CNA Classes in Memphis, TN
Compare programs, costs, and schedules — Career Academy
Last updated: April 2026
Memphis has 14 state-approved CNA training programs. Career Academy is the only school offering 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 | Southwest TN CC | TCAT Memphis | Sincere Healthcare | Professional Allied Health |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,350 | ~$650 | ~$800 | ~$2,750 | ~$3,000 |
| Includes | Textbook, skills materials, CPR, state exam | Tuition only | Tuition only | Varies | Everything + uniforms, liability |
| Duration | 4 wks (day) / 6 wks (evening) | ~8–12 weeks | ~8 weeks | ~4–6 weeks | ~4–6 weeks |
| Day classes | M–F, 8:30–2:30 | ||||
| Evening classes | M–F, 5–9 PM | Limited | Limited | Limited | |
| No GED required | ATB assessment | Varies | Varies | ||
| Testing site | |||||
| Payment plans | 3 × $450 | N/A | N/A | Varies | Varies |
| WIOA/AJC | Varies |
Based on publicly available information as of 2025. Students should verify details directly with each school.
Memphis CNA Schools Compared: Who Each Is Best For
All five schools are state-approved. Which is right for you depends on your budget, schedule, and timeline.
Career Academy
$1,350 · 4–6 wksA private, state-approved program at 3355 Poplar Avenue in midtown Memphis. The only Memphis CNA school offering both a 4-week day schedule and a 6-week evening schedule, with new classes starting every month. Tuition is all-inclusive — 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.
Southwest Tennessee Community College
~$650 · 8–12 wksA public community college with the lowest tuition of any Memphis CNA program. The program runs on a semester schedule, which means fewer start dates per year and possible waitlists. Tuition typically covers instruction only — textbook, CPR, background check, and state exam fees are usually additional. Students test at external exam sites after completing the program.
Best for: students with a GED who can wait for the next semester start, have flexible daytime availability, and want the absolute lowest tuition cost.
TCAT Memphis
~$800 · ~8 wksTennessee College of Applied Technology is a state-operated technical school offering a CNA program alongside other trades. Tuition is low because it is subsidized by the state, and eligible Tennessee residents may qualify for the Tennessee Reconnect or TN Promise programs. Day schedule only; enrollment dates are limited and waitlists are common. A GED or high school diploma is required.
Best for: students who qualify for state-funded tuition programs, have a GED, and can commit to a daytime schedule with a possible wait for the next cohort.
Sincere Healthcare Services
~$2,750 · 4–6 wksA private CNA training provider in the Memphis area with a short program length similar to Career Academy. Tuition is higher and the scope of what is included varies — students should ask for a complete breakdown of fees before enrolling. Admission requirements vary by cohort.
Best for: students already referred by a workforce program that has an existing relationship with the school.
Professional Allied Health
~$3,000 · 4–6 wksA private healthcare training school offering CNA and other allied health programs. Tuition is at the high end of the Memphis market, but the package typically includes uniforms, liability insurance, and other materials that other schools bill separately.
Best for: students who prefer a single all-in bundle including uniforms and liability coverage, and who are not price-sensitive.
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 all-inclusive — textbook, skills materials, CPR certification, and state exam registration are all included
- Payment plan: 3 payments of $450, 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
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
See full details on our Tuition Assistance page, or learn about free CNA training 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. Tennessee requires 120 clock hours of training to sit for the state CNA exam — 40 hours of classroom instruction plus 80 hours of supervised clinical practice in a licensed facility.
Cramming 120 hours into 2 weeks (10 business days) would mean 12 hours a day with no breaks, no travel time to clinical sites, 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 the full 120 hours required by Tennessee. 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?
CNA class tuition in Memphis ranges from roughly $650 to $3,000 depending on the school and what is included. Career Academy charges $1,350 all-inclusive — 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 3-payment plan of $450 each 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. Tennessee requires 120 clock hours of training for CNA certification — 40 classroom hours plus 80 clinical hours. Fitting that 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. All Memphis CNA schools follow the same 120-hour state curriculum. The differences are in cost, schedule, class size, admission requirements, and whether the school is a registered state exam testing site.
Still have questions? Browse our full CNA FAQ for more answers about CNA training, costs, and career outlook.
Related Resources
Ready to enroll?
Apply online in 15 minutes
Day and evening classes available. New cohorts start monthly.
Apply Online in 15 MinutesWritten by Career Academy staff — CNA educators with 10+ years of experience training nursing assistants in Memphis, TN.