Certified Nursing Assistant in Tennessee

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TN. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$36,750

trending_down -7.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Tennessee.

engineering

23,030

Jobs (TN)

monitoring Stable

+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments

$110

Licensing fees

schedule

3-8 weeks (training) + 1 week (application processing)

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Tennessee

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Tennessee, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinical experience. After training, candidates must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. The licensing body is the Tennessee Department of Health, which maintains the Nurse Aide Registry. Reciprocity is generally accepted from other states with a $20 application fee, with the exception of Florida, which requires retraining and retesting.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,080

25th percentile $33,630

50th (median) $36,750

75th percentile $39,160

90th (experienced) $44,500

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Tennessee. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Tennessee requirements

Licensing body	Tennessee Department of Health
State license	Required
Education	75-hour state-approved training program
Experience	16.0 hours
Exam	National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam ($90)
Application fee	$20
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	8.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is typically 16 or 17, depending on the training institution. A criminal background check, physical exam, negative TB test, and vaccinations are required. CPR certification is also generally required before clinical training. Renewal requires proof of having worked for at least 8 hours for pay as a CNA in a licensed healthcare facility within the past 24 months. Employment in private duty services, companion services, and physician's offices are not accepted for renewal.

Source: Tennessee Department of Health

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.3%

Average

Annual openings

204,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

1,441,500

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleTennessee license required — clearer credential signal to employers

psychology

Wondering if a certified nursing assistant career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a certified nursing assistant in Tennessee? expand_more

The path to certified nursing assistant licensure in Tennessee: complete the required education (75-hour state-approved training program), gain 16.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, and submit your application ($20 fee).

Is a certified nursing assistant license required in Tennessee? expand_more

A state license is required in Tennessee. Tennessee Department of Health handles certified nursing assistant licensing — the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam is part of the process.

How much do certified nursing assistants make in Tennessee? expand_more

The median certified nursing assistant salary in Tennessee is $36,750 per year. — 7% under the $39,530 national average. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $30,080, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $44,500.

How much does it cost to become a certified nursing assistant in Tennessee? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($90) and application fee ($20) and required training.

How long does it take to become a certified nursing assistant in Tennessee? expand_more

In Tennessee, becoming a certified nursing assistant generally takes 3-8 weeks (training) + 1 week (application processing), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Does Tennessee require continuing education for certified nursing assistants? expand_more

License renewal in Tennessee requires completing 8.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.