
-
Middle GeorgiaValdostaWiregrass Georgia Technical College
www.wiregrass.edu
0.72
Middle GeorgiaValdostaWiregrass Georgia Technical College - Cook0.83
Middle GeorgiaValdostaWiregrass Georgia Technical College - Lowndes
www.wiregrass.edu
0.77
SoutheastVidaliaHorizon Health Career Training Center
horizonhtc.com
0.72
SoutheastVidaliaSoutheastern Technical College
www.southeasterntech.edu
0.81
SoutheastVidaliaSoutheastern Technical College - Dual Enrollment
www.southeasterntech.edu
0.8
SoutheastVidaliaThe Oaks - Bethany-
Middle GeorgiaViennaNew Beginning CNA Center, LLC0.23
NorthwestWacoWest Georgia Technical College
www.westgatech.edu
0.72
West CentralWarm SpringsRoosevelt Warm Springs Rehabilitation
www.augustahealth.org
0.78
West CentralWarner RobinsCentral Georgia Technical College
centralgatech.edu
0.71
West CentralWarner RobinsHealth Tech of Georgia, Inc.
healthtechofga.com
0.5
West CentralWarner RobinsHouston County Career Academy
hcca.hcbe.net
0.67
NortheastWashingtonWashington-Wilkes Comprehensive High School
www.wilkes.k12.ga.us
1
West CentralWaverly HallOakview Home
www.oakviewwaverlyhall.org
-
SoutheastWaycrossBaptist Village, Inc.
baptistvillage.com
0.91
SoutheastWaycrossCoastal Pines Technical College
www.coastalpines.edu
0.78
SoutheastWaycrossWare County High School
www.ware.k12.ga.us
0.79
Metro AtlantaWoodstockGiving Care at Home Education Center, LLC
www.givingcareathome.com
0.92
Metro AtlantaWoodstockRiver Ridge High School
cherokeek12.net
0.73

How Long Will It Take

The answer to this really depends on which program you select, but you are required to complete at least 85 hours of training including clinical rotation in a nursing home. Most CNA classes in Georgia typically run anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, making the time frame for certification very reasonable.

What About the Cost

Average costs per credit hour are around $71.50 for in-state tuition. Since you are dealing with college-type institutions, you usually have to pay for your own equipment and clinicals at these institutions. Others may offer a flat fee at the beginning of the course that covers all credit hours, clinicals, and equipment. For example, the Red Cross program costs $1,300. However, if you are employed by, or have received an offer of employment from a facility by the start date of your course, you will not be charged for any portion of it.

What You Can Expect to Learn

While these courses can usually be completed quickly, they still cover a lot of curriculum.

Before you ever come in contact with a patient you will need to have 16 hours of training in these six areas: communication and interpersonal skills, safety/emergency/FBAO/body mechanics, infection control, respecting residents’ rights, promoting residents’ independence, legal and ethical behavior and scope of practice.

You will also be trained in basic nursing skills such as: taking & recording vital signs and vital sign parameters, measuring and recording height and weight, caring for the resident’s environment, recognizing abnormal changes in body function, and the importance of reporting such changes to a supervisor.

Who Can Teach You

Only a Georgia-licensed nurse, including RNs and LPNs, can teach the CNA courses. In order to do so, they must complete a Train-the-Trainer Workshop. This workshop encompasses both Federal and State regulations for Certified Nursing Assistant training and competency evaluation. Additionally, it teaches the nursing instructors the core tenets of adult learning and education.

After understanding how the course will work, you will need to take a look at the next step which is the certification exam.

CNA CLASSES IN GEORGIA

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Step 3: Pass the State Exam – NNAAP


  • How to Apply
  • How Much and How to Pay CNA Tests
  • Where Can You Test
  • What You Need to Bring
  • What to Expect From the CNA Exam
  • Retesting

You are required to take and pass the National Nurse Assistant Assessment Program (NNAAP) in order to officially become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Georgia. The test for CNA certification is composed of two parts: a written (or oral) portion and a skills evaluation portion.

How to Apply

When you’re ready to apply, the first step is to fill out an application form. You can find these forms at your training center, by contacting the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Service (NACES), or you can print one out from Pearson VUE. If you need any help completing it, you can contact someone from your training program, a facility employer, or NACES customer service representative at (866)-432-2865.

Once you’ve finished your application you need to submit it along with a copy of your completed training program certification (or other certification documents, depending on your eligibility), a copy of your Social Security Card, a copy of your Photo I.D., and your exam fees. Make sure that you mail all of this at least twelves business days before the CNA exam. This is the address you will need to mail the documents to:
NACES Plus Foundation, Inc. Georgia NNAAP 8501 North Mopac Expressway, Suite 400 Austin, TX 78759.

How Much and How to Pay CNA Tests

The cost of the CNA state test varies according to your needs. If you have to take the full written or oral test plus the skills evaluation, the fee is $112. However, if you need to retest, the fees are different:

  • Written or Oral exam retest (English or Spanish): $27
  • Skills Evaluation retest: $85

There are only a few forms of payment that are accepted:

  • Certified check
  • Company check
  • Money order
  • Pearson VUE Voucher

Payments must be made out to NACES Plus Foundation, Inc. Cash, credit cards, or personal checks are not acceptable forms of payment, so make sure you have the proper payment method and amount before submitting your application.

Where Can You Test

All of the CNA exams are administered by NACES at one of the Regional Test Sites. There are numerous locations and times available, so find the one that is most convenient for you. You can find a list of Regional Test Sites and the corresponding test dates here.

What You Need to Bring

On the day of your exam you should arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure that you are not late. If you’re late, or don’t bring all the required testing materials, you won’t be able to take the test and you will not be refunded. It’s important for you to be properly prepared for your CNA exam. The items below are the ones required for testing:

  • 2 forms of proper I.D. (one photo I.D. and your Social Security Card)
  • 3 sharpened No. 2 pencils
  • An eraser
  • A watch with a second hand

Proper forms of photo identification are:

  • Driver’s License
  • Georgia-issued voter I.D. card
  • Georgia Temporary Driver’s License
  • State-Issued I.D.
  • Passport
  • Alien Registration Card
  • Signed High School I.D. (high school students only)
  • Signed University I.D. (university students only)
  • Military I.D. (if not being used as Social Security Card replacement)
  • Certificate of Naturalization

What to Expect From the CNA Exam

The exam is broken up into two portions: a written exam and a skills evaluation.

Written Portion

The written examination can be substituted for an oral exam upon request (with application), and can be conducted in either English or Spanish. If you are unsure whether you would be better served by taking the oral exam in place of the written one, you should take the self-assessment reading test found here: (pg.17-20).

The written portion is a 70 question multiple-choice test, with 10 of the questions being for statistical purposes only. You can find practice test questions here. The written portion is broken down as follows:

Physical Care Skills

  1. Activities of Daily Living: 9 questions
  2. Basic Nursing Skills: 23 questions
  3. Restorative Skills: 5 questions

Psychosocial Care Skills

  1. Emotional and Mental Health Needs: 6 questions
  2. Spiritual and Cultural Needs: 2 questions

Role of the Nurse Aide

  1. Communication: 4 questions
  2. Client Rights: 4 questions
  3. Legal and Ethical Behavior: 2 questions
  4. Member of the Health Care Team: 5 questions

Skills Evaluation

The Skills Evaluation portion will be given on the same day as the written portion. It’s intended to simulate a real-life caregiving scenario. You will be tested on five random skills, and you’ll have 25 minutes to demonstrate all five. There are 22 skills in total that you could be required to demonstrate, and at least one of the tested skills will be a measurement skill.

How and When to Get Your Test Results

You should know that the Nurse Aide Evaluator can’t answer questions about your score, so if you have any questions about it you will have to call Pearson VUE (877-244-1694). However, they will not give you your results over the phone. Don’t worry though, you won’t have to wait very long. Around 10 minutes after the written portion, you will get an official Score Report telling you if you passed or failed. Similarly, after the Skills Evaluation, you will have an official pass/fail after around 10 minutes. Unfortunately, because of technical troubles, you may not always receive an official Score Report in the typical time frame. If a problem arises, you will receive your Score Report in the mail within 5-7 business days after your test.

Retesting

If you happen to fail either portion of the CNA test, you will have the opportunity to retest. The official Score Report you receive will give you the details of how to set up your retest. You will have to pay a new examination fee, although it may be less depending on if you failed one or both portions. Also, you will have to turn in either your Score Report or a new application to NACES. Everyone has three attempts to pass the exam before they have to enroll in another training program. You are required to pass both parts of the test before you can be CNA certified in Georgia.

CNA CLASSES IN GEORGIA

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Step 4: CNA Registration and Certification Renewal in Georgia


  • How to Renew Your CNA Certification
  • Verification
  • What to Do for Lapsed Certification
  • What if I’m Coming From out of State

Once you pass the two portions of the state exam, your name will be submitted to the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. After you are added to the CNA registry, it’s important to keep your name and address current since it could affect your renewal process.

How to Renew Your CNA Certification

To keep your CNA certification in Georgia current, every 2 years from the date of your last exam, or recertification, you will need to go through the renewal process. You will be notified through the mail about 60 days before your registration expires. If you don’t receive a notice in the mail, your renewal is still your responsibility so be sure you keep your recertification date in mind.

Eligibility for recertification requires work in a paid CNA position for at least 8 hours in the past two years, under the supervision of an RN. If you don’t meet these requirements, then you will need to retest in order to remain on the CNA Registry in Georgia. If it’s been more than three years from your last certification date, then you will have to complete another Certified Nurse Aide training program and pass the NNAAP exam.

Renewal is free for re-listing onto the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. If you need a renewal form, you can find one by going to www.mmis.georgia.gov (Nurse Aide tab) or by calling either of these numbers: 678-527-3010 or 800-414-4358.

Verification

You will have to provide verification that you meet the minimum requirements for CNA renewal. The way to do this is by submitting either a paycheck stub or W-2 form. If you’re currently employed as a CNA, you should ask your employer to sign the form as well. Alternatively, if you’re working as a private duty employee, you will have to provide proof of your income (paycheck stub or W-2) as well as a notarized statement from your employer with your RN/LPN supervisor’s signature. This statement describes what services and duties you’ve performed. You can verify your CNA certificate through this link.

What to Do for Lapsed Certification

If you have not renewed your certification within the two year window, and don’t have the appropriate work verification, it’s still possible to renew your certification. However, if it has been less than three years without work verification, you will have to retake the NNAAP exam in order to be recertified. If it’s been over three years, you will have to go through a new training program in Georgia and pass the state exam again.

What if I’m Coming From out of State

Georgia honors reciprocity for all Nurse Aides who are in another state’s Nurse Aide Registry and are in good standing. Below are the prerequisites for reciprocity:

  • You must have an active status in your state’s registry and have no discipline or encumbered status on your file
  • You can have no pending or past findings of patient abuse, misappropriation of resident/patient property on record
  • You must have a valid Social Security Card, and the name on it must match with the name on the other state’s registry
  • You must meet the minimum requirements for recertification (worked as a CNA for at least 8 paid hours under RN supervision)

After you’ve found out if you meet the requirements, you will need to fill out an Application for Nurse Aide Registry Listing by Reciprocity form. First, the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry will verify your status with your current state’s registry, and then the NAR will verify your application before finally approving you for the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. It takes approximately 14 business days for your reciprocity verification to be completed. You should also be aware that you will only receive your registration card if you have a Georgia address on file. Otherwise, you will have to wait to contact the CNA registry at either 678-527-3010 or 800-414-4358, after you have acquired a Georgia residence. Your certification card will then be mailed to you.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

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Step 5: Work as a CNA in Georgia


  • Where Can You Work
  • CNA Salary in Georgia

After you are a Certified Nursing Assistant in Georgia, you will want to know what kind of work you’ll be doing with your new CNA certificate. Being a CNA, just like any other job in the medical field, means that there are a variety of opportunities available. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CNA field is expected to experience a 17% growth from 2014-2024. This is significantly faster than the average rate for other jobs. The main reason for this is the increasing elderly population, and this is one of the key reasons why Certified Nursing Assistants are employed heavily in nursing homes. | See Job Openings

Where Can You Work

Nurse Aides can work anywhere that there is a Registered Nurse to supervise them. This means you could work in a hospital, a nursing home, a private clinic, or in private home care. Anywhere you can find an RN, you will most likely find a CNA. As a CNA in Georgia, you will perform your duties alongside other healthcare professionals, assisting them in taking care of the needs of patients or residents. You may be utilizing skills such as giving medication, examinations, and noting patient complaints or symptoms. All of this will be done under the RN’s supervision, as this is one of the CNA requirements. | See Job Openings

CNA Salary in Georgia

According to the BLS report in May 2016, the median national salary for CNAs in the US is $26,590, or $12.78 an hour. The median CNA salary in Georgia is approximately $22,760, or $10.94 an hour. The top 10 percent of CNAs are paid $31,700 annually, or $15.24 per hour. The top five areas for CNA jobs in Georgia are:

  1. Gainesville: $12.05 per hour
  2. Rome: $11.92 per hour
  3. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell: $11,46 per hour
  4. Hinesville: $11.30 per hour
  5. Savannah: $10.87 per hour

Certified Nurse Aide Salaries by Region

GA CNA SalariesEmpl.Hourly mean wageAnnual mean wageWage percent relative std. errorHourly 10th % wageHourly median wageHourly 90th % wageAnnual 10th % wageAnnual median wageAnnual 90th % wage
National144315013.29276500.29.6412.7818.22200402659037900
Georgia3665011.32235301.28.3010.9415.24172702276031700
Albany, GA6109.77203303.07.819.2913.10162401932027250
Athens-Clarke County, GA35011.10230906.68.1710.7214.62170002229030420
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA1868011.96248701.88.8411.4616.32183902384033940
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC252011.23233503.28.1010.7515.67168502235032600
Brunswick, GA40010.60220403.28.4210.5913.34175102202027760
Columbus, GA-AL136010.17211601.87.859.8313.55163202045028170
Dalton, GA40010.44217105.98.0810.0814.03168002096029190
East Georgia nonmetropolitan area14009.86205002.47.909.6412.14164302004025250
Gainesville, GA89012.23254403.49.0912.0515.61189202506032470
Hinesville, GA10012.252549010.18.4011.3018.06174602351037560
Macon, GA156010.38215902.48.0610.0713.26167702094027580
Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area186010.78224202.08.0710.4714.73167802177030630
North Georgia nonmetropolitan area152010.66221701.68.3610.6613.33173802216027730
Rome, GA55011.71243503.18.6111.9214.65179002479030480
Savannah, GA140011.03229402.18.4410.8714.37175602262029880
South Georgia nonmetropolitan area239010.01208203.67.829.3513.21162701945027470
Warner Robins, GA70010.97228103.58.5510.7814.13177902241029400

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Conclusion

While a CNA job may not be the highest paying job in the world, it does provide a great deal of job security, job satisfaction, and experience for those interested in the healthcare field. As long as there are nurses, there will be Certified Nursing Assistants available to help.

Comments

  1. Rachel Connor says

    January 24, 2022 at 9:21 PM

    I am already certified in North Carolina. Would I have to take class again?

    Reply
  2. Cierra Underwood says

    April 23, 2018 at 6:40 PM

    What if I’m already certified in adult child infant CPR and AED BLS and first aid and have already taken and passed the GACCP-PCA

    Reply

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