Best CNA Programs in Nashville, Tennessee | 2025

Nashville is one of the South's major healthcare hubs, with a medical industry that spans hospitals, specialty clinics, and long-term care facilities throughout the city. For individuals pursuing Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, it offers a strong combination of job opportunity, diverse clinical settings, and a consistent demand for entry-level healthcare professionals.

Students in Nashville often complete clinical hours in locations ranging from large regional hospitals to smaller care homes in neighborhoods like East Nashville, Bellevue, and Antioch. The city's mix of urban healthcare infrastructure and community-based care provides a well-rounded training experience for those entering the field.

This guide outlines the top CNA programs available in Nashville, Tennessee, along with essential information on certification requirements, training structure, and what to expect as a student preparing for a career in patient care.

What Is a CNA Program?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is a state-approved training course that teaches students how to provide basic patient care in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities. The program typically includes a combination of classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience, covering skills like taking vital signs, assisting with mobility, and supporting daily living activities. In Nashville, CNA programs are structured to meet Tennessee certification requirements and prepare students for the state competency exam.

What makes Nashville unique is its dual identity as both a healthcare capital and a culturally rich city. While completing clinical hours, CNA students may find themselves working just blocks away from historic music venues or community health centers that serve the city's diverse population.

Who Should Take a CNA Program?

CNA programs are well-suited for individuals who want structured training and a meaningful role in patient care. In Nashville, where healthcare employers range from large medical centers to smaller long-term care facilities, these programs support a wide range of career goals and life situations.

You might consider a CNA program if you:

• Want to work in healthcare without committing to a multi-year degree
• Are considering nursing or medical careers and want firsthand experience
• Are returning to the workforce and seeking stable, in-demand roles
• Prefer a role with clear responsibilities and regular patient interaction

Nashville's growing healthcare landscape makes CNA training a practical and relevant starting point for those ready to begin.

CNA Coursework

The coursework in a Nashville CNA program usually covers the following areas:

• Basic Nursing Skills: This includes the fundamentals of nursing care, such as taking vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature), bathing, dressing, and grooming patients.
• Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the human body's structure and function is crucial for CNAs to provide appropriate care.
• Infection Control: Training in how to prevent and control infections, which is vital in healthcare settings.
• Nutrition: Learning about proper nutrition and feeding techniques for patients, especially those who may have specific dietary needs.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential in healthcare, and CNAs are trained in communicating with patients, families, and other healthcare team members.
• Patient Rights and Ethics: Understanding and respecting patient rights and ethical considerations in healthcare.
• Emergency Procedures: Basic training in handling emergencies, including CPR and first aid.

CNA Clinical Training

Clinical training provides hands-on experience in a healthcare setting under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This part of the program typically includes:

• Patient Care: Practical experience in bathing, dressing, and grooming patients, as well as assisting with mobility and exercise routines.
• Vital Signs Monitoring: Practice taking and recording vital signs.
• Assisting with Medical Procedures: Learning to assist nurses and other healthcare professionals with various medical procedures.
• Observation and Reporting: Training in observing patients' physical and emotional states and reporting any significant changes to the supervising nurse.
• Infection Control Practices: Applying infection control principles in a real-world setting.
• Patient Interaction: Developing interpersonal skills through direct interaction with patients.
• Documentation: Learning how to document patient care activities accurately.

Best CNA Programs in Nashville, TN

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most, with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Hartsville offers a 120-hour Nursing Aide training program. This program is designed to provide basic training for nurse aides to function effectively in nursing homes or healthcare facilities, with a focus on improving the quality of care and enhancing the perception of the nursing assistant profession.

• Training Goals: The program aims to provide necessary skills for job opportunities, motivate learning, and encourage career development.
• Curriculum: It includes both clinical and classroom hours, covering topics such as worker characteristics, introduction to healthcare, human body health and disease, safety, patient and resident care, and special care for patients.
• State Certification Preparation: The program prepares students to sit for state certification testing.
• Time Commitment: Part-time program.
• Class Type: Day and night classes are available.
• Credentials: Upon completion, students receive a certificate.

Nats Inc

Nats Inc offers a Nurse Assistant Training program designed to prepare students for a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The program focuses on providing comprehensive training in both classroom and clinical settings.

• Day Class: 4 weeks / 100 clock hours, Monday to Friday.
• Evening Class: 5 weeks / 100 clock hours, Monday to Thursday
• Tuition: $925.00
• Lab Fee: $50.00

Ngh School of Health Sciences

Ngh School of Health Sciences offers a CNA program in Nashville designed for adult learners interested in entering the healthcare field within 12 weeks. The program consists of 96 hours (60 didactic, 36 clinical) and emphasizes care of the older adult population.

• Classes and clinicals are held on Saturdays for 8 hours each day
• Tuition costs $880, with additional application fees, textbooks, insurance, and screening costs

CNA Prerequisites & Requirements

CNA programs require that students meet certain prerequisites and fulfill specific requirements, designed to ensure candidates are prepared for the challenges and the responsibilities of the role.

CNA Prerequisites

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Nashville, prospective students typically need to meet the following prerequisites:

• Age Requirement: Most programs require candidates to be at least 18 years old, though some may accept high school students who are 16-17 years old.
• Education Level: A high school diploma or GED is commonly required. Some programs might admit students who are currently enrolled in high school.
• Criminal Background Check: Applicants must pass a criminal background check to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
• Drug Screening: A drug test is often required to confirm a candidate's suitability for the healthcare environment.
• Physical Examination: A physical exam, including up-to-date immunizations, is necessary to ensure the candidate's ability to perform the job duties.
• Basic English Proficiency: Understanding and communicating in English is essential for effective interaction with patients and healthcare teams.
• CPR Certification: Some programs may require basic CPR certification at the time of enrollment.

CNA Requirements

Once enrolled in a CNA program in Nashville, students must fulfill these requirements to complete the program and become certified:

• Completion of Coursework: Complete all classroom and lab training as per the curriculum.
• Clinical Training: Complete a specified number of hours in clinical training, gaining hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.
• Competency Evaluation: Pass a competency evaluation test, which typically includes both a written (or oral) exam and a skills demonstration component.
• State Certification Exam: After completing the program, students must pass the Tennessee state CNA certification exam to become a licensed CNA.
• Continuing Education: Once certified, CNAs in Tennessee must engage in ongoing education to maintain their certification, as per state regulations.
• Background Recheck: Some employers may require a repeated background check before employment.
• Compliance with Health Requirements: Maintain up-to-date immunizations and health screenings as required by the employing healthcare facility.

CNA Salary Expectations

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for CNAs is $35,740, or $17.58 per hour. These figures will vary based on several factors, including location, years of experience, employer, and more.

Tennessee CNAs earned an average of $31,600, while the highest-paying states earned:

• Alaska: $44,420
• District of Columbia: $43,820
• California: $43,570
• New York: $43, 450
• Oregon: $42,960

The BLS reports that the overall employment of CNAs is projected to grow by 4% between 2022 to 2023, which is equally paced to the average for all occupations in the states.

Are CNA Programs Worth It in Nashville?

Deciding whether a CNA program is worth it in Nashville requires considering various pros and cons.

Pros of CNA Programs in Nashville

1. Entry Point Into Healthcare Field: They offer essential skills and training, serving as a stepping stone to more advanced nursing roles or other medical professions.
2. Quick Path to Employment: CNA programs are relatively short, often allowing students to complete their training and start working within a few months, making it an efficient way to enter the healthcare workforce.
3. Strong Job Market: Nashville's growing healthcare industry, with numerous hospitals and care facilities, creates a robust job market for CNAs, offering job security and a variety of employment options.
4. Hands-On Experience in Diverse Settings: CNA programs in Nashville offer practical training in various healthcare environments, providing valuable real-world experience and a comprehensive understanding of patient care.
5. Personal Satisfaction and Impact: Working as a CNA can be incredibly rewarding, as it involves directly helping and caring for patients, often making a significant difference in their lives and well-being.

Cons of CNA Programs in Nashville

1. Physically Challenging Work: The role of a CNA can be physically demanding, with tasks such as lifting or assisting patients, which can be strenuous over time.
2. Emotional and Mental Stress: CNAs often deal with challenging situations, including caring for terminally ill or suffering patients, which can be emotionally draining.
3. Comparatively Lower Wages: Despite their critical role in patient care, CNAs typically earn lower wages compared to other nursing professionals like RNs or NPs.
4. Restricted Scope of Practice: CNAs in Nashville work under a limited scope of practice, which might not satisfy those seeking more comprehensive medical responsibilities or decision-making roles.
5. Irregular Hours and Scheduling: The nature of CNA work often involves shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, which can impact personal life and make maintaining a work-life balance challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a CNA and a personal care aide in the state of Tennessee?

In the state of Tennessee, a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is trained and certified to provide basic nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse or LPN. They perform tasks like taking vital signs and assisting with medical procedures. A personal care aide, on the other hand, primarily assists with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating, and typically does not require the same level of certification.

How many hours of training are required for CNA certification in Tennessee?

The state of Tennessee requires CNA candidates to complete a minimum of 75 hours of training, which includes both classroom instruction and clinical hands-on training. This is a state-approved requirement to ensure CNAs are well-prepared for their roles.

Are there in-person CNA training programs available in Nashville?

Yes, there are several in-person CNA training programs available in Nashville. These programs provide the necessary hands-on experience and face-to-face instruction that are crucial for effective CNA training.

Does completing a CNA program in Nashville improve my chances of becoming a registered nurse or LPN?

Completing a CNA program is a great first step in the healthcare field and can provide a solid foundation for further nursing education. Many CNAs in Nashville go on to pursue additional training to become registered nurses or LPNs, often with the help of job placement services and financial aid options.

What kind of financial aid and job placement assistance can I expect from CNA programs in Nashville?

Many CNA programs in Nashville offer financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students cover the cost of their education. Additionally, some programs provide job placement assistance to help graduates find employment opportunities in the healthcare field, particularly for entry-level positions. It's advisable to check with the specific training program for detailed information about these benefits.

What is the hardest part of being a CNA in Nashville?

One of the most difficult parts of being a CNA in Nashville is handling the physical strain and emotional intensity that often come with the role. CNAs regularly assist with lifting, mobility, and personal care tasks, all while supporting patients who may be in pain, confused, or nearing the end of life. For example, those working in busy hospitals near downtown may care for many patients in a single shift, while also keeping up with documentation and responding to urgent needs. Whether in large facilities or smaller care homes, the work demands focus, resilience, and consistent attention to patient wellbeing.

What's the highest paying CNA job in Nashville?

In Nashville, the highest paying CNA jobs are often found in skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and behavioral health hospitals. Some roles offer hourly wages up to $23, especially for evening, night, or weekend shifts. CNAs with experience in memory care or additional certifications may earn above the local average. These positions tend to pay more due to higher patient needs and staffing demands in specialized care settings.