CNA Certification in Tennessee

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Tennessee

If you want to become a CNA in the state of Tennessee you will begin by asking yourself a few questions:

Do I qualify for enrollment in a CNA certification program approved by the Tennessee Department of Health?If so, can I “challenge” the need for training and just take the exam?If I have to take training, where is it?What do I need to do to get on the state registry after I complete training?Where is the testing that is provided by D&S Diversified technologies?What does this cost?

All of these questions are answered below as we consider the steps for certified nursing assistant certification in Tennessee.

Eligibility Requirements

Tennessee certified nursing assistant certification training candidates must be eligible to enroll in training, and that means:

They can read to the 9th grade level:They are at least 16 years old;They can submit to a criminal background check that includes fingerprint data and shows a clean felony arrest record; andThey can pass a health screening that includes a TB test, a drug check, and offer proof of immunizations.

Applying for CNA Certification in Tennessee

Not all eligible candidates have to do the training. In Tennessee, the following people are exceptions and can just head straight into the exams, or submit applications for registration:

LPN or RN students may apply for a challenge by showing they have finished 2 courses in basic nursing fundamentals and have skills that are taught in a nurse aide-training program.Candidates that are in good standing with another state’s registry may receive reciprocity, except for those candidates from North Carolina, Georgia or Florida.Military trained medics may challenge with a “DD-214″.Lapsed CNAs who are “inactive” for less than 24 months.

When the candidate for CNA certification in Tennessee does need to enter an approved program, they can find the full list at the Department of Health website.

Any approved programs have a minimum of 75 hours, with a minimum of 16 hours spent in practical work.

After finishing their training the candidate must apply for exam eligibility, and if this is accepted they are sent confirmation and details about registering for the exam. The exam includes both the written exam and practical skills, and both must be passed before the student can apply for a place on the state registry.

Costs

Currently, CNA certification training programs in Tennessee cost around $800 with separate testing fees required. Employers cannot charge their employees for testing and training if it is mandatory for their employment, and if the facility is Medicare approved. The testing fees in Tennessee are:

Written: $36
Skills: $54
Oral: $36

FAQ

Below is a list of useful and frequently required facts for CNA certification:

Tennessee’s CNAs must renew their certification every 24 months and there is no fee for CNA license renewal in Tennessee;If you fail any part of the Tennessee CNA test three times, you will be required to repeat another CNA training program before you can take any part of the state test again; andTo qualify for renewal you must verify, in a notarized document, that you have at least eight paid hours of CNA work within the last twenty-four months in a state licensed facility.

Helpful Resources around the Web

Tennessee Department of Health
Division of Health Care Facilities
227 French Landing, Suite 501
Heritage Place, Metro Center
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-532-7841
Nurse Aide Registry: 1-800-778-4504
Web: http://health.state.tn.us/Hcf/index.htm

D&S Diversified Technologies LLP
333 Oakland Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840
Toll Free: 877-201-0758
Web: www.hdmaster.com