CNA Certification in Tennessee

How to Become a CNA in Tennessee

A CNA career is a good choice in 2024 largely because nurse aides are in high demand. In order to begin a career in this dynamic, fast-paced field, you must first enroll in state-approved CNA classes provided by the Tennessee Department of Health. You must also pass a Nursing Competency Examination after which you will be listed on the Tennessee Nursing Aide Registry.

Those who pass the certification exam can then seek out a job in a hospital, retirement community, or other medical establishment of their choosing.

Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes

Step 1

Find and enroll in an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program

The journey toward CNA certification in Tennessee begins with at least 75 hours of training– at least 16 of those hours being hands-on training at a medical facility.

To enroll in a CNA training program, you must pass a criminal background check and get health clearance from the proper authorities. Many but not all programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old and to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Step 2

Complete your CNA training.

You training curriculum will cover the basic nurse aide job duties as well as some more complex duties. Some topics that will be covered include CPR, speaking to patients about death, helping with patients with their grooming needs, knowing signs of aging, recording vitals, medical terminology, maintaining patients’ rights, and dealing with emergencies.

In your hands-on clinical training, you will be required to apply what you learned in the classroom. For instance, you will be required to assist patients with their daily needs and perform several other nurse aide duties as well.

CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification

Step 1

Register to take your CNA certification exam. This test is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies, The registration fee is $90.

Step 2

To prepare for your Tennessee CNA exam, review your CNA training program, and take several practice tests before the real test to polish up on your knowledge and skills.

Step 3

Pass the Tennessee CNA certification exam.

The test will have two parts. The first part of the exam is a written test which tests you on nearly everything you learned in training. You will have 90 minutes to answer 75 multiple-choice questions and get at least 75% to pass this part.

The second part of the test is the skills portion and requires you to actively demonstrate that you are familiar with nursing aide tasks. You must get at least 80% to pass this part.

Step 4

Once you pass your CNA certification exam,  create a strong resume and then start looking for a job. Your resume will be one of the most instrumental aspects of securing employment as a CNA. In it, you should highlight your training, skills, and experience.

There is a projected 21% increase in the nurse aide field over the next decade, so finding a job will not be at all difficult. The average yearly CNA salary in Tennessee is $21,900, but your actual starting wages will depend on what part of the state you live or work in. You can also  take RN or LPN training courses which can make more lucrative and higher-paying job opportunities available to you.

For more information on CNA certification in Tennessee, contact the Tennessee Nurse Aide Program Office.

Tennessee Nurse Aide Program Office  

Tennessee Department of Health

425 5th Avenue North

Cordell Hull Building, 3rd Floor

Nashville, Tennessee 37243 

(615) 532-5171