Athens Technical College CNA Program

The Certified Nurse Aide program at Athens Technical College in Athens, Georgia offers a gateway into an exciting and growing healthcare field. As the top-rated CNA program in the state of Georgia, it prepares students with essential skills needed to provide compassionate care for patients with chronic or debilitating conditions. This state-approved CNA training program is perfect for career changers, working adults, and those looking to enter the healthcare profession with a solid foundation. Upon completion, graduates are qualified to take the Georgia Certified Nurse Aide Certification Exam and begin their journey as healthcare professionals.

Athens Technical College combines classroom instruction with hands-on practical experience in both laboratory and clinical settings, giving students real-world practice with the knowledge and basic nursing skills needed to provide safe, competent personal care. This structured approach ensures students are well-prepared for the diverse responsibilities they’ll face in nursing facilities, hospitals, and home care environments.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 12 weeks (9 weeks of classroom instruction plus 3 weeks of clinical experience)
• Cost of Program: $2,900.00 (includes drug test, background check, tuition, textbooks, scrubs, and state exam voucher)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Georgia Medical Care Foundation
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for current pass rate information
• CNA Program Schedule: Daytime classes, two days per week from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The CNA program at Athens Technical College provides comprehensive classroom instruction covering essential healthcare topics. Through lectures, demonstrations, and exercises, students learn the fundamental knowledge needed to care for patients safely and competently. The program teaches students to assist with basic daily physical and emotional care of persons with chronic or debilitating conditions under the supervision of healthcare professionals.

Clinical Experience

Students complete 45 hours of clinical experience in a long-term care nursing facility. This hands-on training is scheduled as 8-hour days and provides real-world practice in a supervised healthcare setting. During clinicals, students apply the skills they’ve learned in the classroom while working directly with patients, giving them valuable experience that prepares them for employment.

Exam Preparation

Athens Technical College includes a special “boot camp” to prepare students for the Georgia Certified Nurse Aide Certification Exam. Once students complete the course with the required attendance and performance levels, they receive a certificate of completion qualifying them to apply for the state certification exam, which includes both written and skills components.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Athens Technical College CNA program, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass a drug test and background check
• Score at least at a 7th grade math and reading level on the TABE exam (if under 24 years old)
• Provide record of TB test results
• Have the COVID-19 vaccine
• Complete the Hepatitis B vaccination (recommended but not required)

While the background check is not used for admission decisions, clinical sites may refuse to allow students with certain felony convictions to participate, which would prevent completion of the course and certification eligibility.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The CNA program at Athens Technical College offers daytime classes that meet two days per week from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with specific days determined for each cohort. Students should be prepared to commit approximately 5.5 hours per day for classroom instruction.

Clinical rotations are scheduled as 8-hour days to complete the required 45 hours of hands-on training. The program runs about 4-6 classes per year, with new classes starting after current students complete the program and are placed in jobs.

This is a 100% attendance program with no exceptions, so students must be able to attend all scheduled sessions to successfully complete the course.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Costs

The all-inclusive program fee of $2,900 covers:

• Tuition
• Textbooks
• Scrubs
• Background check
• Drug screen
• State exam voucher

Students are responsible for paying separately for:

• TB test and any follow-up medical expenses (such as chest x-rays if the test is positive)
• Optional Hepatitis B vaccination

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available for qualifying students through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission (NEGRC). The program fee and all required materials are covered for those who meet WIOA eligibility requirements.

For more information about financial assistance options, students should contact the program directly.

How to Apply

The application process for Athens Technical College’s CNA program includes several steps:

1. Submit an application either online or in person:
   • Complete the online application form available on the Athens Technical College website
   • Email the completed application to [email protected]
   • Or visit Building T at Athens Technical College to complete an application in person
2. Once the college approves a new class, the program coordinator will contact applicants to request additional information and guide them through the next steps, including:
   • TB screening (applicants should wait until instructed to complete this time-sensitive requirement)
   • TABE exam
   • Other required documentation

For questions about the application process, call 706-425-3117.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution Name: Athens Technical College
• Address: 800 US Highway 29 North, Athens, GA 30601
• Phone Number: 706-425-3117 (program specific)
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.athenstech.edu/programs/certified-nurse-aide/

Program Contact: Tiffany Barnett Economic Development Coordinator Email: [email protected] Phone: 706-425-3117

Additional Resources

Athens Technical College provides several resources to help prospective CNA students:

• Online Application Form: Available on the Athens Technical College website for easy submission
• Hepatitis B Informed Consent Form: Required as part of the application process
• Program FAQs: Comprehensive answers to frequently asked questions about the program, available on the college website

For specific questions about class curriculum and content, prospective students can contact the program directly.

Summary and Next Steps

The Certified Nurse Aide program at Athens Technical College in Athens, Georgia offers a thorough, hands-on training experience that prepares students for success in the healthcare field. As the top-rated CNA program in the state, it provides the skills and knowledge needed to work in various healthcare settings, including long-term care, home care, hospice care, and acute care.

With a comprehensive 12-week curriculum that includes both classroom learning and clinical experience, graduates are well-prepared to take the Georgia Certified Nurse Aide Certification Exam and begin their healthcare careers. Plus, Athens Technical College offers job placement assistance through partnerships with the Department of Labor and the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission.

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