CNA Classes in Georgia

Practicing as a trained and certified nursing aide/assistant (CNA) in the state of Georgia is a rewarding and exciting career choice. Certified nursing assistants in Georgia provide an incredible value to the healthcare system and the patients that they take care of. Duties of certified nursing assistants include vital sign monitoring, assistance with personal hygiene and daily care needs,  as well as providing comfort and so much more. If you are compassionate, empathetic, and dedicated, a CNA position might be the right choice for you!

CNAs practice in many different healthcare settings as well as in the homes of patients around the country. Georgia in particular has a rapidly increasing elderly population which calls for additional nursing care from certified nursing assistants both now and in the future. If you are someone who is good at caring for people, particularly the elderly, this can offer career prospects and opportunities. In addition to nursing homes, CNAs in Georgia are needed in hospitals,  private care facilities, and in patient’s homes. Why not put your natural talents to good use by helping care for others as a certified nurse aide?

The Department of Community Health has mandated several requirements to become a CNA in Georgia and therefore there are a few steps that you will need to follow.

Step 1: Enroll in a State Approved CNA Program in Georgia

Training programs take place in high schools, colleges, acute facilities, and many other locations throughout the state of Georgia. CNA classes in Georgia can be taken on a full time or part time basis and you are likely to find them at all times of the day and evening to best meet your needs as a student. You can find a training program in your area by checking the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website here.

This certified nursing assistant training program is where you will gain the skills to be able to pass the required exam. Therefore, you should choose the program carefully and pick one that will work best for you. A few things to note in the certified nursing aide programs you are looking at are:

• state approval – this is important if you want to practice in the state of Georgia

• length of time of program as well as timing of classes – make sure they fit the needs of your lifestyle

• cost and financial aid available

• job placement – ask questions about whether the program helps you to find a job upon successful completion

The Nurse Aide Training Programs in Georgia require a minimum of 85 hours, including classroom and clinical training. In addition, a minimum of 24 hours of the clinical training must be conducted in a nursing home. These classes and training must be completed before you can sign up to take the exam.

Step 2: Register for the Certified Nurse Aide Exam

Once you have completed CNA classes in Georgia at a state approved program, you are ready to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) which will allow you to work as a certified nurse aide. You can find an application form for the exam here.

There is a $112 non refundable fee charged in order to sit for the exam. Under many circumstances, your employer will be responsible for paying this fee if you have secured employment before applying to take the exam. You can find additional information and requirements for the application on the Pearson Vue website here.

Step 3: Take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program

Once your application, fees, and required documentation are received, you will be scheduled for testing. The test itself is made up of two parts: a written (or oral) exam and a skills evaluation. Both parts of the exam are performed on the same day. If you would like to take an oral exam (instead of a written one) you must request it when you submit your application.

You must pass both the written (or oral) and skills evaluation in order to be certified and listed in the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry as a certified nursing assistant. Candidates must pass both portions of the exam within one year of completing the training program or within three test attempts, whichever comes first. So be sure to register and take the test within the given time frames after you complete your training.

Keep in mind that there are many materials available for you to practice with before taking this exam. You can check your local bookstore for these resources. That said, the best indication that you will pass the exam is the quality of the training program that you enroll in as well as the time you put into learning the material – these are important pieces.

Step 4: Practice as a Certified Nurse Aide in Georgia

Congratulations, once you’ve completed your CNA training in Georgia and passed the certification exam, you are ready to enter the exciting field of nursing as a certified nursing assistant!

**Remember that you will need to renew your CNA certification with the Georgia Medical Care Foundation every two years. You can read more about that and the requirements here.

CNA Job and Salary Data for Georgia Cities