Becoming a CNA in Tennessee
Steps to Become a CNA in Tennessee
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- Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements for CNA school admission and state certification.
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- Attend a School: Enroll in a state-approved CNA training program in Tennessee that meets the required hours of classroom and clinical training.
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- Pass the CNA Exam: Successfully complete both the written and skills portions of the CNA exam.
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- Certification Registration and Upkeep: Register with the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry and stay up-to-date with certification renewal requirements.
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1. Meet Basic Requirements
Before you can start CNA training in Tennessee, you need to meet the basic eligibility requirements. These include age, health, and legal criteria.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to enroll in a CNA training program.
- Health Requirements: You may need to pass a physical exam, and provide proof of up-to-date immunizations. This often includes a TB test and possibly a Hepatitis B vaccination. Additionally, you’ll need a current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers (CPR) certification from the American Heart Association.
- Criminal Background Check: All CNA candidates in Tennessee must pass a criminal background check. Certain convictions may prevent you from becoming certified, as outlined in state regulations.
Once you meet these basic requirements, you’re eligible to apply for a CNA training program in Tennessee.
2. Attend a School
The next step is to complete a state-approved CNA training program. The Tennessee Department of Health oversees these programs, which are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, and even some healthcare facilities.
Training Requirements:
- Total Hours: Tennessee requires 75 hours of training, which includes:
- 60 hours of classroom instruction covering theoretical knowledge and core nursing principles.
- 15 hours of clinical training in a supervised, hands-on healthcare setting.
- Curriculum Topics:
- Basic Nursing Care: Vital signs, patient positioning, feeding, and hygiene.
- Patient Rights: Understanding patient dignity, confidentiality, and legal rights.
- Infection Control: Best practices to prevent the spread of infections.
- Emergency Procedures: Handling emergencies, including performing CPR.
- Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care: Special training for working with cognitively impaired patients.
Considerations When Choosing a CNA Program:
- Program Duration: CNA programs in Tennessee can typically be completed in 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the program’s structure and schedule (part-time vs. full-time).
- Cost: The cost of CNA programs in Tennessee ranges from $800 to $2,000, depending on the institution. Some programs may offer financial aid or scholarships, so it’s important to inquire.
- Program Flexibility: Many schools offer evening or weekend classes, making it easier to balance work or other commitments.
Sample CNA Programs in Tennessee
School Name | Location | Cost | Program Length | Contact Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nashville State Community College | Nashville, TN | $1,200 | 8 weeks | (615) 353-3333 |
Tennessee College of Applied Technology | Knoxville, TN | $900 | 6-8 weeks | (865) 546-5567 |
Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga, TN | $1,500 | 10 weeks | (423) 697-4400 |
After completing an approved CNA program, you are eligible to take the Tennessee CNA exam.
Featured CNA Programs in Tennessee
3. Pass the CNA Exam
After completing your training, the next step is to pass the Tennessee CNA certification exam. This exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Health.
Exam Structure:
The CNA exam in Tennessee consists of two parts:
- Written (or Oral) Exam:
- The written exam has 75 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as basic nursing care, patient safety, and infection control.
- You will have 90 minutes to complete the written test.
- If you prefer, you can take the oral version of the exam, which is available in both English and Spanish. The oral exam consists of the same 75 questions but includes 10 reading comprehension questions to assess English proficiency.
- Skills Exam:
- The skills exam requires you to demonstrate five randomly selected CNA skills in front of an evaluator. These skills may include tasks like handwashing, transferring a patient, or taking vital signs.
- You will have 35 minutes to perform all five skills.
- You must pass both the written and skills portions to become certified.
CNA Exam Costs:
Exam Type | Cost |
---|---|
Written & Skills Evaluation | $98 |
Oral & Skills Evaluation | $98 |
Written Exam Only | $30 |
Skills Exam Only | $68 |
Tips for the Day of the Exam:
- Arrive 20-30 minutes early to the testing site.
- Wear clinical attire (e.g., scrubs and closed-toe shoes).
- Bring a government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, or State ID) and your Social Security Card.
- Bring three No. 2 pencils for filling out the written exam.
What Happens After the Exam?
- Once you pass the CNA exam, your results will be submitted to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, and you will receive your CNA certification.
- If you fail any portion of the exam, you can retest up to two more times. If you fail three times, you must retake the training program before attempting the test again.
Call-to-Action:
To help ensure success, be sure to take our CNA exam practice test before your exam.
4. Certification Registration and Upkeep
Once you pass the exam, you’ll need to register with the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry to legally work as a CNA. Maintaining your certification is an ongoing process that requires renewing it every two years.
How to Register as a CNA:
- Once you’ve passed the CNA exam, your information will be added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. You can verify your certification status through the Tennessee Department of Health.
- Certification in Tennessee is valid for two years. To maintain your active status, you must meet specific employment and training requirements.
Renewing Your Certification:
- Work Requirement: To renew your CNA certification, you must provide proof that you have worked at least 8 hours in a healthcare facility during the last 24 months. Acceptable employment includes working in hospitals, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities.
- Note: Private duty care, working as a sitter, or working in a private physician’s office does not count toward the required 8 hours.
- Proof of Employment: You can provide proof of employment through a pay stub, payroll printout, or a notarized employment verification form completed by your employer.
- Renewal Process: You can renew your certification through the Tennessee Department of Health’s online system, or by mailing the required documentation to the department.
- Address:
Tennessee Department of Health
665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 532-5171
Fax: (615) 248-3601
Email: CNA.HEALTH@TN.GOV
Lapsed Certification:
If your certification lapses, you will need to retrain and retest to regain your active status. This process requires completing another approved CNA program and passing the certification exam again.
Summary of Requirements at a Glance
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Total Training Hours | 75 hours (60 classroom, 15 clinical) |
Exam | Written (or Oral) and Skills Evaluation |
Cost | $98 for both exam parts |
Renewal Period | Every 2 years |
Work Requirement for Renewal | 8 hours of work in a healthcare facility |
Proof of Employment for Renewal | Pay stub, payroll printout, or notarized form |
Becoming a CNA in Tennessee is a fantastic way to begin a rewarding career in healthcare. With the right preparation and commitment, you can gain the necessary skills and knowledge to help patients while building a stable career. Make sure to keep your certification up to date by meeting all renewal requirements and staying informed about state guidelines.
Other Local CNA Programs
Name | City | Zip Code | Phone | Details | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1,739 | Anderson County Career and Tech Center | https://acctc.acs.ac/ | 140 Maverick Cir | Clinton | TN | 37716 | 5W53+JH Clinton, Tennessee | (865) 457-4205 | 36.16 | -84.10 | 36.1590646-84.0960881 | Technical school | 12 | 4.6 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | More details | ||||||||||
1,740 | Ave Maria Home | https://avemariahome.org/ | 2795 Charles Bryan Rd | Bartlett | TN | 38134 | 6523+HC Bartlett, Tennessee | (901) 386-3211 | 35.20 | -89.85 | 35.2014236-89.846405 | Nursing home | 25 | 3.0 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 8AM to 8PM | 8AM to 8PM | 8AM to 8PM | 8AM to 8PM | 8AM to 8PM | 8AM to 5:30PM | 8AM to 5:30PM | More details | |||
1,741 | Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Job Corps Center | https://benjaminlhooks.jobcorps.gov/ | 1555 McAlister Dr | Memphis | TN | 38116 | XXWQ+Q5 Memphis, Tennessee | (901) 396-2800 | 35.00 | -90.01 | 34.9969025-90.012023 | Educational institution | 70 | 3.1 | 32 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 27 | 7AM to 5PM | 7AM to 5PM | 7AM to 5PM | 7AM to 5PM | 7AM to 5PM | Closed | 7AM to 5PM | More details | |||
1,742 | BRIDGES USA | https://www.bridgesusa.org/ | 477 N 5th St | Memphis | TN | 38105 | 5X44+HM Memphis, Tennessee | (901) 452-5600 | 35.16 | -90.04 | 35.1564451-90.0433202 | Youth organization | 43 | 4.7 | 38 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8AM to 5PM | 8AM to 5PM | 8AM to 5PM | 8AM to 5PM | 8AM to 5PM | Closed | Closed | More details | |||
1,743 | Community Care of Rutherford County | https://rutherfordcountytn.gov/CCRC | 901 County Farm Rd | Murfreesboro | TN | 37127 | QJ99+8P Murfreesboro, Tennessee | (615) 893-2624 | 35.77 | -86.38 | 35.7683372-86.3806533 | Nursing home | 30 | 4.2 | 23 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 9AM to 5PM | 9AM to 5PM | 9AM to 5PM | 9AM to 5PM | 9AM to 5PM | 9AM to 5PM | 9AM to 5PM | More details | |||
1,744 | NHC HealthCare Chattanooga | https://www.nhcchattanooga.com/ | 2700 Parkwood Ave | Chattanooga | TN | 37404 | 2PQR+MV Chattanooga, Tennessee | (423) 624-1533 | 35.04 | -85.26 | 35.039181-85.257753 | Nursing home | 48 | 3.9 | 31 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 12 | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | More details | |||
1,745 | Greystone Healthcare Center | https://greystonehc.com/ | 181 Dunlap Rd | Blountville | TN | 37617 | FHGM+CJ Blountville, Tennessee | (423) 323-7112 | 36.48 | -82.42 | 36.4760713-82.4158901 | Nursing home | 90 | 3.4 | 49 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 32 | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | More details | |||
1,746 | Greene Technology Center | https://gtc.gcschools.net/ | 1121 Hal Henard Rd | Greeneville | TN | 37743 | 5449+7Q Greeneville, Tennessee | (423) 639-0171 | 36.16 | -82.88 | 36.1556896-82.8806046 | Technical school | 10 | 5.0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | More details | ||||||||||
1,747 | Haywood County Schools | https://haywoodschools.com/ | 900 E Main St | Brownsville | TN | 38012 | HPVW+36 Brownsville, Tennessee | (731) 772-9613 | 35.59 | -89.25 | 35.5927188-89.2544951 | School district office | 12 | 4.5 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8AM to 4PM | 8AM to 4PM | 8AM to 4PM | 8AM to 4PM | 8AM to 4PM | Closed | Closed | More details | |||
1,748 | Ivy Hall Nursing Home | https://ivyhallnursinghome.com/ | 301 S Watauga Ave | Elizabethton | TN | 37643 | 8QVG+HV Elizabethton, Tennessee | (423) 542-6512 | 36.34 | -82.22 | 36.3439691-82.2227971 | Nursing home | 19 | 4.1 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | Open 24 hours | More details | |||
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