Certified Nursing Assistant in Georgia

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for GA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$36,570
trending_down -7.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Georgia.

engineering
42,460

Jobs (GA)

monitoring Stable
+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments
$130

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies (programs range from 4 weeks to 2 semesters)

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Georgia

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Georgia, you must complete an 85-hour state-approved training program, which includes at least 24 hours of clinical experience. After training, you need to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, administered by Credentia, which costs $130. The Georgia Nurse Aide Registry, managed by Alliant Health Solutions, oversees certification and renewal. Renewal is required every two years and necessitates proof of at least 8 hours of paid CNA work under nurse supervision within that 24-month period. Georgia also offers reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs who meet specific criteria.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $28,470
25th percentile $32,290
50th (median) $36,570
75th percentile $41,050
90th (experienced) $46,190

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Georgia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Georgia requirements

Licensing bodyGeorgia Nurse Aide Registry (managed by Alliant Health Solutions, contracted by the Georgia Department of Community Health)
State license Required
Education85-hour state-approved training program (at least 24 hours of clinical experience)
Experience8.0 hours
ExamNational Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia ($130)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesRenewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months under the supervision of a licensed nurse. A criminal background check is required for employment in licensed facilities, and often for clinical rotations during training. There is no minimum age to become a CNA, nor is a high school diploma or GED strictly required for certification, though some training programs may require it. If certification expires for three or more years, retraining and retesting are required.

Source: Georgia Nurse Aide Registry (managed by Alliant Health Solutions, contracted by the Georgia Department of Community Health)

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.3%
Average
Annual openings
204,100
Nationwide per year
Total employment
1,441,500
Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleGeorgia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
psychology
Wondering if a certified nursing assistant career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a certified nursing assistant in Georgia? expand_more
To become a certified nursing assistant in Georgia, you need to complete the required education (85-hour state-approved training program (at least 24 hours of clinical experience)), gain 8.0 hours of supervised experience, and pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia.
Do I need a license to work as a certified nursing assistant in Georgia? expand_more
Georgia mandates state licensure for certified nursing assistants. Georgia Nurse Aide Registry (managed by Alliant Health Solutions, contracted by the Georgia Department of Community Health) oversees the process, which includes passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia.
How much does a certified nursing assistant make in Georgia? expand_more
In Georgia, the median pay for certified nursing assistants comes to $36,570/year. That's 7% below the national median of $39,530. New certified nursing assistants start around $28,470; seasoned professionals can reach $46,190.
What's the total cost to get certified nursing assistant certified in Georgia? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($130) and required training.
What's the timeline to become a certified nursing assistant in Georgia? expand_more
Expect to spend Varies (programs range from 4 weeks to 2 semesters) from start to finish in Georgia — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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