CNA Classes in Georgia (Top Schools)

Georgia map

You can become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Georgia when you complete the following:

  • Enroll in a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP)
  • Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam

Once you’ve satisfied these, your information will then be added to the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry (NAR).

Taking on a CNA Training Program in Georgia

To be a CNA, you must train in a state-approved training facility offering NATP.

In this way, you’ll receive a CNA education that adheres to state and federal standards and curriculum.

During the program, you’ll undergo a minimum of 85 hours of training, with at least 24 hours of clinical experience.

Part of your training is to have supervised client contact.

However, you can only do this after completing 16 hours of training in six state-mandated priority areas.

Among the priority areas are infection control and respecting patients’ rights.

There are many state-approved CNA training facilities that you can consider, some of which are listed below.

26 CNA Schools in Georgia

School NameAddress
Magnolia ManorAmericus, Georgia 31709
Covenant CNA SchoolAtlanta, GA 30303
Murray Career InstituteAtlanta, GA 30303
Westminster CommonsAtlanta, GA 30308
A.G. Rhodes Home Wesley WoodsAtlanta, GA 30329
Tender Care Training SchoolAugusta, GA – 30904
First Step Health AgencyColumbus, GA 31906
West Central Georgia ChapterColumbus, GA 31904
Afria Medical Institute, Inc.Decatur, GA-30035
Douglasville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, LLCDouglasville, Georgia 30135
American Red CrossGordon, GA 30905
Altamaha Technical CollegeHazlehurst, GA 31539
West Georgia Technical CollegeLaGrange, GA 30240
Life Care Center of GwinnettLawrenceville, GA 30044
COBB Medical InstituteMableton, GA 30126
A.G. Rhodes HOME, INC – COBBMarietta, GA 30067
Park Place Nursing & Rehab FacilityMonroe, GA 30656
Village Samaritan Program InstituteNewnan, GA 30265
Bell MinorGainesville, GA 30507
Grace Healthcare of TuckerRoadTucker, GA 30084
NHC Healthcare, RossvilleRossville, GA 30741
Dominion Health Care SolutionsSavannah, GA 31406
Pinewood Manor & Pinewood Retirement VillaStreetHawkinsville, GA 31036
Emanuel County Nursing HomeSwainsboro, GA 30401
Southeastern Technical CollegeVidalia, GA 30474
Warm Springs Medical Center Nursing HomeWarm Springs, GA 31830

Evaluating a CNA Candidate

After completing NATP, you’ll then proceed to take the NNAAP exam.

This exam will be administered by Credentia in cooperation with Alliant Health Solutions.

You will receive two assessments that’ll test your knowledge, skills, and abilities as a nurse aide.

  • Knowledge test
  • Skills test

The knowledge test, usually in written format and in English, has 70 multiple-choice questions.

It can also be taken in the oral format in English and in Spanish upon request.

The oral test has 60 nurse aide-related questions and 10 reading comprehension questions.

For the skills test, you’ll have 30 minutes to demonstrate competency in five random nurse aide skills.

Regarding the exam fees, you will have to pay the following to take the NNAAP exam:

  • Knowledge test (in written or oral format, in English or Spanish) – $27
  • Skills test – $85

Within 24 hours after taking the exam, you can view the exam results online at Credentia’s CNA365.

If you pass, your name will be added to Georgia NAR.

If not, you must retake the test/s you failed at.

Note that every eligible CNA candidate has been given a number of allowable test attempts (details in the next section).

Should you still fail after those attempts, then you’ll have to take NATP again to retake the NNAAP exam.

CNA Candidates Eligible for Certification

You can only be allowed to be a CNA in Georgia if you meet any of these conditions:

Newly-trained nurse aide

  • Completes the state-approved NATP
  • Passes the NNAAP exam within one year of training completion or three exam attempts, whichever comes first

Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse

  • Currently holds a license in Georgia or another state
  • Passes the NNAAP exam within one year of training completion or three exam attempts, whichever comes first

Out-of-state nurse aide (trainee)

  • Completes the state-approved NATP in another state
  • Has yet to be added to that state’s NAR
  • Passes the NNAAP exam within one year of training completion or three exam attempts, whichever comes first
  • Submits to Alliant Health Solutions the non-deficient completed reciprocity form

Out-of-state nurse aide with lapsed registration

  • Completes the state-approved NATP in another state
  • Passes the NNAAP exam within three exam attempts and within three years of the last recertification date
  • Submits to Alliant Health Solutions the non-deficient completed reciprocity form

CNA with lapsed or expired registration

  • Passed the NNAAP exam within three exam attempts and within three years of the last recertification date

CNA under reciprocity

  • Has active status on another state’s NAR
  • Hasn’t worked as a CNA in the past 24 months or listed as not eligible to work in a long-term care facility
  • Passes the NNAAP exam within one year of approval to test or three exam attempts, whichever comes first
  • Submits to Alliant Health Solutions the non-deficient completed reciprocity form

Potential Salary

Like any job, a CNA’s salary depends on many factors such as:

  • Education
  • Working experience
  • Skills

The more qualified you are, the higher the chances of receiving a higher salary.

Right now, the average annual salary you can expect to get is about $30,000.

The table below shows the salary information across the state.

Annual Salary Range:
$27K
$30K
$33K

Average Salary of CNAs in Georgia

City NameSalary
Atlanta$31,287
Augusta-Richmond County$29,407
Columbus$28,575
Savannah$29,566
Athens-Clarke County$31,065
Macon$29,379
Roswell$31,169
Albany$29,073
Marietta$31,198
Warner Robins$29,291

Regional Salary

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Albany, GA740$32,180$15.47$39,160$22,500
Athens-Clarke County, GA680$33,780$16.24$43,320$24,370
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA21,540$36,620$17.6$45,920$27,710
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC2,750$33,410$16.06$42,060$25,570
Brunswick, GA500$31,840$15.31$38,510$25,340
Columbus, GA-AL1,020$31,000$14.9$37,230$23,570
Dalton, GA410$32,210$15.48$36,660$24,730
Gainesville, GA970$38,040$18.29$45,250$29,700
Hinesville, GA100$31,170$14.99$44,800$23,830
Macon, GA1,580$33,350$16.03$39,540$24,850
Rome, GA910$32,440$15.6$39,500$25,960
Savannah, GA1,660$34,620$16.65$38,780$27,610
Valdosta, GA710$31,460$15.13$37,650$23,770
Warner Robins, GA710$32,640$15.69$39,500$24,660
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Nursing Assistants, OCC Code 31-1131, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

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