Maria Delgado, RN
June 23, 2025
CNA training programs supply essential education to people who want to assist nurses alongside healthcare staff. The duties of CNAs include assisting nurses with patient care by bathing patients, feeding them, moving them between places and measuring vital signs. CNAs serve as essential support personnel for healthcare staff in all Georgia facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, home health services and rehabilitation centers.
Thomasville, GA - Public 2-Year - southernregional.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Accelerate your healthcare career with the Nurse Aide Technical Certificate of Credit. This intensive 5-week program equips students with essential skills to provide patient care in diverse medical settings. Learn critical clinical techniques, medical terminology, and patient interaction skills. Graduates can sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program, qualifying for the Georgia State Nurse Aide registry. With an affordable total cost of $1,428 and no high school transcript required, this program offers an accessible entry point into healthcare for motivated individuals aged 17 and older.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Nurse Aide Technical Certificate of Credit at Southern Regional Technical College prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This program combines classroom training, laboratory practice, and clinical experiences to equip students with the skills needed to care for patients in various settings, including hospitals, nursing care facilities, and home health care services. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment program (NNAAP), a step towards becoming enrolled in the Georgia State Nurse Aide registry. The program spans two semesters, with a total cost of approximately $2,980.83, covering tuition, books, and admissions fees. Admission requires applicants to be at least 17 years old, with no high school transcript or GED necessary. Additional requirements include CPR certification, a drug toxicology test, and a criminal background check. This program is an excellent choice for those looking to enter the healthcare field quickly and make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.
Waycross, GA - Public 2-Year - coastalpines.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Nurse Aide Technical Certificate equips students with essential healthcare skills to provide patient care across diverse medical settings. Through comprehensive classroom training and clinical experiences, learners gain practical knowledge in hospitals, nursing facilities, elderly care centers, and home health services. With just 13 credit hours, students can prepare for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program and potentially become registered in the state nurse aide registry. Ideal for those seeking a quick entry into healthcare, the program requires no high school diploma and welcomes students aged 16 and older.
Warner Robins, GA - Public 2-Year - centralgatech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Georgia Technical College's Patient Care Assisting program prepares students for essential healthcare roles. Designed for individuals 16 and older, this technical certificate offers a fast-track pathway into patient care. Students gain practical skills through comprehensive training, positioning themselves for immediate employment in medical settings. The program focuses on foundational healthcare competencies, preparing graduates for certification as nursing assistants.
Clarkston, GA - Public 2-Year - gptc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Nurse Aide Technical Certificate equips students with essential healthcare skills, preparing them for critical roles in patient care. Participants learn vital sign monitoring, patient transfer techniques, and daily living assistance in clinical settings. The comprehensive program combines classroom training with hands-on clinical experience, enabling graduates to work in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies. Successful completion leads to the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program certification.
The state of Georgia does not permit fully online CNA programs but several educational institutions provide blended learning programs that blend online classroom instruction with clinical practice requirements. Students who take the classroom portion of their training through online learning can set their own learning schedule. Students need to complete their clinical hours in person to gain practical experience. Learning essential patient care skills along with vital sign measurement requires students to participate in clinicals.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Regional Technical College |
|
|
| Coastal Pines Technical College |
|
|
| Central Georgia Technical College |
|
|
| Eligibility Prerequisites | Complete a state-approved CNA program, be at least 16 with a high school diploma/GED, clear background checks and immunizations |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Georgia Nurse Aide Registry, Department of Community Health |
| Training Program | Minimum of 85 hours, including at least 24 supervised clinical hours |
| Fees | No registry fee, competency exam costs $130 |
| Certification Exam | Pass a 70-question written/oral test and a five-skill practical evaluation within one year |
| Registry Activation | Name appears on the registry within ten business days of exam completion |
| Renewal Requirements | Complete eight hours of paid CNA work under RN/LPN supervision every 24 months, renew online without a fee |
| Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs apply via reciprocity through CNA365, no additional training required |
The annual salary for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) working in Georgia falls between $30,000 and $33,000 while pay rates differ slightly between urban and rural areas. Healthcare workers in metropolitan Atlanta receive higher pay than those working in rural areas because of the higher cost of living and increased demand for healthcare professionals. The rising number of older residents combined with healthcare facility development in Georgia creates robust employment opportunities for CNAs. The healthcare industry maintains a promising outlook because CNAs can find employment opportunities across hospitals, nursing homes, home health care agencies, and rehabilitation centers. CNAs working in long-term care facilities or home health care settings typically find flexible scheduling opportunities as well as possibilities for career progression.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Georgia | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $33,450 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $16.07 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$38,600 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $33,450 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$27,800 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~7,900 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Regional Technical College |
|
|
| Central Georgia Technical College |
|
|
| Coastal Pines Technical College |
|
|
Healthcare certification begins at the CNA level before leading to advanced nursing positions. CNAs use their professional experience to start their education and earn new certifications. After finishing their LPN program which lasts between 12 to 18 months students can advance their careers to Licensed Practical Nurses. The path to RN status for CNAs includes completing either LPN-to-RN bridge programs or direct entry into nursing programs. More education enables CNAs to achieve better pay rates while they gain leadership positions within healthcare facilities for patient care administration. The acquisition of specialized certifications in phlebotomy or medical assisting by CNAs leads to enhanced skills and expanded career possibilities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Georgia
LEARN MORE
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
