Best CNA Classes in Memphis: How the Schools Compare
Every Memphis CNA program side by side — real total cost, program length, schedule, and what each one includes
Last updated: October 2026
Shelby County has 17 programs on the state's approved nurse aide training list (October 2026), including a few run by nursing homes and a high school. Career Academy offers both 4-week day and 6-week evening classes with no GED requirement.
Memphis CNA Program Comparison
An honest, side-by-side look at CNA programs in the Memphis area.
| Feature | Career Academy | TCAT Memphis | Sincere Healthcare Institute | Professional Allied Health |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,350 (2026) / $1,900 (2027) | ~$1,615 | Not published | Not published |
| Includes | Textbook, skills materials, CPR, state exam | Tuition, fees, books; state exam, CPR, background check extra | Not published | Not published |
| Duration | 4 wks (day) / 6 wks (evening) | One trimester (120 hrs) | Not published | 5 weeks (blended) |
| Day classes | M–F, 8:30–2:30 | Not published | Not published | |
| Evening classes | M–F, 5–9 PM | Not published | Not published | |
| No GED required | ATB assessment | Ask school | Not published | |
| Testing site | Not listed | Not listed | Credentia | |
| Payment plans | 3 × $450 (2026 classes) or 3 × $633–$634 (2027 classes) | Not published | Not published | |
| WIOA/AJC |
Checked October 2026 against each school's website, the Tennessee nurse aide training program list, Credentia's public test-event list, and the AJC Greater Memphis provider list. “Not published” means the school doesn't post it online, so ask the school. Southwest Tennessee Community College does not currently run a CNA program. Verify details directly with each school before enrolling.
Memphis CNA Schools Compared: Who Each Is Best For
All four schools are on Tennessee's approved nurse aide training list. Which is right for you depends on your budget, schedule, and timeline.
Career Academy
$1,350 (2026) / $1,900 (2027) · 4–6 wksA private, state-approved program at 3355 Poplar Avenue in midtown Memphis, offering both a 4-week day schedule and a 6-week evening schedule, with new classes starting every month. Tuition covers textbook, skills materials, CPR certification, and state exam registration are all covered. Career Academy is also a registered state exam testing site, so students take the NNAAP exam where they trained. Accepts students without a GED via the Ability to Benefit assessment. Learn more about Career Academy.
Best for: students who want to start immediately, work a day job and need evening classes, don't have a GED, or want one transparent price with no hidden fees.
TCAT Memphis
~$1,615 · 1 trimesterTennessee College of Applied Technology is the state-operated technical college at 550 Alabama Avenue. Its Nursing Aide program is 120 clock hours over one trimester, and the only section currently listed is full-time days. The current program page lists about $1,615 for tuition, fees, and books; the state exam, CPR, and background check are billed separately. As a state school, it may qualify for Tennessee Promise or Tennessee Reconnect.
Best for: students who qualify for state tuition programs and can attend full-time during the day.
Sincere Healthcare Institute
Price not publishedA private, state-approved CNA training school on Mt. Moriah Road in Memphis. It does not publish tuition, schedules, or admission requirements online, so ask for a complete written breakdown of costs before enrolling.
Best for: students referred through the American Job Center, which lists it as a training provider.
Professional Allied Health
Price not published · 5 wksA private healthcare training school at 3511 Ramill Road offering CNA and other allied health programs. Its CNA course is a 5-week blended program (online and in class), it requires a high school or GED transcript, it offers payment plans, and it hosts Credentia state exam events. Tuition is not published online.
Best for: students with a diploma or GED who want a blended online-and-classroom format.
Tuition, duration, and program details are based on publicly available information and may change. Always verify with the school directly before enrolling.
Career Academy offers the best combination of value, schedule flexibility, and included materials.
Join the Next ClassWhat to Look For in a CNA Program
Six factors that matter when comparing schools.
Total Cost
Look beyond tuition. Ask what is included vs. billed as extra fees — textbook, CPR, background check, and state exam add up fast.
Schedule
Day vs. evening, full-time vs. part-time. Also check how often new classes start — monthly is better than once a semester.
Financial Aid
WIOA, SNAP E&T, VA, and MyCAA can cover tuition entirely. Ask if the school is approved for the funding source you qualify for.
Class Size
Smaller classes mean more hands-on time with skills equipment and more individual attention from your instructor.
State Exam Testing Site
If the school is a registered testing site, you can sit for the state CNA exam on-site after graduation — no extra travel required. Learn what to expect on the Tennessee CNA state test.
Location
Consider parking, public transit access, and overall convenience to your home or workplace — you will be there every day.
Career Academy CNA Program
- 120 hours, state-approved CNA curriculum
- Day (M–F, 8:30 AM–2:30 PM, 4 weeks) and evening (M–F, 5–9 PM, 6 weeks) schedules — new classes start monthly
- $1,350 for 2026 classes, $1,900 for 2027 classes — textbook, skills materials, CPR certification, and state exam registration are all included
- Payment plan: 3 payments of $450 (2026 classes) or $633–$634 (2027 classes), no interest, no payment required before the first day of class
- Registered state exam testing site — take your CNA exam right where you trained
- 3355 Poplar Avenue, Suite 100G, Memphis, TN — convenient midtown location
- Apply online from your phone in 15 minutes — no appointment needed
Looking for Online CNA Classes?
Tennessee requires in-person clinical training for every CNA student, so fully online CNA certification doesn’t exist here — programs advertising it can’t place graduates on the state Nurse Aide Registry. Most “online” listings are hybrid or self-paced bookwork programs that still take 8–12 weeks; Career Academy’s in-person day program finishes in 4.
We break down what online listings really mean, the red flags to check before paying anyone, and the fastest legitimate path in Online CNA Classes in Tennessee: What’s Legit.
No GED? No Problem.
Career Academy accepts students without a high school diploma or GED. This is one of the most significant differentiators from other Memphis CNA programs — most require a diploma or GED to enroll.
- Ability to Benefit (ATB) assessment — score 70 or higher to qualify
- Paper assessment administered on-site — no prior testing required
- Most other Memphis CNA programs require a GED — Career Academy opens the door to students who would otherwise be turned away
Not sure if you qualify? Start your application and we will walk you through it.
Financial Aid & Workforce Funding
Multiple funding sources can cover part or all of your tuition — you may not need to pay anything out of pocket.
- WIOA/AJC — Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding through the American Job Center can cover 100% of tuition for eligible students
- SNAP Employment & Training — SNAP E&T funding available for qualifying recipients
- VA & MyCAA — Benefits accepted for veterans and eligible military spouses
Unlike employer-paid programs that often require committing to work for one employer afterward, these workforce-funded paths come with no obligation to work for any specific employer — you keep your certification and choose where you go.
See full details on our Tuition Assistance page, or learn about CNA tuition funding options in Memphis.
Where Memphis CNA Graduates Work
Memphis is one of the largest healthcare employment markets in the Mid-South. Most CNA graduates have job offers within weeks of passing the state exam.
- Baptist Memorial Health Care
- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
- Regional One Health
- St. Francis Hospital
- Memphis VA Medical Center
- Nursing homes & assisted living across Shelby County
Are 2-Week CNA Classes in Memphis Real?
Short answer: no legitimate Memphis CNA program can be completed in 2 weeks. Federal rules require at least 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Career Academy's program is 120 hours — 102 classroom and skills-lab hours plus 18 clinical hours in our on-campus clinical site.
Cramming a 120-hour program into 2 weeks (10 business days) would mean 12 hours a day with no breaks, and no time to actually absorb the material. No state-approved Tennessee CNA school offers this schedule, and any program advertising 2-week certification in Memphis is either cutting corners on clinical hours or not state-approved.
The fastest legitimate option in Memphis
Career Academy's 4-week day program is the shortest state-approved CNA schedule in the Memphis area. Classes run Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM (6 hours a day), for 4 weeks — completing our full 120-hour program. Our 6-week evening program is designed for students who work during the day.
Before enrolling in any CNA program in Memphis, verify that the school is listed as a state-approved training program with the Tennessee Department of Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CNA classes cost in Memphis?
Published CNA prices in Memphis vary widely, and many private schools don't post them. TCAT Memphis, the state technical college, lists about $1,615 for tuition, fees, and books, with the state exam and CPR extra (checked October 2026). Career Academy charges $1,350 for 2026 classes, $1,900 for 2027 classes — textbook, skills materials, CPR, and state exam registration are all covered with no hidden fees.
How long are CNA classes in Memphis TN?
Program length varies from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the school and schedule. Career Academy’s 4-week day program is one of the fastest CNA certifications in Memphis — an accelerated schedule that covers the full 120 hours in just one month. The 6-week evening program (M–F, 5–9 PM) is designed for working adults.
What is the best CNA school in Memphis?
The best school depends on your priorities. Compare total cost (not just tuition), what is included, schedule options, class size, and whether the school is an approved state exam testing site. Career Academy is one of few programs that offers evening classes and accepts students without a GED.
Are there evening CNA classes in Memphis?
Career Academy offers evening CNA classes Monday through Friday, 5–9 PM, completing in 6 weeks. Most other Memphis programs have limited or no evening options. See our evening classes page for the full schedule and details.
Can I take CNA classes in Memphis with no prior healthcare experience?
Yes. CNA programs are designed for beginners. No prior healthcare experience or medical background is required at any Memphis program.
Do any Memphis CNA programs offer payment plans?
Career Academy offers a payment plan of 3 payments of $450 (2026 classes) or $633–$634 (2027 classes) with no interest and no payment required before the first day of class. Not all programs offer installment plans.
Are there free CNA training programs in Memphis?
WIOA/AJC workforce funding and SNAP Employment & Training can cover 100% of tuition at qualifying schools, including Career Academy. VA and MyCAA benefits are also accepted. Visit our tuition assistance page for details.
What do I need to enroll in CNA classes in Memphis?
You must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check. A high school diploma or GED is NOT required at Career Academy — students without one can qualify through an Ability to Benefit (ATB) assessment, scoring 70 or higher.
Are 2-week CNA classes in Memphis real?
No legitimate Memphis CNA program can finish in 2 weeks. Federal rules require at least 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice, and quality programs run well above that. Career Academy's program is 120 hours: 102 classroom and skills-lab hours plus 18 clinical hours. Fitting a full program into 2 weeks would mean 12-hour days with zero breaks, which no state-approved school offers. If you see a 2-week CNA class advertised in Memphis, check whether it is state-approved before paying. Career Academy's 4-week day program is the fastest legitimate option — 6 hours a day, Monday through Friday, completing the full 120 hours in one month.
What's the difference between a CNA class and a CNA school?
There is no practical difference — the terms are used interchangeably. A 'CNA class' or 'CNA school' in Memphis both refer to a state-approved training program that prepares you to pass the Tennessee CNA state exam. Every state-approved program covers the same core nurse aide skills and meets at least the federal 75-hour minimum (Career Academy's is 120 hours). The differences are in total hours, cost, schedule, class size, admission requirements, and whether the school is a registered state exam testing site.
Where can I find CNA classes near me in Memphis?
Career Academy's CNA classes are held at 3355 Poplar Avenue, Suite 100G in Memphis — centrally located and easy to reach from across Shelby County and the surrounding metro. If you're searching for CNA classes near you, both our 4-week day program and 6-week evening program run out of this location, so you can train close to home on a schedule that fits your life.
Still have questions? Browse our full CNA FAQ for more answers about CNA training, costs, and career outlook.
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Apply Online in 15 MinutesWritten by Career Academy staff — CNA educators with 10+ years of experience training nursing assistants in Memphis, TN.
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