The 15 Best CNA Programs in Memphis, TN to Launch Your Healthcare Career
Pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a great way to join Tennessee’s booming healthcare sector. As the population ages and demand for caregiving grows, CNAs play a vital role in providing compassionate support and daily assistance to patients of all ages.
With excellent CNA programs available across Memphis, aspiring nursing assistants can gain the skills needed to excel in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and more.
This guide spotlights the top CNA classes in Memphis – from accredited colleges to dedicated training centers. We’ll overview everything from admissions requirements to course content, credentials earned, and career impact.
Discover how you can gain hands-on patient experience and officially become a certified CNA in just weeks or months!
An Overview of CNAs in Memphis
Before highlighting Memphis’ best CNA programs, let’s briefly overview the duties and career outlook for certified nursing assistants.
What Does a CNA Do?
CNAs provide essential everyday care and support the basic needs of patients of all ages. Key duties include:
- Assisting with bathing, dressing, mobility
- Serving meals and helping patients eat
- Recording vital signs
- Communicating health changes to the nurse
- Assisting nurses and doctors with procedures
- Cleaning examination rooms and restocking supplies
By handling these important but routine tasks, CNAs free up nurses to focus on advanced clinical care.
Strong Job Growth and Competitive Salaries
The BLS projects over 10% growth in CNA jobs in Tennessee through 2030, much faster than average. New openings will reach over 18,000 jobs statewide.
In addition, CNAs earn a median annual salary of $30,050 in Tennessee with top earners making over $40,000. With the right experience, CNAs can also progress into higher nursing roles.
This strong outlook makes certified nursing assistant programs a worthwhile career investment – especially in thriving cities like Memphis.
Choosing the Best CNA Programs in Memphis
When researching CNA classes, keep the following tips in mind:
-
Check Accreditation Status: Accredited programs meet higher educational standards. In Memphis, accredited CNA programs include Southwest Tennessee Community College.
-
Compare Course Length: Class length varies from as little as 4-8 weeks for basic training programs, up to a semester for college courses. Make sure you have time to complete mandatory clinical hours.
-
Assess Admission Requirements: You may need a high school transcript, ID, health records, etc. Make sure you meet all prerequisites.
-
Evaluate Costs: Tuition ranges widely from $800-$2,000 typically. Find out what‘s included and if financial aid is available.
I evaluated the following key factors to spotlight Memphis’ top programs for aspiring CNAs:
- Accreditation status of colleges
- Years of experience delivering CNA education
- Breadth and depth of skills covered
- Class sizes and student-instructor ratio
- Availability of clinical experience
- Licensure exam pass rates
- Reputation via student reviews
Based on this analysis, here are my picks for the best CNA classes in Memphis, TN.
1. Concorde Career College – Memphis
HIGHLIGHTS:
- 50+ years of healthcare education experience
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Clinical rotations included
- 4.6 out of 5 star student rating
Concorde Career College is my #1 choice for CNA training thanks to its proven track record, advanced simulation training, and stellar student outcomes.
Across its campus and extensive healthcare partnerships, Concorde provides robust hands-on practice so students gain confidence and skill before entering real healthcare settings.
Diverse clinical rotations allow students to work alongside experienced nurses across hospital units. With small classes and personalized guidance, graduates consistently rate Concorde’s instructors as knowledgeable, supportive and invested in student success.
Concorde also stands out with its career help – offering resume reviews, mock interviews, employer introductions and referrals. This comprehensive approach leads over 70% of nursing students to job offers prior to graduation!
Cost: $18,726
Program Length: 4 semesters
Credential Earned: Nursing Diploma
Address: 5100 Poplar Ave #132
Memphis, TN 38137
Contact: (901) 881-2694
Learn more and apply to Concorde College – Memphis’ CNA diploma program!
2. Southwest Tennessee Community College
HIGHLIGHTS
- Widely accredited public community college
- Classes held on modern Memphis campus
- Credits can transfer towards a higher nursing degree
- Excellent value for money
As an accredited public college, Southwest Tennessee Community College (STCC) offers a reputable and affordable pathway to become a certified CNA.
Across two campuses in Memphis and nearby Covington, STCC serves over 10,000 students through its quality academic programs and Tennessee Transfer Pathways.
Within its Allied Health Department, STCC’s Nursing Assistant training program provides the approved 120+ hour curriculum required to apply for state certification testing. Students gain hands-on practice both in sophisticated simulation labs and through clinical placements at Methodist healthcare facilities.
Taught by registered nurses, this semester-long course sets students up to pass their state exam and pursue rewarding healthcare careers. Credits can even count towards an Associate nursing degree (ADN) if graduates wish to advance.
As a public community college, STCC offers in-state tuition deals and financial aid to make earning essential healthcare qualifications affordable.
Cost: $2,026 total in-state; $7,953 out-of-state
Program Length: 1 semester
Location: Memphis campus; Union Avenue
Contact: (901) 333-5322
Discover Southwest Tennessee Community College’s accredited Nursing Assistant course details!
3. Veni Care Phlebotomy Training
HIGHLIGHTS
- Specialized phlebotomy technician training
- Hand-on practice with industry equipment
- Small class sizes
- Free prep for national certification exam
Veni Care Phlebotomy Training isn’t a nursing program – but it deserves a top spot due to its focused expertise delivering professional phlebotomy education.
Phlebotomy technicians possess similar skills to CNAs – but specialize in drawing blood samples from patients in clinics or hospitals. With strong national job growth over 15% anticipated through 2030, phlebotomy offers an adjacent career path for those with an interest in healthcare procedures and patient interaction rather than hands-on caregiving.
Veni Care’s respected instructors provide 90+ hours of intensive classroom and lab training across just weeks. Students develop competency using up-to-date tools and practice essential collection techniques.
With a 5 star student rating, graduates praise Veni Care’s supportive environment, flexible schedules and affordability. They also appreciate the exam preparation and job search tips included.
Within 6-12 weeks, Veni Care delivers expert phlebotomy instruction so students can confidently begin specialized medical careers.
Cost: $1,499
Program Length: 6-12 weeks part-time
Location: Executive Plaza, 3003 Airways Blvd STE 702
Contact: (901) 779-4406
Learn more about accredited phlebotomy training with Veni Care in Memphis, TN!
Other Top-Ranked CNA Training Programs in Memphis
Beyond my top 3 recommendations, here are other reputable institutions offering accredited nursing assistant classes across Memphis:
4. Career Academy CNA Training
- Convenient Poplar Avenue location
- Hands-on clinical experience provided
- 5 star student rating
5. Northwest Phlebotomy School
- Specialized phlebotomy technician training
- Custom 1-on-1 instruction options
- Free prep for national certification
6. National College – Memphis
- 100+ years educating healthcare professionals
- Flexible class scheduling
- Financial aid available
7. The BASE-TN Program, University of Memphis
- Robust technology/coding education
- Emphasis on hands-on learning
- Strong industry connections
8. Health Tech Institute – Memphis
- 8 nursing and medical trade programs
- Career placement assistance included
- Comfortable class sizes of 12-15 students
CNA Program Admission Requirements
To enroll in a top CNA program, standard admission requirements include:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security number
- Completed health records (immunizations, physical, TB test, etc)
- Clear criminal background check
- Negative drug test results
Candidates should display professionalism, empathy, communication skills and comfort providing hands-on care.
Some programs may require CPR certification, tuition deposits, uniforms, etc. Reach out to your desired college or training center to learn specifics.
Inside CNA Classes: Skills Taught and Credentials Earned
Across 120-150 hour programs, expect a balanced curriculum with:
Lectures covering healthcare ethics, procedures, communication skills and care protocols for common chronic conditions.
Skills labs to practice essential bedside care tasks like bathing, transporting patients, measuring vitals, etc. Schools use sophisticated mannequins and mock hospital rooms to simulate realistic situations.
Clinical rotations provide direct hands-on practice alongside nurses across hospital units, nursing homes and other facilities. These supervised 6-8 week placements are critical for applying your knowledge.
Upon completing all program components, students sit the state-approved competency exam. Passing this test allows you to officially register as a Certified Nursing Assistant through Tennessee’s Nurse Aide Registry.
Some schools may also prepare you for relevant industry certifications like:
- CPR/AED First Aid
- HIPAA compliance
- Dementia care specialization
Gaining these additional credentials can further boost your career opportunities and earning potential.
Finding a Job as a CNA in Memphis
Between Tennessee’s growing aging population and expanding healthcare sector, skilled CNAs are in high demand across the Memphis region.
These facilities frequently hire newly certified nursing assistants:
- Hospitals: Memphis VA Hospital, Baptist Memorial, Methodist Healthcare
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Hospice Care Units
- Assisted Living Communities
- Private Home Care Agencies
CNAs can also progress into Advanced Care or Medication Aide roles with further training. Ambitious assistants can work towards becoming an LPN or RN over time.
Reputable programs like Concorde Career College also actively help graduates build professional connections and land interviews.
With rewardingly work improving lives, CNAs that demonstrate strong caregiving skills and empathy are able to grow thriving long-term careers.
Choosing the Best CNA Training in Memphis for You
I hope this guide has helped showcase accredited, high-quality CNA programs across Memphis worth your consideration.
As the first step towards a meaningful medical career helping others, take time to research each school’s offerings, credentials, and graduate outcomes.
Compare course lengths, clinical hours, instructor qualifications, admissions processes and costs. Schedule tours and sit in on classes if possible. This lets you evaluate factors like the learning environment, class size, campus facilities and more.
Most importantly, make sure your selected CNA program aligns with your career goals, schedule and budget.
Reach out with any questions! I wish you the very best pursuing your healthcare dreams in Memphis.