Compare tuition, program length, and outcomes for Georgia's highest-rated CNA training programs.
At Coastal Pines Technical College in Waycross, the average net price for nursing assistant students is negative, meaning financial aid routinely exceeds the cost of tuition and fees: a figure that underscores how inexpensive CNA training in Georgia can be. Other technical colleges, like Southern Regional in Thomasville, offer accelerated programs at just $1,428, while schools such as Chattahoochee Technical College charge about $3,540 before aid.
Program lengths vary from four to twelve weeks, and several campuses now provide evening or hybrid schedules to accommodate working students. The field itself is projected to generate roughly 68,600 openings annually over the next decade, driven by retirements and turnover, making CNA certification a reliably steady entry into healthcare.
Georgia's top nursing assistant programs combine low net prices with solid student outcomes, making CNA certification an affordable entry point into healthcare. The following ranking highlights ten technical colleges that offer state-approved nurse aide training, with many providing accelerated options and clinical experience. Use this guide to compare costs, graduation rates, and program formats in one place.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Georgia Technical College | Americus, GA | $1,000/yr | Students seeking a nationally ranked low-cost training | |
South Georgia Technical College in Americus offers a Nurse Aide Technical Certificate of Credit that can be completed on campus. The school reports a graduation rate of 61.2% and median earnings of $30,364 ten years after entry for its graduates. A recent $2,000 CNA Plus scholarship helps offset costs, and the program has earned national recognition.
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| #2 | Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | Valdosta, GA | $0 – $5,000/yr | Students needing accessible multi-campus options | |
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College's Nurse Aide program is a one-term certificate with a remarkably low net price of $614. The school, with a graduation rate of 50.3%, offers this HOPE Career Grant-eligible training at multiple campuses including Valdosta, Ben Hill, and Coffee. Graduates earn a median of $30,864 ten years after entry.
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| #3 | Coastal Pines Technical College | Waycross, GA | $0 – $5,000/yr | Younger students seeking a zero-net-cost pathway | |
Coastal Pines Technical College in Waycross offers a Nurse Aide Technical Certificate of Credit with a net price that can dip below zero after aid, making it extremely accessible. The school has a graduation rate of 48.3% and prepares students for the NNAAP exam through campus-based training. Admission is open to students as young as 16.
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| #4 | Southern Regional Technical College | Thomasville, GA | $0 – $5,000/yr | ||
Southern Regional Technical College in Thomasville provides both an accelerated 5-week and a standard two-semester nurse aide certificate. With a net price of $813, the school's graduation rate stands at 30.6%, and graduates report median earnings of $31,293. The accelerated track costs just $1,428 and requires no high school transcript.
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| #5 | Chattahoochee Technical College | Marietta, GA | $4,000 – $6,000/yr | ||
Chattahoochee Technical College in Marietta offers a CNA certificate through its School of Nursing. The net price averages $3,407, and the school reports a 38.3% graduation rate. Graduates from this institution have the highest median earnings among this group at $37,138 ten years after entry, and the HOPE Career Grant can reduce costs.
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| #6 | Savannah Technical College | Savannah, GA | $6,000/yr (net price) | ||
Savannah Technical College provides a flexible CNA program with both a two-semester track and an accelerated 7.5-week option. The net price is $6,114, and the school's graduation rate is 42.5%. Median debt among graduates is low at $3,258, and median earnings reach $33,018.
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| #7 | Georgia Northwestern Technical College | Rome, GA | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Georgia Northwestern Technical College in Rome serves a student body where 92.3% receive Pell Grants, underscoring its accessibility. The certified nurse assistant program has a net price of $5,720 and the school reports a 43.4% graduation rate. Graduates earn a median of $35,759, with manageable debt levels.
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| #8 | Athens Technical College | Athens, GA | $3,000 – $6,000/yr | ||
Athens Technical College offers a 12-week Certified Nurse Aide program with a graduation rate of 50.6%. The net price is $6,949, and graduates report median earnings of $35,951. This top-rated program includes an exam boot camp and is WIOA funding eligible.
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| #9 | West Georgia Technical College | Waco, GA | $2,000/yr (net price) | ||
West Georgia Technical College's Nurse Aide program features a net price of $2,457 and an 88.9% Pell Grant recipient rate. The school's graduation rate is 35.4%, and graduates earn a median of $35,479. The program offers accelerated certificates and geriatric care specialization across multiple campuses.
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| #10 | Albany Technical College | Albany, GA | ~$5,000/yr (est.) | ||
Albany Technical College's Nurse Aide Accelerated program offers a fast entry into healthcare with a net price of $4,524. The school serves a high-need population with 90.6% Pell Grant recipients, and its graduation rate is 42.2%. Graduates report median earnings of $30,541, with a typical debt of $12,412.
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Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Georgia follows a clear, state-regulated path. Here are the essential steps to earn your CNA credential and start working in healthcare.
CNA program costs in Georgia vary widely across institutions, from under $1,000 to over $10,000 when looking at institution-wide net price averages. The net price shown here is an average after federal, state, and institutional grants for full-time beginning students, so your individual out-of-pocket cost may be lower. Other typical expenses, such as the $130 Prometric exam fee, scrubs ($40 to $80), and textbooks ($100 to $200), are not included in these tuition figures.
| Program | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (Average After Aid) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | $3,480 | $6,048 | $614 | Public |
| Southern Regional Technical College | $3,007 | $5,575 | $813 | Public |
| South Georgia Technical College | $3,992 | $7,202 | $1,164 | Public |
| West Georgia Technical College | $3,410 | $5,978 | $2,457 | Public |
| Chattahoochee Technical College | $3,540 | $6,108 | $3,407 | Public |
| Albany Technical College | $3,364 | $5,932 | $4,524 | Public |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College | $3,300 | $5,868 | $5,720 | Public |
| Savannah Technical College | $3,330 | $5,898 | $6,114 | Public |
| Ogeechee Technical College | $3,388 | $5,956 | $6,542 | Public |
| Georgia Highlands College | $3,120 | $10,080 | $6,928 | Public |
| Athens Technical College | $3,390 | $5,958 | $6,949 | Public |
| Central Georgia Technical College | $3,448 | $6,016 | $7,052 | Public |
| Lanier Technical College | $3,980 | $7,190 | $7,799 | Public |
| Augusta Technical College | $4,282 | $7,492 | $10,485 | Public |
| Southeastern Technical College | $3,400 | $5,968 | $10,612 | Public |
| University of West Georgia | $6,088 | $17,800 | $12,786 | Public |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College | $3,386 | $5,954 | $13,761 | Public |
| Kennesaw State University | $5,808 | $17,736 | $15,048 | Public |
| Miller-Motte College-Columbus | N/A | N/A | $21,179 | Private |
Most CNA training in Georgia is delivered entirely in person, but a few programs offer a hybrid format. It's important to understand that state regulations mandate a set number of hands-on clinical hours, so no program can be 100% online. When a program is labeled "online" or "hybrid," it typically means the classroom-based theory and lectures are completed online, while skills labs and clinical rotations are done in person. This approach can save commute time and add flexibility for students who need to balance work or family commitments.
Among the ranked CNA programs highlighted on this page, only Kennesaw State University offers a hybrid model. All other schools, including technical colleges like South Georgia Tech, Wiregrass Georgia Tech, and Chattahoochee Tech, deliver their CNA coursework entirely on campus. If you are looking for a program with some online components, Kennesaw State's program combines online didactic modules with scheduled on-campus skills practice and clinical placements at local healthcare facilities.
If a hybrid program fits your situation, there are a few essential things to verify before enrolling:
Hybrid CNA training can be an efficient path into healthcare, but success depends on picking a program that aligns with your location, schedule, and support needs.
When time is the priority, accelerated CNA programs in Georgia condense training into just a few weeks of full-time study. Standard programs, by contrast, stretch the same coursework over two to three months with part-time or evening schedules.
Georgia requires a minimum of 85 hours of training, including at least 24 hours of hands-on clinical practice. How you reach those hours determines the pace. Accelerated tracks pack all instruction into 2 to 5 weeks, often with daily classes. Standard programs typically run 6 to 12 weeks, meeting a few evenings a week or on weekends, giving you more flexibility to balance other responsibilities.
Northside Hospital's CNA School can be completed in 18 days, or about 3 to 4 weeks. Lifesaving Hearts offers a 2-to-4-week program. Southern Regional Technical College runs a 5-week accelerated certificate. In contrast, the University of West Georgia's program meets twice weekly over 11 weeks, totaling 88 hours. These contrasts show how the same minimum hours can be structured very differently.
Accelerated programs get you into the workforce quickly, but the daily commitment is intense. Expect full days of classroom and lab work, plus clinical rotations. This can be overwhelming if you are also working or managing family obligations. Standard programs spread the workload, making it easier to absorb the material and maintain a job. However, you delay earning a paycheck.
No matter the pace, the program must be approved by the Georgia Department of Community Health. Only graduates of approved programs are eligible to sit for the state competency exam. Always confirm the program's status on the state's registry before you pay for a course. A quick phone call or website check can save time and money.
Earning your certification is the final hurdle between training and practice, but the process has costs, timelines, and renewal obligations that can trip up even prepared candidates. Georgia uses one vendor for the full certification cycle, and understanding the steps upfront helps you budget both time and money.
Georgia’s CNA exam is administered by Credentia1 and includes a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills demonstration. The written portion costs $352 and covers topics like infection control, patient rights, and basic nursing procedures. You can opt for an oral version at the same price if reading comprehension is a concern. The skills test is $952, bringing the total exam fee to $130.2 You must complete an 85-hour state-approved training program1 before you’re eligible to test, as outlined in the steps to become a CNA. If you fail one part, you can retake it separately; multiple attempts are allowed, though each retake requires a new fee.
Once you pass, your certification is valid for two years3. To renew, you’ll need to document that you’ve worked a required minimum number of hours as a CNA during that two-year window; your employer can verify this. If you let your certification lapse, you may need to retake the competency exam or complete additional training, depending on how long it’s been expired. Always check the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry for the most current renewal rules.
If you’re a certified CNA moving to Georgia from another state, you can apply for reciprocity by endorsement. You’ll generally need to provide proof of previous certification, training, and work history. Conversely, if you’re a Georgia CNA heading elsewhere, you can request a verification form from Credentia or the Registry to submit to your new state’s board. Most states honor Georgia’s training standards, but some may require a bridging course or additional exam, so confirm requirements early.
Who qualifies for free or low-cost CNA training in Georgia? The answer lies in a mix of federal workforce grants, employer-sponsored programs, and state-specific financial aid.
If you are unemployed, underemployed, or meet low-income guidelines, the WIOA program can cover the full cost of CNA training. This includes tuition, fees, books, uniforms, and even exam fees. Some participants also receive help with transportation or child care. The application process starts at your local WorkSource Georgia center, boards like WorkSource Atlanta, WorkSource Cobb, or WorkSource Fulton. You’ll need to complete an intake, provide documentation, and select an approved training provider before receiving an Individual Training Account (ITA) voucher. Approval must be secured before you enroll in any program, so plan ahead.
Many Georgia hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment after certification. This can be an ideal path for those who want immediate employment. Inquire directly with HR departments at local healthcare employers, some even run their own state-approved programs. Because demand for CNAs is high, facilities often use sponsored training as a recruitment tool.
Most standalone CNA certificate programs are too short, usually under 600 clock hours, to qualify for federal Pell Grants. However, if your CNA coursework is built into a longer program, like a Patient Care Technician diploma, you may be eligible for federal aid. Always check with the school’s financial aid office and complete the FAFSA. Students at for-profit colleges should compare net price and graduation rates carefully; some programs carry high debt relative to entry-level CNA wages.
The HOPE Career Grant can reduce tuition for eligible CNA programs at Georgia’s technical colleges, provided the program is in a high-demand field, many healthcare certificates qualify. Additionally, some technical colleges offer institutional grants or payment plans. For example, Georgia Northwestern Technical College and Central Georgia Technical College serve high percentages of Pell-eligible students, indicating strong support for those with financial need. Don’t overlook college-specific opportunities; a conversation with the program coordinator can uncover application-fee waivers or emergency grants.
Today’s nursing ecosystem in Georgia values the CNA credential as a strategic stepping stone rather than a final destination.
Each rung of the nursing ladder brings more responsibility and higher pay. A certified nursing assistant in Georgia earns a median of roughly $31,000 annually. After one year of full-time study, you can become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and boost that to about $48,000. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) takes approximately two more years and opens the door to a registered nurse career, where the median salary climbs to around $75,000. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) adds another one to two years of coursework and qualifies you for supervisory positions and higher wages. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement, so you can advance without taking on significant debt.
You don’t have to leave the workforce to increase your earnings. Georgia recognizes specialized CNA designations such as medication aide and geriatric nursing assistant. These require a short, focused training program, often just a few weeks, and lead to an immediate hourly wage bump of $1 to $3. The additional skills make you more valuable in long-term care, assisted living, and home health settings where specialized aides are in high demand.
CNA work is an ideal launchpad. You gain paid, hands-on clinical experience, build professional connections, and test whether nursing fits your long-term goals, all before committing to a two- or four-year degree program. Many CNAs use their employer’s flexible scheduling to attend LPN or RN classes part-time. This earn-while-you-learn model turns your first nursing job into a funded exploration of a nursing career that can grow as far as your ambition takes you.
Below, we answer common questions about CNA programs in Georgia, covering training duration, costs, online options, and certification details. Use these FAQs to clarify your path toward becoming a certified nursing assistant in the state.
Beyond the top-ranked programs, Georgia offers many additional quality CNA training options. These schools, organized by region, provide affordable and accessible pathways to certification. All programs are state-approved and prepare students for the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry exam.
