CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in Atlanta, Georgia (GA)

Atlanta has certainly experienced considerable growth in the medical industry recently. Currently, the city is in short supply of many medical professionals, including CNAs. Atlanta offers quite a few options for aspiring certified nursing assistants, ranging from competitive pay to numerous options for employment. What do you need to know about working here before enrolling in CNA classes in Atlanta?

Finding Information about Jobs in Atlanta

Finding job information in the city of Atlanta will offer you quite a few advantages, even if you’re not already licensed. With the right information, you can determine if this really is the right career choice for your needs. You can compare salaries offered by different employers, determine if one employer stands out from the others for your needs, and more. Of course, you need to know where to start.

One excellent place to start looking for job information in the city is online – in fact, Craigslist might be just the place to begin. The online classified site offers quite a wide range of information, and it’s ideal both for job seekers and those just hoping to learn more about the industry.

Beyond Craigslist, you’ll find that the city of Atlanta is home to quite a few different medical staffing agencies – these are ideal solutions for anyone looking for placement as a CNA. You might even find that some staffing agencies work hand in hand with medical centers and hospitals as the preferred way to bring in new staff with no worries about their qualifications (it makes it easier on the medical facility).

Here are a few of the staffing agencies in Atlanta worth checking out:

• Soliant Health
• The JAG Group

Licensing and Education Requirements

All CNAs in the state of Georgia must be licensed by the state. In order to become licensed, you have to undergo proper CNA training and then take the state’s licensing exam. Like most states in the country, Georgia sets their requirements for CNAs higher than what is required by the federal government, though they are not as strict as what you’ll find in states like New York.

In order to qualify to take the licensing exam in Georgia, you’ll need to attend one of the approved CNA programs in Atlanta that lasts for at least 85 hours. Moreover, the program has to include a minimum of 24 hours of training within a nursing home setting in addition to specific CNA classes. The best way to ensure that you’re enrolling in the right program is to ensure that all the CNA training options you’re considering are approved by the state.

Once you’ve completed your CNA classes, it’s time to take the licensing exam. This consists of 70 multiple-choice questions, as well as a skills demonstration portion of the exam. If you fail the exam, you can retake it three times before you have to repeat your CNA training. If you pass the exam, you’ll be on your way to become a licensed certified nursing assistant.

CNA Training in Atlanta

Getting the right education and training is vital for anyone hoping to become a CNA, and you’ll find that there are quite a few excellent CNA programs in Atlanta. These include the following:

• The Red Cross: The Atlanta chapter of the Red Cross offers training and education for CNAs, as well as other important classes for other medical professionals and even for citizens just hoping to be prepared.

: This training provider is approved by the state, and also has connections with several major area healthcare providers.

• Covenant CNA School: Another approved program, this school offers CNA classes, as well as other programs for medical professionals.

Key Employers

Quite a few different employers can be found in the city of Atlanta. They range between major hospitals to smaller local hospitals, medical centers, nursing homes and everything in between. Here are a few of the more prominent employers:

• Piedmont Healthcare
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Salary Information for CNAs in Atlanta

CNAs in Atlanta can earn a higher salary than in many other major US cities. The median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Atlanta, GA is $31,930, as of August 4, 2020, with a range usually between $26,523-$38,273. The key factors that determine what you earn will be your specialty and the facility in which you work.

Key Skills Learned in Training

During your CNA training and education, you’ll learn some vital skills necessary to providing quality patient care. Your CNA classes in Atlanta will include:

• Diet and nutrition
• Assisting with impaired/special needs patients
• How to follow proper personal safety precautions
• How to ensure patient safety

CNAs in Atlanta can enjoy a very rewarding, challenging career with a wide range of employers. Choosing the right education provider is the first step on that road.