CNA Classes in Columbia, Tennessee

Columbia CNA Training - Tennessee

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Columbia, Tennessee

About Columbia

Columbia, Tennessee, often referred to as the “Mule Capital of the World,” is a charming city located in Maury County. Known for its rich history and vibrant community, Columbia offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. The city boasts several historic landmarks, including the James K. Polk Ancestral Home and the Columbia Athenaeum. For more information about Columbia, visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Columbia, Tennessee

If you’re considering becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Columbia, Tennessee, there are several local programs to help you get started on your career path. Here are three notable CNA training programs in the area:

1. Columbia State Community College
   • Program Description: Columbia State Community College offers a comprehensive CNA training program that prepares students for the Tennessee Nurse Aide certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Location: Main Campus, Columbia, TN
   • Program Link: Columbia State Community College CNA Program
2. Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Pulaski
   • Program Description: Located approximately 30 miles from Columbia, TCAT Pulaski provides a Nursing Assistant program designed to equip students with the skills needed for entry-level positions in healthcare. The curriculum covers patient care, basic nursing skills, and clinical practice.
   • Location: Pulaski, TN
   • Program Link: TCAT Pulaski Nursing Assistant Program
3. NHC Healthcare Columbia
   • Program Description: NHC Healthcare Columbia offers a CNA training program that includes both theoretical and practical training. This program is ideal for those looking to gain immediate employment within the NHC network upon certification.
   • Location: Columbia, TN
   • Program Link: NHC Healthcare Columbia CNA Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Columbia

Once you’ve completed your CNA training, there are several healthcare facilities in Columbia where you can seek employment. Here are some major employers in the area:

1. Maury Regional Medical Center
   • Description: Maury Regional Medical Center is a leading healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of medical services. They frequently have openings for CNAs in various departments.
   • Location: Columbia, TN
   • Employment Opportunities: Maury Regional Medical Center Careers
2. NHC Healthcare Columbia
   • Description: NHC Healthcare Columbia is a skilled nursing facility that provides long-term care, rehabilitation, and specialized services. They offer numerous opportunities for CNAs.
   • Location: Columbia, TN
   • Employment Opportunities: NHC Healthcare Columbia Careers
3. Life Care Center of Columbia
   • Description: Life Care Center of Columbia is a nursing home that offers short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. They are known for their supportive work environment and ongoing staff development programs.
   • Location: Columbia, TN
   • Employment Opportunities: Life Care Center of Columbia Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in Tennessee

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Tennessee, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Tennessee Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes both a written and skills test.
3. Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check.
4. State Registration: Once you pass the exam, you will be added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry.

For more information, visit the Tennessee Department of Health.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Columbia, Tennessee, is a rewarding and fulfilling choice. With numerous training programs and employment opportunities available, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact one of the local schools today to begin your journey towards a meaningful career in healthcare.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Tennessee may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Columbia?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Columbia usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Columbia will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Columbia?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Tennessee, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Tennessee, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Columbia is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Tennessee CNA Salary info.