Certified Nursing Assistant
Become a CNA with UTC's Five-Week Course!
Begin your career quickly and prepare to impact patients' lives in UTC's state-accredited course.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
State-Accredited | Fast-Paced 5-Week Course
Program at a Glance
- In-Person, Hands-On Learning led by a dedicated instructor
- Designed to help passionate individuals immediately enter the workforce.
- $1,500 Course Fee provides what you need!
- All Program materials and textbooks
- One set of scrubs
- CNA Certification Exam Vouchers (1 for the CNA Knowledge Test and 1 for the CNA Skills Test)
- CPR Certification
- Eligible for Payment Plans, Financial Aid, and Employer Sponsorship
Turn Compassion into a Career—Become a CNA in just Five Weeks!
In five weeks, you will be prepared to make a difference in yourself and your community as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
UTC’s state-accredited CNA course provides students with engaging lectures, real-world clinical experience, and hands-on training. At the end of the CNA course, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to pass the Certification exam and immediately enter the workforce!
Are you ready to take the first step towards your future in healthcare?
Available Courses
Summer Cohort: June 29-July 30, 2026 | See Course Schedule
Fall Cohort: August 24-September 24, 2026 | See Course Schedule
Where Purpose Meets Opportunity
Transform Your Future
Launch a meaningful career in just five weeks, and open the door to new opportunities, greater confidence, and long-term career growth,
Build Financial Independence
Gain in-demand skills that can help you enter the workforce quickly, increase your earning potential, and create a more secure future,
Empower Patients Through Compassionate Care
Provide the support, encouragement, and hands-on care that help patients feel comfortable, respected, and cared for.
Impact Lives Every Day
Use your skills to make a meaningful impact on patients, families, and the health of your community through compassionate care.
Everything You Need to Succeed
Expert Guidance, Every Step
Receive support and personalized instruction from our dedicated instructors, excited to help you meet your goals!
Intentional Class Sizes
Experience our collaborative cohort size, perfect for individual learning and relationship building. During our 5-week course, you will gain a support system as well as a certification.
Everything in One Affordable Program
Our $1,500 Course Fee includes all program materials/books, one set of scrubs, one voucher for the TN State CNA Licensure Exam, and CPR certification. **Now accepting payment plans.
Employer Sponsorships & Financial Aid
Thanks to our employer partners, UTC offers Employer Sponsorships to qualified students! For more information, visit our Financial Aid page.
Your Journey Towards Something Bigger
- Step 1: Meet Tennessee CNA Requirements
Course Requirements
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- No prior healthcare experience is required
Clinical Requirements
- Pass a background check and drug screening
- Have up-to-date immunization records
- Have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Step 2: Complete our CNA Program
Students will spend the majority of their time in our on-campus medical lab. Training includes:
- Classroom instruction
- Hands-on clinical skills training
- CPR and BLS certification training
Students will also participate in a week-long Clinical Rotation with one of our Employer Partners,
Upon sucessfully completing and passing the UTC CNA program, students will receive a UTC Certification of Completion and are eligible to sit for the Tennessee State CNA Skills & Knowledge Exam.
- Step 3: Pass the State Competency Exam
After completing training, students register through the state testing portal to schedule their CNA competency exam. UTC is an approved Tennessee testing site, so our students can test where they train. One state exam voucher is also included in the tuition cost.
The exam includes two parts:
- Written/oral knowledge exam: Covering patient care concepts, safety, infection control, and communication
- Clinical skills evaluation: Demonstrating required CNA skills on a mannequin or volunteer
- Step 4: Get Listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry
After passing both parts of the exam, students are added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, which serves as official CNA certification verification for employers.
Certification Renewal:
- CNAs must renew every 24 months and work at least 8 hours as a paid CNA during that time period to remain active.
- Step 5: Start Your Career
Popular job titles for an individual with a CNA license include:
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Patient Care Technician
- Nursing Assistant
- Nurse Aid
- Patient Care Assistant
- Home Health Aide
- Resident Aide
See Indeed for updated Salary and Positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What will I learn?
CNA students will learn how to provide patients with the following support:
- Gather a patient’s vital signs
- Perform resuscitation and assist with basic life support
- Prevent and control infection in both yourself and the client
- Find the proper feeding technique for each client based on their condition
- Assist with daily life activities, such as feeding, bathing, and dressing
- Ensure patients are using proper body mechanics and mobility techniques to prevent injury
- Why are CNAs important?
- CNAs create healthier communities! CNAs create a more effective patient care experience by collecting vitals and assisting with daily living activities. Hospitals and healthcare facilities rely on CNAs to ensure patients receive the dedicated care they need.
- The CNA position can serve as a stepping stone to other healthcare professions. For instance, CNAs often become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs).
- Who should enroll?
- UTC’s Certified Nursing Assistant Academy is designed to help individuals immediately enter the workforce. Students should have a passion for helping others as well as an interest in healthcare. Many students in our CNA program include, but are not limited to, recent high school graduates, individuals wanting to change careers and individuals preparing for an LPN or RN degree. *16 year olds may enroll in the course, but it may be difficult to find placement until you turn 18 years old.
- Do I need prior work experience?
- You do not need any prior work experience to participate in UTC’s Certified Nursing Assistant Academy. The CNA certification course is designed for all experience levels.
- Are there any prerequisites?
- There are no prerequisites for the CNA program. However, in order to participate in the CNA Clinical Rotation, students must submit a background check, drug screening, and have up-to-date immunization records.
- Which CNA Certification will this course prepare me for?
Students who complete UTC’s Certified Nursing Assistant Course will be prepared to sit for the State of Tennessee's CNA Licensure Exams. There are two exams: the CNA knowledge test and the CNA skills test.
The CNA certification exams are included in the cost of the course.
- How long does CNA Certification last?
CNAs in Tennessee must renew their CNA Certification every two (2) years.
What Our Students Say
"Passing the CNA exam was the greatest feeling. I really enjoyed my experience at UTC."
Hal Wright, CNA
"Becoming a CNA has been the best experience. I have a great sense of pride in what I do. I am thankful I had the opportunity to take UTC's course!"
Diane Buchanan, CNA
Meet Your Support Team
Meet the Instructor
Kelly Marcus, RN, BSN
Kelly Marcus, RN, BSN, is an experienced nurse educator with an extensive clinical background spanning several decades. Throughout her career, Kelly has developed deep expertise across a variety of healthcare settings, including Home Care, Long-term Care, Dialysis, and Case Management. As a versatile educator, Kelly has specialized in teaching across multiple nursing disciplines, combining her practical field experience with a passion for clinical instruction. She is dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals by bridging the gap between complex theory and real-world patient care.
Meet the Instructor
Josie Andino, RN, BSN
Josie Andino, RN, BSN is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Instructor with a strong commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. As a Registered Nurse, she brings valuable clinical experience and practical experience to the classroom. Passionate about mentoring future healthcare workers, Josie creates a supportive learning environment that builds confidence, clinical competence, and professionalism. She is committed to preparing skilled, caring, and compassionate CNAs who make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they will serve.
Your Program Coordinator
Our Employer Partners
Life Care Centers of America
Life Care Centers of America is committed to being a premier provider of long-term health care. Life Care may cover program tuition, pay you an hourly wage while you are in training, and hire you full-time after completion.
Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation
Siskin Hospital is committed to helping patients regain their highest quality of life after a traumatic injury or illness. Siskin may cover tuition and hire you full-time after completion.
See our Financial Aid page for more information on Employer Sponsorships.