Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville CNA Program

Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare. This 120-hour training program equips students with the essential skills needed to provide compassionate patient care in various healthcare settings. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking to enter the healthcare field or someone seeking a career change, TCAT Knoxville’s CNA training in Knoxville, Tennessee provides the foundation you need to become certified and begin working as a nursing assistant.

The CNA program at TCAT Knoxville is approved by the Tennessee Department of Health and prepares students to sit for the state certification exam administered by D&S Diversified Technologies. Upon successful completion and passing the certification test, you’ll earn the title of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), opening doors to employment in assisted living facilities, home health agencies, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and physician’s offices or clinics.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 2 months (120 clock hours)
• Cost of Program: $1,198.50 total estimated cost ($480.00 tuition and fees, $140.00 books and supplies, $179.50 miscellaneous expenses including state exam)
• Accreditation: Tennessee Board of Regents and accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education
• State Exam Pass Rate: Please contact the program directly for information about state exam pass rates
• CNA Program Schedule: Available at both Main Campus (Knoxville) with day classes Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 2:30 pm and Blount Memorial Hospital Campus with evening classes Monday-Thursday 2:30 pm to 9:00 pm

CNA Training Structure

The CNA program at TCAT Knoxville provides comprehensive training through both classroom instruction and clinical experiences.

• Classroom Learning: Students receive instruction in essential nursing assistant topics including workplace characteristics, introduction to healthcare, human body health and disease, safety, patient and resident care, and special care patients. The program covers important concepts such as patient confidentiality, documentation, patient rights, and relevant anatomy and physiology.
• Clinical Experience: The program includes hands-on clinical training in long-term care facilities where students apply their classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings. This component (CNA Long Term Care Clinical) is crucial for developing the practical skills needed to provide quality patient care.
• Exam Preparation: The program prepares students to take the CNA test administered by D&S Diversified Technologies for the Tennessee Department of Health. Upon successful completion of the 120 hours of training, students are eligible to sit for the state certification exam.

Admission Requirements

TCAT Knoxville’s CNA program has specific admission requirements that prospective students must meet:

• Must be at least 18 years old by the start of the trimester
• Complete and submit an online application for enrollment at www.tcatknoxville.edu
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov (School code: 004025)
• Submit the following by the first week of class:
  • Criminal background check through Truescreen ($24.50)
  • Negative 10-panel drug screen ($15.00)
  • Physical examination completed by a healthcare provider
  • Immunization records including:
    • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) booster or positive titer
    • 2 Varicella vaccines or positive titer
    • Tuberculin skin test or chest x-ray with negative results
    • Seasonal flu vaccination (annual requirement each October)
  • Hepatitis B series (may be started, completed, or declined)
  • COVID-19 vaccination (required by clinical facilities)

Note: Applicants cannot be on the Abuse Registry or have a theft conviction. Those with misdemeanor or felony charges/convictions should request an interview with the Nursing Coordinator prior to applying.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

TCAT Knoxville offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate different student needs:

• Main Campus (Knoxville):
  • Day classes: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 2:30 pm
  • 2025 start dates: February 12, 2025 and March 25, 2025
• Blount Memorial Hospital Campus:
  • Evening classes: Monday-Thursday, 2:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  • 2025 start date: January 3, 2025

All schedules are part-time and designed to be completed in approximately 2 months.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

TCAT Knoxville provides transparent cost information for the CNA program:

• Tuition and Fees: $480.00
  • Tuition: $410.00
  • Liability Insurance: $15.00
  • Technology Access Fee: $45.00
  • Student Activity Fee: $10.00
• Books and Supplies: $140.00
  • Textbooks: $70.00 (Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care and Workbook)
  • Ceil Blue Scrubs: $30.00
  • White Rubber Soled Shoes: $30.00
  • Stethoscope & Blood Pressure Cuff: $10.00
• Miscellaneous Expenses: $179.50
  • Criminal Background Check: $24.50
  • 10 Panel Urine Drug Screen: $15.00
  • TB Skin Test: $10.00
  • State Board Examination: $130.00
  • Physical Examination: Price varies
• Total Estimated Program Cost: $1,198.50

Financial aid options include:

• TN Promise scholarship (covers tuition costs marked with *)
• TN Reconnect grant (covers tuition costs marked with *)
• Federal Pell Grant (by completing the FAFSA)

Students should complete the FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov using school code 004025 to determine eligibility for financial assistance.

How to Apply

To apply for the CNA program at TCAT Knoxville:

1. Complete the TCAT Knoxville Application for Enrollment online at www.tcatknoxville.edu
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov using school code 004025
3. Once you receive an email that you have been waitlisted for the Nursing Aide program, pay your tuition in person at Student Services to reserve your seat in the class
4. Complete all required documentation (background check, drug screen, physical exam, immunizations) by the first week of class

For more information about the application process, contact TCAT Knoxville’s Student Services at 865-546-5567 or [email protected].

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville
• Main Campus Address: 1100 Liberty Street, Knoxville, TN 37919
• Blount Memorial Hospital Campus: 907 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804
• Phone Number: 865-546-5567
• Fax: 865-971-4474
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://tcatknoxville.edu

Additional Resources

TCAT Knoxville provides several resources for CNA students:

• Nursing Aide Admission Packet: Contains detailed information about program requirements, background checks, drug screening procedures, health evaluations, and other essential forms
• Cost Sheet: Provides a comprehensive breakdown of all program costs
• Healthcare Provider Discounts: Lamberts offers a discount to TCAT students on blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, and watches (student ID required)
• Health Evaluation Form: Required to be completed by a physician for clinical participation

These resources can be obtained from the TCAT Knoxville website or by contacting the program directly.

Summary and Next Steps

TCAT Knoxville’s Certified Nursing Assistant program offers a solid foundation for those looking to start a rewarding career in healthcare. Through 120 hours of classroom and clinical instruction over two months, students develop the skills needed to provide compassionate care in various healthcare settings. The program prepares students to sit for the Tennessee state certification exam, opening doors to employment in assisted living facilities, home health, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and physician’s offices.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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