One of the most rewarding career in healthcare is by becoming a Certified Nursing Assistan! If you’re interested in becoming a CNA in Georgia, you’ll play a critical role in the medical field, offering essential care to patients and acting as a vital link between patients and nurses. If you're hunting for "CNA jobs near me" or "CNA classes near me" this guide is your ultimate roadmap to achieving this career:

Key Points:

• A Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, is a healthcare professional who provides patients with basic care, including bathing, feeding, and monitoring vital signs.

• To become a CNA in Georgia, you need to complete an 85-hour CNA training course and pass a certification exam comprising both written and practical parts.

• CNA training programs in Georgia typically take 3 to 12 weeks to complete, cost of CNA programs in GA varies from $800 to $1,500.

• CNAs in Georgia have a mean annual salary of around $34,890 per year, $16.77 per hour.

• CNA job outlook has 4% growth projected through 2033, particularly in Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta areas.

Where to Find CNA Courses in Georgia?

CNA courses in Georgia can last anywhere between 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the training provider. The cost of these courses can also vary, with some providers offering courses for as low as $400, while others may charge up to $1,000.

Looking for CNA courses in Georgia? Your search ends at Dreambound, your ultimate destination for finding training programs! Our platform has helped thousands of students find the right courses and certifications to kickstart their careers in healthcare, trade and industry, technology, and more!

Remember, choosing the right training program is crucial to excel as a CNA in Georgia. Make the smart choice - choose Dreambound, and step into a brighter future today!

What Do I Need for CNA Class?

To fully equip yourself for CNA training, it's vital to have the right attire and equipment. Here's what you'll need to prepare for class:

• Scrubs and closed-toe shoes are essential for comfort and safety during your training.
• Basic equipment such as a blood pressure cuff, gait belt, and stethoscope can be handy.
• A pulse oximeter is a critical tool for measuring patients' oxygen levels and pulse rates.
• Study guides are beneficial for understanding daily CNA tasks and preparing for your certification exams.
• Training materials like books and equipment are often provided by schools, but owning additional tools can give you an edge.

What Are the Requirements to Become a CNA in Georgia?

Becoming a CNA in Georgia involves meeting specific requirements. In this section, we'll delve into the training, background checks, and skills required to become a CNA in Georgia.

Training program requirements

• Aspiring CNAs in Georgia must complete 85 hours of training at state-approved institutions like private schools, colleges, or employer facilities. Use Dreambound's comprehensive database of schools to find the right one for you!

• CNA training in Georgia includes both theoretical and clinical components. Every CNA student has one year to pass the CNA exam after completing their training.

Background check requirements

• CNAs in Georgia are not required to submit fingerprints during training or exams. However, employers usually conduct background checks before hiring CNAs.

Skills requirements

CNAs in Georgia undergo rigorous training. They must complete 16 hours of training in six different areas before they can handle patients directly:

1. Communication and interpersonal skills (including stress management)
2. Infection control
3. Body mechanics, Safety, emergency procedures, and foreign body airway removal
4. Promoting residents' independence
5. Respecting residents' rights
6. Legal/ethical behavior and scope of practice

Additional considerations when becoming a CNA in Georgia

• A high school diploma is not required to become a CNA in Georgia, but it is highly desirable!
• If you're already an LPN or RN and want to become a CNA, you can complete the 16 hours of training in the six specific areas and pass the state exams.

Exploring a Career in CNA Outside Georgia

If you've been inspired to follow the path of a CNA but geography isn't on your side, worry not. Your aspiration to become a CNA is within reach in Arkansas, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin. For those who don't find these options feasible, Dreambound enables you to effortlessly find and evaluate CNA classes by simply searching with a zip code. Armed with determination and Dreambound, anyone, anywhere, can achieve a career in healthcare.

How Do I Register for a CNA Exam in Georgia?

Credentia is a nationally recognized company that provides testing services for the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. They develop, score, and report the results of the CNA exam. Credentia also recommends online registration for the CNA exam.

Here's a step-by-step guide to register for your CNA exam:

1. Create an account on Credentia's CNA365 system - You may sign up and provide the necessary details to create your Credentia account. After this, you will receive an email to activate your new Credentia account!

2. Submit a testing application - Start a new application and select the state where you'll take the CNA exam. In order to proceed, you may be asked about details regarding your training program completion, employment information, accommodations, and registrant certification. Submit your responses and wait for approval!

3. Schedule and Pay - In this step, you will now select the type of exam you want to take (written, oral, or skills). After choosing, review your selected time and date for your exam to avoid cancellations and rescheduling. You'll also need to choose between an online or in-person exam.

Book your test center exam online via your laptop, ensuring you do this at least ten days prior to your test date. Mobile devices aren't the best choice for this task.

If you're taking an online written or oral exam, feel free to schedule it as soon as a day after registration, based on exam slots. Finally, make your payment online using a debit or credit card, or input a voucher code if you have one. Remember, payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

As of August 2024, the cost for each type of exam is as follows:

Nurse Aide Examination

• Written Examination Only: $35
• Oral Examination Only: $35
• Spanish Examination Only: $35
• Skills Examination Only: $95
• Competency Evaluation (Written and Skills): $130
• Competency Evaluation (Oral and Skills): $130

How do I prepare for the CNA exam in Georgia?

You are a step closer to getting your license! You got this! The CNA exam in Georgia has 2 parts. These are the written/oral and skills evaluations. Let's focus first on the written/oral exams.

• Written Exam - has 70 multiple-questions with a 2-hour time to complete. Make sure to put your answers on the answer sheet! Any other markings are not allowed. ‍

• Oral Exam -  has 60 multiple-question and 10 reading comprehension questions. The questions will come from an MP3 player, so please listen attentively. You will have a 2-hour time frame to complete the test.

To help you further, here is the table of things you need to prepare for your online or in-person exams:

• To ensure a smooth online exam experience, you will need a computer or laptop ready for the test. Before the exam, perform a system test to prevent any technical errors. Additionally, make sure you have a private room or a quiet space to take the exam. If you plan to use a mobile device or tablet, be sure to install the ExamRoom 360 app as it allows the proctor to monitor for any potential cheating.

• For in-person exams, gather three sharpened No. 2 pencils, an eraser, and a watch with a secondhand. You'll also need to bring two valid IDs with your signature. These items are essential for both online and in-person exams to ensure a successful testing experience.

For the Skills Evaluation, prepare to perform 5 skills out of the 23 skills you learned from training. Practice all your skills and master your measurement of the patient inputs and outputs! A helpful tip is to learn how to use a digital and standing scale. You are also not allowed to bring your personal equipment. They will provide every tool that you will need!

Aim to arrive 30 minutes before your exam time. If you are late, you can reschedule your exam. Avoid bringing large bags, food, drinks, or any other unnecessary things. Turn off your phones or other devices while on the test site. Study your past lessons, and keep answering practice tests!

For in-person exams, gather three sharpened No. 2 pencils, an eraser, and a watch with a secondhand. You'll also need to bring two valid IDs with your signature. These items are essential for both online and in-person exams to ensure a successful testing experience.

How do I get my CNA certification in Georgia?

Congratulations on surviving your exams! Check your exam scores by logging into your CNA365 account. The results are viewable after a few hours of finishing the test. You can print or download your scores as proof of passing the exam.

In case you get a failing score, don't get discouraged! Take it as a challenge, review the parts you failed, and study them again. You may retake the exams three times without re-training.

The Nurse Aide Registry will now post your name as an active CNA. Expect to get your certification card via mail after a few days. Your active CNA status is valid for two years. Maintain an active status by working at least one 8-hour shift every 24 months. It should also be under the supervision of a licensed nurse!

How do I renew my CNA in Georgia?

Renewal of CNA listing is free in Georgia! You just need to complete the renewal form and prepare copies of proof of employment. Your current or most recent employer should also sign to make the form complete. Change of name or address is also free of charge. Make sure to inform the registry to avoid complications with your listing status.

If you are unable to renew your license, it means having your name removed from the registry. A CNA with a lapsed license under three years must pass the state exams again. If it's three years or more, re-training and passing the state exams is a must.

What does a CNA do? How do I get a job as a CNA in Georgia? 

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Georgia opens up various opportunities in healthcare. CNAs are crucial in providing both personal and medical care to patients, ranging from assisting with daily activities to addressing mental health needs. If you're ready to start your career as a CNA in Georgia, here's what you need to do:

• Understand the role and responsibilities: CNAs assist with daily living activities, provide basic nursing care, and support patients with cognitive impairments. Familiarize yourself with these duties to ensure you’re prepared for the job.

• Obtain the necessary certification: Enroll in a state-approved CNA training program and pass the certification exam. This is a crucial step to ensure you meet the legal and professional requirements to work as a CNA in Georgia.

• Prepare your resume and apply for jobs: Update your resume to highlight your CNA certification and any relevant experience. Search for job openings on online job boards or specialized healthcare job sites, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn.

• Understand background check requirements: Note that while most facilities may not perform background checks, personal care homes and nursing homes are required to do so. Decide where you want to apply based on your preference and the facility’s policies.

• Respect patient rights: Cultivate a respectful attitude towards patients' rights and needs. Building trust with residents is essential for a successful career as a CNA and will impact your effectiveness in the role.

What can I do after becoming a CNA in Georgia?

Ready to take your healthcare career to the next level? Here are some paths you might consider:

• Pursue a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) course: Build on your CNA experience to advance into more complex nursing roles.
• Specialize as a Geriatric CNA or Geriatric Care Manager: Focus on elderly care, enhancing your skills, and staying current with trends and regulations.
• Become a CNA Instructor: Teach at existing schools or start your own program, with additional training to enhance your effectiveness.

There are a lot more careers waiting for you out there. If you're undecided for now, take your time to discover the career you'd like to pursue. Everything is going to work out, and we will be here cheering for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to be a CNA in GA?

Becoming a CNA in Georgia typically takes between 3 to 8 weeks, but can last for up to 12 weeks.

How much does it cost to become a CNA in GA?

The cost of CNA classes in Georgia varies, ranging from about $400 to $1,000. The total expense depends on the school and the specific program you enroll in. Some schools may offer financial aid or payment plans to help manage these costs.

How much does a CNA earn in Georgia?

Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNAs in Georgia can earn a salary range of $26,580 to $44,800 per year!

Can you take CNA classes online in Georgia?

Yes, you can find online CNA classes in Georgia. However, these programs still require in-person clinical training to ensure you gain practical experience.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a CNA in Georgia offers a rewarding path in healthcare with a competitive CNA salary. From finding the right CNA classes near you to securing CNA jobs near you, this guide has covered all the essential steps to help you thrive in this career. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance, knowing what to expect will set you up for success. Embrace this opportunity and step confidently into your new role as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

‍Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help you:

• Become a CNA in 3 easy steps
• CNA classes near me
• Become a CNA in High School
• STNA in Ohio

Contemplating a change in your career path? Dreambound has written many comprehensive guides to aid you in making well-informed decisions.

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