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How to Become a Certified Nurse Aide in Tennessee

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(found 291 schools, updated in January 2017)

A Tennessee Certified Nurse Aide is a valuable member of a healthcare team, providing basic care to patients in various medical facilities and to residents of long-term care facilities. The Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH) approves training programs and maintains the Nurse Aide Registry of people meeting all CNA training and certification requirements. The duties the CNA performs are instrumental in ensuring people with health needs are properly monitored on a day-to-day basis.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

  • 7 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Tennessee
  • How to Keep CNA Certification Active
  • Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in Tennessee
  • Get Certification in Nearby States

Approved CNA Programs in Tennessee

7 Steps to Becoming a CNA in Tennessee

The Certified Nurse Aide is also called a Certified Nursing Assistant. Federal law requires that anyone interested in working in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities must prove he or she meets minimum qualification standards. A new CNA completes a training program and takes a Competency Evaluation exam to get listed in the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. However, there are alternate pathways to getting listed on the Registry.

Step 1: Review the Pathways to Registry Listing

A New CNA

The most common pathway to getting a name listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry is the one followed by a new CNA. The student completes a training program approved by the TDOH. Once training is completed, the person applies to sit for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Examination (Exam). After passing the Exam, the person’s name is entered into the Registry and can seek employment as a CNA in Tennessee.




Nursing Students

Another pathway is allowed for students who are enrolled in Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs. Nursing students who complete the basic nursing courses can submit school transcripts to the TDOH to prove they have learned the knowledge and skills of a nurse aide and request to challenge the Exam. If approved, applicants can take the exam without additional training.

Reciprocity

Most out of state CNAs who are listed in a different state’s Registry and are in good standing can apply for reciprocity. This means they can apply to the TDOH to have their name directly entered into the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. There are three exceptions:

  1. Florida CNAs – required to train and test in Tennessee
  2. Georgia – required to provide verification of status as an out of state CNA in good standing and then test in Tennessee
  3. North Carolina – required to train and test in Tennessee

Military Training

A third pathway is a person who can prove military training as a medic was successfully completed. If approved, the person can challenge the test to become a Tennessee Certified Nurse Aide.

Foreign-Trained Nurse Aides

Foreign-trained nurse aides may also request to challenge the Exam. Each application for a challenge is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Step 2: Choose a CNA Training Program in TN

If the pathway chosen requires successfully completing a CNA training program, the next step is selecting a state-approved school or facility among the available CNA programs in Tennessee. Tennessee is divided into three regions: East, Middle and West. Each region has close to or more than 100 state-approved CNA training programs. Training is offered in a variety of venues that include high schools, educational institutes, hospitals, nonprofits, vocational training centers, nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

Local CNA Classes in Tennessee

There are 294 Certified Nurse Aide programs in Tennessee approved by the State. The school data is updated in August 2017.

SHOW ME SCHOOLS

RegionCityCountyProgram ProviderPhone
EastClintonAndersonAnderson County Career and Tech Center
www.acctc.acs.ac
(865) 457-4205
EastOak RidgeAndersonBriarcliff Health Care Center(865) 481-3367
EastOak RidgeAndersonNHC HealthCare, Oak Ridge
www.nhcoakridge.com
(423) 482-7698
MiddleShelbyvilleBedfordTennessee College of Applied Technology Shelbyville
tcatshelbyville.edu
(931) 685-5013
WestCamdenBentonMagic Valley CNA Program(731) 234-2826
MiddlePikevilleBledsoeBledsoe County High School
bchs.bledsoecountyschools.org
(423) 718-1030
MiddlePikevilleBledsoeBledsoe County Nursing Home(423) 447-6811
EastAlcoaBlountAlcoa High School
www.ahs.alcoaschools.net
(865) 984-0531
EastLouisvilleBlountLife Care Center of Blount County
lifecarecenterofblountcounty.com
(865) 984-3146
EastMaryvilleBlountAsbury Place Maryville
asburyplace.org
(865) 984-1660
EastMaryvilleBlountHeritage High School(865) 984-8110
EastMaryvilleBlountKindred Nursing and Rehabilitation - Fairpark
www.fairparkhc.com
(865) 983-0261
EastMaryvilleBlountKindred Transitional Care & Rehab - Maryville
www.fairparkhc.com
(865) 984-7400
EastMaryvilleBlountWilliam Blount High School
www.wbgovs.com/govs2/
(865) 984-5500
EastClevelandBradleyBradley Central High School
website
(423) 476-0650
EastClevelandBradleyCleveland State Community College
www.clevelandstatecc.edu
(423) 473-2377
EastClevelandBradleyPrepare To Care Training Center
www.prepare-2-care.com
(423) 614-3838
EastClevelandBradleyWalker Valley High School
website
(423) 364-5567
EastJacksboroCampbellTennessee College of Applied Technology Jacksboro
tcatjacksboro.edu
(423) 566-9629
EastJellicoCampbellBeech Tree Manor
beechtreemanor.com
(423) 784-6626
EastLaFolletteCampbellCumberland Village Genesis Healthcare
www.genesishcc.com
(423) 562-0760
WestBrucetonCarrollLife Care Center of Bruceton - Hollow Rock
website
(731) 586-2061
WestHuntingdonCarrollHuntingdon Health and Rehab Center(731) 986-8943
WestHuntingdonCarrollHuntingdon High School
website
(731) 986-8223
WestMcKenzieCarrollBethel University
bethelsuccess.net
(731) 352-6499
WestMcKenzieCarrollMcKenzie Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
thmgt.com
(731) 352-3908
WestMcKenzieCarrollMckenzie High School
www.mckenziehighschool.org
(731) 352-2133
EastElizabethtonCarterHappy Valley High School
website
(423) 547-8364
EastElizabethtonCarterHillview Health Center
www.hillviewhealthcenter.com
(423) 542-5061
EastElizabethtonCarterIvy Hall Nursing Home
ivyhallnursinghome.com
(423) 547-3840
EastElizabethtonCarterLife Care Center of Elizabethton
lifecarecenterofelizabethton.com
(423) 542-4133
EastElizabethtonCarterPine Ridge Care & Rehabilitation Center(423) 543-3202
EastElizabethtonCarterTennessee College of Applied Technology Elizabethton
tcatelizabethton.edu
(423) 543-0070
EastElizabethtonCarterUnaka High School
website
(423) 474-4100
EastHamptonCarterHampton High School
www.carterk12.net
(423) 725-5200
EastRoan MountainCarterCloudland High School
website
(423) 772-5300
MiddleAshland CityCheathamHillcrest Healthcare Center(615) 792-9154
WestHendersonChesterChester County High School
www.chestercountyschools.org
(731) 989-8125
EastHarrogateClaiborneTri-State Health and Rehabilitation Center
www.tristatehealth.org
(423) 869-5376
EastNew TazewellClaiborneLaurel Manor Health Care(423) 626-8215
MiddleCelinaClayTennessee College of Applied Technology Livingston at Clay County High School
tcatlivingston.edu
(931) 823-5525
EastNewportCockeBen W. Hooper Vocational School(423) 623-6072
MiddleManchesterCoffeeCoffee County Central High School
chs.coffeecountyschools.com
(931) 723-5159
MiddleManchesterCoffeeManchester Health Care Center
www.manchesterhcc.com
(931) 723-8744
MiddleTullahomaCoffeeLife Care Center of Tullahoma
lifecarecenteroftullahoma.com
(931) 455-8557
MiddleTullahomaCoffeeNHC HealthCare, Tullahoma
nhctullahoma.com
(931) 222-4207
WestAlamoCrockettCrockett County High School
crocketthigh.ccschools.net
(731) 696-4525
WestBellsCrockettNursing Assistant Training Center(731) 663-3803
WestBellsCrockettTennessee College of Applied Technology Ripley at Alamo
tcatripley.edu
(731) 635-3368
MiddleCrossvilleCumberlandCumberland County High School
cchs.ccschools.k12tn.net
(931) 484-6194
MiddleCrossvilleCumberlandStone Memorial High School
smhspanthers.k12tn.net
(931) 484-5767
MiddleCrossvilleCumberlandWyndridge Health & Rehabilitation Center
website
(931) 484-6129
MiddlePleasant HillCumberlandWharton Nursing Home(931) 277-3511
MiddleAntiochDavidsonLife Care Center of Hickory Woods
lifecarecenterofhickorywoods.com
(615) 501-3500
MiddleNashvilleDavidsonCumberland Health Care and Rehabilitation Center
thmgt.com
(615) 726-0492
MiddleNashvilleDavidsonGreenhills Health and Rehabilitation Center(615) 297-2100
MiddleNashvilleDavidsonLakeshore Heartland(615) 885-2320
MiddleNashvilleDavidsonNashville General Hospital at Meharry
nashvillegeneral.org
(615) 341-4659
MiddleNashvilleDavidsonNATS, Inc.
www.natscnt.com
(615) 333-8474
MiddleNashvilleDavidsonNHC Place at The Trace
www.nhcplaceatthetrace.com
(629) 888-5800
MiddleNashvilleDavidsonOnepulse, Inc.
www.onepulseinc.com
(615) 915-0612
MiddleNashvilleDavidsonSASH Nursing Assistant Training Prog
sashhealth.org
(615) 321-2005
MiddleNashvilleDavidsonThe Health Center at Richland Place(615) 292-4900
MiddleNashvilleDavidsonWoodcrest at Blakeford
blakeford.com
(615) 665-9505
WestDecaturvilleDecaturWestwood Health Care Center(731) 852-3591
WestParsonsDecaturDecatur County Health Care & Rehabilitation
thmgt.com
(731) 847-6371
MiddleSmithvilleDekalbDeKalb County High School
www.dchstigers.com
(615) 597-4094
MiddleSmithvilleDekalbNHC HealthCare, Smithville
www.nhcsmithville.com
(615) 597-4284
WestDicksonDicksonDickson County High School
dchs.dicksoncountyschools.org
(615) 446-9003
WestDyersburgDyerDyersburg Health Care and Rehabilitation
thmgt.com
(731) 286-1221
WestDyersburgDyerDyersburg High School
website
(731) 286-2209
WestDyersburgDyerThe Highlands of Dyersburg Health & Rehabilitation(731) 285-9710
WestSomervilleFayetteNHC HealthCare, Somerville
www.nhcsomerville.com
(901) 465-9861
MiddleJamestownFentressAlvin C. York Institute
www2.york.k12.tn.us
(931) 879-8101
MiddleWinchesterFranklinFranklin County High School(931) 967-2821
MiddleWinchesterFranklinWillows of Winchester Care & Rehabilitation Center
www.willowsofwinchester.com
(931) 967-0200
WestDyerGibsonGibson County High School
www.gcssd.org/Page/15
(731) 692-3616
WestMedinaGibsonSouth Gibson County High School
www.gcssd.org/Domain/10
(731) 783-0999
WestMilanGibsonMilan High School
website
(731) 686-0841
WestMilanGibsonNHC HealthCare, Milan
www.nhcmilan.com
(731) 686-8373
MiddlePulaskiGilesMartin Methodist College
www.martinmethodist.edu
(931) 424-2017
MiddlePulaskiGilesMeadowbrook Health and Rehabilitation Center
thmgt.com
(931) 363-7548
MiddlePulaskiGilesNHC HealthCare, Pulaski
www.nhcpulaski.com
(931) 363-3572
MiddlePulaskiGilesTennessee College of Applied Technology Pulaski
tcatpulaski.edu
(931) 424-4014
EastRutledgeGraingerRidgeview Terrace of Life Care
ridgeviewterraceoflifecare.com
(865) 828-5295
EastGreenevilleGreeneGreeneville Greene County Center for Tech High School
cft.gcschools.net
(423) 639-0175
EastGreenevilleGreeneLaughlin Memorial Hospital, Inc.
www.laughlinmemorial.org
(423) 789-5091
EastGreenevilleGreeneLife Care Center of Greeneville
lifecarecenterofgreeneville.com
(423) 639-8131
EastGreenevilleGreeneSignature HealthCARE of Greeneville
shcofgreeneville.com
(423) 639-0213
EastGreenevilleGreeneWalters State Community College at Greeneville/Green County Campus
ws.edu
(423) 798-7940
MiddleMonteagleGrundySignature HealthCARE of Monteagle Rehab & Wellness Center
shcofmonteagle.com
(931) 924-2041
EastMorristownHamblenGoodwill Industries - Morristown
www.gwiktn.org
(423) 587-9075
EastMorristownHamblenThe Heritage Center Nursing Care
theheritagecentertn.com
(423) 581-5100
EastMorristownHamblenMorristown-Hamblen High School West
mhhsw.hcboe.net
(423) 581-1600
EastMorristownHamblenMorristown-Hamblen High School East
mhhse.hcboe.net
(423) 586-2543
EastMorristownHamblenTennessee College of Applied Technology Morristown
tcatmorristown.edu
(423) 586-5771
EastMorristownHamblenWalters State Community College
ws.edu
(423) 585-2675
EastChattanoogaHamiltonHealth Careers Training Center(423) 892-3848
EastChattanoogaHamiltonMiller-Motte Technical College
www.miller-motte.edu
(423) 510-9675
EastChattanoogaHamiltonNHC HealthCare, Chattanooga
www.nhcchattanooga.com
(423) 624-1533
EastChattanoogaHamiltonRed Bank High School
www.redbankhigh.com
(423) 874-1900
EastChattanoogaHamiltonSiskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation
www.siskinrehab.org
(423) 634-1575
EastChattanoogaHamiltonThe Health Center at Standifer Place
standiferplace.org
(423) 490-1599
EastHixsonHamiltonHixson High School
www.hixsonhigh.org
(423) 847-4800
EastSoddy DaisyHamiltonSoddy-Daisy Healthcare Center
www.soddydaisyhealthcare.com
(423) 332-0060
EastSneedvilleHancockHancock County High School
www.hancockcountyschools.com
(423) 733-1793
EastSneedvilleHancockWalters State Community College at Hancock Manor Nursing Home
ws.edu
(423) 585-2600
WestBolivarHardemanPine Meadows Health Care(731) 658-4707
WestWhitevilleHardemanTennessee College of Applied Technology Whiteville
tcatwhiteville.edu
(731) 254-8521
WestSavannahHardinHarbert Hills Academy Nursing Home
www.harberthills.org
(731) 925-7221
WestSavannahHardinHardin County High School
hchs.hardincoschools.com
(731) 925-3976
WestSavannahHardinHardin County Nursing Home
www.hardinmedicalcenter.org
(731) 926-8000
WestSavannahHardinSavannah Health Care and Rehabilitation Center
thmgt.com
(731) 926-4200
EastChurch HillHawkinsChurch Hill Health Care and Rehab Center
www.churchhillhealthcare.com
(423) 357-7178
EastChurch HillHawkinsVolunteer High School
volunteer.hck12.net
(423) 357-3641
EastRogersvilleHawkinsRogersville Health & Rehab
shcofrogersville.com
(423) 272-3099
WestBrownsvilleHaywoodCrestview Health Care & Rehab Center
thmgt.com
(731) 772-3356
WestLexingtonHendersonLexington Health Care and Rehabilitation
thmgt.com
(731) 968-2004
WestReaganHendersonScotts Hill High School
scottshillhigh.hcschoolstn.org
(731) 602-6112
WestParisHenryHenry County High School
henryk12.net
(731) 642-5232
WestParisHenryParis Health Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
thmgt.com
(731) 642-2535
WestParisHenryTennessee College of Applied Technology Paris
tcatparis.edu
(731) 644-7365
WestCentervilleHickmanLife Care Center of Centerville
lifecarecenterofcenterville.com
(931) 729-4236
WestLylesHickmanEast Hickman High School
website
(931) 670-1366
WestErinHoustonSignature HealthCARE of Erin
shcoferin.com
(931) 289-4141
WestWaverlyHumphreysWaverly Health Care Center(931) 296-7552
MiddleGainesboroJacksonTennessee College of Applied Technology Livingston at Jackson County High School
tcatlivingston.edu
(931) 823-5525
EastDandridgeJeffersonJefferson County High School
jchs.jc-schools.net
(865) 397-3182
EastDandridgeJeffersonJefferson County Nursing Home
www.jcnh.org
(865) 397-3163
EastJefferson CityJeffersonLife Care Center of Jefferson City
lifecarecenterofjeffersoncity.com
(865) 475-6097
EastMountain CityJohnsonJohnson County High School Career and Technical Education
website
(423) 727-1860
EastMountain CityJohnsonMountain City Care & Rehabilitation Center
mountaincitycare.com
(423) 727-7800
EastCorrytonKnoxGibbs High School
www.knoxschools.org/gibbshs
(865) 689-9130
EastKnoxvilleKnoxBearden High School
www.knoxschools.org/beardenhs
(865) 539-5574
EastKnoxvilleKnoxCompassionate Care Technical Center
website
(865) 394-9960
EastKnoxvilleKnoxFulton High School
www.knoxschools.org/fultonhs
(865) 594-1240
EastKnoxvilleKnoxGoodwill Industries - Knoxville
www.gwiktn.org
(865) 588-8567
EastKnoxvilleKnoxHolston Health & Rehabilitation
www.nhcholston.com
(865) 524-1500
EastKnoxvilleKnoxKarns High School
www.knoxschools.org/karnshs
(865) 539-8670
EastKnoxvilleKnoxNorth Knox Career and Technical Education Center
www.knoxschools.org/northknoxctec
(865) 925-7552
EastKnoxvilleKnoxSenator Ben Atchley State Veterans' Home
website
(865) 862-8100
EastKnoxvilleKnoxShannondale Health Care Center
shannondaletn.com
(865) 690-3411
EastKnoxvilleKnoxSouth-Doyle High School
www.knoxschools.org/southdoylehs
(865) 577-4475
EastKnoxvilleKnoxTennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville
tcatknoxville.edu
(865) 546-5567
WestRidgelyLakeThe Bridge at Ridgely(731) 264-5555
WestTiptonvilleLakeTennessee College of Applied Technology Newbern at Lake County High School
tcatnewbern.edu
(731) 253-7733
WestHallsLauderdaleHalls High School(731) 836-9642
WestRipleyLauderdaleRipley High School
website
(731) 635-2642
WestLawrenceburgLawrenceLawrence County High School(931) 762-9412
WestLawrenceburgLawrenceNHC HealthCare, Lawrenceburg
www.nhclawrenceburg.com
(931) 762-6548
WestLawrenceburgLawrenceNHC Scott
www.nhcscott.com
(931) 762-9418
WestLorettoLawrenceLoretto High School(931) 853-4324
WestSummertownLawrenceSummertown High School
summertowneagles.com
(931) 964-3539
WestHohenwaldLewisLewis County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
thmgt.com
(931) 796-3233
MiddleFayettevilleLincolnFayetteville Health and Rehabilitation Center(931) 433-9973
EastLenoir CityLoudonLenoir City High School
lenoircityschools.com
(865) 986-2072
MiddleRed Boiling SpringsMaconThe Palace Health Care and Rehabilitation Center
www.consulatehealthcare.com
(615) 699-2238
MiddleRed Boiling SpringsMaconTennessee College of Applied Technology Hartsville at Tri-County Extension Campus
tcathartsville.edu
(615) 374-2147
WestJacksonMadisonJackson State Community College
www.jscc.edu
(731) 424-3520
WestJacksonMadisonMaplewood Health Care Center
maplewoodctr.com
(731) 668-1900
WestJacksonMadisonSouth Side High School
website
(731) 422-9923
WestJacksonMadisonWest Tennessee Business College
www.wtbc.edu
(731) 668-7240
MiddleJasperMarionMarion County High School
www.marioncountyhigh.org
(423) 942-5120
MiddleSouth PittsburgMarionSouth Pittsburg High School
www.southpittsburghigh.org
(423) 837-7561
MiddleWhitwellMarionWhitwell High School
www.whitwelltigers.org
(423) 658-5141
MiddleLewisburgMarshallNHC HealthCare, Lewisburg
www.nhclewisburg.com
(931) 359-4506
MiddleLewisburgMarshallNHC HealthCare, Oakwood
nhcoakwood.com
(931) 359-3563
MiddleLewisburgMarshallSpot Lowe Technology Center
slvc.marshall.k12tn.net
(931) 359-4911
MiddleColumbiaMauryColumbia Central High School
website
(931) 381-2222
MiddleColumbiaMauryNHC HealthCare, Columbia
www.nhccolumbiahealthcare.com
(931) 381-3112
MiddleColumbiaMauryNHC-Maury Regional Transitional Care Center
www.nhcmauryregional.com
(931) 398-6300
MiddleColumbiaMaurySpring Hill High School(931) 486-2207
EastAthensMcMinnMcMinn Career Technical Center
www.mcminncareertech.com
(423) 745-8633
EastAthensMcMinnNHC Healthcare, Athens
www.nhcathens.com
(423) 745-0434
EastAthensMcMinnTennessee College of Applied Technology Athens
tcatathens.edu
(423) 744-2814
EastEnglewoodMcMinnMcMinn Central High School
www.mcminncentral.com
(423) 263-5541
WestAdamsvilleMcNairyAdamsville Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center
website
(731) 632-3301
WestSelmerMcNairyMcNairy Central High School
www.mchscats.org
(731) 645-3226
WestSelmerMcNairyMcNairy County Health Care Center
thmgt.com
(731) 645-3201
EastSweetwaterMonroeSweetwater High School(423) 337-7881
WestClarksvilleMontgomeryNorthwest High School
website
(931) 648-5675
WestClarksvilleMontgomeryTennessee Health Careers LLC
tnhealthcareers.net
(931) 648-2424
WestCunninghamMontgomeryMontgomery Central High School(931) 387-3201
MiddleLynchburgMooreLynchburg Nursing Center
lynchburgnursingcenter.com
(931) 759-6000
MiddleLynchburgMooreMoore County High School(931) 759-4231
EastWartburgMorganLife Care Center of Morgan County
lifecarecenterofmorgancounty.com
(423) 346-6691
EastWartburgMorganMorgan County Career & Technical Center
www.mcsed.net/Page/126
(423) 346-6285
WestSouth FultonObionSouth Fulton High School
www.obioncountyschools.com/sfhs
(731) 479-1441
WestTroyObionObion County Central High School
website
(731) 536-4688
WestUnion CityObionObion County Nursing Home
obioncountynursinghome.com
(731) 885-9065
MiddleLivingstonOvertonOverton County Nursing Home(931) 823-6403
MiddleLivingstonOvertonTennessee College of Applied Technology Livingston
tcatlivingston.edu
(931) 823-5525
WestLindenPerryPerry County High School
www.perrycountyschools.us
(931) 589-2831
WestLindenPerryPerry County Nursing Home(931) 589-2134
MiddleByrdstownPickettPickett Care and Rehabilitation Center
pickettcare.com
(931) 864-3162
MiddleBaxterPutnamTennessee College of Applied Technology Livingston at Upperman High School
tcatlivingston.edu
(931) 823-5525
MiddleCookevillePutnamNHC HealthCare, Cookeville
www.nhccookeville.com
(931) 528-5516
MiddleCookevillePutnamSignature HealthCARE of Putnam County
shcofputnamcounty.com
(931) 537-6524
MiddleCookevillePutnamTennessee College of Applied Technology Livingston at Cookeville High School
tcatlivingston.edu
(931) 823-5525
MiddleMontereyPutnamSilver Angels
silverangels.com
(931) 839-7599
EastDaytonRheaLaurelbrook Academy
www.laurelbrook.org
(423) 664-5339
EastSpring CityRheaSpring City Care & Rehabilitation Center
springcitycare.com
(423) 365-4355
EastHarrimanRoaneHarriman Care and Rehabilitation Center
harrimancare.com
(865) 882-9159
EastHarrimanRoaneTennessee College of Applied Technology Harriman
tcatharriman.edu
(865) 882-6703
MiddleSpringfieldRobertsonNHC HealthCare, Springfield
www.nhcspringfield.com
(615) 384-8453
MiddleSpringfieldRobertsonSpringfield High School
shs.rcstn.net
(615) 384-3516
MiddleSpringfieldRobertsonThe Waters of Springfield(615) 384-7977
MiddleWhite HouseRobertsonWhite House Health Care
whitehouse-healthcare.com
(615) 672-3636
MiddleMurfreesboroRutherfordAdamsPlace Healthcare Center
www.adamsplace.org
(615) 904-9111
MiddleMurfreesboroRutherfordBlackman High School
bhs.rcschools.net
(615) 904-3850
MiddleMurfreesboroRutherfordBoulevard Terrace Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
www.boulevardterrace.com
(615) 896-4505
MiddleMurfreesboroRutherfordNHC Central
www.nhcmurfreesboro.com
(615) 893-2602
MiddleMurfreesboroRutherfordNHC HealthCare, Murfreesboro
www.nhcmurfreesboro.com
(615) 893-2602
MiddleMurfreesboroRutherfordSiegel High School
sgh.rcschools.net
(615) 904-3800
MiddleSmyrnaRutherfordKennis Institute of Health Care Services
kennisnap.com/index.html
(615) 768-5478
MiddleSmyrnaRutherfordMayfield Rehabilitation Center(615) 355-0350
MiddleSmyrnaRutherfordNurse Aide Education of Tennessee(844) 262-2329
MiddleSmyrnaRutherfordStewarts Creek High School
sch.rcschools.net
(615) 904-6771
EastHuntsvilleScottTennessee College of Applied Technology Oneida/Huntsville
tcatoneida.edu
(423) 663-4900
MiddleDunlapSequatchieNHC HealthCare, Sequatchie
www.nhcsequatchie.com
(423) 949-4651
MiddleDunlapSequatchieSequatchie County High School(423) 949-2154
EastPigeon ForgeSevierPigeon Forge Care & Rehabilitation Center
pigeonforgecare.com
(865) 428-5454
EastSeviervilleSevierCompassionate Care Technical Center at LeConte Medical Center
website
(865) 394-9960
EastSeviervilleSevierWalters State Community College at Sevier County Campus
ws.edu
(865) 774-5851
WestMemphisShelbyAve Maria Home, Inc.
avemariahome.org
(901) 386-3211
WestMemphisShelbyBright Glade Health and Rehabilitation Center
thmgt.com
(901) 682-5677
WestMemphisShelbyCareer Academy
www.careeracademymemphis.com
(901) 761-4500
WestMemphisShelbyComprehensive Health Academy of Tennessee(901) 244-7679
WestMemphisShelbyDr. Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Center
benjaminlhooks.jobcorps.gov
(901) 396-2800
WestMemphisShelbyHeart to Heart Education and Training LLC(901) 513-8473
WestMemphisShelbyKirby Pines Manor
kirbypines.com
(901) 365-3665
WestMemphisShelbyMemphis Academy of National Nursing Assistant(901) 598-3000
WestMemphisShelbyMid-South Supportive Living(901) 590-2275
WestMemphisShelbySignature HealthCARE of Memphis
shcofmemphis.com
(901) 382-1700
WestMemphisShelbySouthwest Career and Technology Center High School
website
(901) 416-8186
WestMemphisShelbyThe Allegiant Institute of Healthcare Solutions LLC
website
(901) 654-8183
WestMemphisShelbyThe Healthcare Institute LLC
www.thi-tn.com
(901) 244-0844
WestMemphisShelbyThe Healthcare Readiness Institute(901) 246-8613
WestMemphisShelbyTennessee College of Applied Technology Memphis
tcatmemphis.edu
(901) 543-6100
WestMemphisShelbyWilliam and Johnson Career College
williamandjohnson.com/home
(901) 590-1166
WestDoverStewartDiversicare of Dover(931) 232-6902
EastBristolSullivanWellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center
website
(423) 844-4200
EastKingsportSullivanHolston Manor
holstonmanor.com
(423) 246-2411
EastKingsportSullivanSullivan South High School
www.sullivank12.net/shs/
(423) 354-1300
EastKingsportSullivanThe Wexford House(423) 288-3988
MiddleGallatinSumnerGolden Living Center Brandywood(615) 452-7132
MiddleGallatinSumnerNHC Place at Sumner
www.nhcplacesumner.com
(615) 451-0788
MiddleHendersonvilleSumnerBeech High School
bhs.sumnerschools.org
(615) 824-6200
MiddleHendersonvilleSumnerNHC HealthCare, Hendersonville
www.nhchendersonville.com
(615) 824-0720
MiddlePortlandSumnerPortland High School
phs.sumnerschools.org
(615) 325-9201
MiddlePortlandSumnerThe Bridge at Highland(615) 325-9263
MiddleWestmorelandSumnerWestmoreland Care & Rehabilitation Center
westmorelandcare.com
(615) 644-5111
WestCovingtonTiptonCovington Care Center
thmgt.com
(901) 475-0027
MiddleHartsvilleTrousdaleTennessee College of Applied Technology Hartsville
tcathartsville.edu
(615) 374-2147
MiddleHartsvilleTrousdaleTennessee College of Applied Technology Hartsville at Trousdale County High School
tcathartsville.edu
(615) 374-2147
EastErwinUnicoiErwin Health Care Center
www.erwinhealthcare.com
(423) 743-4131
EastErwinUnicoiUnicoi County High School
www.unicoischools.com/cte
(423) 743-1639
EastMaynardvilleUnionUnion County High School
www.ucps.org.schools.bz/1/Home
(865) 992-0180
EastMaynardvilleUnionWillow Ridge Care & Rehabilitation
www.genesishcc.com
(865) 992-5816
MiddleSpencerVan BurenGenerations Center of Spencer(931) 946-7768
MiddleSpencerVan BurenTennessee College of Applied Technology Mcminnville at Van Buren County High School
tcatmcminnville.edu
(931) 473-5587
MiddleMcMinnvilleWarrenNHC HealthCare, McMinnville
www.nhcmcminnville.com
(931) 473-8431
MiddleMcMinnvilleWarrenWarren County High School
wchs.warrenschools.com
(931) 668-5858
EastGrayWashingtonDaniel Boone High School(423) 477-1600
EastGrayWashingtonLife Care Center of Gray
lifecarecenterofgraytn.com
(423) 477-7146
EastJohnson CityWashingtonFranklin Woods Community Hospital
www.mountainstateshealth.com
(423) 431-6697
EastJohnson CityWashingtonLakebridge Health Care Center(423) 975-0095
EastJohnson CityWashingtonNHC HealthCare, Johnson City
www.nhcjc.com
(423) 282-3311
EastJohnson CityWashingtonScience Hill High School College Career & Technical Education
shhscte.weebly.com
(423) 232-2200
EastJohnson CityWashingtonUnicoi County Memorial Hospital(423) 431-5434
EastJonesboroughWashingtonFour Oaks Health Care Center(423) 753-8711
WestWaynesboroWayneWayne County Technology Center(931) 722-5495
WestWaynesboroWayneWaynesboro Health and Rehabilitation Center
www.waynesbororehabcares.com
(931) 722-3641
WestDresdenWeakleyWeakley County Nursing Home(731) 364-3158
WestMartinWeakleyDiversicare of Martin(731) 587-0503
WestMartinWeakleyVanAyer Healthcare and Rehab Center(731) 587-3193
MiddleSpartaWhiteLife Care Center of Sparta
lifecarecenterofsparta.com
(931) 738-9430
MiddleSpartaWhiteNHC HealthCare, Sparta
www.nhcsparta.com
(931) 836-2211
MiddleSpartaWhiteTennessee College of Applied Technology Livingston at White County High School
tcatlivingston.edu
(931) 823-5525
MiddleBrentwoodWilliamsonRavenwood High School
www.wcs.edurhs
(615) 472-4800
MiddleBrentwoodWilliamsonSomerfield Health Center at The Heritage at Brentwood(615) 564-4900
MiddleBrentwoodWilliamsonTennessee Health Care Association
www.thca.org
(615) 834-6520
MiddleFranklinWilliamsonCentennial High School
www.wcs.edu/chs/
(615) 472-4270
MiddleFranklinWilliamsonNHC HealthCare, Franklin
www.nhcfranklin.com
(615) 790-0154
MiddleFranklinWilliamsonPage High School
www.wcs.edu/phs/
(615) 595-2080
MiddleThompson's StationWilliamsonIndependence High School
www.wcs.edu/ihs/
(615) 472-4600
MiddleLebanonWilsonLebanon High School
website
(615) 444-9610
MiddleLebanonWilsonTennessee College of Applied Technology Hartsville at Wilson County Career
tcathartsville.edu
(615) 374-2147
MiddleLebanonWilsonWilson Central High School
website
(615) 453-4600
MiddleMount JulietWilsonMount Juliet Health Care Center
thmgt.com
(615) 758-4100
MiddleMount JulietWilsonMount Juliet High School
website
(615) 758-5606

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Program Length

Each school can set a training schedule that can vary widely from program to program. There are CNA classes in Tennessee held morning and evening. For example, the Compassionate Care Technical Center CNA training program in East Tennessee is three-and-a-half weeks long. It requires 96 hours of training and does not require a high school diploma or GED. OnePulse Inc in Middle Tennessee offers a five-week course that includes earning CPR certification. Students attend full-time Monday through Friday. The Career Academy in West Tennessee offers a four-week day or six-week evening program.

Federal law allows a person work as a paid employee in a Medicare or Medicaid funded healthcare facility for up to 120 days while completing CNA training. However, if the individual is not certified by the end of that period, he or she cannot continue working as a nurse aide giving hands-on patient care.

Step 3: Analyze Training Costs

The costs of CNA training are set by schools or programs. Using the prior examples, tuition and fees at the Compassionate Care Technical Center is $700. This includes tuition, textbook, student ID and liability insurance. The school website says that financing is available for a portion of the tuition and fees. In addition, the student will have to pay for uniforms and supplies. OnePulse Inc charges $800 for tuition, $50 for textbooks, a $20 application fee and a $40 laboratory fee. The total is $910 and financial assistance and payment plans are available. The Career Academy charges $1,350 which includes tuition, CPR certification and state testing fees. The school allows students to make payments.

When comparing costs, be sure to fully understand what the rates include or do not include. Also, schools can change their rates at any time.

Free CNA Training

One of the best ways to get free CNA training in Tennessee is to work and train at the same time at a nursing home or other long-term care facility. The employer must pay for all training costs. Also, a Certified Nurse Aide who is employed at a federally funded nursing home or long-term care facility within 12 months of completing training can get reimbursement for training costs from the employer.

Financial Aid Opportunities

It is important to ask program staff if financial aid opportunities are available. Federal financial aid is normally not available for non-credit short-term vocational programs. However, there may be state workforce training funds or private funding sources available.

Step 4: Meet CNA Program Prerequisites

Every school and/or program has prerequisites. State law does require a criminal background check be completed before a student or CNA can work directly with patients. Following are some additional prerequisites a student will likely have to meet in order to enroll in a CNA training program:

  • Be 16 years old or older
  • Show proof of a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Pass TB and drug screening tests
  • Show proof of vaccinations for Hepatitis B, MMR and Varicella
  • May need proof of completed CPR training for healthcare providers
  • Pass an English proficiency assessment test

There are variations of these requirements. For example, some schools require students to be 18 years old. Some programs will allow students to enroll when they do not have a high school diploma or GED if the persons can score a 70 or higher on a student entrance exam.

Step 5: Complete Training

As mentioned, a state-approved CNA training program in Tennessee is comprised of a minimum of 75 hours of training in the classroom, laboratory and clinic. Training covers a set of topics that include:

  • Basic nursing skills
  • Patient safety and well-being
  • Communication
  • Resident rights
  • Assisting residents with maintaining highest level of independence
  • Infection control
  • Personal care of patients
  • Understanding mental health
  • Collecting and recording data
  • Understanding the disease process
  • Understanding the aging process
  • Working with physically and mentally impaired clients

In the laboratory and clinical settings, students will learn specific manual skills. They include skills like handwashing, ambulation with gait belt or walker, taking and recording vital signs, catheter care, feeding and dressing clients, making an occupied bed and many others.

Step 6: Take the CNA Exam

After completing training in Tennessee, it is important to take and pass the CNA exam within 24 months. Otherwise, the training program must be completed again. D&S Diversified Technologies LLP, dba Headmaster, is responsible for scheduling, administering and scoring the Tennessee CNA Competency Evaluation Exam. The Exam has two sections including a written test (or an oral test) and a skill test.

Written or Oral Test

The written test consists of 75 questions that are taken from the material taught in a state-approved training program. A score of 75 percent or higher is needed to pass this part of the Exam. The Exam is available as an oral test also.

Skill Test

The skill test evaluates how well a student mastered the skills taught in the Certified Nurse Aide training program. Applicants are tested on five skills. One of the skills is handwashing, and the remaining four are randomly selected. It is necessary to earn a score of 80 percent to pass this section of the Exam. If the person fails to pass a skill, the skills test will have to be retaken and the failed skill will be included as one of the five. If a person fails two or more tasks, the skills test has to be retaken and one of the failed skills will be included.

Step 7: Get Name Placed in Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry

After meeting all CNA certification requirements, Headmaster notifies the TDOH and the applicant’s name is placed on the Registry. Once a person achieves CNA certification in Tennessee, the Registry listing is active for two years (24 months).

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How to Keep CNA Certification Active

To renew CNA certification at the end of the two-year period, it is necessary to prove that at least one shift of eight (8) hours of paid employment as a CNA was completed during the 24-month certification period. The employer provides the verification of employment.

If the person does not renew the certification at the end of the certification period, or fails to work the eight hours, reinstatement requires retraining and retaking the Exam.

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Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in Tennessee

The average annual CNA salary is $23,850 for Tennessee which equates to $11.46 per hour. There is a 22.5 percent projected growth in the number of CNA jobs for the 2014-2024 decade. This is a faster growth rate than the 17.6 percent projected CNA jobs growth for the U.S. for the same time period. | See Job Openings

CNA Salaries in Tennessee

TN CNA SalariesEmpl.Hourly mean wageAnnual mean wageWage percent relative std. errorHourly 10th % wageHourly median wageHourly 90th % wageAnnual 10th % wageAnnual median wageAnnual 90th % wage
National144315013.29276500.29.6412.7818.22200402659037900
Tennessee3049011.46238500.98.6011.2214.81178902334030800
Chattanooga, TN-GA271011.98249201.69.4811.6515.27197202424031750
Clarksville, TN-KY129012.17253104.28.9711.3817.38186602367036150
Cleveland, TN40011.91247602.48.8911.5514.74184902402030660
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area152011.15231901.48.5911.0014.36178602287029870
Jackson, TN109010.35215203.97.989.8014.06165902038029240
Johnson City, TN161011.33235603.18.5211.0414.91177202297031010
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA156010.99228501.88.9310.8413.93185602255028970
Knoxville, TN354011.70243301.39.5311.4114.75198202374030670
Memphis, TN-MS-AR544012.34256601.79.1812.2615.83190902550032940
Morristown, TN58010.47217702.98.3210.5512.79173102195026590
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN786011.54240002.78.4411.2915.20175402348031620
North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area166010.81224801.88.4310.7113.55175302228028180
South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area133010.56219601.68.5010.6412.81176802214026630
West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area207010.28213802.08.0610.3312.73167602148026470

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In Tennessee, Certified Nurse Aides can work for facilities licensed or certified by the Division of Health Care Facilities. They include hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living homes, long-term care facilities, hospice care facilities, physical rehabilitation clinics and healthcare clinics. For recertification eligibility, employment does not include working as a private duty CNA or in a private physician’s office, or as a companion or sitter. | See Job Openings

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