CNA Classes in Georgia

Many baby boomers are choosing to retire in warmer states, with Georgia being one of the most sought-after places to retire. As a result, there is an increase in demand for those in the medical field to hire trained and highly qualified Certified Nursing Aides. 

In the State of Georgia, there are certain requirements that have been set in place by the Georgia Medical Care Foundation (GMCF). Georgia offers the flexibility of being able to work in a nursing home that offers employment to those who are student nurse aides for a four-month period prior to receiving their certification. Students must be of 16 years of age, have the ability to read and write English and pass a criminal background check. Students are allowed to provide care that is in accordance with the tasks that they have already been trained on. Other potential students must pass the state-accredited program and testing in order to qualify for placement on the state registry.

Georgia CNA Certification Requirements

Georgia has a few requirements that must be met prior to taking a CNA class. These include:

• Be a minimum of 16 years of age
• Passing a background check
• Demonstrated basic reading and writing comprehension skills

Georgia CNA Programs & Testing Costs

The nurse aide program course must consist of 85 hours of combined clinical, classroom, and hands-on classes. Twenty-four of the hours must be at a nursing home. Prior to taking the clinical portion of the required program, students must pass the lab with a 100 percent score.

Georgia offers the flexibility of receiving classes in less than four weeks. The average costs for state-approved programs range from $500-$1500. These costs do not include exam fees, textbooks, supplies, and uniforms. To find programs that may be employer-sponsored please click on this link.

CNA Classes & Nurse Aide Program Courses in Georgia

There are a number of CNA classes in Georgia, in population centers like Atlanta and Savannah as well as classes in more rural parts of the state. While there are no fully online CNA classes in Georgia, some programs offer a hybrid structure of in-person and online classes. Contact the schools directly if you have questions. 

CNA Classes in Atlanta

Follow this link for more specifics on Atlanta CNA classes.

Covenant CNA School This school offers a four-week program and qualifies candidates for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The WIOA offers financial assistance for those who may have been laid off or on unemployment. For those who may not qualify for assistance, Covenant offers a flexible tuition payment option.

Red Cross CNA Training. The Red Cross offers several CNA programs. A program for CNA classes to meet the state requirements. Also, a CNA course that helps in preparing you for the state exam. There are Red Cross centers located in Atlanta, Albany, & Savannah to name a few. More information is available on their website if you have any further questions.

CNA Classes in Alma

Coastal Pines Technical School Coastal has over six locations with CNA programs Waycross, Alma, and Kingsland Access Careers offering a program with use of the HOPE CAREER GRANT.

Additional Georgia CNA resources

The information provided will help you get started in your becoming a CNA in Georgia. Below you will find the contact information for the state registry should you have any questions during the process or after you receive your licensure. 

Georgia state registry
Georgia Health Partnership
Nurse Aide Registry
P.O. Box 7000
McRae, GA 31055-7000
PH: (800) 414-4358

FAX: (404) 657-5731

Out of State CNAs

In order to qualify for your Georgia CNA licensure you will need to:

• Be active with another state, showing you are listed on the registry.
• Your licensure must not have a disciplinary action record.
• Must have a valid social security card and have practiced for at least 8 hours paid within the past two years with proof of employment.

CNA Renewal in Georgia

The renewal process is very similar to reciprocity in that you must prove you have worked at least 8 hours of paid time. You have up to two years to renew your license. If you don’t qualify or renew in a timely manner, then you must take another state-approved program and exam. You will receive notice 60 days prior to your certification expiring so that you should have time to fulfill the requirements for renewal. 

How much does a CNA make in Georgia?

The rate for CNAs can vary based on location and amount of work or type of work provided. In some cases, nursing homes may offer a higher level of pay while at-home care may offer a lower rate. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average rate is $14.88 an hour or $30,950 a year. 

State of Georgia / Public domain