CNA Classes & Programs in Athens, Georgia
3 state-approved CNA programs in Athens, including online and 4-week options. Free programs are offered in other Georgia cities.
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CNA training in Athens
- Programs
- 3
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $33,980
- $16.34 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 680
- in the Athens-Clarke County region
- Healthcare facilities
- 9
- 5 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 126,672
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
In Athens, 3 state-approved CNA classes are available to help aspiring nursing assistants start their healthcare careers. As a recognized college town with a vibrant local population, Athens offers several pathways to certification that cater to both traditional learners and those seeking flexible schedules. Accelerated programs are offered here for those looking to enter the workforce more quickly.
CNA programs in Athens focus on preparing students for Georgia CNA certification while providing essential job readiness skills valued by area employers. Options include standard courses as well as an accelerated class format designed to meet varied student needs. After completing their training, graduates can seek positions across hospitals or long-term care settings within Athens.
In the Athens-Clarke County region, CNAs earn around $33,980 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure is just below the statewide median salary but reflects ongoing demand across local healthcare employers.
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Browse CNA Classes in Athens
Athens offers 3 CNA training programs that equip students for state registry placement through hands-on instruction and preparation for Georgia state certification exams. Options include an accelerated class for those who wish to complete training quickly. These CNA programs help participants build vital patient care abilities while meeting regional healthcare demand, where new certified assistants continue to be sought after by local employers.
Program Types in Athens
| Type | In Athens | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Athens | See other Georgia cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Innovative Health Care Institute ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Innovative Health Care Institute ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Athens | See other Georgia cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 3 CNA programs in Athens
Lowest published cost first.
Innovative Health Care Institute
Cost$1,800Hours–Weeks4
- Address
- 100 Seagraves Drive, Athens, GA 30605
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- 706-705-2033
Innovative Health Care Institute offers a CNA program available in hybrid or face-to-face formats as a 4-week course; tuition includes books, scrubs, supplies, and the state exam. The admissions page lists required screenings and notes WIOA and scholarship options.
Visit websiteAthens Community Career Academy
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 440 Dearing Ext., Athens, GA 30606
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- 706-357-5244
Athens Community Career Academy is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteAthens Tech Core CNA
Cost–Hours180Weeks12
- Address
- 800 Highway 29 North, Athens, GA 30601
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- 706-227-7009
Athens Technical College’s Economic Development division offers a 12-week Certified Nurse Aide program taught through lectures, labs, and supervised clinicals, preparing students for the Georgia CNA exam. The course totals 180 hours and is offered in daytime, fully in-person format with WIOA funding options for eligible students.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
Not sure which of the 3 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
- Gainesville2 programs
- Lawrenceville4 programs
- Atlanta5 programs
- Stone Mountain2 programs
- Hartwell2 programs
Major Georgia cities
All Georgia cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Athens
| Median annual pay | $33,980 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $16.34 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 680 |
| Salary region | Athens-Clarke County |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Athens-Clarke County region, approximately 680 certified nursing assistants work across multiple care environments. There is consistent demand among local employers such as hospitals and long-term care providers seeking skilled CNAs to deliver quality patient support throughout this college-town community.
The CNA salary in Athens reflects localized market conditions within Clarke County. In the Athens-Clarke County area, CNAs earn a median annual wage of $33,980 (or about $16.34 per hour), based on data from BLS OEWS (May 2023). This regional median is slightly below Georgia’s statewide figure of $34,710 but still represents stable earning potential within this part of northeast Georgia.
Key employers include Presbyterian Village - Athens (40 beds), Pruitthealth - Grandview (72 beds), University Nursing & Rehab Center (122 beds), Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center—a major acute care hospital—and St Mary’s Hospital on Baxter Street. Local home health agencies such as Piedmont Home Health also contribute job opportunities for newly certified nursing assistants across Athens’ nine CMS-certified facilities.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Athens (5 facilities)
5 nursing homes in Athens providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Presbyterian Village - Athens1400 Live Oak Ln Bldg 100(706) 395-5525Map | 40 | 1.6 |
| Pruitthealth - Grandview165 Winston Drive(706) 549-6013Map | 72 | 1.3 |
| Oaks - Athens Skilled Nursing, The490 Kathwood Dr(706) 355-7400Map | 148 | 1.1 |
| Pruitthealth - Athens Heritage960 Hawthorne Avenue(706) 549-1613Map | 104 | 1.0 |
| University Nursing & Rehab Ctr180 Epps Bridge Rd(706) 549-5382Map | 122 | 0.9 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Athens (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Athens offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Piedmont Athens Regional Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 1199 Prince Avenue(706) 475-7000Map | 4/5 |
| St Mary'S HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 1230 Baxter Street(706) 389-3000Map | 1/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Athens (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Athens providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Piedmont Home Health1550 Timothy Rd Suite 201B(833) 719-1991Map | 2.5/5 |
| Chsga Home Health825 Baxter Street(706) 769-5330Map | – |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Athens? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Gainesville, Lawrenceville, Atlanta, Stone Mountain, and Hartwell, or browse the Georgia CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Athens, GA
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Athens, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Georgia. These include completing a state-approved CNA training program, passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, and being listed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 85 hours of training, including 24 hours of supervised clinical practice in a nursing home setting
- Passing both parts of the NNAAP exam (written/oral and skills evaluation)
- Meeting physical requirements for CNA duties (background checks handled by employers)
- Placement on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry
Once you are certified, you can apply for CNA jobs at hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and hospice facilities throughout Athens and the surrounding area.
Already certified in another state? You may qualify for reciprocity to transfer your license into Georgia without retraining. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Georgia guide.
For full details on testing, certification, and maintaining an active license, see our step-by-step CNA License & Registration in Georgia guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Athens.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Athens
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Athens?
Most CNA programs in Athens can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 4 weeks, at Innovative Health Care Institute.
How much does CNA training cost in Athens?
Innovative Health Care Institute lists a price of $1,800. Ask the other programs in Athens for theirs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Athens?
No program in Athens is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Georgia cities. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Athens?
Yes. Innovative Health Care Institute offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Athens?
Yes. Innovative Health Care Institute is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Athens there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Gainesville, Lawrenceville, Atlanta, Stone Mountain and Hartwell. You can also look at the Georgia state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Georgia CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Georgia, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Georgia CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Athens?
CNAs in Athens are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 5 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 2 home health agencies in Athens. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.