CNA Courses in Atlanta, Georgia
If you are searching for CNA courses in Atlanta, this page covers what you need to know about the certification process in Georgia, how programs in the Atlanta area are structured, and how to find CNA programs near you that fit your schedule and goals.
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CNA Classes in Atlanta: What to Expect
CNA courses in Atlanta follow a hybrid structure that combines classroom or online instruction with required in-person clinical hours. Georgia-approved programs must meet a minimum of 85 total hours, covering classroom time, skills lab, and supervised clinical practice, as required by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH).*
The classroom portion of many CNA classes in Atlanta can be completed online or in person, depending on the program. This gives students flexibility to progress through foundational coursework on a schedule that works around existing commitments. The clinical component, however, must be completed in person at an approved healthcare facility. There is no fully online path to CNA certification in Georgia.
Once you complete your program, candidates are required to pass a two-part state competency exam to earn certification and be listed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. The exam is administered by Credentia through the CNA365 portal on behalf of the Georgia DCH.**
Want to preview what the coursework covers before committing? Visit our CNA lesson guide for free information on what a state-approved program includes.
*Source: Georgia Nurse Aide Program, Alliant Health Solutions, administered under contract with the Georgia Department of Community Health. https://nurseaide.allianthealth.org
**Source: Georgia CNA Certification Requirements, Georgia Department of Community Health. https://dch.georgia.gov
CNA Programs Near You in Atlanta, Georgia
Students throughout the Atlanta metro area can complete the online or classroom portion of their CNA classes in Atlanta, Georgia from home, then arrange required in-person clinical hours at an approved facility nearby. Georgia-approved programs are available across the metro area and in surrounding communities including Marietta, Decatur, Smyrna, Sandy Springs, College Park, Norcross, and Duluth, among others.
Whether you are located in the city or in the surrounding suburbs, there are CNA programs in Atlanta, GA and nearby areas worth exploring.
Looking for CNA certification near you? Use our tool to find additional CNA course locations and compare programs by zip code.
What Can You You Learn in a CNA Course
CNA classes in Atlanta are designed to prepare students for the full scope of patient care responsibilities they may carry out under nurse supervision. The following subjects are typically covered across state-approved programs in Georgia. Note that this content reflects general program curricula. These are not courses offered directly by this site.
Patient Care Fundamentals
Students learn how to assist patients with activities of daily living including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and feeding. Foundational patient rights, dignity, and communication are introduced early in the curriculum.
Infection Control
Proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and procedures for preventing the spread of infection are covered in detail. Georgia requires infection control to be among the first six topics addressed before students begin any supervised patient contact.
Vital Signs Monitoring
Students learn to measure and record blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature accurately. Recognizing abnormal readings and reporting them appropriately to a supervising nurse is a core skill covered in this section.
Safety Procedures
Topics include body mechanics for safe patient transfers and lifting, fall prevention, emergency response procedures, and maintaining a safe care environment for both patients and staff.
Communication Skills
Effective communication with patients, families, and the nursing team is addressed throughout the curriculum. This includes documentation practices, observing and reporting changes in patient condition, and supporting patients experiencing confusion or anxiety.
Clinical Preparation
Before beginning supervised patient contact, Georgia programs require students to complete a minimum of 16 hours covering six priority areas. The clinical component of the program (at least 24 hours) must be completed in person at an approved long-term care facility under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse.
What Are the Requirements to Enroll in CNA Courses in Atlanta?
Georgia CNA requirements for enrollment are set at both the state and program level. Here is what candidates generally need to know before applying.
Admission criteria vary by program. Some programs may require candidates to be at least 16 or 18 years old or hold a diploma or equivalent credential. Always confirm enrollment requirements directly with the program before applying.
Candidates must pass a criminal background check, as required by Georgia law for individuals working in licensed healthcare facilities. A disqualifying record may affect eligibility to sit for the competency exam or work in certain settings. The Georgia DCH offers a process for candidates to review their eligibility before enrolling.
Candidates must also not appear on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry as having findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property.
How to Get Started
Earning your CNA certification in Atlanta, GA follows a clear sequence of steps.
Research state-approved programs. Use our CNA program location search to find CNA programs near you in Atlanta and surrounding zip codes. Confirm that any program you consider is approved by the Georgia DCH before enrolling.
Complete your program. Finish the required 85 hours, including at least 24 hours of supervised clinical practice in an approved long-term care facility. The classroom portion may be completed online or in person depending on the program. Class, course, and program lengths may vary.
Submit your application through CNA365. After completing your program, register through the Credentia CNA365 portal to apply for the competency exam. Your program director confirms your hours.
Pass the NNAAP competency exam. The exam includes a written or oral knowledge section and a hands-on clinical skills evaluation, both administered in person. Candidates are required to pass both sections within one year of completing their program. Candidates may attempt each section up to three times.
Become listed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. Once Credentia reports your results to the DCH, your certification is issued and your name is added to the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. Certification is active for two years.
Renew every two years. Georgia's renewal process is employment-based rather than continuing education-based. To renew, candidates must document at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work performed under nurse supervision during the two-year certification period. Renewal fees should be verified directly with the Georgia DCH, as policies are subject to change. Renewal is processed through the Georgia Nurse Aide Self-Service Portal administered by Alliant Health Solutions.*
For tips on preparing before your first day of clinical, visit our resource on how to prepare for CNA school.
*Based on Georgia DCH and Alliant Health Solutions Nurse Aide Program guidelines. Requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the Georgia DCH before enrolling. https://dch.georgia.gov
FAQs
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Georgia requires a minimum of 85 total program hours, including classroom time, skills lab, and at least 24 hours of supervised clinical practice in an approved long-term care facility.* Students may begin supervised patient contact after completing the first 16 hours of instruction in six required subject areas. Class, course, and program lengths may vary.
*Source: Georgia Nurse Aide Program, Alliant Health Solutions / Georgia DCH. https://nurseaide.allianthealth.org
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The classroom portion of many CNA programs in Atlanta, GA can be completed online, giving students flexibility in how and when they complete the didactic component of their education. The 24-hour clinical component must be completed in person at a Georgia-approved long-term care facility. The competency exam is also conducted in person. There is no fully online path to CNA certification in Atlanta, GA.
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No prior healthcare experience is required to enroll in a Georgia-approved CNA program. The curriculum is designed to take students from foundational knowledge through clinical skills preparation regardless of background. Individual programs may have their own admission criteria, so confirm requirements directly with the program before applying.
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CNA certification in Atlanta, GA is valid for two years and is renewed through the Georgia Nurse Aide Self-Service Portal, managed by Alliant Health Solutions on behalf of the Georgia DCH. To renew, candidates must document a minimum of 8 hours of paid nursing-related work performed under the supervision of a licensed nurse during the two-year certification period. Renewal fees and procedures should be verified directly with the Georgia DCH, as policies are subject to change. If the work requirement is not met, candidates may need to retake the competency exam to remain on the registry. If your certification has been expired for three or more years, completing a new state-approved program may be required before retesting.
*Based on Georgia DCH and Alliant Health Solutions Nurse Aide Program guidelines. Requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the Georgia DCH. https://dch.georgia.gov
Disclaimer: The program information presented on this page is provided for informational purposes only. According to Campus Explorer's algorithm and methodology, results are based on aggregated data including program availability, student reviews, and other publicly available metrics. CNA certification requirements, program structures, and clinical hour requirements are governed by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the Georgia DCH and Alliant Health Solutions before enrolling in a program. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify; eligibility requirements vary and no financial aid is guaranteed. Class, course, and program lengths may vary. Completing a CNA program does not guarantee any specific outcome.