Breaking into healthcare doesn’t have to mean racking up student debt — in fact, several Nashville-area organizations will train you as a CNA at little to no cost if you’re willing to meet their requirements (and in many cases, commit to working for them afterward). Each program has its own mix of schedule options, training style, and career perks, so the best fit depends on your goals, timeline, and comfort with any work agreements.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s out there:
1. Ballad Health
This free CNA training program is 100 hours total — 60 hours in the classroom followed by 40 hours of supervised clinicals. It lasts about nine weeks, with the first six weeks in class and the final three weeks in clinical rotations. Most sessions are held in Blountville, TN, though hybrid options combine online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals. Schedules vary, with weekday, evening, and occasional weekend classes available.
Eligibility is limited to residents in Ballad Health’s 29-county service area across Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky. Applicants must be at least 16, meet vaccination requirements, and pass a background check, physical, and drug screen — all provided at no cost. While there’s no formal contract to work for Ballad Health after graduation, the application asks if you plan to do so, and checking “yes” greatly improves acceptance chances. It’s worth reading the fine print about any work agreements before starting.
Clinical hours are done at approved Ballad Health hospitals, with students able to choose their location and schedule from available options. Navy scrubs are required for clinicals, and all classroom and clinical hours must be completed to qualify for the state CNA exam.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Price | Free |
Duration/Clock Hours | About 9 weeks; 100 total hours (60 classroom, 40 clinical) |
Schedules | Weekday, evening, and occasional weekend options; hybrid format available |
Contact Info | (423) 431-2622 110 Ayers Pl, Blountville, TN 37617 |
2. CareRite
This free CNA training program runs for three weeks, Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and is designed to prepare students for the Tennessee State CNA exam. Training combines classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience, covering topics like residents’ rights, infection prevention, safety in healthcare, and dementia care, along with hands-on skills such as personal care, transferring patients, checking vital signs, and restorative care.
While tuition is free, all participants must sign a one-year full-time work agreement to be employed at one of CareRite’s nine centers after certification. This is not a paid training program, and the rate of pay during your employment should be confirmed before committing, as it may affect your long-term earnings compared to other CNA positions.
Classes are held monthly except in March and September at the Nashville Health Career Center on Wedgewood Avenue. To complete the course, students must pass written exams, demonstrate required skills, and meet all clinical requirements. Upon passing the state exam, graduates are placed on the Tennessee CNA registry and begin their contracted employment.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Price | Free; requires signing a one-year full-time work agreement after certification |
Duration/Clock Hours | 3 weeks; Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
Schedules | Monthly classes except March and September |
Contact Info | 615-580-6845 832 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville, TN 37203 |
3. National Healthcare Corporation
This free CNA training program runs for two weeks and is open to individuals interested in starting a career in healthcare. Classes are typically held inside NHC’s senior living centers and start with classroom instruction covering basic nursing care, vital signs, emergency procedures, personal care, and communication skills. Training then moves into supervised hands-on patient care to prepare students for the Tennessee CNA certification exam.
The program is designed to be flexible, with schedules that can work around high school or college classes. Employment opportunities are often available upon certification, and NHC offers tuition reimbursement programs for CNAs who want to advance to LPN or RN roles.
Graduates who pass the state exam are placed on the Tennessee CNA registry and may be offered positions within NHC. The company provides a supportive work environment with competitive pay, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Price | Free |
Duration/Clock Hours | 2 weeks |
Schedules | Flexible schedules; options available for high school or college students |
Contact Info | (615) 890-2020 100 East Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 |
🩺 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. Smith County Health and Rehabilitation
This tuition-reimbursed CNA program offers a $3,000 sign-on bonus for full-time night shift positions. Students are hired as Hospitality Aides while completing CNA classes, gaining hands-on experience with tasks like passing water, changing linens, answering call lights, and assisting residents under staff supervision. The program is geared toward those interested in healthcare and willing to work full-time nights after certification.
Night shift CNA positions start at $16.00–$19.55 per hour, depending on shift and experience, with additional pay differentials. Benefits include PTO, health, dental, and vision insurance, tuition reimbursement for further education, quarterly raises, and career growth opportunities. Weekend Warrior CNA roles are also available with higher pay for weekend shifts.
Training is held at the facility in Carthage, TN, and combines skill-building with on-the-job learning. Applicants should be compassionate, eager to learn, and committed to working in long-term care after becoming certified.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Price | Tuition reimbursed; $3,000 sign-on bonus for full-time night shift positions |
Duration/Clock Hours | Not specified |
Schedules | Full-time night shift; Weekend Warrior positions also available |
Contact Info | (615) 735-0569 112 Health Care Dr, Carthage, TN 37030 |
5. Nashville Center For Rehabilitation & Healing
This free CNA training program offers both morning and evening class options and guarantees a job after graduation for those who successfully complete the program. Training prepares students for CNA certification while providing a pathway into a healthcare career with benefits and growth opportunities.
Applicants must pass a state-required background check to be eligible. The program is designed for individuals seeking full-time employment in long-term care or rehabilitation settings, with positions available at the Nashville Center upon completion.
The facility offers a supportive work environment, competitive benefits, and a focus on professional development. Graduates move directly into a CNA role, joining a team that provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services in a modern, patient-focused setting.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Price | Free |
Duration/Clock Hours | Not specified |
Schedules | Morning and evening classes available |
Contact Info (Phone & Address) | (615) 806-8800; 832 Wedgewood Ave, Nashville, TN 37203 |
6. Mt. Pleasant Health & Rehabilitation
This free CNA training program hires students as full-time Hospitality Aides while they complete CNA classes. During training, participants help with non-clinical tasks such as passing water, changing linens, answering call lights, and assisting residents under supervision. Once certified, graduates transition into CNA roles within the facility.
Positions are available on both day (7 a.m.–7 p.m.) and night (7 p.m.–7 a.m.) shifts. Applicants must be interested in healthcare, willing to learn, and able to show compassion and reliability. Full-time employees receive benefits such as PTO, health, dental, and vision insurance, daily pay, tuition reimbursement, and quarterly raises. Additional incentives include shift differentials, career advancement opportunities, and staff appreciation events.
The program offers a direct path into long-term care, with a supportive team environment and opportunities to grow within the organization after certification.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Price | Free (hired as Hospitality Aide during training) |
Duration/Clock Hours | Not specified |
Schedules | Full-time; day shift (7 a.m.–7 p.m.) and night shift (7 p.m.–7 a.m.) available |
Contact Info | (931) 379-5502 904 Hidden Acres Dr, Mount Pleasant, TN 38474 |
7. The Waters of Gainesboro
This facility mentions tuition reimbursement for CNA training, but their job description also states that applicants must already be licensed CNAs. This creates some uncertainty, so it’s important to clarify whether they allow new hires to complete CNA training on-site or if they reimburse the cost after you obtain certification elsewhere and join their team.
They offer PRN CNA positions with benefits such as flexible scheduling, health, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, paid birthdays, and a 401(k). PayActiv, tuition reimbursement, and attendance bonuses are also included. CNAs are responsible for providing daily care based on residents’ individual care plans, assisting with activities of daily living, and maintaining a safe environment.
The Waters of Gainesboro operates as a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, providing both short-term rehab and long-term care services. Staff work in a collaborative, supportive setting with an emphasis on quality care for residents and open communication with families.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Price | Tuition reimbursement available; training cost coverage details need clarification |
Duration/Clock Hours | Not specified |
Schedules | PRN positions with flexible scheduling |
Contact Info | (931) 268-0291 1340 N Grundy Quarles Hwy, Gainesboro, TN 38562 |
Our Thoughts on These Free CNA Programs in the Nashville Area
Free CNA programs in the Nashville area can be a smart entry point into healthcare — especially if you’re trying to avoid student loans or can’t afford upfront tuition. But “free” comes with fine print, and understanding that fine print is the most important part of making the right decision.
Most free CNA programs here require you to sign a work agreement committing you to work for the organization after graduation. While we wouldn’t outright say to avoid these, we strongly recommend:
- Read the agreement carefully — if you leave early, you could be required to repay training costs.
- Know your starting pay — you may earn less than other CNAs in the area for a set period.
- Check benefits eligibility — some agreements exclude retirement plan participation or limit certain perks during your commitment.
Bottom line: “Free” often means “tuition is covered now, but you’re paying it back in time and opportunity cost.” For some people, that trade-off makes sense — especially if you’d otherwise take on debt.
Program | Duration | Pay During Training? | Contract Requirement | Standout Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ballad Health | 9 weeks | No | No formal contract, but they expect you to apply for a CNA job after graduation. Check “yes” to that question on the application to improve your chances. | Flexible class formats, clinical scheduling freedom, large healthcare network. |
CareRite | 3 weeks | No | Yes — 1-year work commitment at one of their facilities. | Luxury facility environment, unclear starting pay after hire (ask before committing). |
NHC (National Healthcare Corporation) | 2 weeks | Unclear | Likely — implied expectation to work for them after training. | Strong career advancement path with tuition reimbursement for LPN/RN, flexible schedules for students. |
Nashville Center for Rehabilitation & Healing | Not stated (likely similar to CareRite) | No | Yes — hire-to-train model. | Part of CareRite network; benefits and career growth available. |
Mt. Pleasant Health & Rehabilitation | CNA class after working as hospitality aide | Paid hospitality aide work before CNA class | Likely — intended to convert aides into CNAs on staff. | Offers raises, appreciation events, and 401(k); supportive work culture. |
The Waters of Gainesboro | Not specified | No | Unclear — offers tuition reimbursement rather than in-house training. | May require you to get certified elsewhere first, then reimburse costs. |
- People who want guaranteed employment after certification.
- Those willing to commit to one employer for at least a year.
- Individuals who can’t afford tuition upfront and want to avoid loans.
- Anyone wanting flexibility to job-hop or negotiate higher pay immediately after certification.
- Those uncomfortable signing agreements without clear pay, benefits, and repayment terms.
- Reach out to all programs that interest you. Speaking directly with a program representative will help you:
- Clarify exact pay rates during and after the contract period.
- Understand benefit eligibility during your commitment.
- Confirm scheduling options (day/evening/weekend).
- Ask for a copy of the work agreement before you commit. Review it closely — ideally with someone knowledgeable, such as a trusted mentor or career advisor.
- Compare offers side by side. Even if the tuition is free, the total value of pay, benefits, and career growth can vary dramatically.
If you’re focused on getting certified quickly without taking on debt, these programs can be an excellent choice — provided you know exactly what you’re signing up for. If you value flexibility and competitive pay from day one, you may be better off paying for training yourself and entering the job market without a work commitment.