Online CNA Classes in Georgia: See Top Schools and More

Inside Look at Online CNA Classes in Georgia

You’ll find during your program search that there are lots of options for getting the training you need to become a certified nursing assistant/nurse aide in Georgia. However, the number of CNA classes in Georgia that offer online content is limited. The majority of programs are presented entirely in-person and consist of campus-based classes and labs and clinical practice hours attended at program-approved medical facilities.

Most online CNA classes feature coursework and class sessions accessed entirely either synchronously (via live stream at scheduled times) or asynchronously (where students log in and complete their coursework at any time). Others offer classes that combine online and on-campus sessions. And, regardless of the specific program you chose, students in online CNA classes in Georgia will still need to attend skills labs and clinical hours in person.

To give you a comprehensive take on how online nursing assistant/nurse aide training works, here are spotlights of three online CNA classes available today:

Answering Popular Questions from CNA Students

As you learn more about Georgia’s online CNA classes, you’ll find that a number of questions and concerns arise about nursing assistant training and state CNA certification. To help you in obtaining the information you need, here are the answers to five questions commonly asked by prospective Georgia nursing assistant students.

How do I know if I’m signing on to a quality CNA program in Georgia?

The most important way to be assured that the Georgia CNA program you’re considering will provide you with the quality education and training you need for competent practice is to confirm it’s state approval. You can check current approval status using the Georgia Department of Community Health/GAMMIS program search engine. You can also refer to this Georgia State-Approved Nurse Aide Training Programs list provided by Credentia. Another factor you may want to consider a program’s certification exam pass rate. The program itself should be able to provide you with current pass rate figures.

How long does it take to complete online CNA training Georgia?

The Georgia Department of Community Health mandates that all CNA courses in the state provide a minimum of 85 hours of training that includes at least 24 hours of clinical rotation in a facility supervised by an RN or LPN. The actual the length of your program, however, will depend on the specific program you choose. And while some accelerated online programs offered in other states take only four weeks to complete, you’ll find that online CNA classes in Georgia are available with program lengths from six weeks (like the Georgia Training Center program) to several months (like the two-semester certificate programs at Oconee Fall Line Technical College and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College).

How much do online CNA classes in Georgia cost?

Like completion times, costs of online CNA classes in Georgia vary from program to program due mostly to the specific credential offered. The figures in the program spotlights above provide the range of price tags for online CNA classes in Georgia – from $800 for a basic test prep course to nearly $2,500 for a full technical certificate of credit program. Two important things to bear in mind when considering program costs. First, there are typically additional items students will need to pay for separately, such as books, uniforms and equipment, a physical exam, and health and liability insurance. Second, you may be able to get financial assistance to help pay for your CNA training. Typical resources include scholarships and grants, tuition discounts and payment plans, and more. Check with each of the programs you’re considering before you enroll to see if financial aid is available.

What are the professional skills needed to work as a CNA in Georgia?

Certified nursing assistants/nurse aides in Georgia are authorized to perform a wide range of patient care practices as identified by state guidelines. The skills needed to carry out those practices fall under six general headings:

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Infection Control
• Safety/Emergency/FBAO/Body Mechanics
• Promotion of Patient/Resident Independence
• Respect of Patient/Resident Rights
• Legal/Ethical Behavior and Scope of Practice

What are the steps I’ll take to becoming a nurse aide in Georgia?

Working as a nurse aide in Georgia requires that you first obtain your CNA certification and be listed in the state’s Certified Nurse Aide Registry. There are three basic steps to starting your nurse aide career in Georgia:

• Complete a state-approved nurse aide/nursing assistant program like any of the online CNA classes in Georgia mentioned in this guide.
• Apply for, take, and pass the NNAAP examination.The exam consists of two components: a written or oral section and a skills demonstration section.
• Apply for CNA certification and listing on the Nurse Aide Registry.

Ranking Georgia’s Top Online CNA Classes

To start you out on your program search, we’ve taken a long look at the current lineup of the online CNA classes in Georgia to find the best available and list them in the rankings below. Our selections were made by employing our own program evaluation methodology, which you can learn more about by clicking the “About the Rankings” button. Factors considered include state approval, course comprehensiveness, study convenience, affordability and more. Here’s who made our list:

CNA Salary and Job Prospects in Georgia

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Georgia are in high demand. The job growth rate in the state is 14.4%, more than triple the national growth rate of 4.2%. This means CNAs in Georgia will experience excellent job security and may have more opportunities for professional development, such as employer-reimbursed continuing education or the ability to apply for leadership roles. While the job growth rate is promising, the salaries for CNAs in Georgia vary significantly. On average, CNAs earn between $26,480 and $44,800, but that statewide average doesn’t tell the full story. In certain parts of the state, CNAs can earn upwards of $45,000. The highest-earning cities and areas include the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area, Gainesville, and Hinesville. In addition to location, education and experience also impact salaries. If CNAs want to earn in the top 90th percentile, they may consider taking continuing education courses or applying for leadership roles.