Set along the coast of Georgia, the small city of Savannah, Georgia is a very popular place to work, visit, attend college, and just simply live. It is a small city with a population nearing 135k, and since it is within a short distance of such destinations as Charleston, SC and Augusta, GA, it is almost a metropolitan region too. It is one of the many cities in which the statewide need for licensed CNAs means that there are a lot of job opportunities. If you are interested in a rewarding career as a certified nursing assistant, it may be wise to consider CNA classes in Savannah.
CNA Classes and Licensing Requirements in Savannah, GA
Of course, to become a certified nursing assistant in Savannah means having the required CNA training and licensing. This is going to be available only through certain CNA programs that are approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing. They will assess and approve the programs, and require that they includes at least 85 hours of CNA classes. This is to be divided between 16 hours of classroom work and then the balance to be spent in clinical or practical training.
Before even getting enrolled in one of these CNA programs, a student is obliged to have a physical exam (including a tuberculosis test and drug screening), a criminal background check, and CPR certification.
Only after this is submitted can they take the necessary CNA classes, and upon completion will be able to take the mandatory exam. When this is passed the student then becomes listed on the state’s Nurse Aide Registry and this allows them to work as a CNA, home health aide, or nursing assistant throughout the state.
Top CNA Training Programs in Savannah, Georgia
The state has many training centers where approved CNA programs and classes are available, but the following sites offer quality CNA classes in Savannah area:
Key Skills Acquired in CNA Training
Many students have questions about what they are expected to learn during their CNA classes and training. Certified nursing assistants have to master a long list of practical and technical skills, and these things are mandatory. What is not often mentioned are necessary skills such as a lot of compassion, a great deal of patience, and the ability to multi-task.
Students will learn how to do the following in their formal training programs:
- Doing transfers and/or patient lifts,
- Recognizing abuse,
- Communication between yourself and co-workers or patients,
- Creating status reports for appropriate agencies and authorities,
- Using different medical equipment,
- Proficiency in the medical language,
- Infection control,
- Preparing patient meals and feeding when needed,
- Establishing and promoting independence among the residents,
- Monitoring patient vitals, fluid intake and mental status, and
- Providing personal care such as toileting and changing.
Additionally, all CNAS should make a point of having CPR training and certification too.
Salary Information
Because the state of Georgia has a need for CNAs, and anticipates creating around 1600 new jobs in this field each year, the wages are competitive. Though they are around 12% lower than the national average, they are seen as suitable for the region due to its lower cost of living. The median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Savannah, GA is $30,170, as of August 4, 2020, with a range usually between $25,069-$36,169 (Salary.com).
Key Information about CNA Jobs in Savannah, GA
Once the classes and training are completed, and the CNA is on the registry, it is safe to start looking for a permanent position as a CNA in Savannah. This is not as easy as it may sound simply due to the fact that there are many ways to put your skills to use.
One of the best ways to get a good overview of the job market is to look at websites like Craigslist for Savannah.
You can also do a far more targeted search by working with a nursing staffing agency. These are resources that can often help you find just the type of work you hope to do (such as one on one care giving or serving in a rehab center). The most common names in Savannah include:
Key Employers
Naturally, as a new CNA you may not yet feel confident in your skills. This is why you may find it beneficial to expand training and experience by working within a larger setting – such as a hospital or clinic. Also, in such locations you can sample many different facets of the work. There are many award winning facilities in this region, including:
Use these suggestions and you should easily find a very rewarding career as a certified nursing assistant in Savannah that puts all of your new skills and training to use immediately.
- CNA Training Centers
- Street Address
- Phone Number
| DOMINION HEALTH CARE SOLUTIONS, LLC | P.O. BOX 14261 | 912- 303-0445 |
| SAVANNAH TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 5717 WHITE BLUFF ROAD | 912- 443-5815 |
| WOODVILLE TOMPKINS TECHNICAL-CAREER INSTITUTE | 151 COACH JOE TURNER STREET | 912- 395-6750 |