CareRite CNA Training Program

Training runs for just three weeks, with classes held Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This is a full-time commitment during the training period, and you will not be paid for your time in class.

Each class consists of a state-approved curriculum that combines lab instruction, classroom study, and hands-on clinical experience. Classes are held monthly, except in March and September, and space is likely limited due to the short duration and direct employment pathway.

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The curriculum covers the fundamentals of nursing assistant care with a strong focus on patient safety, comfort, and dignity. You’ll learn through both written materials and hands-on practice.

Topics include:

• Residents’ Rights and holistic care
• Infection control and medical terminology
• Body structure and function
• Nutrition and growth & development
• Safety in healthcare settings
• Dementia care and communication skills

Skills practiced:

• Personal care
• Measuring vital signs
• Intake and output tracking
• Resident transfers and positioning
• Restorative techniques and daily living assistance

Before working directly with patients, students practice in a lab under supervision. Clinical rotations are built into the final phase of the training.

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To successfully complete the program, students must:

• Attend all scheduled classes
• Pass written tests
• Show competency in lab and clinical skills

Upon meeting all these requirements, students are eligible to take the Tennessee State CNA exam. Passing the exam places you on the state’s CNA Registry and enables you to begin working full-time at a CareRite Center.

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The “free” tuition comes with a cost—your time and labor. Every student is required to sign a one-year full-time work commitment with a CareRite community center after earning certification. This is not optional, and signing the agreement is mandatory to enroll.

CareRite is not transparent about the exact wages you’ll earn during your year of employment, or whether the pay rate increases after that year is complete. This is a key point to investigate further before committing. If your starting wage is below industry standard, you may end up making less than peers who trained elsewhere, despite entering the field for free.

Also, no pay is provided during the training period, so plan ahead financially to cover living expenses for those three weeks.

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To apply, reach out directly to Kelly Parker, the Director of the CNA Program, via phone at 615-580-6845 or by email at [email protected]. You’ll be asked to fill out an application form, confirm your class start date, and be prepared to sign the one-year work agreement on the first day of training.

Classes are typically offered monthly, except in March and September.

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Once employed, you’ll work in a CareRite Center, which prides itself on delivering what it calls a five-star experience. Their facilities are designed to be upscale and patient-focused, with services like concierge care, chef-prepared meals, spa-like environments, and a holistic approach to healing.

Employees are positioned as vital parts of the experience, and the organization markets itself as a leader in both customer service and recovery outcomes.

However, marketing language aside, the program’s structure means you will be part of a corporate healthcare model, where expectations are often high and work can be physically and emotionally demanding. Before signing any agreements, it’s smart to ask about your specific facility placement, wage scale, benefits, and support systems once hired.

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• Completely free tuition for those who complete training and agree to work
• Short 3-week format for fast entry into the workforce
• Leads directly into a guaranteed full-time job
• State-approved curriculum prepares you for the CNA exam
• Monthly start dates provide flexibility
• Direct support and contact with program leadership
• Builds career experience in a long-term care setting

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• You must sign a one-year full-time work agreement—there’s no opt-out
• No pay during the 3-week training period
• Wages after certification are unclear; they may be lower than market rate
• You’re locked into a specific employer for at least a year, limiting options
• Not ideal for students looking for flexible scheduling or part-time work
• There may be limited ability to choose your work location among the nine CareRite centers

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