Free Certified Nurse Assistant Classes

Earn your CNA certification with free classes

While entering the healthcare world is exciting, trying to figure out where to start can be difficult. A role as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can be a great place to begin your healthcare career. CNAs are the backbone of healthcare, and they spend more time directly caring for patients than people in any other position.

Our FREE CNA training program presents the basics of bedside patient care with an emphasis on geriatrics and long-term care.

An introduction to one of the most critical services Ballad Health provides, this program meets all federal and state requirements.

About Ballad Health CNA training

CNA program requirements

To qualify for CNA training at Ballad Health, you have to:

• Tennessee CNA Program: At least 16 years of age and actively participating in high school classes if not already graduated from high school – transcript documentation will be required
• Complete a criminal/health-related board background check
• Comply with Ballad Health’s vaccination policy

All requirements must be met to be accepted into the course.

Certification options

We offer classes in Northeast Tennessee, as well as through an online hybrid program.

Our hybrid program consists of online classes with in-person clinicals and labs at a Tennessee facility.

Tennessee CNA training

Our Northeast Tennessee classes contain 60 hours of classroom time with 40 hours of supervised clinical time to follow. Part-time, daytime and evening course schedules are offered.*

*See the full schedule below.

Clinical training details

Clinical hours are completed at a designated Ballad Health facility with set rotation schedules determined at the beginning of your class.

All clinical hours will be scheduled with an instructor and cannot be completed independently.

Upcoming classes

2026 CNA class schedule

Download the full 2026 class schedule:

• 2026 TN CNA Classes [PDF 111.32 KB]

Apply for the CNA training program

You can apply for your chosen program by clicking the relevant link below:

Apply Now

*For the hybrid course, choose the “online hybrid” option under the question about class dates.

NOTE: Once you submit your online application, you’ll be asked to complete an online background check. Email instructions will be provided with an individualized link to complete the background check free of charge. After the background check has been completed, you will be contacted to schedule your physical/drug screen at no cost.

Have questions about our program?

Learn more about our free certified nursing assistant classes by visiting our CNA training frequently asked questions page.

You can also contact our CNA program by emailing CNAProgram@balladhealth.org or calling (423) 431‑2622.