At the moment, there are two CNA class providers in Nashville that offer weekend classes. Ballad Health and NGH School of Health Sciences.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the two:
1. NGH School of Health Sciences
This 12-week CNA program is designed for those who can only commit to weekend training. Classes and clinicals are held only on Saturdays, running eight hours per day, and total 96 hours—60 in the classroom and 36 in a clinical setting. Sessions are offered every three months at Nashville General Hospital, with start dates provided upon request. The curriculum focuses on patient safety, assistance with daily living, comfort measures, and care of older adults, preparing students to take the state CNA certification exam.
Tuition is $880 with a $50 non-refundable application fee. Additional costs include textbooks, liability insurance, background check, drug screening, uniforms, and CPR certification. Admission requires proof of high school completion or GED, immunization records, TB testing, and passing both a background check and drug screen. Financial aid may be available through the American Job Center or SNAP program support.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Tuition: $880; Application Fee: $50; Additional costs for textbooks (~$100), liability insurance ($35), background check ($50), drug screening ($35), uniforms, and CPR certification |
| Duration/Clock Hours | 12 weeks; 96 total hours (60 classroom + 36 clinical) |
| Schedules | Saturdays only; 8 hours per day |
| Contact Info | Phone: 615-341-4659 Address: 1818 Albion Street, Nashville, TN 37208 |
2. Ballad Health
This free CNA program runs for about nine weeks, totaling 100 hours—60 in the classroom and 40 in supervised clinical training. Weekend scheduling is available in certain cohorts, such as a Friday evening and Saturday daytime format, making it possible for students to maintain weekday jobs. Classes are typically held at the Blountville location, though some sessions may be offered at other facilities. Clinical hours are self-scheduled at approved Ballad Health hospitals, allowing students to select preferred locations and times within set guidelines.
While there is no formal contract requirement, applicants are asked if they intend to work for Ballad Health upon graduation. Selecting “yes” is strongly encouraged, as applications without this may be overlooked. Participants must reside in the organization’s 29-county service area and meet all vaccination, background check, and drug screening requirements. All testing and health screenings are provided at no cost, and successful graduates are eligible to sit for the state CNA certification exam.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Free tuition; no cost for background check, physical, or drug screen |
| Duration/Clock Hours | 9 weeks; 100 total hours (60 classroom + 40 clinical) |
| Schedules | Weekend option: Friday evenings (4 p.m.–8 p.m.) and Saturdays (8 a.m.–4 p.m.); other schedule formats also offered |
| Contact Info | Phone: (423) 431-2622 Address: 110 Ayers Pl, Blountville, TN 37617 |
🩺 Nashville’s Top CNA Programs:
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Our Thoughts on These Weekend CNA Programs
When comparing the NGH School of Health Sciences and Ballad Health’s CNA offerings, your decision will largely come down to cost, schedule, and career goals. Both are reputable options, but they cater to different types of students.
| Factor | NGH School of Health Sciences | Ballad Health |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | About $1,100–$1,200 total (including fees & supplies) | Free |
| Schedule | 12 Saturdays (8 hours each) | Varies; mostly weekdays, some weekend/evening cohorts; hybrid options |
| Format | In-person only | In-person or online hybrid |
| Location | Inside Nashville General Hospital | Blountville, TN (check for other locations) |
| Program Length | ~12 weeks | ~9 weeks |
| Work Requirement | No employment commitment | No formal contract, but preference given to those planning to work for Ballad Health |
| Best For | Local Nashville students who want a predictable Saturday-only schedule | Students willing to travel or relocate, or who want free training and plan to work for Ballad Health |
- Why? The Saturday-only format is rare and perfect if you work or have weekday obligations.
- Located right in Nashville General Hospital, which means you’ll be learning in a real clinical environment from day one.
- Downside: It’s not the cheapest, and you’ll need to budget for all required health clearances, uniforms, and CPR certification.
- Why? Completely free tuition, background check, and drug screen. That’s hard to beat.
- Includes hybrid online options for flexibility, but note that most classes are not fully weekend-based — you’ll need to match your availability to their schedule.
- They say no contract is required, but in reality, checking “Yes” to intending to work for them after graduation will almost certainly help you get accepted.
- Downside: Their main location is in Blountville, several hours from Nashville, so this is best if you live in their service area or are willing to relocate/work there after graduation.
H School of Health Sciences
- The 12-week pacing allows time to absorb skills gradually while still finishing in a reasonable timeframe.
- Smaller class size and an immersive hospital-based setting may give more hands-on experience with patients.
- If you’re self-motivated and comfortable with online learning, their hybrid course can reduce travel time while still including hands-on clinicals.
- This is a good fit for someone who lives in their region and wants a blend of independent study + in-person skills practice.
Before committing, we strongly recommend calling or emailing each school directly. Here’s why:
- Class Availability: Schedules change, and a program that’s currently “weekend only” may add or remove options.
- Hidden Costs: Ask for a full breakdown of every expense (books, uniforms, health requirements, certification exam fees).
- Clinical Details: Find out exactly where clinicals are held and if there’s flexibility in scheduling.
- Job Placement: Schools often have employer partnerships or priority hiring pipelines — you won’t know unless you ask.
What We’d Do: When you contact them, explain your availability, career goals, and any obstacles (like travel distance) so they can advise on whether their program will realistically work for you.