CNA Classes in Tennessee
Start your CNA career in Tennessee with confidence. Explore accredited CNA classes, certification requirements, and career opportunities across the state.
Training Hours
State-approved CNA programs require a minimum of 75 hours to qualify for certification.
Program Costs
CNA Training costs range from free to $1,250+, with financial aid or employer support at some schools.
CNA Salary
Certified Nursing Assistants in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $34,850 based on the latest data.
Verified Sources
This page is backed by trusted sources, including state agencies and labor data reports.
Why Become a CNA in Tennessee?
Tennessee’s healthcare sector is experiencing significant growth, creating abundant job opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants across the state. With 97% of Tennessee counties designated as primary care professional shortage areas, qualified caregivers are in high demand throughout hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. Currently, there are over 1,887 CNA positions available statewide, with many employers offering sign-on bonuses ranging from $1,000 to $3,500 to attract qualified candidates. As a CNA in Tennessee, you’ll earn competitive wages averaging $17.26 per hour ($35,890 annually), with top earners in cities like Elizabethton making up to $44,415 yearly. From bustling urban medical centers to rural community clinics, your skills as a CNA will be valued, respected, and provide a solid foundation for a fulfilling healthcare career.
Find & Compare CNA Classes in Tennessee
You’ve learned why becoming a CNA is a smart move — now explore training options near you. Use the ZIP code search or browse our regularly updated list of accredited CNA programs in Tennessee to compare costs, durations, and locations. We review this directory frequently to ensure accuracy, and all programs listed are verified through official school and state sources.
| School Name | Telephone | Street | City | State | Zip Code | Cost | Duration | Details Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Hartsville - Main Campus | (615) 374-2147 | 716 McMurry Blvd East | Hartsville | TN | 37074 | $552.00 | Contact for Detail | View Details |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Hartsville - Wilson County Campus | (615) 374-2147 | 415 Tennessee Blvd | Lebanon | TN | 37087 | $552.00 | Contact for Detail | View Details |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville - Main Campus | (865) 546-5567 | 1100 Liberty St | Knoxville | TN | 37919 | $1,198.50 | Contact for Detail | View Details |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville - Blount Memorial Hospital Campus | (865) 546-5567 | 907 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy | Maryville | TN | 37804 | $1,198.50 | Contact for Detail | View Details |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Harriman | (865) 882-6703 | 1745 Harriman Highway | Harriman | TN | 37748 | $1,227.50 | 2 Months | View Details |
| Dyersburg State Community College | (731) 286-3200 | 1510 Lake Rd | Dyersburg | TN | 38024 | Contact for Detail | Contact for Detail | View Details |
| National HealthCare Corporation | (615) 890-2020 | 100 East Vine Street | Murfreesboro | TN | 37130 | Free | Contact for Detail | View Details |
Disclaimer: Program costs, class schedules, and durations listed are based on information publicly available from each school’s official website at the time of publication. Details may change without notice. We recommend contacting the school directly to confirm the most accurate and up-to-date information. CNAClasses.com is not affiliated with the programs listed and does not guarantee pricing, availability, or course details. If you notice outdated or incorrect information, please contact us so we can make updates.
Not Sure Where to Start?
We’ll walk you through every step — from CNA classes to certification.
How to Become a CNA in Tennessee
Starting a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Tennessee provides an accessible pathway into healthcare with strong job stability. The Tennessee Department of Health manages the certification process, with testing administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster).
Tennessee CNA programs require a minimum of 75 hours of training, with costs typically ranging from $576 to $900 depending on the provider. Most programs can be completed in 4-8 weeks, with CNAs in Tennessee earning an average of $17.00 per hour or approximately $34,850 annually according to the latest data. Follow these steps to begin your journey as a Tennessee CNA.
1) Eligibility Requirements for CNA Training in Tennessee
Before enrolling in a CNA program in Tennessee, you must meet several prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Cannot be listed on the Tennessee Abuse Registry
- Cannot have a theft conviction
- Must pass a criminal background check through Truescreen
- Must complete required health screenings:
- Physical examination form completed by a physician or nurse practitioner
- Negative tuberculosis (TB) test
- Ten-panel drug screen
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (required by many clinical facilities)
These requirements help ensure patient safety, as CNAs work closely with vulnerable populations. Most programs require these documents by the first week of class, so plan accordingly.
2) CNA Training Hour Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee follows specific guidelines for nursing assistant education:
- Total of 75 training hours required:
- 40 hours of classroom instruction
- 35 hours of clinical training (including 16 hours of direct patient care)
- Programs must be taught by a Registered Nurse with:
- At least 2 years of nursing experience
- Minimum of 1 year experience in long-term care
All training must be completed through programs approved by the Tennessee Department of Health. You can find a list of state-approved programs at the official website: https://internet.health.tn.gov/nurseaide/natf_criteria.aspx
3) Complete an Accredited CNA Training Program in Tennessee
Selecting a quality training program will prepare you for success:
- Programs are available through various approved providers:
- Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT)
- Community colleges
- Vocational schools
- Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
Program costs vary by provider but typically include:
- Tuition and fees (approximately $576 at TCAT Knoxville)
- Textbooks and supplies (approximately $319.50)
- Background check fees
- Uniform costs
- Medical requirements like TB tests
Financial assistance options include:
- Free training for those who train in nursing home-based programs
- Free testing for candidates employed by skilled nursing facilities
- Financial aid eligibility through participating educational institutions
- Workforce development programs
A unique benefit in Tennessee: nursing home-based programs often provide free training, while private programs (not based in nursing homes) have varying fees and requirements.
4) Pass the CNA Certification Exam in Tennessee
After completing your training, you must pass the competency examination administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster):
- The exam consists of two parts:
- Written test: 75 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit
- Skills evaluation: Demonstration of nursing assistant skills before an evaluator
- Exam fees:
- Knowledge exam: $40
- Audio version of knowledge exam: $40
- Skills exam: $90
- Testing requirements:
- Must achieve at least 75% on the written exam
- Must successfully demonstrate all required skills
- Must present valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID
- Must bring original, non-laminated Social Security Card (no photocopies)
- Must wear full clinical attire including clinical shoes (no open-toed shoes)
- Long hair must be pulled back
Candidates should arrive 20-30 minutes before their scheduled exam time. Both parts of the exam must be passed to be listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry.
5) Register with the Tennessee CNA Registry
The final step in becoming a certified nursing assistant in Tennessee:
- After passing both parts of the exam, your scores are automatically forwarded to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry
- The registry grants certification and adds your name to the list of active CNAs in good standing
- Your certification is valid for 24 months (2 years)
Ready to Start CNA Training in Tennessee?
Now that you know the steps, it’s time to take the first one. Use our directory to find accredited CNA programs near you and begin your training with confidence.
Key Tennessee CNA Certification Contacts & Guidelines
Tennessee offers excellent opportunities for CNAs with competitive wages averaging $17.00 per hour and a growing healthcare sector that employs over 23,150 nursing assistants statewide. This comprehensive resource hub connects you with essential Tennessee-specific tools to help maintain your certification, find employment, and advance your career in the Volunteer State’s diverse healthcare landscape where CNAs play a vital role in patient care.
Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry
The Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, managed by the Tennessee Department of Health, is your primary resource for certification matters in the state.
Contact Information:
- Website: https://www.tn.gov/hfc/division-of-licensure-and-regulation/nurse-aide-information.html
- Phone: (615) 532-5171
- Email: [email protected]
The registry provides services such as:
- Verifying certification status
- Processing renewal applications
- Handling license transfers
- Investigating complaints
- Maintaining a searchable database of certified nurse aides
To check your certification status, visit the Tennessee Department of Health License Verification portal: https://tn.tmutest.com/search
Certification Renewal in Tennessee
Maintaining your CNA certification in Tennessee requires adherence to specific guidelines:
Renewal Requirements:
- Certification validity: 24 months
- Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
- Employment requirement: Must work at least 8 hours as a nurse aide within the 24-month certification period
- Continuing education: No formal continuing education requirements for basic renewal
- Renewal process:
- Submit renewal application online through the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry
- Provide verification of employment (pay stub or notarized attestation form)
- No renewal fee required
- Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you must provide proof of eight hours worked each year beginning the year prior to the expiration year and continuing through the current year. If continuous employment cannot be verified, you must retrain and retest.
For renewal forms and detailed instructions, visit: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/hfc/documents/Employment%20Verification%20Form(Updated).docx
CNA Reciprocity in Tennessee
If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in Tennessee, follow these steps for reciprocity:
- Verify current certification in your original state
- Complete the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry Reciprocity Application
- Submit required documentation:
- Copy of your current CNA certification
- Proof of completing a training program that meets federal requirements
- State-issued ID or driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Mail your application and documents to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry
Allow 2-4 weeks for processing. Tennessee accepts reciprocity from all states except Florida. Florida CNAs must retrain and retest in Tennessee to become certified.For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://www.hdmaster.com/
Continuing Education Opportunities
While Tennessee doesn’t mandate continuing education for CNA renewal, ongoing learning can enhance your skills and career prospects:
Education Providers:
- Tennessee Board of Regents Community Colleges
- Website: https://www.tbr.edu/institutions/community-colleges
- Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
- Tennessee Health Care Association
- Website: https://www.thca.org/events-education/education-seminars/education-program-policies-and-procedure/
- Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs
- Tennessee Nurses Association
- Website: https://www.tnurses.care/
- Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals
- American Red Cross of Tennessee
- Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/tennessee.html
- Provides healthcare training and certification courses
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNA in Tennessee
You cannot complete your entire CNA training online in Tennessee. While some programs offer theoretical portions through distance learning, Tennessee requires 75 hours of training including 16 hours of supervised clinical experience that must be completed in-person at approved healthcare facilities. Several schools like South College and Tennessee College of Applied Technology offer hybrid programs combining online coursework with in-person clinical training. These hybrid options provide flexibility while still meeting the state’s hands-on requirements for certification.
You can become a CNA in Tennessee for free through nursing home-based training programs. The Tennessee Department of Health offers free CNA training and testing for individuals who are employed by nursing facilities, allowing you to earn your certification while getting paid. Another option is Ballad Health, which provides free hybrid CNA classes in Northeast Tennessee with online coursework and in-person clinicals. These employer-sponsored programs typically require you to commit to working at the facility for a certain period after certification.
Yes, you can take the CNA test without classes in Tennessee through the challenge application process. Students enrolled in LPN or RN programs may challenge the competency examination by providing original transcripts verifying completion of basic nursing fundamentals. Military-trained medics can also apply to challenge the test by submitting their DD-214 form and documentation of classroom and clinical experience. However, most candidates will need to complete the state-required 75 hours of training before being eligible to sit for the certification examination.
Certain criminal convictions can permanently disqualify you from becoming a CNA in Tennessee, particularly violent offenses, most sex offenses, and felony or misdemeanor drug offenses. The state conducts thorough background checks and also disqualifies individuals with offenses that present a “threat to the health, safety or welfare” of patients. Additionally, pending charges, certain juvenile offenses, and failure to meet the “good moral character” requirement can prevent certification. Failing the competency exam three consecutive times also requires you to repeat the training program before testing again.
Additional CNA Resources
Rewarding Opportunities in the Volunteer State
Explore CNA careers in Tennessee. Learn about job growth, salaries, training programs, and career advancement in both rural and urban areas of the Volunteer State.
READ MORE
How to Find the Right CNA Program for You
Learn how to compare CNA programs by cost, schedule, format, and outcomes. Find the best CNA training for your needs with this complete guide.
READ MORE
Explore More CNA Resources
Discover helpful articles about CNA training, certification, skills, and career tips — all in one place.