Maria Delgado, RN
June 24, 2025
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs in Tennessee function as a fundamental healthcare resource by developing empathetic caregivers who assist nurses and care for patients. Patient care depends on CNAs because they perform basic daily tasks with patients while keeping track of vital signs and condition changes. The support system is vital for maintaining high-quality patient care especially for elderly and long-term care patients.
Collegedale, TN - Private 4-year - southern.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern Adventist University's Clinical Nurse Aide program offers a fast-track, 4-6 month pathway into healthcare, with a total cost of approximately $2,000 covering tuition, materials, and certification fees. This campus-based program requires a high school diploma and no prerequisites, providing comprehensive training in patient care, vital sign monitoring, and communication through expert-led video instruction and hands-on clinical rotations. Graduates are prepared for NRSA and CCMA certifications, making it ideal for career changers seeking quick entry into the field without entrance exams.
Harriman, TN - Public 2-Year - roanestate.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Roane State Community College's Clinical Nurse Aide (CNA) program leads to Tennessee State Licensure, offering a direct route for entry-level certification. With over 20 years in healthcare education, the campus-based training is taught by experienced instructors who provide real-world expertise. This program is ideal for career changers and recent graduates seeking quick employment in patient care, combining practical skills with state-recognized credentials. No entrance exams are required for this CNA program.
Morristown, TN - Public 2-Year - ws.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Walters State Community College offers a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) program that can be completed in under 12 weeks, meeting Tennessee's 75-hour training mandate. Students learn essential skills like vital sign monitoring, personal hygiene assistance, and effective patient interaction. This program prepares graduates for the official certification exam and opens doors to entry-level roles in diverse healthcare settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, and home care agencies, providing a quick path to a stable and rewarding career.
Dyersburg, TN - Public 2-Year - dscc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Dyersburg State Community College offers a campus-based Certified Nursing Assistant program, ideal for aspiring healthcare professionals. This 3-credit course provides hands-on training in patient care fundamentals across various settings like hospitals and home care. Students gain expertise in patient confidentiality, documentation, rights, and basic anatomy and physiology. With a focus on practical skills and professional development, it prepares individuals for rewarding careers in healthcare, supported by a military-friendly environment.
Tennessee permits students to complete part of their CNA education through online courses but full online programs remain impossible because of the necessity of hands-on training. The hybrid learning approach at some schools combines virtual classroom work with practical lab training and clinical experience for skills development. The flexible learning format provides advantages to students because it accommodates their needs to study between work and family responsibilities. CNA students enrolled in Tennessee must participate in face-to-face clinical training sessions to prove their ability in actual patient care activities. Traditional classroom-based programs maintain their popularity and include programs that operate during evenings and weekends.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Adventist University |
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| Roane State Community College |
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| Walters State Community College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | Complete a state-approved 75-hour NATCEP and pass the competency exam within 24 months, LPN/RN students, military medics, and out-of-state CNAs (excluding Florida) may qualify by challenge or reciprocity |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Tennessee Health Facilities Commission – Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | 75 total hours, including at least 16 supervised clinical hours |
| Fees | $40 knowledge exam, $100 skills evaluation, paid via TMU, no state application fee |
| Certification Exam | Pass both written/oral and five-skill practical tests within two years |
| Registry Activation Time | Certification issued within 4–6 weeks of exam completion |
| Renewal Requirements | Every 24 months, verify eight hours of paid CNA work in a licensed facility |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs apply via reciprocity without testing or fees (Florida excepted) |
Working as a CNA in Tennessee provides a stable entry-level income and plenty of job opportunities. The typical hourly wage for CNAs in Tennessee amounts to $17 which translates to $35,000 annually. The wages of nursing assistants vary between different regions and employers because metropolitan hospital staff members receive better compensation with shift differentials but nursing home staff members receive lower salaries. The current strong demand for CNAs will persist in the future. The aging population of Tennessee creates sustained demand for qualified nurse aides at facilities including long-term care centers, hospitals, and home health agencies. The nursing field experiences a continuous influx of new CNA positions because some CNA professionals choose to advance their careers as LPNs or RNs.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Tennessee | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $33,200 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $15.95 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$42,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $33,200 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$29,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~8,100 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Southern Adventist University |
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| Roane State Community College |
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| Walters State Community College |
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The majority of CNAs in Tennessee choose to progress their nursing careers after working as CNA professionals. Most CNAs in Tennessee choose to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) after completing about one year of additional education. LPN school students who start as CNAs gain an advantage because they already possess fundamental patient care abilities and clinical procedures. Nursing professionals who begin as LPNs and gain experience can pursue Registered Nurse (RN) status through associate or bachelor’s nursing degree programs. Healthcare facilities support career development by providing tuition reimbursement and flexible scheduling programs for CNAs who attend nursing school. The early experience as a CNA builds essential practical skills which help future nursing career advancement.
Additional Nursing Programs in Tennessee
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