Georgia CNA Program Basics
All aspiring CNAs in the state of Georgia are required to complete an at least 85-hour training course. The training program should cover both classroom and clinical studies. To be able to qualify for the state examination, the applicant should undergo a training program that is approved by the state. Such training program covers very useful topics such as HIPPA information, patients’ rights, personal care for patients as well as hands on education where students tackle and perform patient care exercises under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Oftentimes, laboratory or clinical exercises are performed in a class group. During the last stages of the training course, students may spend time on the facility’s main floor to work with experienced CNAs.
Georgia CNA Requirements and Certification
- A nursing aide student must complete the training program and pass the state assessment to acquire his or her CNA certification in Georgia.
- Students should speak with their instructor to make up the missed hours due to absences from class. The state assessment exam includes a written and clinical portion.
- These two sections of the examination must be both passed to acquire CNA certification.
- A maximum of 3 chances or tries are given to examinees who fails the initial testing.
- Failure to pass the examination within three attempts would mean retaking the entire training course.
- A clean criminal background of applicants is necessary as those who committed serious crimes like felony, theft or any violent crimes will not be certified.
Georgia CNA License Renewal
- Like in other states, CNA certification in Georgia must be renewed every 24 months.
- The state Nurse Aide Registry will send a letter for renewal to CNAs 2 months prior to the expiration of their license.
- To be eligible for renewal, nurse aides must have worked not less than 8 hours in a for pay setting in the past 2 years.
- Failure to put their CNA license into practice with the minimum required working hours will affect their license validity and will require them to retake the training program as well as the state assessment.
Georgia CNA Transferral of Certification
- Reciprocity is being practiced in Georgia.
- A CNA from another state may transfer his or her license to Georgia as long as the certification is in good standing. Nurse aides who are seeking reciprocity need to have an application.
- This application will be examined by the state while the applicant will be verified if he or she had completed an approved CNA course, obtained certification and has no records of neglect or abuse in their previous nursing job.
- Also performed on all reciprocity applicants is a criminal background check.
