Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs in Atlanta, GA: A Local Guide to Getting Hired

Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s major healthcare hubs, which makes it a strong city for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) jobs. From large hospital systems to neighborhood nursing homes and home health agencies, CNAs are in steady demand across the metro area.

If you’re looking for CNA jobs in Atlanta, GA—or thinking about becoming a CNA here—this guide walks you through where the jobs are, what employers look for, how to get certified in Georgia, and how to stand out in the local job market.

What CNAs Do in Atlanta Healthcare Settings

CNAs in Atlanta work under the supervision of RNs and LPNs to provide hands-on, direct patient care. Specific duties depend on the setting, but often include:

• Assisting with bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Helping patients with mobility and transfers
• Taking vital signs and reporting changes
• Assisting with feeding and monitoring intake
• Providing basic comfort measures and emotional support
• Documenting care in charts or electronic systems

In Atlanta, CNAs work with diverse patient populations, including:

• Older adults in long-term care and assisted living
• Patients in hospital medical-surgical units
• People receiving rehab after surgery or injury
• Individuals receiving in-home care around the metro

Being bilingual (especially English/Spanish) can be an advantage in many neighborhoods and facilities.

Common CNA Job Settings in Atlanta

CNAs in Atlanta can choose from a variety of work environments. Each has its own pace, schedule patterns, and expectations.

1. Hospitals

Major Atlanta hospital systems hire large numbers of CNAs (often called Patient Care Technicians, Nurse Techs, or similar titles). Common areas include:

• Medical-surgical units
• Telemetry
• Emergency departments
• Inpatient rehab
• Specialty floors (cardiac, oncology, ortho, etc.)

Typical features of hospital CNA jobs in Atlanta:

• Faster pace and higher patient turnover
• More exposure to complex medical conditions
• Often require current BLS/CPR certification
• Rotating day/night shifts, weekends, and holidays

Large hospital systems with multiple campuses in the Atlanta area include:

• Grady Health System – main campus near downtown Atlanta
• Emory Healthcare – facilities in Midtown, Druid Hills, and around the metro
• Piedmont Healthcare – main hospital in Buckhead plus suburban locations
• Wellstar Health System – serving areas like Marietta, Austell, and beyond
• Northside Hospital – campuses in Sandy Springs and surrounding areas

These systems frequently post CNA or patient care tech roles on their careers pages and at job fairs.

2. Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities

Many CNAs in Atlanta work in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and long-term care centers. Duties here tend to focus on:

• Daily living support for residents
• Ongoing relationships with the same patients
• Working closely with families and social services

These facilities are spread throughout the metro area—in neighborhoods like Decatur, College Park, East Point, Marietta, and Stone Mountain—and often hire CNAs for all shifts, including nights and weekends.

3. Assisted Living and Memory Care

Assisted living residences and memory care communities in the Atlanta area hire CNAs (sometimes under titles like Resident Assistant or Care Partner) to:

• Help residents with personal care
• Support activities and social events
• Monitor residents’ safety, especially in memory care units

These jobs may offer a more home-like environment than hospitals or large nursing homes, and are common in areas like Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Alpharetta.

4. Home Health and Private Duty

Home health agencies and private duty services use CNAs to care for clients in private homes across Atlanta. Work can include:

• Personal care and companionship
• Light housekeeping related to patient needs
• Assistance with mobility and safety
• Sometimes transportation to appointments (depending on role)

These jobs can be more flexible, but often involve:

• Variable hours or part-time work
• Driving between clients (traffic awareness in Atlanta is important)
• Independence and strong time-management skills

5. Rehabilitation and Specialty Clinics

Some CNAs work in:

• Inpatient rehab centers
• Hospice facilities
• Behavioral health units
• Outpatient clinics that need clinical support

These positions may require more specialized experience or additional in-house training.

CNA Certification Requirements in Georgia

To work as a CNA in Atlanta, you must be listed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry.

Basic Requirements

In general, to become a CNA in Georgia, you need to:

1. Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program
2. Pass the Georgia CNA competency exam (written and skills)
3. Be listed as “active” on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry

Many CNA job postings in Atlanta clearly state that an active Georgia CNA certification is required before hire.

Where to Verify or Manage Your Certification

The Georgia Nurse Aide Registry is managed for the state at:

• Georgia Nurse Aide Registry
  c/o Credentia
  P.O. Box 13785
  Macon, GA 31208-3785
  Phone (commonly used for exam/registry questions): 1-800-852-0518

You can check your status, renewal information, and exam details through the official registry channels. Employers in Atlanta use this registry to verify that you are eligible to work as a CNA.

CNA Training Options in the Atlanta Area

If you’re not yet certified, you’ll need to complete a state-approved CNA training program. In and around Atlanta, programs are offered through:

Community and Technical Colleges

Many people choose a technical college program for structured training and career support. Examples in the broader metro area include:

• Atlanta Technical College
  1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW
  Atlanta, GA 30310
  Main Phone: (404) 225-4400

• Georgia Piedmont Technical College (serving parts of DeKalb and Newton counties)

• Chattahoochee Technical College (serving Cobb and surrounding counties)

These schools typically offer:

• Classroom instruction
• Skills labs
• Clinical rotations in local facilities
• Help with exam preparation

Private Training Programs

Atlanta also has private CNA schools and training centers. When evaluating any program:

• Confirm it is approved for Georgia CNA training
• Ask about clinical sites (where you’ll get hands-on experience)
• Check class schedules (weekday, evening, or weekend)
• Verify what is included: textbooks, uniforms, exam fees, etc.

High School and Career Academy Programs

Some Atlanta-area high schools and career academies provide healthcare pathways that include CNA training for students, which can lead to early entry into local CNA jobs after graduation.

Where to Find CNA Jobs in Atlanta, GA

Once you’re certified, you’ll find CNA listings all over the metro area, especially in and near major medical corridors like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, and the Perimeter.

1. Hospital and Health System Career Pages

Most large health systems in Atlanta post open CNA or patient care tech positions on their official career websites. Filter by:

• Location (city or campus)
• Job category (nursing support, patient care, etc.)
• Shift (day, night, weekend, PRN)

You can also look for job fairs hosted at:

• Grady Memorial Hospital – 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Emory University Hospital – 1364 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital – 1968 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Northside Hospital Atlanta – 1000 Johnson Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342

These events often feature on-the-spot interviews and information about CNA roles.

2. Nursing Homes, Rehab Centers, and Assisted Living Communities

Many long-term care and assisted living facilities around Atlanta:

• Post open roles on major job boards
• List job contact information on their own websites
• Accept walk-in or on-site applications during business hours

Calling or visiting facilities near your home—in neighborhoods like South Atlanta, West End, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain, Decatur, and Smyrna—can be an effective approach, especially for entry-level CNAs.

3. Home Health and Staffing Agencies

Local home health agencies and healthcare staffing firms frequently recruit CNAs for:

• In-home care
• Per diem (as-needed) shifts
• Short-term or long-term assignments in facilities

These agencies are often located in office buildings along major roads like Peachtree Street, Cobb Parkway, Roswell Road, and Memorial Drive. When considering an agency:

• Ask about pay rates and shift differentials
• Clarify mileage or travel expectations
• Confirm whether you are an employee or contractor

4. Job Fairs and Career Events

Look for healthcare job fairs in Atlanta at:

• Community centers
• Colleges and technical schools
• Large hotel conference spaces in Downtown/Midtown
• Workforce development events

These events can provide direct contact with multiple employers in a single day.

Typical Requirements for CNA Jobs in Atlanta

Job postings for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Atlanta, GA often mention similar expectations.

Common requirements include:

• Active Georgia CNA certification (listed on the GA Nurse Aide Registry)
• High school diploma or GED
• Current BLS/CPR certification, especially in hospitals
• Ability to lift and assist with patient mobility
• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays

Many employers also require:

• Background check
• Drug screening
• Proof of immunizations or required health screenings

Soft skills that Atlanta employers value:

• Clear communication skills with patients, families, and team members
• Reliability and punctuality (important given Atlanta traffic patterns)
• Respect for cultural and language diversity
• Calm attitude in busy or stressful situations

Schedules, Shifts, and Work-Life Balance in Atlanta

Because Atlanta is a large metro area with heavy traffic, understanding shifts and commute patterns is especially important.

Common CNA Shifts

Most facilities in Atlanta use:

• 12-hour shifts (7 a.m.–7 p.m. or 7 p.m.–7 a.m.) in hospitals
• 8-hour shifts (day, evening, night) in some nursing homes and assisted living
• Flexible or part-time hours in home health and private duty

Tips for Atlanta-based CNAs:

• 🔹 Consider employers close to MARTA stations or bus lines if you rely on public transit
• 🔹 If driving, be aware of rush hour windows (typically 6:30–9:30 a.m. and 3:30–7:00 p.m.)
• 🔹 Per diem or PRN roles can offer more schedule flexibility but may be less predictable

Pay, Benefits, and Advancement Opportunities

Pay rates vary by:

• Employer type (hospital vs. nursing home vs. home health)
• Shift (nights and weekends often pay more)
• Experience and additional skills

Many Atlanta employers offer:

• Shift differentials for nights and weekends
• Overtime opportunities, particularly in understaffed units
• Access to health insurance and retirement plans (for full-time staff)
• Tuition assistance or education benefits

Because Atlanta is home to multiple nursing schools and technical colleges, CNAs often:

• Use CNA roles as a step toward LPN or RN programs
• Gain patient care experience that strengthens applications to nursing or allied health programs

How to Stand Out When Applying for CNA Jobs in Atlanta

With many candidates competing for roles in popular areas like Midtown, Buckhead, and Decatur, it helps to present yourself clearly and professionally.

1. Build a Focused CNA Resume

Highlight:

• Georgia CNA certification and certificate details
• CPR/BLS credentials with expiration dates
• Clinical rotations or previous roles in Atlanta-area facilities
• Any special skills (e.g., experience with dementia care, rehab, or pediatric patients)
• Language skills, especially if you speak Spanish or another widely used language in the city

2. Prepare for Local Interview Questions

Atlanta employers may ask about:

• How you handle heavy workloads or multiple patients
• Your experience with electronic charting
• How you approach culturally sensitive communication in a diverse city
• Your ability to arrive on time despite traffic or transportation issues

Have real examples ready that show reliability, empathy, and teamwork.

3. Use Local References and Networking

Helpful networking options include:

• Former instructors from Atlanta-area CNA programs
• Supervisors from clinical sites around the city
• Healthcare job clubs or networking events hosted by WorkSource Atlanta or local workforce centers

Strong local references can help you when several candidates have similar credentials.

Local Resources for CNA Job Seekers in Atlanta

If you need help starting or advancing your CNA career, several Atlanta-area resources may be useful.

Workforce and Career Centers

WorkSource Atlanta and county workforce development agencies can assist with:

• Job search coaching
• Resume building
• Information on training programs and possible financial assistance

A central point of contact in the city:

• WorkSource Atlanta
  Atlanta City Hall Annex (offices may relocate within city sites, so confirm before visiting)
  General City of Atlanta information line: (404) 330-6000 (ask for WorkSource/Workforce resources)

Technical College Advising Offices

Colleges like Atlanta Technical College and Georgia Piedmont Technical College often have:

• Career services offices
• Employer partnerships
• Job boards specifically for healthcare students and graduates

Visiting or calling student services can connect you with local CNA job leads and hiring events.

Quick Snapshot: CNA Jobs in Atlanta, GA

If you live in or near Atlanta and either have your CNA certification or are working toward it, you’re in a city with a wide range of employer options, shift patterns, and specialty areas. Focusing your search on the settings, schedules, and neighborhoods that fit your life will help you find the right Certified Nursing Assistant job in Atlanta, GA and build a solid foundation for your healthcare career.