CNA Classes & Programs in Tennessee
- CNA Programs in Tennessee: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Tennessee?
- Tennessee CNA Certification Explained
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Tennessee
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Tennessee?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Tennessee?
- Tennessee CNA Employment and Wages
- Comparing CNA Programs in Tennessee: Good Signs vs Red Flags
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Tennessee
- 2026 Updated List of Tennessee Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Tennessee’s healthcare system relies heavily on Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), also known as nurse aides, to provide daily, hands-on patient care. Whether in Nashville hospitals, Memphis rehabilitation centers, or long-term care facilities across rural communities, CNAs play a key role in providing personal care, supporting mobility, and monitoring patient safety.
CNA training in Tennessee offers a fast, practical entry into healthcare, combining classroom instruction with supervised clinical experience to prepare students to work directly with patients in just a few weeks.
This guide explains:
- Tennessee CNA training and certification requirements
- Required classroom and clinical hours
- What CNA classes typically cover
- Program timelines and cost expectations
- How to evaluate CNA program options in TN
CNA Programs in Tennessee: At-a-Glance
| Category | Tennessee CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 75 hours (state-approved) |
| Clinical requirement | Supervised clinical experience required |
| Certification exam | Tennessee Nurse Aide Competency Exam |
| State registry | Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry |
| Typical program length | Approx. 4–8 weeks |
| Typical total cost | $700–$1,800+ depending on provider |
| Average CNA Salary in Tennessee | $28,000–$40,000 annually (varies by region) |
Why Become a CNA in Tennessee?
Tennessee continues to see strong demand for CNAs, particularly in long-term care, rehabilitation, and home health settings. As the population ages and healthcare needs expand, nurse aides are needed across both metropolitan areas and smaller communities.
CNA certification offers:
- Quick entry into the healthcare workforce
- Experience that supports advancement to LPN or RN programs
- Job opportunities in hospitals, skilled nursing, and home care
Tennessee CNA Certification Explained
Becoming a CNA in Tennessee follows a clear path:
Training Requirement
Students must complete a state-approved CNA training program totaling at least 75 hours, including classroom learning and supervised clinical practice.
Competency Exam
Graduates must pass the Tennessee Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes a written or oral knowledge test and a hands-on skills evaluation.
Registry Placement
After passing, candidates are added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, allowing them to work legally as CNAs.
Certification Renewal
To maintain active CNA certification, CNAs typically must work a minimum number of paid hours during the renewal period or requalify through testing if requirements are not met.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Tennessee
| Training Area | Skills Developed |
| Care Fundamentals | Infection control, patient safety, resident rights |
| Personal Care | Bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility |
| Health Monitoring | Vital signs and reporting changes |
| Communication | Team interaction and professionalism |
| Clinical Practice | Supervised hands-on care |
Clinical training occurs in person at approved healthcare facilities.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Tennessee?
Most CNA programs in Tennessee take 4 to 8 weeks, depending on scheduling format and clinical availability. Things that impact length include:
- Part-time or full-time attendance
- Daytime or night/weekend schedules
- Availability and structure of in-person clinical hours
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not allow students to complete CNA certification fully online. Because CNAs provide hands-on patient care, the state requires in-person clinical training and skills practice before students can qualify for testing.
However, some schools may offer hybrid CNA programs, which typically work like this:
- Online classroom instruction may be used for theory topics such as infection control, patient rights, and safety procedures
- In-person skills labs are required so students can practice transfers, vital signs, hygiene care, and mobility assistance
- Supervised clinical rotations take place in healthcare facilities like nursing homes or hospitals
Even if the program includes online coursework, students must complete in-person clinical hours to be eligible for the Tennessee Nurse Aide Competency Exam and placement on the state registry.
When researching programs, students should confirm:
- How many hours are online vs. in-person
- Where clinical training occurs
- That the program is state-approved for certification
Tennessee CNA Employment and Wages
CNA salaries in Tennessee vary by region and healthcare setting, with hospitals and specialized care facilities often offering higher pay.
CNA Salary in Tennessee
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Tennessee | 23,030 | $36,750 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
Comparing CNA Programs in Tennessee: Good Signs vs Red Flags
| Strong Program | Possible Red Flag |
| Clearly states state approval | Doesn't mention approval status |
| Arranges clinical placements | Expects students to find their own |
| Offers exam prep | No testing preparation support |
| Transparent tuition | Hidden or unclear fees |
| Employer partnerships | No career placement resources |
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Tennessee
| Role | Training Time | Main Duties | Advancement Path |
| CNA | Weeks | Direct patient care | LPN → RN |
| Medical Assistant | Months | Clinical + admin | LPN/RN |
| LPN | ~1 year | Nursing care & meds | RN |
| RN | 2–4 years | Full nursing practice | APRN/leadership |
Starting as a CNA allows individuals to gain real patient-care experience quickly before committing to longer nursing programs. Ready to advance? Check out nursing schools in Tennessee and consider a CNA to RN program.
2026 Updated List of Tennessee Schools Offering CNA Classes
Chattanooga, TN
Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 5-week program length
- 120 clock hours total
- Campus-based training format
- Hands-on learning approach
- Prepares for state exams
- Rolling admissions available
- Starts every five weeks
- Patient safety training
Collegedale, TN
Southern Adventist University
- Certificate/Diploma - Clinical Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- 4-6 months program length
- $2,000 total tuition
- NRSA and CCMA certifications
- High school diploma required
- 100% online with clinical rotations
- No prerequisite courses
- Expert-led video training
- National certification exam included
Dyersburg, TN
Dyersburg State Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 3 credit course
- Diverse healthcare settings
- Patient care fundamentals
- Classroom and practical skills
- Professional documentation training
Harriman, TN
Roane State Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Clinical Nurse Aide (CNA) with Tennessee State Licensure
Campus Based - Website
- Tennessee State Licensure Included
- Experienced Healthcare Instructors
- Campus-based Training
- Part of Established Healthcare Program
- Over 20 Years Healthcare Education
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Harriman
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 120-hour training program
- Part-time evening classes
- 2-month typical length
- $1,249 total tuition/fees
- $324 textbook/supplies cost
- Certificate credential awarded
- On-campus program delivery
- Minimum age 16 requirement
Huntsville, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Oneida-Huntsville
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Aide
Campus Based - Website
- 120 total clock hours.
- 80 classroom hours.
- 40 clinical training hours.
- Total tuition $576.
- Textbook cost $179.
- Certificate credential awarded.
- Day class type.
- Campus-based program.
Knoxville, TN
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Program length 2 months.
- 120 clock hours total.
- Campus-based instruction.
- Tuition cost $591.00.
- Total estimated cost $850.
- Financial aid eligible.
- Certificate credential awarded.
- State-approved CNA course.
Morristown, TN
Walters State Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Certified Nurse Assistant program.
- Allied Health Training division.
- Campus-based program.
- Career-focused healthcare training.
- Teaches new skills.
- Refreshes existing skills.
- Works with local providers.
- Prepares for medical settings.
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Aide Training
Campus Based - Website
- Program fee $899.
- Campus-based training.
- 35 hours clinical experience.
- Students must be 18+.
- Textbook cost $123.
- CPR certification required.
- Background check needed.
- Drug screen required.
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.)
Campus Based - Website
- Less than 12-week training program
- State-approved certification preparation
- 75-hour comprehensive curriculum
- Direct patient care skills training
- Multiple healthcare employment settings
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