CNA Classes & Programs in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Get Information from CNA Programs in Chattanooga and Nearby

Chattanooga offers 7 CNA programs catering to individuals ready to begin their careers supporting patients throughout this scenic city nestled along the Tennessee River. Local education providers help guide students toward state certification by delivering practical instruction tailored specifically for aspiring nursing assistants entering today’s healthcare workforce.

CNA training programs in Chattanooga deliver classroom learning alongside hands-on experiences essential for success after graduationβ€”including options such as online coursework or accelerated tracks, allowing flexibility based on personal circumstances or scheduling needs while maintaining alignment with state standards required by employers throughout Hamilton County.

In Chattanooga’s regional area, CNAs typically earn around $33,190 per yearβ€”slightly below Tennessee’s medianβ€”but benefit from direct access to diverse employer networks through local CNA classes designed to build long-term careers in patient support services.

Quick Facts About Chattanooga

  • Population
    181,288
    Residents
  • CNA Programs
    7
    State-approved Programs
  • Median Income
    $57,703
    Median Annual Income
  • CNA Hourly Rate
    $15.96
    Median Hourly Rate
  • CNA Yearly Salary
    $33,190
    Median Annual Salary
  • Facilities
    19
    CMS Healthcare Facilities
    6 Nursing Homes β€’ 5 Hospitals β€’ 8 Home Health Agencies

Get Information from CNA Programs in Chattanooga and Nearby

Schools in Chattanooga and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.

You'll receive information about:

  • Upcoming start dates & schedules
  • Tuition costs & financial aid options
  • Class locations & formats
  • Program details & requirements

βœ“ Free Service β€’ βœ“ No Obligations β€’ βœ“ Compare Multiple Programs β€’ βœ“ Accredited Schools Only

Browse CNA Classes in Chattanooga

Chattanooga’s 7 CNA programs prepare students through targeted instruction aimed at Tennessee state certification success, with select courses offering accelerated formats or online flexibility. Each CNA class helps build critical caregiving skills necessary for exam readiness while supporting entry into local healthcare positions where ongoing demand exists throughout Chattanooga’s medical community.

Types of Classes Available

Free programs: available in Chattanooga through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in Chattanooga and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Chattanooga offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.

The Health Center At Standifer Place

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Educational Entity
πŸ“ Chattanooga, 2626 Walker Road, Tennessee 37421

Program Details

The Health Center At Standifer Place is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.

University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Educational Entity ⚑ Accelerated Program ✨ Free Program 🏒 Employer Sponsored πŸ’΅ Financial Aid Available 🎯 Job Guarantee πŸŒ™ Evening Classes Available
πŸ“ Chattanooga, 311 East Mlk Blvd., Tennessee 37403

Program Details

UTC’s state-accredited CNA Academy is a five-week, 123-hour in-person course including classroom, lab, clinical training, CPR, exam fee, materials, and scrubs. Employer sponsorships are available that pay full tuition and guarantee full-time employment with the sponsor.
Total Cost: Free Total Hours: 123 Duration: 5 weeks

Academy Of Allied Health Careers

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Educational Entity πŸ’΅ Financial Aid Available 🀝 Job Placement Help πŸŒ™ Evening Classes Available
πŸ“ Chattanooga, 5600 Brainerd Rd., Ste. C-3, Tennessee 37411

Program Details

The Nursing Assistant program totals 144 hours with classroom, campus lab, and supervised clinical; day cohorts finish in 6 weeks and evening cohorts in 9 weeks.
Total Cost: $1,450 Total Hours: 144 Duration: 6 weeks

Chattanooga State Community College

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Community College ⚑ Accelerated Program
πŸ“ Chattanooga, 4501 Amnicola Highway, Tennessee 37406

Program Details

Chattanooga State’s Economic & Workforce Development offers a four-week Certified Nurse Assistant program preparing students for high-demand entry-level roles across care settings.
Total Cost: $1,495 Duration: 4 weeks

Chattanooga State Community College @ Orange Grove Center

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Community College ⚑ Accelerated Program ✨ Free Program 🏒 Employer Sponsored
πŸ“ Chattanooga, 615 Derby St., Tennessee 37404

Program Details

Chattanooga State and Orange Grove Center run a two-week CNA training program on Orange Grove’s campus that combines classroom and experiential learning.
Total Cost: Free Total Hours: 75 Duration: 2 weeks

Gateway Achievement Chattanooga

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Educational Entity πŸ’» Online Available ⚑ Accelerated Program 🀝 Job Placement Help
πŸ“ Chattanooga, 7151 Lee Hwy, Ste. 100, Tennessee 37421

Program Details

Gateway Achievement offers a blended CNA course with monthly start dates, combining remote theory with hands-on labs and clinicals. The program totals 75 hours over 3 to 5 weeks and provides job placement support through community partners.
Total Cost: $865 Total Hours: 75 Duration: 3 weeks

NHC Healthcare, Chattanooga

βœ… State Approved 🏫 Educational Entity ✨ Free Program 🏒 Employer Sponsored
πŸ“ Chattanooga, 2700 Parkwood Ave, Tennessee 37404

Program Details

NHC offers a free CNA training program with flexible schedules at select centers; applicants can choose NHC HealthCare Chattanooga as their training site.
Total Cost: Free

CNA Employment Opportunities in Chattanooga

CNA Salary Information

  • Annual Salary
    $33,190
    Median Yearly Pay
  • Hourly Rate
    $15.96
    Median Per Hour
  • Available Jobs
    1,870
    CNA Positions
Data for the region: Chattanooga area

In the Chattanooga region, approximately 1,870 certified nursing assistants are employed according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) data covering this metropolitan area. These workers play key roles supporting patient care across multiple facility types throughout Hamilton County and beyond.

CNA salary in Chattanooga is estimated at around $33,190 annuallyβ€”or about $15.96 per hourβ€”based on recent BLS OEWS (May 2023) statistics specific to this market region. This is somewhat below Tennessee's statewide median salary ($34,850), reflecting local cost-of-living factors but still providing steady earning potential relative to entry-level expectations within healthcare support occupations here.

CNA jobs in Chattanooga can be found at several notable Chattanooga-area providers including Siskin Subacute Westβ€”a non-profit facilityβ€”and Life Care Center of East Ridge offering more than one hundred beds under corporate management structure. Additional opportunities exist at Health Center at Standifer Placeβ€”the largest skilled nursing provider locallyβ€”as well as major hospitals like Erlanger Medical Center (a government-operated acute-care center), Memorial Healthcare System, Parkridge Medical Center (proprietary hospital), plus leading home health agencies such as Amedisys Home Health Chattanooga and Centerwell Home Healthβ€”all CMS-certified providers serving patients both inside medical centers and within their own residences throughout greater Chattanooga.

Sources

Working in Nearby Cities

Looking beyond Chattanooga? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Soddy-Daisy, Dunlap, Franklin, Cleveland, and Hixson, 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.

Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Chattanooga (6 facilities)

6 nursing homes in Chattanooga providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)

πŸ“Š Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data).

Siskin Subacute West

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 1 Sisken Plaza

Facility Details

Beds: 108 CNA Hours: 2.7 per day

Viviant Healthcare Of Chattanooga

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 8249 Standifer Gap Road

Facility Details

Beds: 127 CNA Hours: 2.4 per day

Life Care Center Of East Ridge

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 1502 Mcdonald Road

Facility Details

Beds: 108 CNA Hours: 2.4 per day

Health Center At Standifer Place, The

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 2626 Walker Rd

Facility Details

Beds: 444 CNA Hours: 2.3 per day

Life Care Center Of Red Bank

Nursing Home
πŸ“ 1020 Runyan Dr

Facility Details

Beds: 148 CNA Hours: 2.2 per day

Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Chattanooga (5 facilities)

5 hospitals in Chattanooga offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)

πŸ“Š Showing top 5 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data).

Memorial Healthcare System, Inc

Hospital
πŸ“ 2525 Desales Ave

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care Hospitals Rating: 4/5 ⭐ Emergency: Not Available

Erlanger Medical Center

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 975 E 3Rd St

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care Hospitals Rating: 3/5 ⭐ Emergency: Available

Parkridge Medical Center

Hospital 🚨 Emergency Services
πŸ“ 2333 Mccallie Ave

Facility Details

Type: Acute Care Hospitals Rating: 3/5 ⭐ Emergency: Available

Erlanger Behavioral Hospital, Llc

Hospital
πŸ“ 804 North Holtzclaw Avenue

Facility Details

Type: Psychiatric Emergency: Not Available

Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute

Hospital
πŸ“ 100 Moccasin Bend Road

Facility Details

Type: Psychiatric Emergency: Not Available

Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Chattanooga (8 facilities)

8 home health agencies in Chattanooga providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)

πŸ“Š Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data).

Amedisys Home Health Chattanooga

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services πŸ† Top Quality
πŸ“ 7205 Lee Highway Suite A

Facility Details

Quality: 4.5/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Centerwell Home Health

Home Health Agency πŸ† Top Quality
πŸ“ 5751 Cornelison Road 6400 Bldg (Bldg B) Ste 100

Facility Details

Quality: 4.5/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Not Available Nursing: Available

Nhc Homecare Chattanooga

Home Health Agency πŸ† Top Quality
πŸ“ 6025 Lee Hwy Ste 443

Facility Details

Quality: 4.5/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Not Available Nursing: Available

Accentcare Home Health Of Tennessee

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services
πŸ“ 6116 Shallowford Road Suite 114

Facility Details

Quality: 4.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Chi Memorial Health At Home

Home Health Agency βœ… CNA Services
πŸ“ 5600 Brainerd Road, Suite 500

Facility Details

Quality: 4.0/5 ⭐ CNA Services: Available Nursing: Available

Requirements to Work as a CNA in Chattanooga, TN

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Chattanooga, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Tennessee. These include completing a Tennessee Department of Health–approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the state competency evaluation administered by D&SDT–HEADMASTER, 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 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 Department of Health

Once certified, you can work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, and home health agencies throughout Chattanooga 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

Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Chattanooga

How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Chattanooga?

Most CNA programs in Chattanooga can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.

How much does CNA training cost in Chattanooga?

Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.

Are there free CNA classes in Chattanooga?

Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.

Are there online CNA training options available in Chattanooga?

Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.

Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Chattanooga?

Yes, some schools in Chattanooga or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.

Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?

Near Chattanooga there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Soddy-Daisy, Dunlap, Franklin, Cleveland, and Hixson. 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 Chattanooga?

CNAs in Chattanooga are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.

Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.