Nursing Assistant Jobs in Atlanta, GA: How to Get Hired and Where to Look

Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s major healthcare hubs, which makes it a strong city for nursing assistant jobs. Whether you’re just starting out as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or already have experience, there are many ways to build a stable career here.

This guide walks you through how nursing assistant jobs work in Atlanta, where to find them, what qualifications you need, and local resources that can help you get hired.

What Nursing Assistants Do in Atlanta

In Atlanta, nursing assistants typically work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Assisted living communities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Home health agencies
• Hospice settings

Common duties include:

• Helping patients with bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Assisting with mobility and transfers
• Taking vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse)
• Helping with meals and hydration
• Reporting changes in a patient’s condition to nurses
• Providing basic comfort and emotional support

In busy Atlanta hospitals and nursing homes, the pace can be fast, and CNAs often care for patients with a wide range of medical and personal needs. Employers typically value reliability, compassion, good communication, and the ability to work in a team.

CNA vs. Non-Certified Nursing Assistant Roles in Atlanta

You’ll see several job titles in Atlanta:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Requires state-approved training and passing the Georgia CNA competency exam.
• Nurse Aide / Nursing Assistant – May refer to the same thing as CNA, but check if state certification is required.
• Patient Care Technician (PCT) – Often requires CNA training plus additional skills such as phlebotomy or EKG, depending on the employer.

Most healthcare facilities in Atlanta prefer or require CNA certification, especially hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies.

Some assisted living communities or private-care roles may hire non-certified caregivers, but your options, pay, and job stability are usually better with CNA certification.

How to Become a CNA in Atlanta, GA

To work in many nursing assistant jobs in Atlanta, you must be listed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Here’s how the process generally works:

1. Meet Basic Eligibility

Most state-approved programs in Atlanta require:

• Minimum age (often 17–18; check with the specific school)
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent (some programs accept students still in school)
• Background check and possibly a drug screen
• Proof of immunizations or health clearance

2. Complete a State-Approved Nurse Aide Training Program

Training programs in the Atlanta area typically include:

• Classroom instruction (basic nursing skills, safety, infection control, communication)
• Supervised clinical practice in a healthcare setting

Programs can be found at:

• Technical colleges
• Community colleges
• Private training schools
• Some hospitals and long-term care facilities

Examples of Atlanta-area training providers include:

• Atlanta Technical College
  1560 Metropolitan Parkway SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
• Atlanta Career Institute (Norcross area, serving metro Atlanta)
• Georgia Piedmont Technical College (near Decatur)

Program lengths vary but often range from 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you attend full time or part time.

3. Pass the Georgia CNA Competency Exam

After completing training, you must pass:

• A written (or oral) exam
• A skills test, where you demonstrate hands-on nursing assistant skills

Once you pass, your name is added to the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry, which employers in Atlanta check before hiring CNAs.

Georgia Nurse Aide Program & Registry (Managed by Alliant Health Solutions):
– Consumer help line is usually listed on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry website or through the Georgia Department of Community Health.

If you’re unsure about your registry status or eligibility, you can contact the registry directly for guidance.

Where Nursing Assistants Work in Atlanta

Atlanta’s healthcare system is broad, with many types of employers hiring CNAs and nursing assistants.

Major Hospital Systems in Atlanta

Large hospital systems in and around Atlanta regularly post nursing assistant or patient care tech positions. Examples include:

• Emory Healthcare – Multiple locations, including Emory University Hospital (1364 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322)
• Piedmont Healthcare – Piedmont Atlanta Hospital (1968 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309)
• Grady Health System – Grady Memorial Hospital (80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303)
• Wellstar Health System – Facilities in the metro area, such as Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center South (East Point area, status and services can change, so check directly)
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) – Multiple pediatric hospital locations, including Egleston and Scottish Rite campuses

Hospitals may hire CNAs for:

• Medical-surgical floors
• Emergency departments
• Intensive care units (with additional training)
• Pediatric units
• Rehabilitation and step-down units

Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation Facilities

Nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and rehab centers across Atlanta rely heavily on CNAs. These roles often involve:

• Assisting residents with daily living activities
• Supporting rehabilitation and restorative care
• Developing ongoing relationships with long-term residents

Atlanta neighborhoods and nearby cities with many such facilities include:

• Buckhead
• Decatur
• Sandy Springs
• East Point / College Park
• Marietta / Cobb County area

Assisted Living and Memory Care

Assisted living and memory care communities in the Atlanta area frequently hire CNAs and caregivers to help residents with:

• Medication reminders (under nurse supervision)
• Personal care
• Safety and supervision
• Social and recreational activities

Some roles may not strictly require CNA certification, but having it can make you more competitive and may increase pay.

Home Health and Private Duty Care

Home health agencies and private duty care companies across metro Atlanta employ CNAs to provide in-home support:

• Post-surgery recovery
• Elderly care
• Support for people with disabilities or chronic conditions

These roles can offer more flexible schedules, but may require travel across the metro area, including heavier traffic times on interstates like I-285, I-75, I-85, and GA-400.

Typical Requirements for Nursing Assistant Jobs in Atlanta

While each employer sets its own standards, common requirements include:

• Active Georgia CNA certification (for most clinical roles)
• Current CPR certification (Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers is often preferred)
• Background check and drug screening
• Ability to lift and move patients safely
• Willingness to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, especially in hospitals and nursing homes
• Reliable transportation, particularly for home health and facilities outside MARTA service areas

Employers in Atlanta often favor candidates who show:

• A strong work ethic and attendance record
• Experience in customer service or caregiving
• Comfort working with diverse populations and languages

Pay and Work Schedules for CNAs in Atlanta

Pay can vary depending on experience, employer type, shift, and location within the metro area.

In general:

• Hospitals and specialized facilities may pay more than smaller long-term care facilities.
• Night shifts, weekends, and holidays may include shift differentials.
• Staffing agencies may offer higher hourly rates but less predictable schedules and fewer benefits.

Common schedule types in Atlanta:

• 8-hour shifts (morning, evening, or night)
• 12-hour shifts (often 3 days per week in hospitals)
• Part-time weekend or evening roles
• PRN (as-needed) positions, where you pick up shifts based on facility needs

Where to Look for Nursing Assistant Jobs in Atlanta

You can search for nursing assistant jobs in Atlanta, GA through multiple channels:

1. Hospital and Health System Career Pages

Most large systems list jobs on their own websites. Search terms to use:

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

2. Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities

Visit or call facilities in:

• Midtown and Downtown Atlanta
• Buckhead and Sandy Springs
• Decatur, Tucker, and Stone Mountain
• East Point, College Park, and Forest Park
• Marietta, Smyrna, and other suburbs

Many facilities accept walk-in applications or keep resumes on file for future openings.

3. Home Health Agencies and Staffing Agencies

Agencies across the Atlanta area frequently hire CNAs for:

• Home health assignments
• Per diem hospital or nursing home shifts
• Long-term contracts

If you choose this route, ask about:

• Minimum hours
• Pay rates
• Travel expectations
• How far they typically send CNAs from central Atlanta

4. Job Boards and Local Listings

Use online job search platforms and filter by:

• Location: “Atlanta, GA” or specific ZIP codes
• Job title: CNA, nursing assistant, nurse aide, PCT

You can also check:

• Local community boards
• Neighborhood centers
• Church or community organization bulletin boards in areas like Southwest Atlanta, Decatur, and Norcross

Local Training and Education Resources in Atlanta

If you’re starting from scratch or want to strengthen your credentials, Atlanta offers several training and support options.

Technical and Community Colleges

Examples in or near Atlanta that often offer nurse aide or related programs:

• Atlanta Technical College
  1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW
  Atlanta, GA 30310
  Main campus offers health science programs, including nurse aide training.

• Georgia Piedmont Technical College
  495 N Indian Creek Dr
  Clarkston, GA 30021

• Chattahoochee Technical College (serving parts of metro Atlanta north/northwest)

These schools can provide:

• State-approved nurse aide training
• Academic advising
• Information on financial aid or payment plans

Adult Education and Workforce Programs

Atlanta-area workforce and career centers may help with:

• CNA training referrals
• Job search support
• Resume help
• Interview practice

Examples include:

• WorkSource Atlanta
  818 Pollard Blvd SW
  Atlanta, GA 30315

• WorkSource Georgia centers across multiple counties in the metro area

Contact your local WorkSource office to ask about healthcare career training and whether any CNA programs are currently supported.

Georgia Nurse Aide Registry and Licensing Details

To work as a CNA in most Atlanta facilities, your certification must be active on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry.

For questions about:

• Verifying your CNA status
• Renewing your listing
• Transferring certification from another state
• Exam eligibility

You can use the contact information provided through the:

Georgia Department of Community Health – Healthcare Facility Regulation Division
2 Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30303

They can direct you to the current Georgia Nurse Aide Registry administrator and help you find the official phone numbers and forms you need.

How to Stand Out When Applying for Nursing Assistant Jobs in Atlanta

To improve your chances of getting hired in competitive Atlanta markets:

1. Prepare a clear, focused resume

Highlight:

• Your CNA certification and expiration date
• Any healthcare or caregiving experience (including family caregiving, if appropriate)
• Skills such as bilingual communication, de-escalation, or customer service

2. Collect professional references

Former employers, instructors, or supervisors from clinical rotations can be strong references, especially if they can speak to:

• Your reliability
• Your bedside manner
• Your teamwork

3. Be open to entry-level shifts

You may find it easier to get your first job by:

• Accepting evening or night shifts
• Working weekends or holidays
• Starting in long-term care before moving into large hospitals

4. Use local transportation knowledge to your advantage

Atlanta traffic is a real factor. Employers often value candidates who:

• Live relatively close to the facility
• Understand MARTA routes and schedules if relying on public transit
• Have a reliable plan to reach work on time, even during rush hours or bad weather

5. Show a commitment to growth

Mention if you plan to:

• Pursue additional certifications (like PCT skills, phlebotomy, or EKG)
• Continue your education toward LPN or RN roles

This can signal long-term commitment to healthcare in the Atlanta area.

Quick Atlanta CNA Job-Hunting Snapshot

If you live in or are moving to Atlanta and want a hands-on role in healthcare, nursing assistant jobs can offer steady work, a clear entry point into the medical field, and many options to grow within the city’s extensive healthcare network.