CNA Training in Memphis — No GED or Diploma Required
ATB assessment pathway — one of the only programs in Memphis that doesn't require a diploma
You Don't Need a Diploma to Start a Healthcare Career
Career Academy is one of the only CNA programs in Memphis that accepts students without a high school diploma or GED. If you're at least 18 and can pass a simple assessment, you're in.
No experience needed. No medical background required. Just the commitment to show up every day for 4 to 6 weeks and learn skills that will open doors for the rest of your career.
How It Works Without a Diploma
The Ability to Benefit (ATB) pathway
Tennessee allows CNA programs to enroll students without a diploma or GED through an "Ability to Benefit" assessment — a simple evaluation that confirms you have the basic reading and math skills to succeed in the program.
Take the assessment at Career Academy
Paper test, taken on-site before enrollment. No appointment needed — just come in during office hours.
Score 70 or higher
That's the threshold. This isn't a test you study for months. It checks basic reading and math skills you already have.
Enroll in the next class
Once you pass, you qualify to enroll — same as any other student. New classes start every month.
No cost. No time limit. Straightforward questions. Most applicants who attempt the assessment pass it.
What You Need (and What You Don't)
You do NOT need:
- High school diploma or GED
- College degree
- Healthcare experience
- Medical terminology knowledge
- Payment upfront
You DO need:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Pass a background check (see below)
- Commit to daily attendance for 4–6 weeks
Can I Enroll With a Criminal Record?
We believe in second chances. Many of our graduates had records and now work in healthcare.
Career Academy runs a FOIL (Tennessee Abuse Registry) check on all enrolling students. Here's what you need to know:
- Convictions for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult will disqualify you from CNA certification under Tennessee law.
- Other convictions — including non-violent felonies — do NOT automatically prevent enrollment or certification.
Not sure if your record disqualifies you? Call us at (901) 761-4500 before you apply. We will give you an honest answer about your specific situation — no judgment, no runaround.
How to Pay for CNA Training
$1,350 all-inclusive — multiple ways to cover it
3-Payment Plan — $450 × 3
No interest. No payment required before your first day of class. Payments are due weeks 1, 2, and 3 of the cohort.
AJC / WIOA Workforce Funding
The American Job Center may cover 100% of tuition for eligible students. Career Academy is an approved WIOA training provider.
SNAP Employment & Training
SNAP E&T may cover 100% of tuition for qualifying SNAP recipients.
VA Benefits Accepted
Veterans and eligible military spouses can use VA and MyCAA education benefits toward tuition.
See all funding options on our Tuition Assistance page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a GED to become a CNA in Tennessee?
No. While many CNA programs require a high school diploma or GED, Tennessee state rules allow an alternative pathway called Ability to Benefit (ATB). Career Academy is one of the few Memphis programs that uses this pathway — students who score 70 or higher on a simple paper assessment qualify to enroll without a diploma or GED.
Can I get CNA certified with no experience?
Yes. CNA programs are specifically designed for people with no prior healthcare experience or medical background. You will learn everything you need from scratch — patient care, vital signs, personal hygiene assistance, and clinical skills — all in 4 to 6 weeks.
Are there paid CNA training programs in Memphis?
WIOA/AJC workforce funding and SNAP Employment & Training can cover 100% of tuition at qualifying schools, including Career Academy. If you qualify for these programs, your training may cost nothing out of pocket. VA benefits are also accepted. See our tuition assistance page for details.
Can I become a CNA with a felony in Tennessee?
It depends on the nature of the conviction. Convictions for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult will disqualify you from CNA certification under Tennessee law — Career Academy runs a FOIL registry check on all students. However, other felony convictions, including non-violent ones, do not automatically prevent enrollment or certification. Call us at (901) 761-4500 to discuss your specific situation before you apply.
What is the Ability to Benefit assessment?
The Ability to Benefit (ATB) assessment is a short paper test that covers basic reading and math skills. It is taken on-site at Career Academy before enrollment. There is no cost, no time pressure, and no advanced preparation required. Students who score 70 or higher are eligible to enroll without a high school diploma or GED.
Is CNA training hard without a diploma?
The CNA curriculum focuses on hands-on skills — how to properly care for patients, assist with daily activities, take vital signs, and communicate with healthcare teams. It is practical, not theoretical. Students without diplomas succeed at the same rate as those with diplomas. The ATB assessment exists precisely because the ability to learn these skills does not depend on having a diploma.
Related Resources
Ready to start?
Your Past Doesn't Define Your Future
No diploma. No experience. No problem. Apply online in 15 minutes or call us to talk through your situation.
Last updated: April 2026