CNA Classes & Programs in Columbia, Tennessee
4 state-approved CNA programs in Columbia, including free options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other Tennessee cities.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
CNA training in Columbia
- Programs
- 4
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $37,150
- $17.86 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 6,280
- in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin region
- Healthcare facilities
- 10
- 4 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 3 home health agencies
- Population
- 42,474
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
On this page
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.
Columbia is home to 4 CNA programs offering educational opportunities aligned with state requirements for aspiring certified nursing assistants in southern Middle Tennessee. Students here can access structured learning experiences that prepare them both academically and practically for rewarding careers providing direct patient care across various settings.
The city features several CMS-certified nursing homes along with three hospitals—including Maury Regional Hospital—and multiple home health agencies serving Columbia residents’ diverse needs. In the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin region—which includes Columbia—CNAs earn around $37,150 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023), surpassing the statewide median salary by more than $2,000 each year.
Columbia currently offers two free CNA classes among its four total programs—giving prospective students affordable routes into state-approved training designed to launch successful careers as certified nursing assistants in Tennessee.
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Browse CNA Classes in Columbia
Available in Columbia are 4 CNA classes—including two free programs—that equip students with practical knowledge required for successful completion of state registry placement or Tennessee certification exams. Each training program prepares graduates not only academically but also professionally so they may pursue career opportunities where qualified CNAs remain vital contributors within Columbia’s healthcare sector.
Program Types in Columbia
| Type | In Columbia | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Columbia | See other Tennessee cities → |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Columbia | See other Tennessee cities → |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Columbia | See other Tennessee cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 4 CNA programs in Columbia
Lowest published cost first.
NHC Healthcare, Columbia
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 101 Walnut Lane, Columbia, TN 38401
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (931) 381-3112
NHC advertises free employer-sponsored CNA training with flexible schedules; interested applicants can inquire about classes offered at the Columbia center.
Visit websiteNHC-Maury Regional Transitional Care Center
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 5010 Trotwood Ave., Columbia, TN 38401
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (931) 398-6300
NHC offers free employer-sponsored CNA training; prospective students can inquire about class availability at the Maury Regional Transitional Care Center.
Visit websiteLife Care Center Of Columbia
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 841 W. James Campbell Blvd., Columbia, TN 38401
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (931) 388-5035
Life Care Center Of Columbia is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteMagnolia Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1410 Trotwood Ave, Columbia, TN 38401
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (931) 388-6443
Magnolia Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
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.
Not sure which of the 4 programs fits you?
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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 Columbia
| Median annual pay | $37,150 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.86 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 6,280 |
| Salary region | Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin region—which encompasses Columbia—approximately 6,280 certified nursing assistants work throughout hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care homes, psychiatric facilities, and community-based organizations serving patients' daily needs across southern Middle Tennessee cities like Columbia itself.
The CNA salary in Columbia is consistent with metro-area rates: In this region—including Columbia—CNAs earn around $37,150 per year or $17.86 hourly based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) statistics; this places earnings above Tennessee’s overall median wage level ($34,850). Variations may occur depending on setting or experience but generally reflect sustained demand throughout area employers seeking skilled personnel capable of meeting high standards within direct care environments.
CNA job seekers will find opportunities at major CMS-certified locations such as Magnolia Healthcare And Rehabilitation Center (181 beds), Life Care Center Of Columbia (123 beds), NHC-Maury Regional Transitional Care Center (112 beds), NHC Healthcare Columbia (106 beds), Maury Regional Hospital—a government-owned acute-care facility—and respected home health providers like NHC Homecare Of Columbia (quality rating: 4.5). These organizations consistently employ both newly credentialed professionals and experienced staff members alike throughout Columbia's growing medical sector.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Columbia (4 facilities)
4 nursing homes in Columbia providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 4 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Magnolia Healthcare And Rehabilitation Center1410 Trotwood Avenue(931) 388-6443Map | 181 | 2.3 |
| Life Care Center Of Columbia841 W. James Campbell Blvd.(931) 388-5035Map | 123 | 2.2 |
| Nhc-Maury Regional Transitional Care Center5010 Trotwood Ave(931) 398-6300Map | 112 | 2.1 |
| Nhc Healthcare, Columbia101 Walnut Lane(931) 381-3112Map | 106 | 2.1 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Columbia (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Columbia offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Maury Regional HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 1224 Trotwood Ave(931) 381-1111Map | 3/5 |
| Pinewood SpringsPsychiatric · 1001 N James Campbell Blvd(931) 777-6000Map | – |
| Unity Psychiatric Care-ColumbiaPsychiatric · 1400 Rosewood Drive(931) 388-6573Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Columbia (3 facilities)
3 home health agencies in Columbia providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Nhc Homecare Of Columbia223 E. James Campbell Blvd(931) 381-1234Map | 4.5/5 |
| Maury Regional Home Services854 South James Campbell Blvd.(931) 490-4600Map | 3.5/5 |
| Quality First Home Care500 South James Campbell Blvd, Suite A(931) 540-0062Map | 3.5/5 |
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 Columbia? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Lawrenceburg, Pulaski, Hohenwald, Centerville, and Summertown, 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 Columbia, TN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Columbia, 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 Columbia 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 Columbia.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Columbia
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Columbia?
Most CNA programs in Columbia 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 Columbia?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Columbia directly for their current costs. 2 programs are free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Columbia?
Yes. 2 programs in Columbia are free or employer-paid: NHC Healthcare, Columbia and NHC-Maury Regional Transitional Care Center. 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 Columbia?
No program in Columbia 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 Columbia?
No 4-week program is listed in Columbia. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Tennessee cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Columbia there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Lawrenceburg, Pulaski, Hohenwald, Centerville and Summertown. 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 Columbia?
CNAs in Columbia are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 4 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 3 home health agencies in Columbia. 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.