CNA Training Knoxville TN: Program Types, Costs, and Admission Requirements
Knoxville TN offers multiple state-approved CNA training paths through community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare systems. Programs typically include 40 to 120 hours of combined classroom instruction and clinical skills practice, aligned with Tennessee Nurse Aide registry standards. Costs range from around $400 to $1,500, with some employers and workforce grants covering tuition for eligible students Forbes.
Admission usually requires a high school diploma or GED, a background check, a physical exam with immunization records, and a negative TB test. Many Knoxville programs run for 4 to 12 weeks, with both daytime and evening schedules available. Graduates must complete a state competency evaluation to be listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry TN.gov.
Knoxville CNA Job Outlook, Salary Data, and Top Hiring Employers
Knoxville hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and clinics actively hire certified nurse aides. Major employers in the area include Covenant Health, Tennova Healthcare, and Kindred Healthcare, with many offering sign-on bonuses and tuition assistance for further nursing credentials TN.gov.
Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows nursing assistants in Tennessee earn a median hourly wage near $16, with Knoxville-area pay varying by facility type and experience. Job demand is supported by an aging population and high patient-to-nurse ratios in regional hospitals and long-term care facilities BLS.gov.
Steps to Get CNA Certified in Knoxville TN
Complete a Tennessee-approved training program, then apply to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam through a designated testing vendor in Knoxville. The exam includes a written or oral knowledge section and a skills demonstration evaluated by a state-approved nurse evaluator Nurse.com.
After passing, your name is entered into the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, which employers use to verify certification status. Renewal requires proof of paid nursing-related work within the past two years, and candidates can track their registry status online through the state licensing portal TN.gov.