You might have visited Tennessee for the sake of its known music-but that’s not all about this place.

If you can go there to have fun, you can also go there for cure.

Because Tennessee offers a CNA education as well.

With that in mind, you can be sure you’ll also receive the best healthcare if needed, too.

Certified Nurse Aide Requirements in Tennessee

Certified Nurse Aides in Tennessee are to be listed in the state nurse registry.

They are usually registered there after completing successfully the training programs, as well as pass both parts of the examination.

However, in order to maintain their active status in the registry, they need to work out in their field.

The renewal is made on a two year basis.

Training and Examination Eligibility

Before doing the skills and examination exams, future CNAs must finish an approved nurse aide training programs.

For this reason, the Department of Health has already provided a list of approved training facilities.

Future students can see the available opportunities in their region by just a click.

Approved programs in the field last 75 hours approximately.

However, students can start dealing with patients as soon as they have reached 16 hours of training.

These initial 16 hours include concepts such as interpersonal skills, safety and emergency procedures.

Mere Individuals on the other hand, need to take the examination soon after their program completion as they are required to pass both tests within two years of program completion.

In some cases, an individual may challenge the examination after completing other healthcare training.

Challengers include LPN and RN students and individuals with equivalent military training.

Other candidates may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

The test vendor notes that approvals may be granted to professionals licensed in other nations.

The Examination Process

Tennessee makes a contract with Headmaster/ D & S Diversified Technologies to administer CNA competency examinations.

Candidates must take two separate tests and pass both.

The CNA knowledge test is made of multiple choice questions and can be taken in English or Spanish.

Candidates who have limited reading proficiency may opt for an oral examination.

One section of the examination, however, will test English reading comprehension.

The skills test requires that the candidate to act out nursing aide scenarios.

Each test will measure five of approximately 25 competency skills.

Hand washing is always among the tested skills.

Other skills are selected randomly.

The aide will need to pass all tested skills.

This does not mean performing them perfectly.

However, the test taker will need to score at least 80% on each and will need to perform all key steps;

these steps are marked in bold letters in the candidate handbook.

Test takers can find study resources in the candidate handbook, available from Headmaster.

There is also a practice test available online.

This candidate handbook is a comprehensive resource that includes test day procedures.

Candidates should make sure they have the most current version.

The fee is $30 for the knowledge test and $60 for the skills test.

Candidates who are employed in long term care facilities will have their testing fees paid for them.

Candidates will select their preferred site and test date.

This procedure can be carried out online.

A candidate who does not receive confirmation within five working days should call.

Applications are to arrive at least ten business days before the desired test date.

Applications may be accepted later, but additional fees will be due for that.

Candidates are allowed one free reschedule.

This must be done at least 24 hours in advance.

A candidate who fails to show up for a scheduled examination will, in most cases, be responsible for re-applying and submitting the full fee.

Absences can be excused in extreme circumstances if the test taker follows the procedures outlined in the document titled “Application Step-by-Step”.

Candidates who show up at the test site without proper identification or appropriate clinical attire will be treated as no-shows.

Test result notification will be sent by mail or email.

Candidates who fail either portion of the examination will receive detailed diagnostic information.

The Application Process

The examination and application processes are closely related.

Individuals who pass the examination will be automatically added to the nurse aide registry.

Examination applications are available on the Headmaster website.

Individuals can also request them by calling in this number: 877-201-0758.

Students who complete approved CNA programs will submit their applications to the testing vendor.

Individuals who want to challenge the examination, however, will first need approval from the Tennessee Department of Health.

The challenge application can also be downloaded from Headmaster.

However, candidates will need to mail it to the Department of Health in Nashville and wait for a response before proceeding.

They will need to include supporting documentation.

This may include: college transcripts, military training and experience forms, copies of licenses or certificates, and curriculum documentation.

Challenge applicants will also need copies of their social security cards and identification cards.

A candidate who has received a challenge validation letter may then submit the letter to Headmaster, along with the application form and fee.

Successful examination candidates typically receives their certification cards within four to six weeks of testing.

Out-of-State CNAs

CNAs from most U.S. states are eligible for reciprocity as well.

Reciprocity applications can be downloaded from Headmaster.

Candidates will identify the state(s) of certification, answer screening questions, and send the form to the Tennessee Department of Health along with copies of identifying documents.

The state must verify that the CNA is current and in good status.

If registration is current, it will not be necessary to train or test in Tennessee.

There are, however, exceptions.

Tennessee does not extend CNA reciprocity to Florida, Georgia, or North Carolina.

CNAs from Georgia may challenge the examination, following the same procedures required of other challenge applicants.

CNAs from Florida or North Carolina must go through the training process again; they will need to enroll in 75 hour programs.

Additional Information

The Tennessee Nurse Aide Program Office can be reached at (615) 532-5171. Office hours are 8:00 to 4:30 Central Time.

The Best CNA Schools in Tennessee

There are 30 CNA schools located in Tennessee.

But the best for you could be the one that fits most to your favorite program and place.

So choose wisely.

CNA Salaries in Tennessee

In Tennessee, CNA Salaries depend on many factors.

They change from a minimum, to an average and up the a certain maximum.

The salary numbers have been shown below, as well as the places.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2021

CNA Schools by City

• Chattanooga
• Knoxville
• Memphis
• Nashville