College & Training
Not right away. You need an associate degree by year 2 to become an RN.
The first two stages — CNA and PCT — need no college at all, just a state exam and on-the-job experience. The ADN (associate degree in nursing) is the required credential to sit for the NCLEX-RN and work as a registered nurse, so you will need those two years of community college nursing school.
- What you need: No degree on this route. Certificates or classes along the way.
- How long: About 4 years to Registered Nurse (ADN) — Medical-Surgical or ER.
- Earn while you learn: Your first stage pays: $14–17/hr as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
- 1CertificateCertified Nursing Assistant (CNA)~3–6 months$14–17/hrTN CNA exam; may be eligible before June 2027 graduation if Health Science class is state-approved. Start applying to UT Medical Center, Tennova or Covenant Hea
- 2On the jobPatient Care Technician (PCT) — hospital~1.5 years$16–20/hrHospital PCT roles at UT Medical Center or Tennova often come with tuition assistance for nursing students. Apply for TN Reconnect Grant and FAFSA before ADN st
- 3ClassesADN Nursing Student (enrolled)~2 years$16–20/hr (continuing PCT work)Pellissippi State ADN program (2-year, NCLEX-pass rates above state average). Entrance requires Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, and a TEAS score. B
- 4On the jobRegistered Nurse (ADN) — Medical-Surgical or ER~4 years$30–37/hr ($62,000–$77,000/yr)Pass NCLEX-RN. Bilingual (English/Spanish) RNs are actively recruited at UT Medical Center and Tennova hospitals — may command a higher starting rate.
From your route on Career Paths. Pay is an estimate; education needs are typical for each role, not rules.
2Pick a path
Three ways to get the education your route needs. Pick one and the rest of this page follows it. EstimateBuilt for the Balanced route
CNA now → PCT → ADN at community college
This is exactly the route you chose: earn your CNA fast, get hired as a PCT with hospital tuition assistance, then complete the ADN program — all while earning income. TN Reconnect Grant and FAFSA can cover most or all of the community college cost.
CNA certificate program → work → ADN later
If your high school class does not qualify you for the TN CNA exam directly, a short standalone CNA certificate gets you working fast. You still need the ADN later, so this adds a little time but gets income started quickly.
BSN direct-entry after high school
A BSN opens doors to leadership and specialty roles faster, and bilingual BSN nurses are in high demand. However, it costs significantly more and delays your first nursing paycheck by four years — the ADN route gets you to RN pay sooner and you can always complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program online later.
Compare them
Estimates for your route| CNA now → PCT → ADN at community college | CNA certificate program → work → ADN later | BSN direct-entry after high school | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First paycheck | Month 3-6 | Month 2-3 | Year 4-5 |
| How long it takes | 2 years (ADN portion, after CNA/PCT pha… | 4-8 weeks (CNA certificate) | 4 years |
| Est. cost before aid | $6k-$12k total | $800-$1,800 (CNA only) | $15k-$40k/yr |
| Gets you to your goal | ~4-5 years | ~5-6 years | ~5-6 years |
Your education plan
0 of 5CNA now → PCT → ADN at community college
- ApplyCheck whether your Health Science CNA unit at Riverbend is state-approved for the TN CNA exam — ask your teacher this week so you can test before or right after graduation.
- Apply for Aid & Scholarships
- Get Accepted
- Year 1
- Graduate (Associate)
This plan also shows on your Roadmap and dashboard.
Questions to ask an advisor
- Is my Health Science CNA unit at Riverbend approved by the Tennessee Department of Health so I can take the CNA exam before or right after graduation?
- What prerequisite courses — like Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology — can I start at a community college right after high school to get into the ADN program…
- How does the TN Reconnect Grant work alongside hospital tuition assistance if I am working as a PCT while enrolled in the ADN program?
3Shortlist schools
Look up a school you're considering and we'll tell you how it fits your route. For official prices, graduation rates and earnings, search the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
Find schools on College Scorecard4Pay for it
Official sources onlyHelp that may fit you
Many employers pay for courses, exams or part of a degree. Ask HR or your manager before you pay or enroll.
Many families in this range get all or part of it. Pell is free money for school or training, not a loan, and it comes from your FAFSA. The official estimator gives you a number in about 10 minutes, no account needed.
Federal Student Aid EstimatorFree federal programs for first-generation and lower-income students: help with applications, the FAFSA and staying in school. Look for an Educational Opportunity Center near you; they help adults go back to school.
About TRIOSince July 2026, Pell can pay for some short job-training programs (about 8 to 15 weeks) once your state approves them. Ask the school if your program qualifies, and file the FAFSA.
About PellFree from the U.S. Department of Labor. Use these filters: Where you live → Tennessee; Level of study → Associate Degree.
Search scholarshipsMost state grants come from your FAFSA, and your state sets its own deadline.
Find Tennessee's aid agencyYour local American Job Center can check if you can get job-training money (WIOA) and help you plan.
Find a center“May” because each program decides for itself. Every link goes to the official site; check its rules and deadline there.
Your FAFSA checklist
2027–28 · open nowThe FAFSA isn't just for teens. Adults can get Pell Grants too.
- Make your StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID)Do it a few days before you start the form.Start
- If the FAFSA asks for a parent, they make their own accountMost people 24 or older, married, veterans, or raising children don't need parent info.
- Have your 2025 tax info readyYou and your parent both agree to the IRS transfer.
- Add the schools you're consideringYou can list several; it doesn't commit you.
- Submit, and check your state's deadlineFederal deadline: June 30, 2028. State and school deadlines come first.Deadlines
FAFSA and grant basicsThe basics, in plain words
The FAFSA is the free form for federal, state and school aid. It opens every October for the next school year, and one form covers every school you list.
We don't make up scholarships. Every one here links to an official site.
4 more ways to save
5Apply & enroll
0/5Get into your program for CNA now → PCT → ADN at community college: five steps, one at a time. Open a step, tick the small steps, then mark it done.
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- List each school's application steps
- Ask for your transcripts or test scores to be sent
- Write your personal statement if one is asked for
- Submit, and save each confirmation email
Community colleges usually take everyone who applies. Applying early leaves more time for aid.
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- Find each school's aid offer in its student portal
- Take grants and scholarships off the total cost
- Leave loans for last, and borrow only what you need
- Accept the offer from the school you choose
Grants and scholarships are free money. Loans have to be paid back.
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- Ask if you need a placement test, or if your grades count instead
- Warm up with a free practice test
- Sign up for orientation
- Meet an advisor to pick your first classes
An advisor can tell you which classes your program needs first.
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- Find when your first bill is due in your student portal
- See how much your aid covers
- Ask about a payment plan for the rest
- Set a reminder for the due date
Talk to the financial aid office before you take out a private loan.
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- Get your class schedule and rooms
- Get your books or course materials
- Find out where tutoring and advising are
- Show up, and say hi to one classmate
Ask for help early. Most schools offer tutoring to their students.