Finding a CNA program you can finish quickly isn’t always easy—especially if you’re trying to balance work, family, or school. Many options take months to complete, which can delay your start in the healthcare field.
The good news? Nashville has a handful of accelerated CNA programs that get you certified in 5 weeks or less without sacrificing hands-on experience. Whether your top priority is cost, speed, or career growth, there’s a program that can fit your needs:
1. NATS Career Institute
This accelerated CNA program runs 5 weeks and totals 100 clock hours, with 4 weeks in the classroom and 1 week of clinical training. Day classes are held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for classroom sessions, followed by clinicals from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuition is $925 with a $50 lab fee, bringing the estimated total to $975. Payment plans are available, and the program is WIOA-eligible for those who qualify. A $50 deposit secures a start date. Students must meet age, education, background check, and health requirements before starting.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Tuition: $925, Lab Fee: $50, Total Estimated Total Cost: $975 $50 deposit required to hold start date Payment plan available ($325 first three Mondays) |
| Duration/Clock Hours | 5 weeks; 100 total hours (4 weeks classroom, 1 week clinical) |
| Schedules | Day classes: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (classroom); Clinicals: 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. for one week; No evening classes currently offered |
| Contact Info | Phone: (615) 333-8474 Address: 1161 Murfreesboro Pike #217, Nashville, TN 37217 |
2. SASH Nursing Assistant Training Program
The program runs for 5 weeks, combining four weeks of classroom learning with one week of clinical experience. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with clinicals held Monday through Wednesday in the final week.
The total cost is $803, which includes tuition and the state exam fee. This covers textbooks, CPR certification, TB skin test, and practice exams. Students receive training from healthcare professionals with physician oversight and nurse support. Enrollment requires a background check, interview, two recommendation letters, and proof of high school completion or equivalent. Job placement help is provided after graduation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $803 total ($700 tuition + $103 exam cost); includes textbooks, CPR certification, TB skin test, and practice exams |
| Duration/Clock Hours | 5 weeks (4 weeks classroom, 1 week clinical) |
| Schedules | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; clinicals during week 5, Monday–Wednesday |
| Contact Info | Phone: (615) 321-2005 Address: 604 Gallatin Avenue, Suite 107, Nashville, TN 37206 |
3. CareRite
This free CNA program runs 3 weeks and requires a signed work agreement to commit to full-time employment at one of CareRite’s facilities for at least one year after certification. Training is held Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and combines classroom instruction, lab skills practice, and supervised clinical experience.
Classes are offered most months except March and September. While tuition is covered, the program is unpaid during training, and future pay rates during the work agreement should be confirmed before enrolling. Graduates are eligible to take the Tennessee State CNA exam and receive job placement within CareRite’s network.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Free tuition with signed one-year full-time work agreement at a CareRite facility. Unpaid during 3-week training |
| Duration/Clock Hours | 3 weeks |
| Schedules | Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; classes offered most months except March and September |
| Contact Info | Phone: 615-580-6845 Address: 832 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville, TN 37203 |
🩺 Nashville’s Top CNA Programs:
We’ve handpicked the best CNA programs in Nashville—offering flexible schedules, fast-track options, and hands-on training. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to switch careers, these top-rated classes can help you earn your certification and begin working in healthcare quickly.
4. National Healthcare Corporation
This free CNA training program is completed in 2 weeks and combines classroom lessons with practical clinical experience in NHC’s senior living facilities. Students begin with instruction on patient care skills, safety, emergency response, vital signs, and communication techniques, then move into supervised, hands-on care with residents.
Class times are arranged to work around high school or college schedules. Graduates who pass the state exam may be offered CNA positions within NHC, with access to benefits, flexible shifts, and tuition reimbursement toward LPN or RN programs. Employment opportunities are available in multiple NHC locations.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Free training – tuition reimbursement available for LPN or RN programs after hire |
| Duration/Clock Hours | 2 weeks |
| Schedules | Flexible schedules available; can accommodate high school and college students; classes typically held in senior living centers |
| Contact Info | Phone: (615) 890-2020 Address: 100 East Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 |
Our Thoughts on These Programs
Choosing between Nashville’s fastest CNA programs comes down to more than just how quickly you can finish. You’ll want to weigh cost, speed, employment guarantees, extra training value, and future opportunities. Here’s how we see it:
If speed is your top priority and you’re open to working in senior living, NHC’s program is the quickest path to becoming certified. You’ll also benefit from tuition reimbursement if you decide to become an LPN or RN later. Downside: Your first job options may be limited to NHC facilities.
Not only is this the least expensive paid program, but tuition covers extras like CPR training, TB test, and textbooks. SASH also offers job placement help and a more holistic approach to patient care (cultural competency and psychosocial training), which could make you stand out to employers.
NATS includes medical-surgical content and advanced nursing procedures, which you won’t see in most CNA programs. This could make you a stronger candidate for hospital positions and smooth your transition into nursing school later. WIOA funding may make it free if you qualify.
This can be a good fit if you want guaranteed work immediately after certification. However, ask upfront about pay rates during and after the work agreement—if they’re lower than other local employers, it could cost you more in the long run.
Even if one school looks perfect on paper, it’s smart to reach out to all that interest you.
When you speak with a representative, you can:
- Confirm start dates, schedules, and class sizes
- Learn about financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans
- Ask about exam pass rates and employment outcomes
- Get a feel for the school’s teaching style and support
- Understand work agreement details if applicable
That personal conversation can make all the difference in picking a program where you’ll thrive—not just graduate.