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Becoming a CNA in Tennessee

Steps to Become a CNA in Tennessee

    • Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements for CNA school admission and state certification.

    • Attend a School: Enroll in a state-approved CNA training program in Tennessee that meets the required hours of classroom and clinical training.

    • Pass the CNA Exam: Successfully complete both the written and skills portions of the CNA exam.

    • Certification Registration and Upkeep: Register with the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry and stay up-to-date with certification renewal requirements.



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

Online

Sincere Healthcare Institute LLC

Sincere Healthcare Institute offers flexible day or evening classes, a comprehensive payment plan, and financial aid options, all backed by experienced instructors and a focus on hands-on clinical training. Read more…
$2,200
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The Healthcare Readiness Institute

The Healthcare Readiness Institute offers small class sizes, personalized instruction, and hands-on learning, along with financial aid options and tutoring services to ensure student success. Read more…
$800
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Comprehensive Health Academy of Tennessee, LLC

CHAT offers a 4-week CNA program with small class sizes, flexible schedules, job placement assistance, and pay-as-you-go options. Conveniently located near the interstate for easy access. Read more…
$3,000
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Professional Allied Health LLC

Professional Allied Health LLC offers a comprehensive 5-week CNA program with flexible online and in-person learning, state exam prep, and payment plans, ensuring students are fully prepared for healthcare careers. Read more…
$3,000
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Career Academy CNA Training

Career Academy offers flexible payment plans, job placement assistance, and training by experienced nurses, all within a 4-week day or 6-week evening program, including CPR certification and state test fees. Read more…
$1,350
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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:

  1. 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.

  1. 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

id Name Image Website Street Address City State Zip Code Map Link plus_code Phone latitude longitude latlong Category Reviews Rating 5star 4star 3star 2star 1star description Monday Hours Tuesday Hours Wednesday Hours Thursday Hours Friday Hours Saturday Hours Sunday Hours Details
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 thumbnail?panoid=whU0A3gMJ1lU3bR0RfNhnw&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=298.26602&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 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 AF1QipPTQ-BNzvlC_8ShcmjX0amwMRiLZ6e579ANU1Kj=w408-h272-k-no 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 AF1QipMH2LKAVia6NKEY16txYa3cBZ5RAmeQSWAowusE=w408-h544-k-no 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 AF1QipMoPp9cthHXAMEXWKdJvYQ8EaxUrJ1STWAU4ZvP=w498-h240-k-no 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 AF1QipOx8GVmcCoksOdx-o-4Yux_rqVsBxWlefSed9La=w426-h240-k-no 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 AF1QipMaKr_tC_twYQZLC5M-JzYygb_qtK_POBkfrik=w408-h272-k-no 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 AF1QipPvXMdZjNpHT5E1P0FY_R5yTL86IGJVK0qpOMzB=w408-h544-k-no 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 AF1QipMuHDyTB8_T5RPDHAavk8y6hyiCtywb8IP8Tcia=w408-h544-k-no 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 AF1QipMto-f1wb_BIO3V5DxMYJV4yQ0_1prRc7uFi9N_=w408-h306-k-no 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