CNA Classes & Programs in Cookeville, Tennessee

3 state-approved CNA programs in Cookeville, including free options. 4-week and online programs are offered in other Tennessee cities.

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CNA training in Cookeville

Programs
3
state-approved
Median CNA pay
$35,040
$16.85 an hour
CNA jobs
23,150
across Tennessee
Healthcare facilities
6
3 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 2 home health agencies
Population
34,967
residents

Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).

On this page
  1. Get info from schools
  2. CNA classes in Cookeville
  3. Jobs and pay
  4. Working nearby
  5. Requirements
  6. Career growth
  7. FAQ

What brings you here?

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Aspiring CNAs in Cookeville can choose from 3 approved programs offering professional preparation for careers in patient care roles. Situated within central Tennessee’s healthcare network, Cookeville serves as a hub where individuals receive essential clinical instruction aimed at helping them achieve state certification as nursing assistants.

CNA classes here focus on real-world skills and job readiness while supporting candidates pursuing Tennessee certification or placement on the state registry. Notably, Cookeville also offers free CNA classes, providing greater accessibility for residents seeking entry-level positions without financial barriers. Statewide in Tennessee, CNAs earn around $34,850 annually; this regional context helps prospective students understand earning expectations after graduation.

CNA courses in Cookeville emphasize practical experience that prepares individuals for employment at hospitals or long-term care centers following successful program completion and licensure as a certified nursing assistant.

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Browse CNA Classes in Cookeville

Students in Cookeville can choose from 3 CNA programs that prepare candidates for Tennessee certification and state registry placement through classroom learning and clinical practice. With free program options available locally, these CNA classes equip candidates with patient care skills needed to qualify for jobs throughout Cookeville’s healthcare sector, supporting successful exam outcomes and job readiness upon graduation.

Program Types in Cookeville

TypeIn CookevilleWhere to look
Free or employer-paid2 programsSee them ↓
4-week (accelerated)Not in CookevilleSee other Tennessee cities →
Online or hybridNot in CookevilleSee other Tennessee cities →
Evening or weekendNot in CookevilleSee other Tennessee cities →

A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.

All 3 CNA programs in Cookeville

Lowest published cost first.

NHC Healthcare, Cookeville

Educational Entity · Cookeville, TN 38501FreeEmployer-sponsoredCostFreeHours–Weeks–
Address
815 South Walnut Ave., Cookeville, TN 38501
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NHC HealthCare Cookeville offers a free, employer-sponsored CNA training program held onsite to prepare new hires for patient care roles. Applicants apply directly to NHC for upcoming classes.

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Signature Healthcare Of Putnam County

Educational Entity · Cookeville, TN 38506FreeEmployer-sponsoredCostFreeHours–Weeks–
Address
278 Dry Valley Rd., Cookeville, TN 38506
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Signature HealthCARE of Putnam County periodically offers paid CNA classes in Cookeville, allowing trainees to earn while completing facility-based nurse aide training.

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TN College Of Applied Technology/Livingston @ Cookeville Higher

Vocational College · Cookeville, TN 38501Cost–Hours432Weeks–
Address
1000 Neal Street, Cookeville, TN 38501
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TCAT Livingston offers a Nurse Aide certificate option (at the Cookeville Higher Education Campus) with classroom and clinical training for entry-level patient care.

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Cost, 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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CNA Employment Opportunities in Cookeville

CNA pay and jobs in Cookeville
Median annual pay$35,040
Median hourly pay$16.85
CNA jobs across Tennessee23,150
Salary regionTennessee (statewide)

Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.

CNAs remain an important part of Cookeville’s healthcare workforce as employers seek qualified staff across long-term care facilities and hospitals serving this central Tennessee community. Demand persists locally thanks to ongoing needs at CMS-certified sites throughout Cookeville. CNA jobs in Cookeville are supported by this steady demand.

City-specific wage data is not available; therefore, statewide figures offer guidance: CNAs in Tennessee earn around $34,850 per year (or about $16.85 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference point when evaluating compensation expectations after completing a Cookeville-based program. CNA salary in Cookeville reflects these statewide trends.

A range of accredited employers offer opportunities locally—including Nhc Healthcare, Cookeville (a major employer with 104 beds), Ahc Bethesda (120 beds), Signature Healthcare of Putnam County (175 beds), and acute medical services at Cookeville Regional Medical Center (government-operated). Home health agencies like Cookeville Regional Home Health and Centerwell Home Health also play important roles by providing community-based care options where newly licensed CNAs may be hired following graduation from one of Cookeville's three approved programs.

Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Cookeville (3 facilities)

3 nursing homes in Cookeville providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)

Nursing homeBedsCNA hrs/day
Nhc Healthcare, Cookeville815 South Walnut Avenue(931) 528-5516Map1042.5
Ahc Bethesda444 One Eleven Place(931) 525-6655Map1202.1
Signature Healthcare Of Putnam County278 Dry Valley Rd(931) 537-6524Map1752.1

Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Cookeville (1 facility)

1 hospital in Cookeville offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)

HospitalRating
Cookeville Regional Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 1 Medical Center Boulevard(931) 528-2541Map2/5

Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Cookeville (2 facilities)

2 home health agencies in Cookeville providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)

AgencyQuality
Cookeville Regional Home Health1101 Neal St Ste 103(931) 528-5578Map3.5/5
Centerwell Home Health225 North Willow Avenue, 3Rd Floor(931) 646-4806Map3.0/5

Sources

Working in Nearby Cities and Other States

Working in Nearby Cities

Looking beyond Cookeville? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Crossville, Livingston, Monterey, Sparta, and Carthage, 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 Cookeville, TN

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Cookeville, 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 Cookeville 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.

See how to become a CNA in Tennessee

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 Cookeville.

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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Cookeville

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

Most CNA programs in Cookeville 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 Cookeville?

Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Cookeville 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 Cookeville?

Yes. 2 programs in Cookeville are free or employer-paid: NHC Healthcare, Cookeville and Signature Healthcare Of Putnam County. 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 Cookeville?

No program in Cookeville 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 Cookeville?

No 4-week program is listed in Cookeville. 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 Cookeville there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Crossville, Livingston, Monterey, Sparta and Carthage. 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 Cookeville?

CNAs in Cookeville are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 3 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 2 home health agencies in Cookeville. 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.