CNA Jobs in Atlanta: Where to Find Work and How to Get Hired

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are in steady demand across Atlanta, Georgia, from major hospitals in Midtown to long‑term care facilities in the suburbs. If you’re looking for CNA jobs in Atlanta, understanding where the jobs are, what employers expect, and how to stand out can make your search much easier.

This guide walks through how CNA work looks specifically in Atlanta and how to move from training to employment.

CNA Work in Atlanta: What to Expect

CNA roles in Atlanta are similar to other major cities, but the healthcare landscape here is dense and diverse, with:

• Large hospital systems
• Specialty and rehabilitation centers
• Senior living and long‑term care communities
• Home health agencies serving Metro Atlanta neighborhoods

Most CNA jobs in Atlanta involve:

• Direct patient care (bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility assistance)
• Vital signs and monitoring
• Support with daily living tasks
• Reporting changes to nurses and documenting care

Shifts often include nights, weekends, and holidays, especially in hospitals and nursing homes. Many Atlanta employers also offer PRN (as needed) or part‑time roles, which can work well for students or people with another job.

Common Places Hiring CNAs in Atlanta

You’ll find CNA opportunities throughout the metro area. Here are the main employer types and how CNA roles typically look there.

1. Hospitals and Medical Centers

Larger hospitals in and around Atlanta regularly hire CNAs (often called patient care techs, nurse techs, or clinical techs). These roles may be faster‑paced and more medically focused.

Common hospital settings for CNAs:

• Medical‑surgical floors
• Emergency departments
• Rehabilitation units
• Orthopedic and oncology floors

Examples of major hospital systems in the Atlanta area include:

• Grady Memorial Hospital
  80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Large public hospital and Level I trauma center serving much of the city.

• Emory University Hospital / Emory Healthcare system
  1364 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
  Academic medical center with several hospitals and clinics across Metro Atlanta.

• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
  1968 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

• Northside Hospital Atlanta
  1000 Johnson Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342

These employers often post CNA or patient care tech positions on their own career portals and may have float pool opportunities where CNAs work across multiple units.

2. Nursing Homes and Long‑Term Care Facilities

Many CNA jobs in Atlanta are in:

• Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs)
• Long‑term care centers
• Memory care units
• Short‑term rehab centers

In these settings, CNAs typically:

• Build ongoing relationships with residents
• Assist with daily care, mobility, and meals
• Help maintain residents’ comfort and safety

These facilities can be found throughout the city and suburbs, from Buckhead and Decatur to College Park, Sandy Springs, and Marietta (metro area).

3. Assisted Living and Senior Communities

Assisted living and senior communities often hire CNAs and resident care associates to help with:

• Personal care
• Medication reminders (depending on the community and role)
• Monitoring residents’ well‑being

Work here may feel less clinical and more community‑oriented, especially in independent or assisted living settings.

4. Home Health and Private Duty

Home health agencies around Atlanta employ CNAs to work in clients’ homes, from apartments in Downtown and Midtown to houses in East Atlanta, West End, and the suburbs.

Typical tasks:

• Personal care and hygiene
• Light household support (depending on the role)
• Companionship and safety checks

Home health work can offer flexible schedules and one‑on‑one care but may involve driving across different neighborhoods and dealing with Atlanta traffic.

5. Rehabilitation and Specialty Care Centers

Rehab hospitals and specialty centers (orthopedic, spinal, neuro, or cardio‑rehab facilities) hire CNAs to:

• Assist therapists and nurses
• Help patients move and exercise safely
• Support therapy schedules

These roles can be a good fit if you’re interested in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or nursing as longer‑term career paths.

Basic Requirements for CNA Jobs in Atlanta

Most Atlanta employers expect:

• Active Georgia CNA certification
• Listing on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to pass a background check and often a drug screen
• Up‑to‑date TB test and required immunizations (varies by employer)
• CPR certification (often BLS for Healthcare Providers)

How to Get on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry (If You’re New)

To work as a CNA in Atlanta, you must be on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry, managed for the state by Alliant Health Solutions.

For general questions, you can contact:

Georgia Nurse Aide Program (via Alliant Health Solutions)
1455 Lincoln Parkway E, Suite 800
Atlanta, GA 30346
Phone: 678‑527‑3010 or 800‑414‑4358

If you’re new to the field, the basic steps are usually:

1. Complete a state‑approved CNA training program in Georgia.
2. Pass the state exam (written and skills).
3. Get your name placed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry.

Where to Get CNA Training in Atlanta

If you don’t yet have your certification, there are several paths in the Atlanta area:

• Technical colleges
  Many people look to schools in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) that offer nurse aide or CNA programs.

• Healthcare facility‑based programs
  Some nursing homes or long‑term care facilities run their own training programs, sometimes with the possibility of employment after certification.

• Adult education providers and training centers
  Various local training centers in Metro Atlanta offer CNA programs tailored to working adults.

When choosing a program in or around Atlanta, confirm that it is state‑approved for Georgia so you’re eligible for the state exam.

Typical CNA Job Settings in Atlanta: Quick Comparison

Below is a simplified overview of how CNA work can differ by setting in the Atlanta area.

How to Search for CNA Jobs in Atlanta

Use multiple approaches to find openings:

1. Online Job Boards

Search for:

• “CNA jobs Atlanta”
• “patient care tech Atlanta”
• “nurse aide Atlanta GA”

You can refine by:

• Zip code or neighborhood (e.g., 30303 Downtown, 30309 Midtown, 30331 Southwest)
• Shift type (day, night, PRN)
• Employer type (hospital, home health, nursing home)

2. Hospital and Healthcare System Career Pages

Major Atlanta systems often list many roles directly on their careers pages, sometimes before they appear anywhere else. Look under job titles like:

• CNA
• Nursing Assistant
• Patient Care Technician
• Nurse Aide

3. Long‑Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities

Many facilities in and around Decatur, Buckhead, College Park, East Point, and Sandy Springs post roles on their own sites or at their front desks. Some also hold on‑the‑spot interview days.

4. Home Health Agencies

Search for home health agencies that serve Metro Atlanta and ask whether they employ CNAs for:

• In‑home personal care
• Supportive home visits
• Private duty shifts

5. Local Workforce and Employment Resources

Atlanta residents can tap into workforce programs that often know about healthcare openings.

A key local resource is:

WorkSource Atlanta
818 Pollard Blvd SW
Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone: 404‑546‑3000

WorkSource Atlanta and nearby county workforce offices may:

• Help you build a healthcare‑focused resume
• Connect you to CNA training partners
• Share local hiring events and career fairs

Making Your CNA Resume Stand Out in Atlanta

In a busy healthcare hub like Atlanta, a clear, focused resume helps you stand out.

Include:

• Active Georgia CNA license information (state and expiration)
• Georgia Nurse Aide Registry listing (note that you’re active)
• Healthcare‑related experience (paid or volunteer)
• Specific skills, such as:
  • Taking and recording vital signs
  • Safe patient transfers and mobility assistance
  • Working with memory care residents
  • Electronic health records familiarity (if applicable)
• Any language skills (Spanish, French, etc.), which can be very useful in diverse Atlanta communities

📌 Tip: Tailor your resume to each job posting. For example, emphasize rehab support for a rehabilitation hospital or dementia care for a memory care unit.

Interview Expectations for CNA Jobs in Atlanta

Hiring managers in Atlanta typically look for:

• Reliability (showing up on time in a city with heavy traffic)
• Professional communication with patients, families, and staff
• Comfort with diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Understanding of privacy and dignity for patients/residents
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays when needed

You might be asked:

• How you handle stressful or emotionally difficult situations
• What you do if you notice a change in a patient’s condition
• How you manage conflicts with coworkers or families

Consider preparing examples from:

• Clinicals in your CNA program
• Previous healthcare jobs
• Other caregiving or customer‑facing roles

New to Atlanta? Neighborhoods and Commute Considerations

Atlanta’s size and traffic mean that commute time matters for CNA jobs.

Things to think about:

• Public transit access (MARTA):
  If you rely on buses or trains, look at hospitals and facilities along the MARTA rail lines or major bus routes, especially in Midtown, Downtown, and near major medical centers.

• Parking:
  Some hospitals and senior communities provide on‑site parking, while others charge or require employee shuttles.

• Shift times:
  Early morning or late‑night shifts may be easier if you live closer to the facility, especially in areas with limited late‑night transit.

Many CNAs in Atlanta choose work close to where they live—such as working in a facility in Sandy Springs if they live there, or in Southwest Atlanta if they live near Cascade or Ben Hill—to keep commutes manageable.

Advancing Your Career as a CNA in Atlanta

Many CNAs in Atlanta use their roles as a stepping stone into other healthcare careers. Some common paths:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Medical assistant or phlebotomist
• Specialized tech roles (like patient care tech in critical care or dialysis)

Local resources that may support career growth:

• Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) schools around Metro Atlanta, which offer nursing and allied health programs.
• WorkSource Georgia and county workforce centers, which may provide information on training assistance and scholarships for healthcare programs.

Practical Next Steps for CNA Job Seekers in Atlanta

If you’re ready to pursue CNA jobs in Atlanta:

1. Confirm your Georgia CNA status
   Make sure you’re active on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry.

2. Update your resume
   Highlight Georgia credentialing, clinical skills, and any local experience.

3. Decide on preferred settings
   Hospital, nursing home, assisted living, home health, or rehab.

4. Target your job search by location
   Consider where you live (e.g., Downtown, Decatur, Buckhead, College Park, East Atlanta) and commute options.

5. Apply through multiple channels
   Use online job boards, hospital systems, long‑term care facilities, and local workforce programs such as WorkSource Atlanta.

6. Prepare for interviews
   Practice answers about patient care, teamwork, and reliability, with examples from your experience.

By focusing on Atlanta‑area employers, understanding the local healthcare landscape, and presenting your CNA skills clearly, you can find solid opportunities across the city and broader Metro Atlanta.