Your 2025 Guide to Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Tennessee: Top Programs, Requirements, Exam & Salary Insights

Quick Summary: Ready to embark on a fulfilling healthcare career in the Volunteer State? Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Tennessee offers a direct route to making a significant difference in patient care. This comprehensive guide navigates every essential step: understanding Tennessee's specific certification requirements set by the Department of Health (TDH), finding TDH-approved Nurse Aide Training Programs (NATPs), mastering the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP®) Examination administered by Headmaster, and exploring salary expectations across Tennessee. We've included details on criminal background checks, financial aid opportunities like Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect, and crucial tips for career growth and maintaining your active status on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. Whether you're new to healthcare or seeking a new direction, this resource is your launchpad for a successful CNA career in Tennessee.

Introduction: Your Path to Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide in Tennessee

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Tennessee! If you're seeking a rewarding career in healthcare where you provide direct, compassionate care to individuals in need, this is an excellent starting point. This guide is specifically tailored for those in Tennessee, detailing the steps to certification as regulated by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), Division of Health Licensure and Regulation. We'll cover everything from understanding the CNA role and meeting state requirements, to finding an approved training program, preparing for the state competency exam administered by Headmaster, and exploring career opportunities across the Volunteer State. Let's begin your journey.

1. What is a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) is a vital healthcare professional who provides essential hands-on care to patients and residents in various settings. CNAs work under the supervision of licensed nursing staff, such as Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Their primary focus is on assisting individuals with their basic daily needs, ensuring their comfort, safety, and dignity. Key responsibilities typically include:

• Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding.
• Taking and accurately recording vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure).
• Helping with mobility: transferring individuals, assisting with walking, and repositioning to prevent skin breakdown.
• Observing patients' conditions and reporting any significant changes to the supervising nurse.
• Providing emotional support, companionship, and promoting patient/resident rights.
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized environment.
• Following infection control procedures.

The CNA role in Tennessee demands physical stamina, empathy, excellent communication skills, and meticulous attention to detail. It offers a deeply rewarding experience and serves as a strong foundation for those wishing to advance their careers in nursing or other healthcare fields.

2. Job Outlook & Demand for CNAs in Tennessee

The demand for Certified Nurse Aides in Tennessee is consistently strong and projected to grow. This is driven by factors such as Tennessee's aging population, leading to increased needs in long-term care facilities (nursing homes), hospitals, assisted living facilities, and home health services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects steady national growth for nursing assistants, and Tennessee, with its significant healthcare sector, contributes to this demand.

Jobs4TN.gov, Tennessee's workforce development portal, often highlights Nursing Assistants as an in-demand occupation. Numerous openings arise annually due to both new job creation and the need to replace workers who retire or move to other occupations.

3. Understanding Local CNA Demand Across Tennessee

CNA job opportunities are widespread throughout Tennessee, with varying concentrations by region:

• Major Metropolitan Areas: Nashville (Davidson County and surrounding areas), Memphis (Shelby County), Knoxville (Knox County), and Chattanooga (Hamilton County) have the highest concentration of healthcare facilities, including numerous hospitals, large skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and home care agencies, leading to the greatest number of CNA openings.
• Mid-Sized Cities & Suburban Areas: Cities like Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Johnson City, and Jackson also have robust healthcare sectors with significant demand for CNAs.
• Rural Tennessee: While the volume of large facilities might be lower than in major urban centers, there's a steady and often critical need for CNAs in smaller community hospitals, nursing homes, and particularly in home health, serving geographically dispersed populations across East, Middle, and West Tennessee.

Exploring Jobs4TN.gov, online job boards, and connecting with local healthcare providers and TDH-approved training programs can offer insights into regional demand.

4. CNA Salary & Benefits in Tennessee

Average Compensation

Salaries for CNAs in Tennessee are generally competitive for the Southeastern region. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for May 2023, Nursing Assistants in Tennessee earned a mean hourly wage of $16.37, translating to an average annual salary of approximately $34,050.

Wages can vary significantly based on region (e.g., higher in Nashville or Memphis compared to some rural areas), years of experience, type of facility (hospitals often pay more than some SNFs), and unionization (less common in TN than some other states). Entry-level CNA positions might start in the $13-$15/hour range, while experienced CNAs or those in high-demand areas can earn more.

Pay by Setting (Typical Tennessee Estimates for CNA)

Setting	Average Hourly Wage Range (TN)
Hospitals	$15.00 – $20.00+
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) / Long-Term Care	$14.00 – $19.00
Home Health Agencies	$13.50 – $18.00 (plus potential mileage)
Assisted Living Facilities / Residential Homes for the Aged	$14.00 – $18.50

Note: These are general estimates. Always research specific regions and employers.

Shift Differentials & Overtime

Many Tennessee healthcare facilities offer shift differentials (e.g., an extra $0.75-$3.00/hour) for evening, night, weekend, or holiday shifts. Overtime pay (typically 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 40 in a week) can also increase earnings.

Common Benefits Packages

Full-time CNAs in Tennessee, particularly in larger institutions, often receive benefits such as:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) or 403(b), TCRS for some public employees)
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Life insurance and disability coverage

5. Tennessee CNA Certification Requirements (TDH)

To become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Tennessee and be placed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, you must meet specific requirements set by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), Division of Health Licensure and Regulation:

• Age & Education: While TDH doesn't specify a minimum age for training, you generally must be at least 18 years old to be employed as a CNA, especially in long-term care facilities. A high school diploma or GED is generally preferred or required by most training programs and employers. You must be able to understand, speak, read, and write English.
• Complete a TDH-Approved Training Program: You must successfully complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP). This program must consist of a minimum of 75 clock hours, which includes:
  • Classroom instruction and lab practice.
  • A minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical training in a Tennessee licensed nursing facility.
• Pass the Competency Examination: After completing training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP®) Examination. This exam is administered in Tennessee by Headmaster. It includes both a Written (or Oral) Test and a Skills Evaluation.
• Criminal History Background Check: Tennessee law requires healthcare facilities, particularly long-term care facilities, to conduct criminal background checks on prospective employees who will have direct access to patients/residents. This is typically done by the employer prior to hiring and may involve fingerprinting. The TDH can deny or revoke certification based on certain criminal convictions, especially those related to abuse, neglect, or theft. Training programs may also require a background check for clinical participation.
• Health Screening: You must have a health examination, including a TB test (PPD skin test or chest X-ray if indicated), verifying you are in good health and can perform CNA duties. This is usually required before starting clinical training.
• Application for Examination: Your NATP instructor or coordinator will typically assist you with the application process to take the Headmaster NNAAP® Examination.

There are other pathways to eligibility for the exam (e.g., certain nursing students, out-of-state CNAs seeking reciprocity, individuals with lapsed Tennessee certification under specific conditions), but completing a Tennessee NATP is the most common route.

Always verify the most current requirements with the TDH Nurse Aide Information page and your chosen TDH-approved training program.

6. Finding TDH-Approved Nurse Aide Training Programs (NATPs) in TN

It is essential to select a Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) that is approved by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). Only graduates of these approved programs are eligible to take the state competency exam and be listed on the TN Nurse Aide Registry. The TDH website provides resources to find approved programs. Common providers in Tennessee include:

• Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs): Many TCATs across Tennessee offer excellent, affordable, TDH-approved NATPs. These are often eligible for state financial aid.
• Community Colleges: Some Tennessee community colleges also offer state-approved NATPs.
• Private Postsecondary Career Schools & Vocational Institutes: Numerous private career colleges and technical institutes in Tennessee offer Nurse Aide training. Ensure they are TDH-approved and authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) if applicable.
• Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs): Some nursing homes offer their own TDH-approved NATPs. These may be free if you commit to working for the facility, as federal law prohibits approved nursing homes from charging for training provided to their prospective or current employees if they work for them.
• High Schools with Health Science Programs: Some Tennessee high schools offer Nurse Aide training as part of their Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.
• American Red Cross: Some Red Cross chapters in Tennessee may offer TDH-approved Nurse Aide training.

When choosing a program in Tennessee, consider:

• TDH Approval: This is mandatory. Verify on the TDH website or with the program.
• Cost & Financial Aid: Inquire about tuition, fees (for background checks, books, uniform, physical exam, state exam fee – Headmaster's fee), and available aid (Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect, WIOA through TN Career Centers, scholarships, payment plans).
• Schedule & Duration: Programs range from intensive full-time (e.g., 3-6 weeks for a 75-hour program) to part-time options.
• Location & Clinical Sites: Factor in commute times for both classroom and clinical portions.
• State Exam Pass Rates: Ask the program about their graduates' success on the Headmaster NNAAP® Examination.
• Job Placement Assistance: Some programs offer help with resume writing and job searching.

A list of TDH-approved NATPs can usually be found on the TDH Nurse Aide Information page or by contacting the Nurse Aide Program directly.

7. What to Expect from Your Tennessee CNA Program Structure & Duration

All Tennessee Department of Health (TDH)-approved Nurse Aide Training Programs (NATPs) must provide a minimum of 75 total clock hours of instruction and training. This is typically structured as follows:

• Classroom (Didactic) Instruction & Lab Practice (minimum 59 hours, with the 16 clinical hours making up the rest of the 75): This portion covers theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills practice in a simulated lab environment. Topics generally include:
  • Introduction to the role of the Nurse Aide, healthcare settings, ethics, and resident rights.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Infection control, safety, and emergency procedures (including CPR, often integrated or a co-requisite).
  • Basic anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
  • Personal care skills (hygiene, grooming, bathing, dressing).
  • Nutrition, hydration, and elimination needs.
  • Vital signs measurement and observation skills.
  • Care of residents with common conditions, including cognitive impairments like dementia.
  • Restorative care and promoting independence.
  A specified portion of classroom instruction (typically covering safety, residents' rights, infection control) must be completed before students can participate in direct resident care.
• Supervised Clinical Training (minimum 16 hours): This hands-on portion must be conducted in a TDH-approved clinical setting, which is a Tennessee licensed nursing facility. Students apply their learned skills providing direct care to residents under the close supervision of a TDH-approved instructor (typically an RN with specific qualifications).

Program Duration (for a 75-hour program):

• Full-Time Programs: Can often be completed in as little as 2-4 weeks, depending on the daily schedule intensity.
• Part-Time Programs (Evenings/Weekends): May take 4-8 weeks or longer to complete.

Regardless of the format, all approved programs are designed to prepare students thoroughly for the Headmaster NNAAP® Examination and for competent practice as a CNA.

8. The Tennessee NNAAP® Examination (Headmaster): What You Need to Know

After successfully completing your TDH-approved NATP, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP®) Examination to be eligible for listing on the TN Nurse Aide Registry. This exam is administered in Tennessee by Headmaster. The exam consists of two parts, both of which must be passed:

1. Written Test (or Oral Test option)

• Consists of 70 multiple-choice questions (60 scored, 10 non-scored pretest questions).
• Tests your knowledge on topics covered in your training program, such as physical care skills, psychosocial care skills, and the role of the nurse aide.
• You will have two hours (120 minutes) to complete this examination.
• An oral version (audio recording via headphones) is available in English if requested in advance during the application process.

2. Skills Evaluation

• You will be asked to perform five randomly selected nursing assistant skills.
• One of the skills will always be Hand Hygiene (Hand Washing). Another skill will always involve taking and recording a measurement (e.g., blood pressure, weight, pulse, respiration, urinary output).
• A Nurse Aide Evaluator will observe and score your performance based on critical steps for each skill. You must perform all critical steps correctly and achieve a satisfactory overall score on each skill to pass.
• You will have a specific time limit (check the Headmaster Tennessee Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook, typically around 25-35 minutes) to complete all five skills.

Attempts & Retakes: In Tennessee, you generally have up to three attempts to pass both parts of the exam within 24 months (two years) from the date you completed your training program. If you fail one part, you only need to retake that part. If you do not pass both parts within the three attempts or the two-year timeframe, you must complete another TDH-approved NATP.

On Exam Day: Arrive on time (usually 30 minutes prior). You MUST bring two forms of current, valid (not expired), signature-bearing identification. One ID must be a U.S. government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, state ID, passport). The second ID must also be signed. Both names must match exactly what was submitted on your application. Wear appropriate attire (usually scrubs, flat non-skid enclosed shoes) and a watch with a second hand.

Always refer to the latest Tennessee Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook from Headmaster for the most current exam policies, procedures, skill lists, fees, and testing site information.

9. Getting Certified and Listed on the TN Nurse Aide Registry

Initial Registry Listing

Once you successfully pass both the Written (or Oral) Test and the Clinical Skills Test administered by Headmaster, Headmaster will transmit your results to the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). If you have met all requirements, TDH will place your name on the official Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry with an "active" status. No separate physical certificate is typically mailed by TDH; your active status on the online registry serves as proof of your certification. Employers are required by law to verify your active status on this registry before hiring you as a CNA. You can check your status online via the TDH Nurse Aide Registry search portal.

Maintaining Your Active Listing on the Registry: Renewal

Your active Nurse Aide listing on the Tennessee Registry is valid for 24 months (two years) from the date of your last recorded qualifying employment or initial certification date.

• Work Requirement: To renew your active listing, you must have worked for monetary compensation as a Nurse Aide, performing nursing or nursing-related services, for at least eight (8) hours under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN) within your most recent 24-month registry period. This work must be verifiable.
• No State-Mandated CEUs for Registry Renewal (but In-Service Required if Employed): Tennessee TDH does not currently require specific Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Nurse Aide Registry renewal itself. However, federal regulations require nursing facilities to provide at least 12 hours of in-service education annually to their Nurse Aides. So, if you are employed in such a facility, you will receive this ongoing training.
• Renewal Process: The renewal process is typically handled through the employer verifying work hours or by the CNA submitting proof of employment to the TDH Nurse Aide Registry. It is your responsibility to ensure your listing is renewed before it expires. Check the TDH website for current renewal procedures.

If you do not meet the work requirement within a 24-month period, your listing on the registry will expire. To be relisted after expiration, you will generally need to re-apply for and pass both parts of the Headmaster NNAAP® Examination again. If your listing has been expired for more than 24 months, you may be required to complete a new TDH-approved NATP.

Out-of-State Nurse Aides: Reciprocity/Endorsement

If you are a Nurse Aide certified in another state and your certification is active and in good standing (no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property), you can apply for listing on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry through "reciprocity" (endorsement). You'll need to complete the "Application for Nurse Aide Certification by Reciprocity" (available on the TDH website) and submit it with required documentation, including verification from your original state of certification. If your credentials meet Tennessee's standards, you may be granted active listing on the TN Nurse Aide Registry without retaking the exam. You may still need to undergo a Tennessee-based criminal background check for employment purposes.

10. Real Stories: CNA Journeys in Tennessee

Marcus's Start in Nashville

Marcus, a musician from Nashville, sought a stable part-time career to supplement his income. He enrolled in a TDH-approved NATP at a local TCAT, utilizing Tennessee Reconnect funds. "The program was flexible, and the clinicals at a Davidson County nursing home were a great experience," he says. After passing his Headmaster exams, Marcus found a weekend CNA position at a hospital.

Linda's Career Shift in Knoxville

Linda, after her children were grown, decided to pursue a lifelong interest in healthcare in Knoxville. She attended an NATP offered by a private vocational school. "The instructors were very supportive, and I felt well-prepared for the skills exam," Linda notes. She now works at a skilled nursing facility in Knox County and finds deep fulfillment in caring for the elderly residents.

Maria's Opportunity in Rural West Tennessee

Maria, from a small town near Jackson, found an NATP offered by a local healthcare training center. "In our rural community, healthcare jobs are important. The program gave me the skills I needed quickly," she shares. After certification, she was hired by a home health agency, allowing her to provide care to clients in their own homes across several counties.

11. A Day in the Life of a Tennessee CNA

A typical day for a CNA in Tennessee, whether in a bustling Nashville hospital or a nursing home in the Smoky Mountains, is centered on providing compassionate and competent direct care:

• Beginning of Shift:
  • Clock in, receive report from the previous shift about resident/patient assignments, current conditions, and specific care instructions or changes.
  • Gather necessary supplies for assigned individuals.
  • Make initial rounds to greet individuals and assess immediate needs.
• Morning/Daytime Routine:
  • Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, grooming, and toileting, always respecting dignity and promoting independence.
  • Serve meal trays, assist with feeding if needed, encourage fluid intake, and accurately record intake and output.
  • Take and record vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure) as scheduled or as indicated by the care plan.
  • Change bed linens, maintain room cleanliness and safety (e.g., ensuring call light is within reach, bed in low position).
  • Assist with mobility: ambulation (walking), transfers (e.g., bed to chair, using a gait belt), range-of-motion exercises, and frequent repositioning to prevent skin breakdown.
• Throughout the Shift:
  • Respond promptly and courteously to call lights and individual requests.
  • Carefully observe individuals for any changes in condition (physical, mental, emotional) and report these immediately to the licensed nurse.
  • Provide emotional support, active listening, and engage in appropriate social interaction.
  • Accurately document all care provided, observations, and any incidents according to facility policy and state regulations, often using electronic charting systems.
  • Adhere strictly to infection control protocols (e.g., proper handwashing, use of Personal Protective Equipment - PPE).
• End of Shift:
  • Ensure individuals are comfortable, safe, and their immediate needs are addressed before the next shift.
  • Complete all charting thoroughly and accurately.
  • Provide a comprehensive, factual report to the oncoming CNA/shift.

Tennessee CNAs are crucial members of the healthcare team, requiring diligence, keen observational skills, and a strong commitment to resident-centered care.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Aspiring Tennessee CNAs

Are criminal background checks mandatory to become a CNA in Tennessee?

Yes. Healthcare facilities in Tennessee—especially long-term care facilities—are required by law to conduct criminal background checks on employees with direct patient contact. Employers typically initiate these checks before hiring, and the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) can deny or revoke certification based on certain criminal history.

Are Continuing Education Units (CEUs) required to renew my Tennessee CNA Registry listing?

No, the TDH does not mandate specific CEUs for CNA registry renewal. Renewal depends on meeting the work requirement (at least 8 hours of paid CNA work under licensed nurse supervision within a 24-month period). However, nursing facilities must provide at least 12 hours of in-service education annually to their CNAs.

Can I work as a CNA in Tennessee while waiting for my exam results?

After completing a TDH-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP), you may work up to 120 days as a “nurse aide trainee” while pursuing certification. You cannot work as a Certified Nurse Aide or count toward staffing ratios until you pass the exam and are active on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. Verify specifics with TDH and your employer.

What if my Tennessee CNA Registry listing expires?

If your listing expires because you didn’t meet the work requirement, you cannot work as a CNA. To be relisted, you must reapply and pass both parts of the Headmaster NNAAP® examination again. Listings expired over 24 months may require completing a new TDH-approved NATP.

How do I transfer my out-of-state CNA certification to Tennessee (reciprocity)?

Apply for listing by reciprocity with TDH by submitting the “Application for Nurse Aide Certification by Reciprocity,” verification of your active, good-standing out-of-state certification, and meeting Tennessee’s requirements. If approved, you may be added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry without re-testing. Employer-required background checks will still apply.

13. Tips for Success in Your CNA Training and Career in TN

• Master the NNAAP® Skills: Tennessee uses the NNAAP® exam via Headmaster. Practice every skill according to the official Headmaster Tennessee Candidate Handbook skill checklist, focusing on all critical steps.
• Understand Background Check Procedures: Be prepared for employer-conducted background checks. Honesty is crucial.
• Complete All Training Hours: TDH-approved programs have strict attendance policies for the required 75 hours. Be present and engaged.
• Study for the Written/Oral Test: Use practice questions, review your training materials thoroughly, and understand core concepts like resident rights, safety, and infection control.
• Professionalism is Key: Maintain a professional demeanor, appropriate attire (especially non-skid shoes), respectful communication, and a positive attitude.
• Ensure Employment Verification for Registry Renewal: If you change jobs, make sure your qualifying work hours are properly documented and verifiable to TDH for renewal. Keep your contact information with the registry current.
• Stay Informed: Periodically check the TDH and Headmaster (TN) websites for any updates to regulations or procedures.

14. Advancing Your Career: Paths Beyond CNA in Tennessee

Your Tennessee CNA certification is an excellent starting point. Many CNAs in TN advance to other roles:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): A very common next step. LPN programs in Tennessee (often at TCATs and community colleges) typically take 12-18 months. The Tennessee Board of Nursing regulates LPNs.
• Registered Nurse (RN): Pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a Tennessee Board of Nursing-approved program.
• Medication Aide: Tennessee has regulations for Medication Aides, particularly in settings like Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). This requires separate training and certification beyond the CNA.
• Specialized Roles: With experience, CNAs can specialize in areas like hospice care, restorative care, or dementia care. Some facilities may offer additional training for roles like Patient Care Technician (PCT) in hospitals.
• Healthcare Administration or Education: With experience and further degrees, CNAs can move into management, staff development, or become NATP instructors (requires RN licensure and specific TDH qualifications).

Many Tennessee healthcare employers, especially larger hospital systems and TCATs/community colleges, offer tuition assistance or pathways for employees pursuing further education.

15. CNA Training Costs & Financial Aid in Tennessee

The cost of Nurse Aide Training Programs (NATPs) in Tennessee can vary:

Program Type	Typical Tuition Range (TN)	Additional Fees (Background Check, Books, Uniform, Exam, etc. Estimate)	Common Financial Aid Options
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) / Community College	$600 – $1,500 (often eligible for TN Promise/Reconnect)	$150 – $300 (Headmaster exam fee ~$120, background check, books, uniform)	Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect, Pell Grants (if eligible), WIOA (TN Career Centers), scholarships.
Private Vocational School	$800 – $2,000+	$200 – $400	School payment plans, WIOA, some scholarships, private loans.
Facility-Based (SNF) Training	Often Free (if offered by an approved nursing facility to prospective or current employees, by federal law)	Minimal or covered by facility.	Employer-sponsored.

Key Tennessee Financial Aid & Cost-Saving Tips:

• Tennessee Promise: For eligible graduating high school seniors, provides tuition-free attendance at TCATs or community colleges for certificate or associate degree programs (CNA programs often qualify).
• Tennessee Reconnect: For eligible adult learners to attend a TCAT or community college tuition-free to earn a certificate or associate degree.
• FAFSA: Complete for federal Pell Grants if attending an eligible college program.
• TN Career Centers (WIOA): Contact your local TN Career Center for information on WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) training grants.
• Employer-Sponsored Training: Inquire with local nursing facilities about free NATPs for prospective employees. Federal law dictates that if a nursing home offers the training and you go to work for them (or have an offer), they cannot charge you for any portion of that training, including the competency exam fee.

Always get a detailed breakdown of ALL costs before enrolling: tuition, background check fees, textbook, uniform, equipment, physical exam/TB test, CPR certification (if required separately), and the Headmaster NNAAP® exam fee.

Conclusion: Start Your CNA Journey in Tennessee Today!

Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide in Tennessee is a significant and rewarding step towards a career in the healthcare field. The Volunteer State offers numerous opportunities for dedicated individuals committed to providing quality, compassionate care. By understanding Tennessee's specific requirements through the TDH, choosing a quality TDH-approved training program, successfully navigating background check processes and the Headmaster NNAAP® Examination, and committing to professional conduct, you will be well-prepared for a successful and fulfilling career.

Your journey to making a difference begins with your initiative. Use the resources in this guide to research programs in your area of Tennessee and take that important first step.

Visit the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) Nurse Aide Information page and the Headmaster Tennessee Nurse Aide page for official program information, forms, exam details, and to embark on your path. A vital role in Tennessee's healthcare system awaits you!

References & Further Reading (Tennessee)

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Nursing Assistants and Orderlies" — www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, "May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Tennessee - 31-1131 Nursing Assistants" — www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tn.htm#31-1131
3. Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) - Nurse Aide Information — www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/nursing-board/nursing-board-resources/nurse-aide-information.html
4. TDH - Nurse Aide Registry Search & Approved Training Programs List TDH - Nurse Aide Registry Search & Approved Training Programs List
5. Headmaster - Tennessee Nurse Aide NNAAP® Examination — hdmaster.com/testing/cnatesting/tennessee/TN_CNA_Home.htm (Access Candidate Handbook here)
6. Jobs4TN.gov (for WIOA and job/training resources through TN Career Centers) — www.jobs4tn.gov/
7. Tennessee Promise — www.tn.gov/tnpromise.html
8. Tennessee Reconnect — tnreconnect.gov/
9. Tennessee Board of Nursing (for LPN, RN info) — www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/nursing-board.html