CNA Certification in Tennessee

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If you are looking to train to become a certified nursing assistant in Tennessee, you will be happy to know that there are various training programs in the state.  In order to be eligible for the competency exam for nursing assistants, you must attend a training course that was approved by the Department of State.

Training Programs and Requirements

You can find training programs in Tennessee at nursing care facilities, community colleges, higher institutes of learning and even some high schools.  These training courses need to cover at least 75 hours of instruction.  You will need to spend at least 16 hours of study in the classroom before you can start the clinical component of your course.

When you are completing your clinical instruction, the clinical experience must be supervised.  You will work under the direction of a nurse.  Training courses will last for a few weeks and provide a relatively quick and inexpensive way to enter into the healthcare field.  After you have finished a class, you can take the competency examination for certification which will have both a written and a skills portion.

Transfer your CNA Certification To Tennessee

Individuals who have graduated from accredited nursing programs can request certification as a nursing assistant.  They can do so by contacting the Department of Health in Tennessee and completing any required paperwork.

If you worked as a certified nursing assistant in another state and attended a state-approved training program, you can apply for certification reciprocity in Tennessee.  An application can be obtained from the Department of Health in Tennessee.  There will be information to complete about your employment in your former state.  Details about your training and experience will be gathered from the Nursing Aide Registry of your former state and your employer/employers.

You can be placed on the Nursing Aide Registry in Tennessee without the need to complete training if your application for reciprocity is approved.

The exact steps to transfer your CNA license to Tennessee is as follows:

1. Obtaining an application to transfer their certification by downloading the form at http://health.state.tn.us/Downloads/g4010168.pdf.
2. Providing all requested information in part 1.  This includes answering questions about whether the individual is under investigation for or has ever been found guilty of any type of patient neglect or abuse. 
3. Attach a copy of both the applicant’s social security card and Photo ID to the application form where indicated. 
4. Mail the form to the state where the individual is certified.  The state registry of that state will complete all required information in Part II and then return the application to the Nursing Aide Registry in Tennessee. 
5. An individual should check to determine if their former state of certification requires a fee to verify information for an applicant. 
6. Questions can be directed to the Nurse Aide Program Office in Tennessee at 615-532-5171.

CNA Certification Renewal in Tennessee

It is necessary to renew your certification every two years when you are working in Tennessee.   Renewal forms are easy to complete.  If any documents or fees are requested, they need to be sent with your certification renewal.  Do not allow your certification to lapse as the process for renewal will then be more involved than completing necessary forms and documentation.  You must have worked at some point during the time when your nursing certification was valid (for 24 months) if you want to renew your certification with ease.

Helpful Resources: Free CNA training classes in Tennessee and Accredited CNA programs in Tennessee