CNA Training Tuition & Financial Assistance
Affordable, all-inclusive pricing with multiple funding options
Everything you need is included
No hidden fees — what you see is what you pay.
Payment Plan
- No payment required before your first day of class
- No interest
- Debit card payments accepted with no convenience fee
Can I get CNA training for free?
Yes. Several programs can cover 100% of your tuition at Career Academy. If you qualify for WIOA funding through the American Job Center or SNAP Employment & Training through Tennessee DHS, your training may be completely free. Military service members and spouses also have funding options that fully cover our tuition. See the programs below to find one that fits your situation.
Ready to see if you qualify for funded training?
Apply Now — It Takes 15 MinutesFunding Programs
Government & Workforce Programs
American Job Center (WIOA)
Federal workforce funding that can cover 100% of your tuition. Visit your local American Job Center, get assessed by a career counselor, and receive a training voucher. May also cover supplies and transportation.
Find your local AJC →SNAP Employment & Training
SNAP recipients are eligible for funded job training including CNA certification. The E&T program can cover tuition and supportive services like transportation and work supplies.
Call TN DHS: 1-866-311-4287 →Hire Local
City of Memphis workforce development program that connects Memphis residents with funded training in high-demand healthcare fields.
Contact us to learn more →Military
VA Benefits / GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill and Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) programs cover CNA training at approved vocational schools. Career Academy is an approved provider for VA education benefits.
Contact us for VA enrollment →MyCAA
Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts provide up to $4,000 for training. Eligible spouses of active-duty service members in pay grades E1–E5, W1–W2, and O1–O2. Career Academy's $1,350 tuition is fully covered.
Contact us to get started →Education & Community Partners
ETSU
East Tennessee State University partners with Career Academy to provide funding for eligible students.
Contact us to learn more →UT Skillup
A University of Tennessee workforce development program that may cover CNA training costs for qualifying students.
Contact us to learn more →The Collective Blueprint
A Memphis-based community organization that helps residents access workforce training and career development opportunities.
Contact us to learn more →Growwth
Community partner referral program connecting eligible participants with funded CNA training at Career Academy.
Contact us to learn more →Employer Sponsored
Employer Tuition Assistance
Many Memphis healthcare employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for CNA training. Some employers sponsor students directly. Career Academy works with employer sponsors to make the process simple.
Contact us to discuss employer sponsorship →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a CNA in Tennessee?
CNA training costs in Tennessee range from about $650 to $3,000 depending on the program. Career Academy's tuition is $1,350 all-inclusive — that covers your textbook, skills materials, CPR certification, and state exam registration with no hidden fees.
Can I get CNA training for free in Memphis?
Yes. If you qualify for WIOA funding through the American Job Center or SNAP Employment & Training through Tennessee DHS, your training may be completely free. Contact the American Job Center or your DHS caseworker to find out if you're eligible.
How do I apply for WIOA funding for CNA training?
Visit your local American Job Center in Memphis. A career counselor will assess your eligibility and help you apply for an Individual Training Account (ITA) that covers tuition at approved training schools like Career Academy.
Can SNAP recipients get free CNA training?
Yes. SNAP recipients may qualify for the SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) program, which can cover CNA tuition and supportive services like transportation. Contact Tennessee DHS at 1-866-311-4287 to ask about E&T enrollment.
Does the GI Bill cover CNA training?
Yes. The Post-9/11 GI Bill and Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) programs cover CNA training at approved schools. Career Academy is an approved provider for VA education benefits.
What is MyCAA and does it cover CNA programs?
MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts) provides up to $4,000 for education and training for eligible military spouses. Since Career Academy's tuition is $1,350, MyCAA can cover the full cost of the program.
Does Career Academy offer payment plans?
Yes. We offer a 3-payment plan of $450 each, due during weeks 1, 2, and 3 of class. No payment is required before your first day, and there is no interest.
What is included in Career Academy's tuition?
Our $1,350 tuition includes everything you need: 120 hours of instruction, clinical training, textbook, skills materials, CPR certification, and state exam registration. There are no additional fees.
Do I need to pay before class starts?
No. Your first payment of $450 is due during the first week of class. No upfront payment is required before your first day.
How long is CNA training at Career Academy?
Day classes run 4 weeks (Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM). Evening classes run 6 weeks (Monday through Friday, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM). Both are 120 hours total.
Not sure which program fits you?
Call us and we'll help you find the best way to fund your training.
Apply Now — It Takes 15 Minutes