SASH Nursing Assistant Training Program

Key Points:

Duration: 5 weeks (4 weeks of class + 1 week of clinicals)
Cost: $803 total (includes tuition and exam fee)
Schedule: Weekdays, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Convenient East Nashville setting near public transit
Unique Angle: Physician-led, nurse-supported instruction with real-world focus
Job Support: Includes job placement assistance and post-graduate skills practice
Accredited: Approved by the Tennessee Department of Health and THEC
Extras: CPR certification, TB test, textbooks included in tuition
Admission: COVID-19 vaccination required prior to enrollment

Program Overview

The CNA program at SASH Healthcare is designed to equip students with the hands-on training and foundational knowledge they need to become Certified Nursing Assistants in Tennessee. This program takes a real-world approach, delivered under the guidance of both physicians and nurses — a setup that brings industry experience directly into the classroom.

Training at SASH focuses not only on nursing assistant functions but also includes important components like cultural competency and a psychosocial approach to care. These added layers make the training more relevant and human-centered, which is especially important for those planning to work in diverse healthcare settings.

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Program Format and Schedule

The program runs for five weeks, with classes held Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The first three weeks focus on classroom learning, while week four is reserved for clinicals, which run Monday through Wednesday.

The curriculum is structured to prepare students for the Tennessee Nurse Aide Competency Exam. Once completed, students are eligible to sit for the exam and, upon passing, can be listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry.

In addition to technical training, the program includes practice exams, CPR certification, and post-graduate skills practice, giving students a well-rounded foundation. These extras are especially helpful for students who may be nervous about the state exam or stepping into their first CNA job.

What’s Included in Tuition?

One major advantage of the SASH program is its affordable cost of $803, which covers:

$700 tuition
$103 exam fee

The tuition also includes:

Classroom instruction
Textbooks and workbooks
CPR training
TB skin test
Access to practice exams
Post-graduation skills practice help
Assistance with job placement

There’s also a $5 non-refundable application fee. Payment plans and financial assistance are available for qualifying students, which makes the program accessible for those on a tighter budget.

Instruction and Real-World Readiness

SASH is physician-directed and supported by nursing professionals, which means students receive guidance from people who actively work in the field. The instruction emphasizes practical experience and relevance — preparing students not just to pass an exam, but to work confidently in healthcare settings.

This program also focuses on soft skills that are often overlooked: cultural sensitivity and mental/emotional awareness in care. These extras matter more than most people think — especially for students who plan to work in long-term care, hospice, or home health, where relationships with patients and families can run deep.

Location and Accessibility

SASH is located at 604 Gallatin Avenue, Suite 107, in East Nashville — a spot that’s within walking distance of public transportation, restaurants, pharmacies, and banks. For students who rely on the bus or don’t have their own transportation, this location is a real plus.

With a 2,300-square-foot facility, the school offers a dedicated training environment. This isn’t a pop-up classroom — it’s a full training space designed for healthcare education.

Career Outlook and Job Placement

Graduates of the SASH program are eligible to work in:

Long-term care and rehab centers
Hospitals
Hospice
Assisted living facilities
Homes for developmentally disabled individuals
Private home care settings

SASH provides job placement assistance and remains supportive even after graduation with skills practice help, which can ease the transition into the workforce. While there’s no guaranteed job, the added support boosts students’ chances of finding work more quickly.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the SASH Nursing Assistant Training Program, students must meet the following criteria:

Be 18 years or older
Provide a high school diploma or GED
Submit to a criminal background check
Provide two letters of recommendation
Complete an application form and pay a $5 application fee
Present a government-issued photo ID
Complete an interview with the program coordinator
COVID-19 vaccination and booster required prior to enrolling

These requirements reflect SASH’s emphasis on maintaining high standards and ensuring students are prepared and safe to work in healthcare environments.

Class Availability

SASH runs multiple class sessions throughout the year, typically beginning every 5 to 6 weeks. Below are some recent start and end dates as examples:

February 7 – March 11
March 14 – April 22
April 25 – May 27
May 30 – July 1
July 5 – August 5
August 8 – September 9
September 12 – October 14
October 17 – November 18

With regular scheduling and limited class sizes, it’s wise to apply early and secure your spot if you’re interested.

Program Strengths

Affordable all-inclusive pricing at $803
Job placement assistance included
Post-graduate support with skills practice
Led by physicians and nurses, not just instructors
Emphasizes cultural and psychosocial competencies
Located in a transit-accessible part of Nashville
CPR and TB testing included in tuition
Multiple start dates throughout the year
Financial aid and payment plans available

Things to Consider

Classes are daytime only, which may not work for those who need evening or weekend schedules
COVID-19 vaccine and booster are mandatory, which might limit options for some students
The school expects a certain level of professionalism and preparedness — the interview and letters of recommendation are not standard for every CNA school, so be ready to present yourself seriously
While job placement help is available, employment is not guaranteed
Application and enrollment process is more involved than quick-apply programs — but this can also mean a more serious cohort of peers

Who Should Consider SASH Nursing Assistant Training Program

If you’re serious about becoming a CNA and want a high-quality, real-world education without breaking the bank, SASH is a standout choice in the Nashville area. The program is particularly well-suited to students who are looking for a structured, supportive environment, and who appreciate the value of being trained by experienced physicians and nurses.

It’s also ideal for people who want more than just technical skills — if you’re drawn to healthcare because of a genuine desire to serve others, the added emphasis on cultural awareness and psychosocial care could help set you apart in your future job.

SASH does expect a certain level of commitment and preparation, but the support system in place — from financial aid options to post-graduation help — makes it worth the effort. If you’re ready to start a healthcare career and can attend daytime classes, this program deserves a close look.

Category	Details
Cost	$803 total ($700 tuition + $103 state exam fee)
Duration & Clock Hours	5 weeks (4 weeks classroom + 1 week clinicals); approx. 100 clock hours
Evening/Weekend Classes?	No
Online Classes?	No
Job Placement?	Yes; job placement assistance included
Requirements	– 18+ years old- High school diploma or GED- Background check- 2 letters of recommendation- Photo ID- Interview- COVID-19 vaccine and booster- $5 application fee
Address	604 Gallatin Avenue, Suite 107, Nashville, TN 37206
Phone	(615) 321-2005
Email	[email protected]
Website	https://sashhealth.org/