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

Tucked between Macon, GA and Montgomery, AL the small city of Columbus, Georgia is a great spot to live and work. It is home to roughly 190k residents and is also only a short drive from Atlanta as well. This makes it a convenient place that feels close to everything. It is also a town that is experiencing the same heavy need for CNAs as the rest of the state. Georgia is one of the top ten locations for new CNA opportunities, and this means it makes Columbus a good spot to seek employment as a certified nursing assistant. The first step? Enroll in CNA classes in Columbus!

CNA Classes and Licensing Essentials in Columbus, GA

What is needed in order to become a CNA in this city? You will have to find and enroll in one of the CNA programs that has been officially sanctioned by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Columbus CNA programs have at least 85 hours of course work (divided into a minimum of 16 hours in traditional CNA classes and the balance in practical or clinical training).

Before you can begin doing the hands-on CNA training, however, you must allow a criminal background check to be done, you must prove your immunizations are up to date, and you have to have a physical that demonstrates that you are free of TB. You may also find it handy to have CPR training and certification too.

Best CNA Training Programs in Columbus, Georgia

The high demand for CNAs means that a lot of training programs are available. Columbus, however, has some of the finest facilities and options for CNA classes. The following are among the leading providers of CNA training and licensing:

• Columbus Technical College
• Enrichment Services Program, Inc.

Skills Acquired in Columbus CNA Training Programs

So, what is that you study during these 80+ hours of CNA classes and clinical work? It is often a surprise for students to discover just how many things they need to really master in order to do this work. Just consider that you will be trained in the following skills:

• How to properly care for the patients, including everything from feeding and bathing, to moving them from bed to a chair, etc.,
• How to provide services to the supervising nurses and physicians at a medical facility,
• How to properly and safely toilet, change, and lift patients,
• Using and implementing patient safety techniques, and
• The basics of human anatomy and physiology.

The state guidelines may also allow for CNA training programs to include the dispensing of medications and working directly under the supervision of a doctor. CNA classes in Columbus can also include basic housekeeping since CNAs can also become a “live in” caregiver for a patient or long term client.

Earnings Information

With so many skills it would seem that the pay is going to be pretty high, but the reality is that CNAs in the Columbus, GA area tend to earn a bit less than the national average. According to Salary.com the median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Columbus, GA is $29,160, as of August 4, 2020, with a range usually between $24,231-$34,968.

When the CNA works as a live in caregiver their pay can increase to $29k, and when they elect to serve as a nursing assistant they can make as much as $35k in their first year.

Essential Information about CNA Jobs in Columbus, GA

Naturally, all of this adds up to the need for a job search to become a working certified nursing assistant in Columbus. The most direct approach is to use a resource such as the Craigslist page for the region to see what is available. This will show the number of caregiver, home health aide, nursing assistant, and other jobs open.

If you already know what you want to do with your CNA training you can contact a staffing service that will line you up with work right away. STAT Medical Services is one of the top services in the city.

Biggest CNA Employers in Columbus

What if you don’t like either of those methods for finding a job? That is fine because your skills and licensing make you an ideal candidate for the most likely employers of them all – hospitals and clinics! Columbus is home to some award winning sites that include:

• Doctors Hospital of Columbus

If you put these suggestions and resources to use, you will easily and rapidly find a very rewarding career as a certified nursing assistant in Columbus that lets you get all of those new skills to use immediately.