Top CNA Programs in Tennessee (2027 Rankings)

Tennessee’s healthcare employers continue to hire CNAs at a strong pace, and accelerated programs now put certification within reach in five to eight weeks. While some coursework can be completed online, state rules still require in-person clinical hours, a bottleneck that shapes program availability.

Net prices across the programs ranked here run from $4,270 at Roane State Community College to $24,345 at Southern Adventist University, with several TCAT campuses charging under $1,250 in total tuition and fees. Because clinical placements are capped, the cheapest seats often fill months ahead; the best program for you may be the one with an open slot when you’re ready to enroll.

10 Best CNA Programs in Tennessee

This ranking focuses on Tennessee CNA programs that combine manageable tuition, practical clinical training, and a realistic path to state certification. Each profile includes program format and costs alongside institution-wide outcomes so you can compare options quickly.

Rank	School	Location	Net price	Best for
#1	Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Harriman	Harriman, TN	$10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.)	Budget-conscious students needing evening sessions
TCAT Harriman offers a compact, state-approved nursing assistant certificate that combines classroom instruction with clinical experience. The program is one of the more affordable options in Tennessee, with total tuition and fees around $1,249 plus about $324 for books and supplies. Evening sessions make it a practical fit for students who need to train outside standard daytime hours, and the two-month timeline keeps the path to the state CNA exam short. Nursing Assistant, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website 120-hour training program Total tuition and fees: $1,249 Textbooks and supplies: $324 Part-time evening classes Typical length: about two months Clinical hours included Minimum age 16; background, drug screen, and physical required Prepares graduates for the Tennessee CNA exam
#2	Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Oneida-Huntsville	Huntsville, TN	~$16,000/yr (est.)	Rural learners wanting low-cost day classes
TCAT Oneida-Huntsville delivers one of the lowest-cost CNA training options in the state, with a 120-hour program priced at $576 in tuition plus about $179 for textbooks. The day-class, campus-based format combines 80 classroom hours with 40 hours of supervised clinical training. Graduates leave eligible for Tennessee's nurse aide state exam and are prepared for direct patient care roles in long-term care, assisted living, and home health settings. Nursing Assistant, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website 120 total clock hours 80 classroom hours 40 clinical training hours Total tuition: $576 Textbook cost: $179 Day class, campus-based format Eligible for state nurse aide exam Located at the Oneida extension campus
#3	Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville	Knoxville, TN	$20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.)	Knoxville-area students needing multiple campus options
TCAT Knoxville offers a two-month nursing aide certificate with 120 clock hours and multiple campus locations in Knoxville and Maryville. The $591 tuition, plus books, supplies, and state test fees, brings the estimated total to around $850, and financial aid may be available for qualifying students. Day and evening schedules make it a flexible option for students balancing work or family commitments. Nursing Assistant, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website Typically two months, 120 clock hours Tuition: $591 Estimated total around $850 including books and state test fees Financial aid eligible Day and evening class schedules Campuses in Knoxville and Maryville Minimum age 18; background, drug screen, physical, and immunization records required Prepares for the state CNA test
#4	Roane State Community College	Harriman, TN	$4,000/yr (est. net price)
Roane State's Clinical Nurse Aid program is approved by the Tennessee Department of Health and combines lecture, skills labs, and 24 hours of supervised patient care in a long-term care facility. Financial aid may be available, and local agencies like the American Job Center sometimes help cover tuition for qualifying students. The program is offered at the Oak Ridge Campus and prepares graduates for Tennessee's C.N.A. exam. Clinical Nurse Aid, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website Tennessee Department of Health approved 120 hours of C.N.A. training 24 clinical hours Financial aid available Funding possible through American Job Center Offered at Oak Ridge Campus Registration closes two weeks before start Prepares for Tennessee C.N.A. exam
#5	Walters State Community College	Morristown, TN	~$5,000/yr (est.)
Walters State Community College offers two accessible CNA pathways through its Allied Health Training division and continuing education catalog. The campus-based training works with local healthcare providers, and one listed option includes 35 clinical hours plus a $899 program fee, $123 textbook, and $140 state exam fee. Financial aid may be available through the college's standard processes. Nursing Assistant, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website Program fee: $899 35 clinical hours Minimum age: 18 Textbook cost: $123 State exam fee: $140 CPR, background check, drug screen, and immunizations required Campus-based allied health training Prepares for Tennessee licensure
#6	Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga	Chattanooga, TN	$24,000/yr (est. net price)
Miller-Motte College in Chattanooga offers a fast five-week, 120-hour certified nursing assistant program with rolling admissions and new starts every five weeks. The hands-on campus format emphasizes patient safety, medical terminology, communication, and legal and ethical responsibilities. Students also have access to financial aid options and career services as they prepare for Tennessee's state licensing exam. Nursing Assistant, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website 5-week program length 120 clock hours total Campus-based, hands-on training Rolling admissions, starts every five weeks Prepares for state licensing exams Covers patient safety and medical terminology HIPAA and ethical responsibilities included Financial aid and career services available
#7	Southern Adventist University	Collegedale, TN	$20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.)
Southern Adventist University offers a clinical nurse aide certificate that can be completed in about four to six months for a $2,000 tuition, with payment plans and a $500 minimum deposit. The program combines online didactic instruction with hands-on local clinical rotations, making it one of the few hybrid CNA pathways in Tennessee. Graduates prepare for the NRSA and CCMA certification exams and may qualify for employer tuition reimbursement. Clinical Nurse Aide, Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus Visit Website Total tuition: $2,000 Typically completed in four to six months Prepares for CNA, NRSA, and CCMA exams Employer tuition reimbursement supported Payment plans available with $500 minimum deposit Training materials and certification exam fee included Hands-on clinical rotations included Online didactic plus local clinical rotations

How to Become a CNA in Tennessee: Step-by-Step

The path from zero experience to working CNA in Tennessee typically spans 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the program’s pace and format. Here is a step-by-step timeline of what to expect.

Tennessee CNA Training Requirements

State regulations establish a 75-hour floor for CNA programs in Tennessee, but many schools exceed that benchmark, providing extra clinical practice or classroom instruction. That contrast matters because where you train can shape how prepared you feel on day one of the job.

Mandatory Training Hours

Tennessee requires all CNA training programs to include a minimum of 75 total hours. Of those, at least 16 hours must be supervised clinical training in a long-term care facility. This mirrors the federal minimum set by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987. While the state does not demand more than the federal floor, program graduates still need to demonstrate competence through a state-administered competency exam before they can be listed on the Nurse Aide Registry.

Prerequisites for Enrollment

Before starting a program, students must meet several non-academic requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is not mandatory, but programs may have their own academic readiness standards.
• Criminal background check: Every applicant undergoes a state and federal fingerprint-based background check. Tennessee law disqualifies individuals with felony convictions for abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property, though other offenses are reviewed case by case.
• Health screening: A physical exam, a negative tuberculosis (TB) test, and proof of hepatitis B vaccination (or a signed declination) are required. Many programs also mandate a drug screening.

What Makes a Program State-Approved?

A state-approved CNA program is one that appears on the Tennessee Department of Health’s list of approved nurse aide training providers. Only these programs satisfy the licensing board’s curriculum standards and clinical site agreements. Completing a non-approved program, even one that covers the same material, will not qualify you to sit for the competency exam. The Department of Health audits programs regularly to ensure instructors, facilities, and curricula remain compliant.

Beyond the Minimum: Variable Program Lengths

Although 75 hours is the baseline, many community colleges, technical schools, and healthcare employers offer programs that stretch to 100, 120, or even 150 hours. Longer programs often weave in additional lab time, more diverse clinical rotations, or soft-skills workshops. For a student weighing cost and speed against depth of preparation, this variation is worth investigating upfront. Employers sometimes prefer graduates from extended programs because those candidates tend to need less remediation on the job. Checking a program’s total hours and clinical structure before enrolling can make a tangible difference in your first months as a nursing assistant.

Related Articles

CNA Certification and Licensing in Tennessee

Passing a state-approved training program is only half the battle; the real gatekeeper for Tennessee CNAs is the two-part competency evaluation administered by Headmaster. Even well-prepared graduates can struggle if they underestimate the clinical skills demonstration or the time pressure of the knowledge test. Understanding the exam structure, registration logistics, and what comes after you pass helps you move from student to certified nursing assistant without unnecessary delays.

The Competency Evaluation

Tennessee uses D&S Diversified Technologies, operating as Headmaster, to assess new CNAs. The exam has two components that you must schedule and pass separately: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills evaluation.

• Knowledge test: 100 multiple-choice questions covering basic nursing concepts, safety, infection control, and resident rights. You have 90 minutes and must score at least 75%. If you have difficulty reading English, you can request an oral version.
• Skills test: You will be graded on five randomly selected clinical skills. You have 35 minutes and must perform each skill with at least 80% accuracy, including every required key step. Even minor omissions can cause a failure, so practice precisely as your program taught you.

The total exam fee is $98, $30 for the knowledge portion and $68 for the skills, and you have up to 24 months from your training completion date to pass both parts. If you fail one section, you can retake just that portion, but Headmaster limits retest attempts to three before you must retrain.

Registering and Test-Day Essentials

Create an account on the Headmaster website, select your training program, and pay the fees online. Testing centers are located across Tennessee, including sites in Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga. Schedule early because high-demand slots fill weeks ahead. On test day, bring your Headmaster admission ticket, a valid government-issued photo ID, and your social security card. Wear a clean, short-sleeved uniform top, closed-toe non-skid shoes, and minimal jewelry. You are also expected to bring a wristwatch with a second hand for the skills test, digital or smart watches are not allowed.

After the Exam: The Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry

Once you pass both portions, Headmaster forwards your results to the Tennessee Department of Health, which places your name on the Nurse Aide Registry within about 10 business days. No additional state application fee exists beyond the exam costs. Employers verify your active status through the online registry, so keep your name and address current with the department.

Statewide pass-rate statistics are not centrally published, but many training programs track their graduates’ first-time success. If pass rates matter to you, ask a school for its recent outcomes before you enroll.

Maintaining Active Certification

Tennessee requires CNAs to renew their registration every 24 months. To stay active, you must have worked at least eight hours as a paid nursing assistant during that two-year window. Qualifying employment includes work in a licensed nursing home, hospital, or home health agency. If you fall short of the eight-hour minimum, your certification lapses, and you must retake the competency exam. There is no continuing education requirement for renewal, but any formal in-service training you receive at work can strengthen your resume.

Transferring an Out-of-State CNA License

CNAs who hold an active, unencumbered certification in another state can apply for reciprocity to join the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. Submit a completed endorsement application, a $20 processing fee, and verification of your current license from the other state’s registry. Tennessee does not accept endorsements from Florida because Florida’s registry does not meet Tennessee’s equivalency standards. If you have been out of practice longer than two years, you may need to retrain or re-test, regardless of your out-of-state status.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Online and Hybrid CNA Programs in Tennessee

The Reality of Online CNA Training in Tennessee

When you look for online CNA programs in Tennessee, you won't find a fully remote option. The state requires every nursing assistant candidate to complete hands-on clinical hours in a licensed healthcare facility. That means programs can move the lecture portion online, but skill practice and patient care experience must happen in person. Most of the programs in our ranking reflect this: schools like Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Harriman, Dyersburg State Community College, and Roane State Community College are campus-based, with classes meeting on a set schedule. However, some programs incorporate digital learning tools or self-paced lectures to reduce time in the classroom. Southern Adventist University, for example, describes its clinical nurse aide program as "100% online with clinical rotations." While the didactic portion is delivered through video lectures and online modules, students still report to a clinical site for the required lab and patient-care hours.

What Hybrid Means for Your Schedule

A hybrid CNA program splits training into two parts. You study topics like infection control, patient rights, and basic nursing skills through an online platform, watching videos, taking quizzes, and reading on your own time. Then you attend scheduled clinical shifts at a partner nursing facility, usually a long-term care center or hospital. The balance varies by school. Some compress clinicals into a few full-day weekends; others spread them over several weeks.

The programs listed on this page are predominantly campus-based, so if you're seeking a true hybrid option, you'll need to look closely at the program description or contact the admissions office directly. Southern Adventist is one clear example where the listed highlights indicate an online component, though it still culminates in in-person clinical training.

Pros and Cons of the Hybrid Format

• Flexibility: Online coursework lets you learn when it fits your life, which is ideal for parents or people working a day job.
• Reduced commuting: You save time and transportation costs by not driving to campus for lectures.
• Self-discipline required: Without set class times, you must manage your own study schedule or risk falling behind.
• Clinical scheduling: You still have to block out in-person hours, which may be limited to specific times or locations. If the clinical site is far, that can add travel time.
• Partnerships vary: Many programs partner with local nursing homes or hospitals. The quality and distance of that clinical site can make a big difference, so ask where you'll do your hands-on training before you enroll.

For working adults, the online theory portion can be a major plus, but it's not a shortcut. You'll still need to complete every required clinical hour, usually 40 to 60 hours total, under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

Most Affordable CNA Programs in Tennessee

Several Tennessee nursing homes and healthcare systems offer free CNA training in 2026, often in exchange for a work commitment. CareRite Centers provides a three-week program at no cost with a one-year full-time commitment, while Ballad Health delivers a 100-hour hybrid program. Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab, NHC, and Tennessee State Veterans' Homes also waive tuition, and state policy under the Tennessee Department of Health supports free training and testing for candidates employed by skilled nursing facilities. For those seeking a college-based path, the following programs are among the most affordable when ranked by average net price after financial aid.

CNA Salary and Job Outlook in Tennessee

CNA training programs in Tennessee are often short and affordable, many costing under $1,500 and taking just a few weeks to complete. With a median salary of $35,040 per year statewide, newly certified nursing assistants can quickly see a strong return on investment. The table below breaks down wages and employment across Tennessee's major metro areas.

CNA Earnings at a Glance: Tennessee vs. National

Tennessee nursing assistants earn a median annual wage of $36,750, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure serves as a baseline for comparing earnings across metropolitan areas and against national averages. Cost of living adjustments make these comparisons important for career planning.

CNA Career Advancement Pathways in Tennessee

Tennessee’s investment in healthcare workforce development is paying off with an unprecedented number of bridge programs that let nursing assistants become licensed practical nurses in under a year.

From CNA to LPN: A One-Year Step

Certified nursing assistants can move into licensed practical nursing through dedicated bridge programs at Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) and community colleges. These pathways often require 6–12 months of CNA work experience and 9–14 months of full-time study. For example, TCAT Memphis and Southwest Tennessee Community College both offer low-cost CNA-to-LPN bridges that build on your clinical foundation. The salary jump is substantial: in Memphis, LPNs typically earn $38,000–$52,000, compared to the $28,000–$38,000 range for CNAs. TCAT Elizabethton even grants a Nursing Assistant certificate after the first 36 clinical hours, giving students an early credential to work while they finish the LPN diploma.

Becoming an RN: LPN-to-RN Bridges and ADN/BSN Pathways

LPNs ready to advance can pursue an associate degree in nursing (ADN) through an LPN-to-RN bridge program, which typically takes 12–18 months. Jackson State Community College, for instance, offers a 20-credit career mobility track with a February 1 deadline that leads to RN licensure after passing the NCLEX-RN. Many community colleges across the state pair CNA and LPN training with an ADN pathway, so students can actually start their nursing education at one institution and move seamlessly into advanced nursing roles. Registered nurses in the Memphis area see salaries between $55,000 and $72,000 for ADN-prepared RNs and $60,000–$80,000 with a bachelor’s degree. Across Tennessee, the earning potential follows a similar upward trajectory.

Beyond the RN: BSN Completion and Advanced Practice

Once you hold an RN license, online RN-to-BSN programs let you earn a bachelor’s degree while working, often in as little as 12 months. A BSN opens doors to management roles and is required for graduate study leading to nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse educator positions. Many Tennessee employers now prefer or reimburse nurses pursuing their BSN. The step from RN to advanced practice registered nurse can more than double the typical CNA salary, making the investment in each level of education a strategic financial decision.

Seamless Transitions at Tennessee Community Colleges

What makes this career ladder especially accessible in Tennessee is the alignment among TCATs, community colleges, and four‑year universities. Students commonly begin at a TCAT for practical nursing, then transfer credits to a partner college’s ADN program, and later complete a BSN online through a state university. Before enrolling in any CNA program, ask about articulation agreements and bridge options, the right choice can save both time and cost as you climb the nursing ladder.

Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Programs in Tennessee

Choosing a CNA program is a big step toward a nursing career. These answers cover the most common questions about training, costs, and licensure in Tennessee, helping you make an informed decision.