CNA Classes & Programs in Athens, Tennessee
2 state-approved CNA programs in Athens, including free and 4-week options. Online programs are offered in other Tennessee cities.
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CNA training in Athens
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $33,910
- $16.30 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 320
- in the Cleveland region
- Healthcare facilities
- 4
- 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 14,091
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Athens offers 2 CNA programs that enable residents to start careers as certified nursing assistants close to home. Located between Chattanooga and Knoxville in southeastern Tennessee’s McMinn County seat, Athens provides accessible educational resources tailored toward practical entry into healthcare support fields.
CNA classes here prepare students with hands-on experience required by employers while meeting state standards needed for successful certification testing. Local options include both traditional courses as well as an accelerated or free program, giving future nurse aides flexibility as they pursue their career goals at their own pace.
In the Cleveland metro area, CNAs earn a median annual wage of $33,910 based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. These earnings reflect typical wages available through Athens’ accredited training pathways.
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Browse CNA Classes in Athens
Athens offers 2 CNA programs that prepare students for Tennessee certification through flexible options, including free training or accelerated courses when available. These CNA classes provide essential patient-care instruction aimed at qualifying graduates for placement on the state registry while supporting career opportunities where demand exists locally throughout Athens’s growing medical sector.
Program Types in Athens
| Type | In Athens | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | NHC Healthcare, Athens ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | NHC Healthcare, Athens ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Athens | See other Tennessee cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Athens | See other Tennessee cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Athens
Lowest published cost first.
NHC Healthcare, Athens
CostFreeHours–Weeks3
- Address
- 1204 Frye Street, Athens, TN 37303
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (423) 745-0434
NHC Athens offers a free, state‑approved 17‑day CNA training held Monday–Friday 8:00–4:30 with a refundable 50 book deposit. Graduates may be considered for employment at the center.
Visit websiteTN College Of Applied Technology/Athens
Cost–Hours432Weeks–
- Address
- 1635 Technology Way, Athens, TN 37303
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (423) 744-2814
TCAT Athens lists a Nursing Assistant certificate option offered full‑time during the day, totaling 432 clock hours.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Tennessee cities
- Nashville7 programs
- Memphis14 programs
- Knoxville28 programs
- Chattanooga7 programs
- Clarksville3 programs
- Murfreesboro3 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Athens
| Median annual pay | $33,910 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $16.30 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 320 |
| Salary region | Cleveland |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Athens are part of the Cleveland region, where approximately 320 CNAs work across skilled nursing homes, hospitals such as Starr Regional Medical Center Athens, and local home health agencies providing vital support services throughout southeast Tennessee communities surrounding Athens itself.
The CNA salary in Athens mirrors regional pay levels: In Cleveland’s metropolitan area, CNAs earn a median annual wage of $33,910 or $16.30 hourly according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This rate is slightly below Tennessee’s overall median but remains consistent with similar communities statewide seeking qualified nurse aides.
Athens hosts two notable CMS-certified skilled nursing facilities: Nhc Healthcare Athens (86 beds) and Life Care Center of Athens (128 beds), both providing key employment sites locally recognized by regulators. Starr Regional Medical Center Athens also serves as an acute-care hospital resource, while Nhc Homecare Athens extends additional job opportunities through its proprietary home health agency services.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Athens (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Athens providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Nhc Healthcare, Athens1204 Frye St(423) 745-0434Map | 86 | 2.4 |
| Life Care Center Of Athens1234 Frye Street(423) 745-8181Map | 128 | 2.0 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Athens (1 facility)
1 hospital in Athens offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Starr Regional Medical Center AthensAcute Care Hospitals · 1114 W Madison Ave(423) 745-1411Map | 3/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Athens (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Athens providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Nhc Homecare Athens584 S. Congress Pkwy(423) 745-4246Map | 4.0/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Athens? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Sweetwater, Harriman, Spring City, Englewood, and Benton, or browse the Tennessee CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Athens, TN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Athens, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Tennessee. These include completing a Tennessee Health Facilities Commission–approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the state competency evaluation administered by Credentia, and being listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 75 total hours of training (classroom, lab, and clinical combined)
- Completion of 16 hours of federally required instruction before any direct resident contact
- Passing both the knowledge and skills exams within 24 months of completing training (up to three attempts per section)
- Criminal background check required before patient contact
- Placement on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry maintained by the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission
Once certified, you can work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, and home health agencies throughout Athens and across Tennessee.
Already certified in another state? You may qualify for reciprocity to transfer your certification into Tennessee without retraining or retesting. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Tennessee guide.
For full details on training, testing, certification renewal, and maintaining an active listing, see our step-by-step CNA License & Registration in Tennessee guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Athens.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Athens
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Athens?
Most CNA programs in Athens can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 3 weeks, at NHC Healthcare, Athens.
How much does CNA training cost in Athens?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Athens directly for their current costs. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Athens?
Yes. NHC Healthcare, Athens offers free or employer-paid CNA training. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Athens?
No program in Athens is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Tennessee cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Athens?
Yes. NHC Healthcare, Athens is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Athens there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Sweetwater, Harriman, Spring City, Englewood and Benton. You can also look at the Tennessee state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Tennessee CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Tennessee, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Tennessee CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Athens?
CNAs in Athens are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency in Athens. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.