Nashville offers several strong evening CNA program options that cater to students needing flexibility without sacrificing quality training. These programs vary in cost, schedule, and structure, giving you the chance to choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle.
1. Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Wilson County Campus
The Wilson County Campus offers an evening Certified Nurse Technician program designed for those who need flexible scheduling. Classes run part-time and combine both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, totaling 120 hours. The curriculum covers topics like patient and resident care, safety procedures, special care for certain patients, and long-term care clinical training. Evening sessions allow students to complete the program without disrupting daytime commitments, making it a practical choice for those working or managing family responsibilities.
Tuition is $465, with textbooks and supplies costing an additional $87. Students are also responsible for certification testing and liability insurance fees. The program follows Tennessee Department of Health regulations, ensuring students receive training that meets state standards and prepares them for the CNA certification exam.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Tuition: $465; Textbooks/Supplies: $87; Additional fees for certification testing and liability insurance |
| Duration/Clock Hours | 120 clock hours |
| Schedules | Part-time; Evening classes available |
| Contact Info | Phone: 615-547-1128 Address: 415 Tennessee Blvd, Lebanon, TN 37087 |
2. Ballad Health Nurse Aide Training Program
Ballad Health offers a free evening CNA training option that blends 60 hours of classroom and skills lab work with 40 hours of supervised clinical training. The program runs about nine weeks, with the first six weeks in class and the final three weeks in clinicals. Evening sessions, such as the 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekday format, allow participants to keep daytime jobs while meeting program requirements. Clinical hours are self-scheduled at approved Ballad Health facilities, giving students flexibility to choose locations and times within set guidelines.
While no contract is required to enroll, the application asks if you intend to work with Ballad Health after graduation. It’s strongly advised to select “yes,” as applications without this may not be considered. Students should still read the fine print for any work agreements before starting. Applicants must reside in Ballad Health’s 29-county service area and meet all vaccination and background check requirements.
| 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 | Part-time; evening classes available (e.g., Mon–Thu 4 p.m.–8 p.m.); occasional weekend options |
| Contact Info | Phone: (423) 431-2622 Address: 110 Ayers Pl, Blountville, TN 37617 |
🩺 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.
Our Thoughts
If cost is your top priority, Ballad Health is the clear standout—it’s completely free, with no charges for books, background checks, or uniforms beyond standard scrubs. Their hybrid and evening options, such as the Friday/Saturday schedule or 4 p.m.–8 p.m. weekday classes, work well for those with daytime commitments. However, while they don’t require a contract, it’s highly recommended to indicate interest in working for them after graduation to improve your acceptance odds. The flexibility to self-schedule clinical hours at various facilities is a big plus, though keep in mind you must live in their service area.
If you’re looking for a straightforward, low-cost option without employer ties, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (Wilson County) offers evening CNA classes at $465 plus $87 for supplies. It’s a 120-hour program, slightly longer than Ballad’s, and follows a clear, structured curriculum with both classroom and clinical components. While not free, it may be the better choice if you want more control over where you work after certification. In either case, we recommend contacting each school directly—speaking with an admissions representative can reveal scheduling details, class availability, and expectations that may not be listed online. This step often makes the difference between simply applying and securing a spot in your preferred class.
Evening CNA programs can be ideal for those balancing work or family obligations, but they aren’t the only path to certification. Many schools, including both Ballad Health and Tennessee College of Applied Technology (Wilson County), also offer daytime schedules—these can allow you to finish training more quickly, since classes often run for longer daily blocks. For students who want to enter the workforce as soon as possible, a daytime, full-time format can be the fastest route.
Another option is hybrid or online CNA training, where the classroom portion is completed online and in-person time is reserved for skills labs and clinicals. This setup provides more flexibility for managing your own study schedule, though you’ll still need to commit to set days for hands-on work. Some programs also offer weekend schedules, which can work well for those with unpredictable weekday availability. Exploring these alternatives can open up more training opportunities, especially if evening spots are limited or competitive.