How to become a CNA in Tennessee
Are you interested in becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Tennessee? You’ve come to the right place. We’ll guide you through the process, from training to certification, so you can start your rewarding career in healthcare.
Key Takeaways:
- Successfully complete an approved nurse aide training program in Tennessee.
- Pass the knowledge and skills tests administered by Headmaster/D&S Diversified Technologies.
- Renew your certification every two years to remain active on the state nurse aide registry.
- Out-of-state CNAs may be eligible for reciprocity, except for those from Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
- Additional information and resources can be found on the Tennessee Department of Health’s website and through the Tennessee Nurse Aide Program Office.
CNA Training and Examination Eligibility in Tennessee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCmgYzgFEys
Prospective CNAs in Tennessee must complete approved nurse aide training programs before they are eligible to take the CNA exam. The Department of Health provides a list of approved training facilities on their website. These programs are at least 75 hours long, and students can start working with patients after completing 16 hours of training.
After completing the training program, individuals need to take the CNA exam, which consists of a knowledge test and a skills test. The knowledge test is multiple-choice and can be taken in English or Spanish, while the skills test involves acting out nursing aide scenarios. The testing fee for the knowledge test is $30 and $60 for the skills test.
CNA Training and Examination Eligibility Requirements:
- Complete an approved nurse aide training program in Tennessee.
- Training programs must be at least 75 hours long.
- Begin working with patients after completing 16 hours of training.
- Take the CNA exam, which consists of a knowledge test and a skills test.
- Knowledge test is multiple-choice and available in English or Spanish.
- Skills test involves performing nursing aide scenarios.
- Testing fees: $30 for the knowledge test, $60 for the skills test.
Upon successfully completing the CNA exam, individuals will be listed in the state nurse aide registry and receive their certification cards. It is important to note that reciprocity is available for out-of-state CNAs who wish to work in Tennessee, except for CNAs from Florida, Georgia, or North Carolina. Additional information and resources can be found on the Tennessee Department of Health’s website and through the Tennessee Nurse Aide Program Office.
Examination Requirements in Tennessee
In order to become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Tennessee, individuals must meet certain examination requirements. The examination consists of a knowledge test and a skills test, both of which must be successfully completed to obtain CNA certification. The knowledge test is multiple-choice and covers a wide range of topics related to nursing assistant skills and knowledge. This test can be taken in either English or Spanish, providing flexibility for candidates. On the other hand, the skills test requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to perform specific tasks related to patient care.
During the skills test, candidates must complete all the tasks assigned and score at least 80% on each task. This ensures that CNAs have the necessary skills to provide quality care to their patients. To maintain the integrity of the certification process, the Tennessee Board of Nursing oversees the nursing assistant program and ensures that all requirements are met. This ensures that only qualified individuals are added to the official nurse aide registry and receive their certification cards.
Examination Requirements Overview:
- Passing both the knowledge test and the skills test is required for CNA certification.
- The knowledge test covers various nursing assistant topics and can be taken in English or Spanish.
- The skills test assesses candidates’ abilities to perform specific patient care tasks.
- Candidates must score at least 80% on each task during the skills test.
- The Tennessee Board of Nursing oversees the certification process and ensures compliance with requirements.
Successfully completing the CNA examination and obtaining certification opens doors to various employment opportunities in the healthcare field. The certification not only validates the knowledge and skills of CNAs but also allows them to be listed in the nurse aide registry, an essential requirement to work as a CNA in Tennessee. With a growing demand for healthcare professionals, CNA certification in Tennessee can provide a solid foundation for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry.
| Examination Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Knowledge Test | Multiple-choice test covering nursing assistant topics Can be taken in English or Spanish |
| Skills Test | Assessment of candidate’s ability to perform patient care tasks Must score at least 80% on each task |
| Board Oversight | The Tennessee Board of Nursing ensures compliance with requirements Oversees the certification process |
Out-of-State CNAs and Additional Information
If you are a certified nurse aide (CNA) from another state and wish to work in Tennessee, you may be eligible for reciprocity. Most CNAs from U.S. states can apply for reciprocity by submitting an application and providing proof of their current certification. It’s important to note that reciprocity is not extended to CNAs from Florida, Georgia, or North Carolina.
CNAs from Georgia may have the option to challenge the examination, while CNAs from Florida or North Carolina will need to go through the training process again and enroll in a 75-hour program. This means that if you are a CNA from Florida or North Carolina, you will need to complete the necessary training and pass the Tennessee CNA examination to become certified in Tennessee.
If you are an out-of-state CNA eligible for reciprocity, you can find more information and resources on the Tennessee Department of Health’s website or through the Tennessee Nurse Aide Program Office. They will guide you through the application process and provide you with any additional information you may need.
Once you have successfully applied for reciprocity and met all the requirements, you will be added to the Tennessee nurse aide registry and receive your certification card, allowing you to practice as a CNA in Tennessee.
FAQ
How can I become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Tennessee?
To become a CNA in Tennessee, you must complete an approved nurse aide training program and pass the CNA examination consisting of a knowledge test and a skills test. After passing the examination, you will be listed in the state nurse aide registry and receive your certification card.
Where can I find approved nurse aide training programs in Tennessee?
The Department of Health provides a list of approved training facilities on their website. You can visit their website to find a program near you.
What are the eligibility requirements to take the CNA exam in Tennessee?
In order to be eligible for the CNA exam in Tennessee, you must complete an approved nurse aide training program. The training program must be at least 75 hours long, and you can start working with patients after completing 16 hours of training.
What does the CNA exam in Tennessee consist of?
The CNA exam in Tennessee consists of a knowledge test and a skills test. The knowledge test is multiple-choice and can be taken in English or Spanish. The skills test requires candidates to perform specific tasks related to patient care.
How much does the CNA exam in Tennessee cost?
The fee for the knowledge test is $30, and the fee for the skills test is $60.
How long does it take to receive the CNA certification card after passing the exam?
After passing the CNA exam in Tennessee, you will receive your certification card within four to six weeks of testing.
Can out-of-state CNAs work in Tennessee?
Yes, out-of-state CNAs may be eligible for reciprocity in Tennessee. Most U.S. states can apply for reciprocity by submitting an application and providing proof of their current certification. However, reciprocity is not extended to CNAs from Florida, Georgia, or North Carolina.
Can I challenge the CNA exam in Tennessee if I am a CNA from Georgia?
CNAs from Georgia may be able to challenge the CNA exam in Tennessee. Additional information and resources can be found on the Tennessee Department of Health’s website and through the Tennessee Nurse Aide Program Office.
What should I do if I am an out-of-state CNA from Florida or North Carolina?
If you are an out-of-state CNA from Florida or North Carolina, you will need to go through the training process again and enroll in a 75-hour program in order to become certified in Tennessee.
Source Links
- https://www.nursinglicensure.org/cna/tennessee-nursing-assistant/
- https://www.choosecna.org/tennessee-cna-certification/
- https://www.hdmaster.com/testing/cnatesting/tennessee/tnformpages/tnforms/TNHandbookFinal.pdf
