Tennessee College of Applied Technology CNA Program

Key Points:

Location: Wilson County Campus, Lebanon, TN

Program Length: 120 clock hours
Class Format: Evening classes available, with day options also listed
Total Cost: $465 tuition + $87 for books/supplies
Outcome: Certificate of completion and eligibility for the Tennessee CNA exam
Hands-on Training: Includes both classroom instruction and long-term care clinical experience
State Approved: Follows Tennessee Department of Health guidelines
Designed For: Those looking for entry-level healthcare jobs or pursuing a career path in nursing

Program Overview

The Certified Nurse Technician program at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) – Wilson County Campus in Lebanon is a short, 120-hour training course tailored for individuals interested in becoming Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). This program is ideal for students who are balancing work or family responsibilities thanks to its flexible evening class schedule.

The program is structured to provide essential hands-on skills and knowledge needed to work in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, or other healthcare settings. Students gain the tools to assist with basic care tasks such as bathing, grooming, feeding, and monitoring vital signs. You’ll also learn how to support nurses during medical procedures and offer emotional support to patients—something that’s just as important as physical care.

This course is focused on state and federal training standards and prepares students to sit for the state certification exam required to become a licensed CNA in Tennessee.

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Curriculum Breakdown

This certificate program includes both classroom instruction and clinical training. The curriculum is designed to build gradually from foundational knowledge to practical application, covering these main components:

CNA 0001 Worker Characteristic
CNA 1010 Intro to Health Care
CNA 1020 Human Body Health and Disease
CNA 1030 Safety
CNA 1040 Patient and Resident Care
CNA 1050 Special Care Patients
CNA 1060 Long Term Care Clinical

The course places a strong emphasis on real-world caregiving scenarios, helping students develop both the technical skills and professional attitudes needed for success in the field.

Program Format and Length

The course runs on a part-time schedule, making it accessible for adults with other commitments. Students can choose to attend evening classes, which is especially convenient for working individuals. Though specific class start dates and daily schedules aren’t provided online, the 120-hour requirement suggests a completion time of a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the class pace.

Both day and night class options appear to be available. Be sure to confirm current availability when applying.

Tuition and Costs

One of the major draws of this program is its affordability. Total costs are broken down as follows:

Tuition and Fees: $465
Textbooks and Supplies: $87
Additional Estimated Costs:
- Nurse Assistant Textbook: $67
- Workbook: $20
- Liability Insurance: $18
- State Certification Exam Fee: $130

The total estimated cost of the program, when all required materials and fees are included, is roughly $796. This makes it one of the more cost-effective CNA training options in Tennessee, especially considering its comprehensive instruction and state certification eligibility.

Instructors and Support

The program is led by instructors with healthcare experience, including:

Lou Ann Hall – Main contact for general inquiries
Paige Harrelson – Located at the Wilson County campus
Kristen Cassidy – Additional faculty support

These instructors are reachable via email and campus extensions, which shows a level of accessibility that can be especially helpful for students who need personalized guidance during their training.

Admissions Process

TCAT uses a straightforward admissions system. Here’s a summary of how to get started:

Complete the TCAT Application for Enrollment online.
Wait for your campus email address—this is how you’ll track your admissions status and access the portal.
Review program-specific requirements, if any, when browsing available programs.

While the program does not publicly list strict prerequisites, most CNA programs expect students to:

Be at least 18 years old
Pass a background check
Show proof of a high school diploma or equivalent
Pass a basic physical exam and TB test

It’s always a good idea to contact the school directly to confirm these items before enrolling.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Even though the tuition is low, TCAT offers several financial aid options:

FAFSA: Apply for federal Pell Grants
TN Promise: For recent high school graduates
TN Reconnect: For adult learners returning to school
Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant: Available for certificate-level programs

These options make the already affordable program even more accessible, especially for students who qualify for grants that don’t need to be paid back.

Certification and Career Outlook

Upon completion of the 120-hour course, students will be eligible to take the state certification exam. This is required to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Tennessee. The training prepares students for the realities of work in:

Nursing homes
Assisted living facilities
Home health agencies
Hospitals and clinics

Once certified, CNAs in Tennessee can expect to earn around $30,000 to $35,000 annually, depending on experience and location. More importantly, it’s a solid entry point into the healthcare field, and many CNAs use this certification as a stepping-stone toward becoming an LPN or RN.

Campus Location and Accessibility

The Wilson County Campus is located at 415 Tennessee Blvd in Lebanon, which is convenient for students living in Wilson County and surrounding areas. Parking is available on-site, and the campus itself is part of the broader TCAT Hartsville system, offering a network of resources and support across Middle Tennessee.

For more information or to schedule a visit, you can contact the Wilson County campus directly at 615-547-1128.

Who Should Consider TCAT – Wilson County’s CNA Program?

If you’re looking for a low-cost, high-quality CNA training program in the Lebanon, TN area, this course at TCAT’s Wilson County Campus is a practical and worthwhile choice. It’s especially suited for working adults who need the flexibility of evening classes and want a fast, focused route into healthcare.

The program’s affordable tuition, solid instructor support, and alignment with state certification standards make it a strong contender for anyone serious about entering the medical field without racking up student debt. While it’s not heavy on extras like job placement services or advanced labs, it gets the fundamentals right—and that’s what counts most when you’re starting out.

Students interested in continuing into more advanced nursing roles will find this program a strong foundational step, while those simply looking to enter the workforce quickly as a CNA will get the training and certification prep they need.

Category	Details
Cost	$465 tuition + $87 for books/supplies; estimated total cost ~$796
Duration & Clock Hours	120 clock hours
Evening/Weekend Classes?	Evening classes available
Online Classes?	No
Job Placement?	Not specified
Requirements	Not explicitly listed; likely includes age 18+, high school diploma/GED, background check, TB test
Address	415 Tennessee Blvd, Lebanon, TN 37087
Phone	615-547-1128
Email	[email protected] or [email protected]
Website	https://tcathartsville.edu/programs/certified-nurse-technician