Tennessee has an increasingly booming population which is expected to rise above seven million in 2020. This means there is a constant need for skilled medical professionals. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) make up an essential part of this and working as a CNA is a great way to take the first step in your Tennessee healthcare journey. CNAs in Tennessee can make between $25,580 to 36,810 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The state of Tennessee requires prospective CNAs to undergo a state-approved nurse aide training program unless they qualify for an exemption (nursing students and military medical aides). Completion of the training will allow the candidate to sit the exam and begin their career as a CNA.
Tennessee CNA Certification Requirements
Eligibility to take CNA classes and work in Tennessee varies depending on the location and the institution. There is no state requirement for a GED or high school diploma, though it is recommended. Some requirements that exist across all state-approved courses include:
- Being 18 years or over
- Passing a criminal background check.
- Having a valid state-issued ID
- Having a card for CPR for Healthcare Providers
- Passing drug and TB screening
- Being physically able to lift 40 pounds and stand for hours
- Up to date immunizations
- Having liability insurance
Tennessee CNA Classes & Testing Costs
To sit the examination and become a qualified CNA in Tennessee, you must first complete a state-approved training program, unless you are exempt. The training is a minimum 75 hours with 16 clinical hours. This can be completed in as little as two to six weeks. Completion of this course qualifies you for the examination.
The cost of the examination is $90. The costs of the prerequisite training can vary greatly depending on the institution and where you are located, usually averaging $800 for tuition, not including the costs of textbooks, uniforms, and other incremental costs. Contacting healthcare providers may allow you to arrange free training in exchange for the promise to work at the institution after you pass the exam. An incomplete list of places that may offer free training can be found here.
| Training Program | City | Zip Code | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crockett County High School | Alamo, TN | 38001 | 731-696-4525 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Athens | Athens, TN | 37303 | 423-744-2814 |
| Greystone Healthcare Center | Blountville, TN | 37617 | 423-323-7112 |
| Pine Meadows Healthcare Center | Bolivar, TN | 38008 | 731-658-4707 |
| Haywood High School | Brownsville, TN | 38012 | 731-772-1845 |
| Life Care Center of Bruceton-Hollow Rock | Bruceton, TN | 38317 | 731-586-2061 |
| NHC HealthCare, Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN | 37404 | 423-624-1533 |
| Brainerd High School | Chattanooga, TN | 37411 | 423-855-2615 |
| Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga, TN | 37406 | 423-697-4400 |
| Chattanooga State Community College East Campus | Chattanooga, TN | 37421 | 423-697-4400 |
| The Health Center at Standifer Place | Chattanooga, TN | 37421 | 423-490-1599 |
| BrightStar Care of Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN | 37421 | 423-296-6640 |
| Hospice of Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN | 37416 | 423-892-4289 |
| Maxim Healthcare Services | Chattanooga, TN | 37421 | 423-553-5530 |
| Miller-Motte College | Chattanooga, TN | 37421 | 423-414-3247 |
| Church Hill Health Care Center | Church Hill, TN | 37642 | 423-357-7178 |
| Walking Horse Meadows | Clarksville, TN | 37043 | 931-648-8007 |
| Ahava Healthcare of Clarksville | Clarksville, TN | 37043 | 931-647-0269 |
| Tennessee Health Careers LLC | Clarksville, TN | 37042 | 931-648-2424 |
| Tennessee State Veterans' Home - Clarksville | Clarksville, TN | 37042 | 931-245-4700 |
| AHC Clarksville | Clarksville, TN | 37040 | 931-552-3002 |
| Spring Meadows Health Care Center - Nursing Home Clarksville TN | Clarksville, TN | 37043 | 931-552-0181 |
| Cleveland State Community College | Cleveland, TN | 37312 | 423-472-7141 |
| AHC Applingwood | Cordova, TN | 38016 | 901-385-1803 |
| Life Care Center of Crossville | Crossville, TN | 38555 | 931-484-4782 |
| WyndRidge Health & Rehab Center | Crossville, TN | 38555 | 931-484-6129 |
| Jefferson Park at Dandridge | Dandridge, TN | 37725 | 865-397-3163 |
| Sequatchie County High School | Dunlap, TN | 37327 | 423-949-2154 |
| Dyersburg State Community College | Dyersburg, TN | 38024 | 731-286-3200 |
| Ivy Hall Nursing Home | Elizabethton, TN | 37643 | 423-547-3840 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Elizabethton - Main Campus | Elizabethton, TN | 37643 | 423-543-0070 |
| Signature HealthCARE of Erin | Erin, TN | 37061 | 931-289-4141 |
| Erwin Health Care Center | Erwin, TN | 37650 | 423-743-4131 |
| Center on Aging & Health | Erwin, TN | 37650 | 423-743-7669 |
| Unicoi County High School | Erwin, TN | 37650 | 423-743-1632 |
| NHC Place, Cool Springs | Franklin, TN | 37067 | 615-778-6800 |
| NHC Place, Sumner | Gallatin, TN | 37066 | 615-451-0788 |
| Greene Technology Center | Greeneville, TN | 37743 | 423-639-0172 |
| Life Care Center of Greeneville | Greeneville, TN | 37743 | 423-639-8131 |
| Roane State Community College | Harriman, TN | 37748 | 865-354-3000 |
| Harriman Care & Rehabilitation Center | Harriman, TN | 37748 | 865-882-9159 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Harriman | Harriman, TN | 37748 | 865-882-6703 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Hartsville | Hartsville, TN | 37074 | 615-374-2147 |
| Freed-Hardeman University | Henderson, TN | 38340 | 800-348-3481 |
| McKendree Village Inc. | Hermitage, TN | 37076 | 615-871-8200 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Oneida/Huntsville | Huntsville, TN | 37756 | 423-663-4900 |
| AHC Forest Cove | Jackson, TN | 38301 | 731-424-4200 |
| Signature HealthCARE of Fentress County | Jamestown, TN | 38556 | 931-879-5859 |
| Beech Tree Post Acute Rehabilitation Center | Jellico, TN | 37762 | 423-784-6626 |
| Science Hill CTE | Johnson City, TN | 37604 | 423-232-2200 |
| Ross Medical Education Center | Johnson City, TN | 37601 | 423-232-6270 |
| Chattanooga State Community College - Kimball Site | Kimball, TN | 37347 | 423-837-1327 |
| Wexford House | Kingsport, TN | 37660 | 423-288-3988 |
| South-Doyle High School | Knoxville, TN | 37920 | 865-577-4475 |
| Compassionate Care Technical Center | Knoxville, TN | 37919 | 865-394-9960 |
| Shannondale Health Care Center | Knoxville, TN | 37909 | 865-690-3411 |
| Shannondale Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | 37909 | 865-690-3411 |
| South College Parkside | Knoxville, TN | 37922 | 865-251-1800 |
| South College Parkside | Knoxville, TN | 37922 | 865-251-1800 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology | Knoxville, TN | 37919 | 865-546-5567 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | 37919 | 865-546-5567 |
| Lebanon Center for Rehabilitation and Healing | Lebanon, TN | 37087 | 615-444-4319 |
| NHC McMinnville | McMinnville, TN | 37110 | 931-473-8431 |
| Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Center | Memphis, TN | 38116 | 901-396-2800 |
| Health Tech Institute-Memphis | Memphis, TN | 38126 | 901-529-9007 |
| Allen Morgan Health Center | Memphis, TN | 38111 | 901-325-4003 |
| AHC Bright Glade | Memphis, TN | 38117 | 901-682-5677 |
| Concorde Career College - Memphis | Memphis, TN | 38137 | 800-249-7082 |
| The Healthcare Institute Inc | Memphis, TN | 38125 | 901-244-0844 |
| Career Academy CNA Training | Memphis, TN | 38112 | 901-761-4500 |
| Southwest Tennessee Community College - Union Avenue Campus | Memphis, TN | 38103 | 901-333-5000 |
| Standing Stone Care & Rehabilitation Center | Monterey, TN | 38574 | 931-839-2244 |
| The Heritage Center | Morristown, TN | 37814 | 423-581-5100 |
| Walters State Community College | Morristown, TN | 37813 | 423-585-2600 |
| Mountain City Care & Rehabilitation Center | Mountain City, TN | 37683 | 423-727-7800 |
| AdamsPlace | Murfreesboro, TN | 37129 | 615-904-9111 |
| Community Care of Rutherford County | Murfreesboro, TN | 37127 | 615-893-2624 |
| Adoration Health | Nashville, TN | 37228 | 615-733-3600 |
| Bordeaux Long Term Care | Nashville, TN | 37218 | 615-712-2600 |
| Fortis Institute | Nashville, TN | 37211 | 615-320-5917 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | 37235 | 615-322-7311 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, TN | 37232 | 615-322-5000 |
| Nats Inc | Nashville, TN | 37217 | 615-333-8474 |
| Phlebotomy Training Specialists | Nashville, TN | 37217 | 888-531-8378 |
| Nashville Center for Rehabilitation & Healing | Nashville, TN | 37203 | 615-806-8800 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Paris | Paris, TN | 38242 | 731-644-7365 |
| Giles County High School | Pulaski, TN | 38478 | 931-363-6532 |
| Summit View of Rocky Top | Rocky Top, TN | 37769 | 865-426-2147 |
| Signature HealthCARE of Rogersville | Rogersville, TN | 37857 | 423-272-3099 |
| Ridgeview Terrace of Life Care | Rutledge, TN | 37861 | 865-828-5295 |
| Harbert Hills Academy Nurse Home | Savannah, TN | 38372 | 731-925-3098 |
| JSCC - Savannah-Hardin County Center | Savannah, TN | 38372 | 731-925-5722 |
| Walters State Community College - Sevier Campus | Sevierville, TN | 37876 | 865-774-5800 |
| Glen Oaks Health & Rehab | Shelbyville, TN | 37160 | 931-684-8340 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Shelbyville | Shelbyville, TN | 37160 | 931-685-5013 |
| NHC HealthCare, Smithville | Smithville, TN | 37166 | 615-597-4284 |
| Soddy-Daisy Healthcare Center | Soddy-Daisy, TN | 37379 | 423-332-0060 |
| NHC Somerville | Somerville, TN | 38068 | 901-465-9861 |
| Life Care Center of Sparta | Sparta, TN | 38583 | 931-738-9430 |
| Independence High School | Thompson's Station, TN | 37179 | 615-472-4600 |
| Obion County Nursing Home | Union City, TN | 38261 | 731-885-9065 |
| Waverly Health Care & Rehabilitation | Waverly, TN | 37185 | 931-296-7552 |
| Westmoreland Care & Rehabilitation Center | Westmoreland, TN | 37186 | 615-644-5111 |
CNA Classes & Nurse Aide Courses in Tennessee
If you are tempted by the sound of becoming a CNA in Tennessee, the following links will help you get started. These are some popular institutes that offer CNA classes in Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville, three of the major population centers in the state. Please contact these institutions directly for further information on the program, curriculum, or costs.
CNA Classes in Nashville, TN
NATS, Inc. This is a four-week CNA class with 100 clock hours split between classroom/labs and clinical training. This can also be extended to six weeks for evening-only classes. Fees are $900, and the lab fee is $50 which is deposited along with your application. Classes restart every six weeks.
Nashville General Hospital – School of Health Sciences. This course is Saturday only and runs for 12 weeks. It aims to cover everything from patient rights to clinical work and provides experience within the hospital. A high school diploma or GED is required and there is an application fee of $50. Tuition is $750 plus around $250 for textbooks, checks, and materials. Courses run every three months and the next start date can be found by calling on 615-341-4659.
National HealthCare Corporation. This is a free program except for the cost of the uniform, and it is offered every month. It boasts a very flexible schedule which is particularly suited to high school and college students, but will also benefit those working around childcare, etc.
Learn more about CNA classes in Nashville.
CNA Classes in Memphis, TN
Career Academy. This expert-led CNA four-week daytime/six-week evening course is run by experts in the field and offers contacts within healthcare. The $1350 tuition covers CPR costs, examination fee (1 time), textbooks, and job-finding assistance. There may also be tuition reductions or exemptions for those on SNAP, VA, or other financial assistance programs.
Concorde. This is a more advanced medical assistant course which will help you take a step further in your medical career. They offer the CNA exam as well as the later MA test, and the full diploma course lasts around eight months. The course is around $15,000 for eight months plus fees for books and materials.
CNA Classes in Knoxville, TN
Compassionate Care. This is a 96 hour course split between 78 classroom hours and 18 clinical hours. The cost, including registration, handbook, ID, and liability insurance, is around $700 but does not include equipment. You must either have a GED/high school diploma or sit and pass the Ability to Benefit Test.
Additional Tennessee CNA resources
After the above links help you get started, make sure to keep a note of the following links to help you with your further education and career.
Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry
To contact the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, use the information below:
Nurse Aide Registry
Cordell Hull Bldg., 1st Floor
425 5th Ave. North
Nashville, TN 37247-1010
PH: (615) 532-3202 or (800) 778-4505
Out of State CNAs
Active out-of-state CNAs can register to work in Tennessee by applying for reciprocity. The form and instructions can be found here. There is no fee for this, but your home state may charge at their discretion.
Note: This does not apply to candidates from North Dakota, Georgia, or Florida. Candidates from these states must re-sit the examination. Georgia residents may challenge the exam directly, while those from North Dakota and Florida only can after completing the full training within Tennessee.
CNA Renewal in Tennessee
Once registered, your CNA license in Tennessee is valid for two years and may be renewed so long as you have worked eight full hours during this time at a state-approved facility. It must be renewed at least one month before expiration.
How much does a CNA make in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the average wage for a starting CNA is $15.19 per hour, or $31,600 annually. Salary varies depending on where in the state and which institution you work with, with urban populations such as Chattanooga or Memphis generally giving higher wages but having a higher cost of living in return.
