Memphis, TN

Southwest Tennessee Community College - Union Avenue Campus

Certified Nurse Aide

Location

Memphis, TN

Duration

6 weeks (60 hours classroom + 40 hours clinical)

Cost

Approximately $650

State Required Hours

75 hours

Address

737 Union Avenue

Memphis, TN 38103

About This Program

Southwest TN Community College runs its CNA training out of the Union Avenue Campus in downtown Memphis, walking distance from the Medical District, Beale Street, and the Mississippi riverfront. The non-credit Nursing Assistant course is approved by the Tennessee Department of Health and pairs classroom theory with supervised clinical rotations at area nursing facilities. Students prepare for the state Headmaster/Prometric CNA competency exam and, upon passing, are added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. The community-college setting offers access to financial aid screening, advising, and an articulated pathway into Southwest's LPN and ADN nursing tracks.

Location & Directions

737 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

Becoming a CNA in Tennessee

Becoming a CNA in Tennessee is one of the more candidate-friendly pathways in the country, largely because of the state's unusual 120-day temporary work permit. After you complete the 75-hour state-approved training program, Tennessee lets you start working as a paid nurse aide under supervision for up to 120 days while you take the Headmaster competency exam. Most candidates use this window to begin earning a CNA wage right away, often 4 to 6 weeks into the process rather than waiting another 4 weeks for the exam and registry listing to complete.

Minimum Age

16

Training Hours

75 hours

Exam Vendor

Headmaster LLP (D&S Diversified Technologies)

Time to Cert

5–10 weeks (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the CNA program at Southwest Tennessee Community College - Union Avenue Campus include?

Southwest TN Community College runs its CNA training out of the Union Avenue Campus in downtown Memphis, walking distance from the Medical District, Beale Street, and the Mississippi riverfront. The program is located at 737 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (901) 333-5000 or visit https://southwest.tn.edu/nursing/.

How much does Southwest Tennessee Community College - Union Avenue Campus cost?

Southwest Tennessee Community College - Union Avenue Campus lists tuition for its certified nurse aide at Approximately $650. Total program cost for students typically includes state exam fees, background-check fees, books, and supplies on top of tuition, so the final out-of-pocket figure can vary. Call Southwest Tennessee Community College - Union Avenue Campus at (901) 333-5000 for the current fee breakdown and any available scholarships or financial aid.

How long is the program at Southwest Tennessee Community College - Union Avenue Campus?

The certified nurse aide at Southwest Tennessee Community College - Union Avenue Campus is structured as 6 weeks (60 hours classroom + 40 hours clinical). Tennessee requires 75 hours of state-approved training, so this program meets or exceeds the state minimum. Contact the program at (901) 333-5000 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.

How do I apply or contact Southwest Tennessee Community College - Union Avenue Campus?

Call Southwest Tennessee Community College - Union Avenue Campus directly at (901) 333-5000 or visit https://southwest.tn.edu/nursing/. The program is located at 737 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103. Ask about upcoming cohort start dates, application deadlines, background-check requirements, and any scholarships or financial-aid options before enrolling.

What Tennessee CNA requirements should I know before enrolling at Southwest Tennessee Community College - Union Avenue Campus?

Before enrolling at Southwest Tennessee Community College - Union Avenue Campus, make sure you meet Tennessee's minimum age (16), education requirements, and background-check rules. Tennessee requires 75 hours of state-approved training and uses Headmaster LLP (D&S Diversified Technologies) for the competency exam, with most candidates reaching certification in 5–10 weeks (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks). See the full Tennessee CNA requirements page for a complete checklist.

Are there other CNA programs near Memphis?

Yes. In addition to Southwest Tennessee Community College - Union Avenue Campus in Memphis, our directory includes CNA training programs in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville. Comparing programs by location, schedule, and cost is the easiest way to find the best fit for your situation. Browse all Tennessee CNA classes for the full list.