NATS Career Institute CNA Program

NATS blends traditional CNA training with more advanced medical-surgical content to give students a leg up, particularly those who may want to transition into nursing school or other healthcare careers down the road. The program includes:

• 100 total clock hours
  • 4 weeks in-class instruction: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • 1 week of clinical training: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

The school notes that the duration may extend slightly depending on your academic progress, so this isn’t a guaranteed five-week exit for everyone — but the structure is still highly accelerated compared to other programs.

One standout element is that advanced nursing procedures are integrated into the coursework. While not a substitute for LPN or RN-level training, this inclusion makes NATS’ CNA program a bit more robust than others at the same price point.

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The total program cost is $975, which includes:

• Tuition: $925
• Lab Fee: $50
• Application Fee: $0
• Deposit: $50 (applied toward the lab fee)

Additionally, students will need to pay approximately $130 for the state certification exam, which is not included in the program fee.

If you can’t pay in full upfront, NATS offers a straightforward payment plan:

• Pay $325 on each of the first three Mondays of class.

This makes it easier for students to budget weekly instead of coming up with the full tuition at once.

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One of the most attractive aspects of this program is that it qualifies for WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding. WIOA funding can cover the full cost of the program for those who qualify — especially helpful for unemployed individuals, SNAP recipients, or low-income students.

NATS indicates they will help guide you through the WIOA process, which is a valuable service since applying for state workforce grants can often be confusing.

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To enroll in the CNA program at NATS Career Institute, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Submit a high school transcript or take an Ability to Benefit entrance exam
• Provide a valid driver’s license
• Pass a background check completed by NATS
• Submit verification of work history
• Demonstrate ability to perform physical CNA duties (e.g., lifting patients)

Keep in mind that certain criminal convictions will disqualify you — particularly those involving drugs, assault, domestic violence, or abuse-related offenses. This is standard across most healthcare programs due to state licensing regulations.

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New classes start every Monday, though space is limited. Once you apply, NATS will contact you within two business days to schedule your start date. You’ll need to pay a $50 deposit to hold your spot, which counts toward your lab fee.

The online application process is user-friendly, and documents such as your driver’s license and high school transcript can be uploaded directly to the form.

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NATS Career Institute is a for-profit school, but it’s fully authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and approved by the State of Tennessee Department of Health. This means the program meets state requirements to prepare you for the CNA exam and employment as a nurse aide.

However, it’s important to note that credits from NATS may not transfer to other schools. If you’re planning to continue into nursing or another healthcare field later on, you may need to start fresh at your next institution. This isn’t uncommon among vocational CNA programs, but it’s still worth keeping in mind.

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Graduates of the program are equipped to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Home health agencies
• Skilled nursing and long-term care facilities

While NATS does not advertise formal job placement services, the school has a long-standing reputation in Tennessee and has been around for over 25 years. That kind of local legacy often helps when employers are reviewing resumes.

The inclusion of advanced nursing skills may also help graduates land jobs in more competitive settings such as hospitals — a step up from the typical long-term care facility placement that most CNAs see early in their careers.

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• Affordable: At under $1,000, this program is priced lower than many comparable programs in Tennessee.
• Fast-Track Option: Complete training in just five weeks, ideal for career changers or recent grads.
• Includes Advanced Skills: Offers training in more than just basic CNA skills, which could support future career growth.
• WIOA Eligibility: Major financial help is available for those who qualify.
• Flexible Payment Plan: Makes enrollment more accessible.
• Strong Local Presence: Over two decades in operation builds credibility in the Nashville job market.

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• No Evening Classes Yet: If you’re working during the day, this program won’t work unless you can adjust your schedule.
• Credits May Not Transfer: Don’t expect to carry over coursework to a community college or RN program.
• State Exam Fee Not Included: You’ll need to budget an extra $130 for testing.
• Limited Job Placement Help: While the school has a reputation, it doesn’t list active career services or job coaching.
• Short Program Means Fast Pace: Be prepared to commit your full attention for 5 weeks — it’s condensed, not easy.

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