Key Points
- CNA training in Memphis can be finished in just four weeks.
- Most Memphis-area CNAs work in long-term care or nursing homes.
- Free training is available through WIOA, SNAP, and employer sponsorships.
CNA Classes & Training Programs in Memphis, TN (2026 Guide)
Find the right CNA program in Memphis: compare costs, schedules, and certification steps.
How to Become a CNA in Memphis: Your Guide to Training, Jobs & Certification
Certified nursing assistants in Memphis work in one of the country's most active healthcare markets, with major employers including Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Baptist Memorial Health Care, and Regional One Health consistently hiring entry-level caregivers. Tennessee requires 75 hours of state-approved training and a passing score on the written and skills exams before you can practice, but most programs complete in 4 to 12 weeks and cost between $500 and $1,200.
Memphis-area training programs range from hospital-sponsored classes that lead directly to employment, to community college certificates that transfer credit toward an LPN or RN degree. Free and employer-paid options exist through WIOA grants, SNAP E&T waivers, and on-the-job training partnerships, removing financial barriers for qualified applicants.
This guide walks through the certification process step by step, compares top programs by completion rate and cost, explains hybrid and evening schedules, and maps the career ladder from CNA to licensed nurse.
Memphis Healthcare Landscape: Where CNAs Work and Who's Hiring
While hospitals provide exposure to a wide range of medical conditions, long-term care facilities and nursing homes employ the majority of nursing assistants in the Memphis metropolitan area. Understanding the differences between these settings will help you target your job search and find a work environment that fits your career goals, as outlined in our guide to landing your first CNA job.
Hospitals, Nursing Homes, and Beyond: Where CNAs Work
In the Memphis area, nursing assistants find employment across several types of healthcare organizations. Acute care hospitals, including major medical centers and community hospitals, often hire CNAs for medical-surgical units, emergency departments, and specialty floors. These roles tend to offer varied patient experiences and the chance to work alongside interdisciplinary teams.
Skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers represent the largest employment sector for CNAs locally. These settings focus on long-term care, post-acute recovery, and assistance with activities of daily living. Home health agencies and hospice providers also rely on CNAs to deliver in-home support, allowing you to work one-on-one with patients outside of a facility setting.
- Assisted living communities: These residential facilities offer a blend of independence and support, with CNAs helping residents with personal care and medication reminders.
- Staffing agencies: Temporary and per-diem CNA positions through local agencies can provide scheduling flexibility and exposure to multiple facilities before committing to a permanent role.
How to Find Current Job Openings
To locate open CNA positions, start by visiting the career pages of regional health systems and standalone nursing facilities. Many employers post job listings directly, often including details about hiring events, sign-on incentives, or expanded shift differentials. Additionally, general job boards filtered to the Memphis area can surface opportunities, but facility-specific websites may list openings not advertised elsewhere.
Monitoring local business news and economic development announcements can also reveal where demand is growing. A reported expansion of a hospital wing or the construction of a new senior living community often signals upcoming hiring needs for direct-care staff.
The Training-to-Hiring Connection
Many CNA classes in Tennessee, including those in the Memphis area, include clinical rotations at nearby healthcare facilities. These sites often hire graduates who performed well during their supervised hours, so treat every clinical day as a working interview. Instructors and program coordinators can usually point you toward facilities that are actively recruiting or that have a history of bringing on new CNAs from the training pipeline.
Can You Take CNA Classes Online in Memphis? Hybrid Options Explained
Many aspiring CNAs in Memphis want to know if they can complete their training entirely online. While some coursework, like anatomy, infection control, and communication, can be done virtually, the Tennessee Department of Health requires a set number of in-person clinical hours for state certification. This means every approved program in the Memphis area must include hands-on practice, creating a hybrid model that combines online lectures with on-site labs. Hybrid CNA training allows you to tackle theory from home before applying your skills in a real healthcare setting, which can be a flexible option if you’re balancing work or family duties. If you find that Memphis schools don’t offer the schedule you need, consider looking at programs in nearby cities. For instance, CNA classes in Nashville TN or CNA training Clarksville TN may provide alternative start dates or evening tracks. No matter which location you choose, all accredited programs follow CNA Training standards, covering essential skills like patient transfers, vital signs, and safety protocols. Before enrolling, always confirm that a program is on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry list so your clinical hours count toward the state competency exam. A hybrid pathway can be a smart way to launch your healthcare career without putting your life on hold.
CNA Classes Near Memphis: Options in Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville, and Southaven
If you live in a Memphis suburb, you can find state-approved CNA training without commuting into the city center. If you're in Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville, or just across the state line in Southaven, Mississippi, approved programs may be closer than you think.
Verify State Approval Before Enrolling
Since CNA programs must meet state-specific requirements, always confirm their approval status before paying tuition. Check the Tennessee Board of Nursing website for an official list of approved nurse aide training programs. If you live in Southaven, Olive Branch, or other northern Mississippi communities, the Mississippi Board of Nursing maintains a separate directory of approved providers. Enrolling in an unapproved program could mean your training hours will not count toward certification.
Use Free Search Tools to Locate Programs
Several government-backed resources help prospective students identify training options by location:
- BLS.gov Find Training tool: Enter your city or ZIP code to see approved healthcare training programs with contact information and estimated costs.
- CareerOneStop: This Department of Labor site lets you filter results by program type and distance, showing community colleges, vocational schools, and private training centers near you.
- AHCA and NCSBN directories: Professional associations such as the American Health Care Association and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing maintain links to state-approved training provider lists.
Contact Schools Directly
Not all programs appear on aggregator websites. Community colleges and vocational schools in Shelby and DeSoto counties often offer CNA courses that fly under the radar of online search tools. Call admissions offices directly to ask about upcoming class schedules, tuition, financial aid availability, and whether clinical rotations take place at local healthcare facilities. Some programs fill quickly, so reaching out early can help you secure a spot in the next available cohort.
Consider Cross-State Options
If you live near the Tennessee-Mississippi border, you can train in one state and work in the other, but you may need to apply for reciprocity or endorsement. Check with both state nursing boards to understand the steps required to transfer your certification across state lines.
CNA Salary in Memphis: How Much You'll Earn and Job Growth Outlook
While local salary figures are not yet published in this guide, national data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers a reliable benchmark for CNA job growth and demand. The following projections help you understand the employment landscape for nursing assistants.
| Occupation | Projected Job Growth (2024-2034) | Average Annual Openings (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Assistants (National) | 2.3% | 204,100 |
| Nursing Assistants and Orderlies (National) | 2% | 211,800 |
Free and Low-Cost CNA Training in Memphis: WIOA, SNAP, and Employer-Sponsored Programs
Memphis offers multiple pathways to cover the full cost of CNA training, from federal workforce grants to employer-sponsored programs that pay you while you learn. If tuition is the barrier standing between you and a healthcare career, these funding sources eliminate that obstacle.
WIOA Grants Through American Job Center
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) covers 100 percent of CNA tuition, books, uniforms, supplies, and state exam fees1 through an Individual Training Account (ITA) at your local American Job Center. Eligibility extends to income-eligible adults, dislocated workers, or youth ages 16 to 24 facing barriers to employment.2 The Greater Memphis Local Workforce Development Board administers these grants locally. Contact Amber Covington at [email protected]2 to start the application process and confirm your eligibility.
Both Career Academy in Memphis and American Academy of Health Careers Tennessee accept WIOA funding.1 Career Academy can be reached at (901) 761-45003, while Alan Bazzell at AAHC Tennessee handles workforce-grant inquiries at [email protected] or 423-499-49994.
SNAP Employment and Training
Current SNAP recipients in Tennessee qualify for tuition assistance and supportive services such as transportation and supplies through the SNAP Employment and Training program.3 Call 1-866-311-42873 to confirm your eligibility and connect with approved training providers. Both Career Academy and AAHC Tennessee accept SNAP E&T funding34, giving you immediate options in Memphis.
Employer-Sponsored Free Training
Several long-term care facilities in Memphis provide completely free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment after certification. Memphis Jewish Home and Rehab offers free training at (901) 756-3806.5 Springs of Broadway goes a step further by paying you during the training period. Bright Glade Health and Rehabilitation also provides free CNA classes.6 These programs eliminate out-of-pocket costs and guarantee a job upon completion, making them the fastest route from training to paycheck.
Additional Funding for Veterans and Military Spouses
Career Academy accepts Post-9/11 GI Bill, Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E), and Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA), opening doors for service members and their families to pursue CNA certification at zero cost.1
Questions to Ask Yourself
CNAs spend most of their shifts assisting patients with bathing, dressing, and mobility. If you find satisfaction in personal caregiving rather than administrative tasks, the daily work will feel rewarding instead of draining.
Most Memphis CNA programs run four to twelve weeks, letting you start working within a few months. This fast timeline suits people who need income soon or want to test whether healthcare fits before committing to longer programs.
CNA work builds foundational skills and patient experience that nursing schools value. Many Memphis employers also offer tuition assistance for CNAs pursuing advanced degrees, creating a built-in career ladder.
The role requires stamina and proper body mechanics. If you have concerns about physical limitations, consider whether accommodations exist or whether other healthcare entry points might suit you better.
Tennessee CNA Certification: Steps to Get on the Nurse Aide Registry
Tennessee requires a minimum of 75 hours of state-approved training before you can sit for the certification exam, and at least 16 of those hours must be hands-on clinical practice with real patients. That single requirement shapes everything else in the process, so understanding the full pathway from day one helps you avoid delays later.
Complete a State-Approved Training Program
Your first move is enrolling in a program that Tennessee's Department of Health has approved. Community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals, and some long-term care facilities all offer CNA programs in Memphis. The curriculum covers foundational nursing skills, infection control, patient rights, and safety procedures. Clinical hours are typically completed at a partnering nursing home or healthcare facility under the supervision of a licensed nurse. You cannot substitute online coursework for the clinical requirement.
Register for and Pass the Competency Exam
Once your program is complete, you register for the Tennessee Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation through Pearson VUE, the state's contracted testing vendor. The exam has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills demonstration. For the skills portion, you will be asked to perform a set of randomly selected nursing tasks in front of an evaluator. First-time test takers should request their Authorization to Test letter from their training program before attempting to schedule. You have three attempts to pass both portions. If you do not pass within those three attempts, you must complete training again before retesting.
A criminal background check is also part of the process. Tennessee screens applicants through the TN Abuse Registry and a national background check, so any prior convictions should be discussed with a program advisor before you enroll.
Get Listed on the TN Nurse Aide Registry
After passing both exam components, your name is automatically added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, which is the official state record that employers search when verifying your credentials. You do not need to submit a separate application. Most employers will confirm your status on the registry before making a job offer, so keep your contact information current.
Renewing Your Certification
Tennessee CNA certifications must be renewed every 24 months. The good news is that renewal does not require retesting as long as you can document paid, compensated work as a nurse aide during that period. If you have not worked in a CNA role for two consecutive years, your certification will lapse and you will need to complete training and testing again. Keeping even part-time CNA employment active protects your credential and keeps you in good standing on the registry.
Top CNA Training Programs in Memphis
Arkansas State University Mid-South, located just across the Mississippi River, offers a high-quality CNA program accessible to Memphis residents.
Arkansas State University Mid-South
#1West Memphis, AR · $3,000 – $5,000/yr
Best for: Memphis commuters seeking affordable CNA program
Arkansas State University Mid-South offers a Certified Nursing Assistant program combining classroom instruction with clinical practice in long-term care. The curriculum covers patient care, safety, and infection control, preparing graduates for the Arkansas state exam. As a public institution with affordable tuition, it is a practical first step toward nursing careers for Memphis-area students willing to commute across the river.
- Certificate of Proficiency program
- 7 to 8 credit hours, typically one semester
- Classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical rotations
- Supervised clinical experience in long-term care facilities
- Prepares for the Arkansas nurse aide certification exam
- Emphasis on patient care, safety, and infection control
- Pathway into nursing and allied health careers
- Taught at ASU Mid-South campus, West Memphis, AR
From CNA to LPN or RN: Career Ladder Programs in Memphis
Working as a CNA creates a clear foundation for advancing into licensed practical nursing or registered nursing roles. Many healthcare employers and educational institutions in the Memphis area recognize CNA experience as valuable preparation for nursing programs, and some offer pathways specifically designed to help you move up the career ladder.
Finding Approved Nursing Programs
The Tennessee Board of Nursing maintains a list of approved LPN and RN programs throughout the state. Start by visiting the Tennessee Board of Nursing website to find approved LPN and RN programs in the Memphis region. Once you have a list, visit each school's website to look for bridge programs, career ladder options, or policies that grant credit for prior CNA training and work experience.
Several community colleges and career-focused institutions in the area offer nursing programs at various levels. Contact admissions offices directly to ask about program lengths, prerequisite courses, and whether your CNA certification or clinical hours can reduce your time to completion.
Understanding Career Pathways
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides detailed information about typical CNA-to-nurse career progression, including educational requirements and job outlook data. Cross-reference this information with resources from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to understand Tennessee-specific requirements for transitioning between nursing credentials.
Employer-Sponsored Opportunities
Many hospitals and healthcare systems in Memphis offer tuition assistance or bridge programs for CNAs interested in becoming LPNs or RNs. Check career pages for major local healthcare employers, and explore resources through the Tennessee Nurses Association. These employer-sponsored options can significantly reduce the financial burden of nursing education while you continue working.
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Training in Memphis
Get quick answers to the most common questions about CNA training and certification in Memphis. We cover program length, costs, free class options, Tennessee requirements, and where you can find jobs after becoming a certified nursing assistant.
What does a CNA do?
A Certified Nursing Assistant provides direct, hands-on personal care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Their duties include assisting with bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility, as well as taking vital signs and reporting any changes to the nursing staff. CNAs play an essential role in ensuring patients' comfort and safety every day.
How long does it take to become a CNA in Memphis?
CNA training in Memphis typically takes 4 to 10 weeks from the first day of class to full certification, including the state exam1. Some schools offer accelerated 4-week courses, while others run up to 12 weeks, depending on the schedule. In total, most programs span 1 to 3 months, combining classroom learning with hands-on clinical practice.
How much does CNA training cost in Memphis?
Costs for CNA programs in Memphis range from around $650 to $3,0001. For example, TCAT Memphis charges $1,232, Career Academy is $1,350, and The Healthcare Institute costs $1,300 plus a $98 exam fee4. Some employer-based programs, like the one at Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab, offer free training in exchange for a work commitment3.
Are there free CNA classes in Memphis?
Yes, free CNA training is available in Memphis. Employer-sponsored programs, such as the one at Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab, cover all costs if you agree to work for them after certification3. Additionally, workforce development resources like WIOA or SNAP Employment and Training can fund your CNA education at approved schools, making training accessible without upfront costs.
What are the requirements to be a CNA in Tennessee?
To become a CNA in Tennessee, you must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of hands-on clinical work1. You also need to pass a criminal background check and the Credentia State Competency Exam, which includes both a written and a skills test1. Some schools admit students without a high school diploma or GED via an Ability-to-Benefit pathway5.
Where can I find CNA jobs in Memphis?
CNAs in Memphis find employment at major hospitals like Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Baptist Memorial Health Care, and Regional One Health, as well as nursing homes, assisted living communities, and home health agencies. Job openings are also listed on online job boards and through school career services. Strong demand for CNAs means steady job opportunities across the metro area.
