How to Become a Patient Care Technician in Tennessee
A patient care technician’s job entails not only attending to the patient’s numerous needs, such as eating and hygiene, but also providing them with basic medical treatment. While it’s similar to becoming a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), the range of activities you’ll be responsible for is broader, and you’ll be able to accomplish them without supervision. Not to mention how this profession is like a fast track to a career in healthcare due to the short training period.
If you live in Tennessee and want to pursue this job, you can obtain all the necessary information here.
Practical Nursing Programs in Tennessee 2026
Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Tennessee
Practical Nursing programs in Tennessee prepare students for careers as Licensed Practical Nurses LPNs through classroom education, hands on labs, and clinical training. In 2026, Tennessee continues to see strong demand for LPNs across hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and long term care facilities.
Practical nursing is one of the fastest pathways into the healthcare field and offers strong job stability, career advancement opportunities, and flexible work environments throughout Tennessee.
What is a Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurses provide direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. LPNs assist with patient monitoring, medication administration, wound care, charting, and daily healthcare support.
Practical nurses are essential members of healthcare teams and work in a variety of medical settings throughout Tennessee.
How to Become an LPN in Tennessee
Complete a Tennessee Approved Practical Nursing Program
The first step toward becoming an LPN in Tennessee is completing a state approved practical nursing program. Most Tennessee programs can be completed in approximately 12 months and combine classroom instruction with hands on clinical experience.
Students typically study
Nursing fundamentals
Anatomy and physiology
Pharmacology
Medical surgical nursing
Mental health nursing
Maternal and pediatric nursing
Many programs include more than 1200 clock hours of instruction and clinical training.
Pass the NCLEX PN Exam
After completing a practical nursing program, graduates must pass the NCLEX PN licensing examination to become licensed in Tennessee. The NCLEX PN exam evaluates nursing knowledge, patient care skills, safety procedures, and clinical judgment.
Apply for Tennessee Licensure
Students who pass the NCLEX PN exam may apply for licensure through the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Tennessee is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which may allow nurses to work in multiple participating states.
Online Practical Nursing Programs in Tennessee
Some Tennessee schools now offer hybrid and partially online practical nursing programs. These programs combine online coursework with required in person labs and clinical rotations.
Online and hybrid programs are ideal for
- Working adults
- Parents
- Career changers
- Students needing flexible scheduling
Although some coursework can be completed online, all approved LPN programs require hands on clinical training in healthcare settings.
In Person Practical Nursing Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee offers many in-person practical nursing programs through
Community colleges
Technical colleges
Career training institutes
Healthcare education centers
Many Tennessee programs offer day and evening options for students balancing work and family schedules.
Popular practical nursing schools and systems in Tennessee include
Tennessee College of Applied Technology TCAT
Chattanooga State Community College
Nashville State Community College
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Practical Nursing Program Length in Tennessee
Most Tennessee practical nursing programs can be completed in about 12 months of full time study. Some schools also offer part time and evening options that may take longer to complete.
Program length depends on
Full time or part time enrollment
Clinical scheduling
Prerequisite completion
Program format
Tennessee LPN Salary 2026
Licensed Practical Nurses in Tennessee earn competitive salaries with opportunities for overtime and career advancement.
Average annual LPN salaries in Tennessee generally range between 45000 and 54000 dollars depending on experience and location.
Top paying Tennessee cities for LPNs include
Nashville
Memphis
Knoxville
Chattanooga
Experienced nurses working in specialty care or hospital systems may earn even higher wages.
Job Outlook for Practical Nurses in Tennessee
The healthcare industry in Tennessee continues to expand rapidly, creating strong demand for practical nurses across the state.
LPN job growth is driven by
An aging population
Expanded healthcare access
Long term care demand
Hospital staffing shortages
Healthcare employers throughout Tennessee continue hiring LPNs for
Hospitals
Physician offices
Nursing homes
Rehabilitation centers
Home healthcare agencies
Dialysis centers
Patient Care Technician Requirements for Tennessee
Just like any other job, you need some minimum requirements to have a career as a Patient Care Technician in Tennessee. These requirements include-
- You must have a high school diploma or GED to be enrolled in a PTC training program.
- You must complete a PCT specialized training program. In this program, you will be taught a number of theoretical and practical skills to become a PTC. Passing the training program will make you eligible for the certification exam.
- You have to earn the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) Certification from the NHA to finally be qualified to become a PTC. In this examination, you will have to answer a total of 100 questions along with 20 pretest questions within 1 hour and 50 minutes.
- You must have a clean criminal background.
Exploring Patient Care Technician Education and Careers in Tennessee
Embarking on a fulfilling career as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the vibrant state of Tennessee presents a wealth of educational opportunities and promising employment prospects. This comprehensive resource serves as your guide to finding accredited schools—both online and in-person—and navigating the landscape of Patient Care Technician employment in the Volunteer State.
Finding Patient Care Technician Schools in Tennessee
Online Programs: Explore accredited online programs designed to accommodate various schedules. Look for institutions offering comprehensive PCT training, enabling you to pursue your studies remotely while preparing for a rewarding career in healthcare.
In-Person Training: Tennessee hosts several community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare training centers offering in-person Patient Care Technician programs. Seek out programs that include hands-on clinical experience to enhance practical skills and prepare you for real-world patient care.
Accreditation and Certification: Ensure the chosen program holds accreditation from recognized healthcare education bodies. Verify whether the program prepares you for industry-recognized certification exams, such as the National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) exam.
Patient Care Technician Employment Opportunities in Tennessee
Major Healthcare Systems: Explore employment opportunities within major healthcare institutions such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA Healthcare, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. These facilities offer diverse patient care settings, providing numerous opportunities for professional growth.
Specialized Healthcare Facilities: Consider roles in specialized healthcare facilities such as neurology centers, rehabilitation institutes, or outpatient clinics. PCTs in these settings play a crucial role in providing specialized care tailored to patients’ unique medical needs.
Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities: Tennessee’s growing aging population creates a demand for PCTs in long-term care and assisted living facilities. Explore opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of residents by offering compassionate and dedicated care.
Home Healthcare Services: Investigate positions with home healthcare agencies across the state, providing personalized care to patients in their homes. This avenue allows for a more intimate and personalized patient care experience.
Educational Institutions and Research Centers: Explore opportunities within educational institutions and research centers that offer healthcare programs. Some PCTs transition into roles as educators or clinical researchers, contributing to advancements in patient care and education.
Job Search Platforms: Leverage popular job search platforms such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to discover current job openings for Patient Care Technicians in Tennessee. Creating a professional online profile can enhance your visibility to potential employers.
Embarking on a career as a Patient Care Technician in Tennessee provides a blend of educational opportunities and dynamic employment prospects. Whether pursuing online or in-person education, Tennessee’s healthcare landscape offers a unique platform for PCTs to contribute to the well-being of its diverse population. Best of luck as you embark on your journey toward becoming a skilled and compassionate Patient Care Technician in the Volunteer State!
Patient Care Technician Classes in Tennessee
There are some amazing schools in Tennessee where you can pursue your PCT training and education.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
The PCT program at this college lasts for eight months. It is designed to train students to a level of inpatient care technology that prepares them for certification and employment. This course offers students training in anatomy and basic science, CPR, First Aid, phlebotomy, EKG, and patient care technology. The certificates you can earn from these are Nurse Aid, Phlebotomy, and Electrocardiogram. There are TCAT branches in multiple cities.
Roane State Community College
You can take the nursing program at RSCC in your pursuit of becoming a PCT. The program consists of two years of intensive study in patient-centered nursing care. The nursing program includes classroom, lab, and clinical experiences. Clinical experiences occur in a variety of healthcare settings. You might have to complete additional programs to gain all the required skills to become a PCT.
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology - Bells Campus
Address: 6514 Hwy 412S
Bells, Tennessee TN
Phone: 731-345-3300
Online: No
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology
Address: 1000 Neal Street
Cookeville, Tennessee TN
Phone: 931-520-0551
Online: No
Dyersburg State Community College
Address: 1510 Lake Road
Dyersburg, Tennessee TN
Phone: 731-286-3200
Online: Yes
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology - TCAT Hohenwald Main Campus
Address: 813 West Main St.
Lebanon, Tennessee TN
Phone: 931-796-5351
Online: No
Health-Tech Institute of Memphis
Address: 3874 Viscount Avenue, Suite 1
Memphis, Tennessee TN
Phone: 901-310-4035
Online: No
Remington College - Memphis Campus
Address: 2710 Nonconnah Blvd
Memphis, Tennessee TN
Phone: 901-345-1000
Online: No
Walters State Community College
Address: 500 South Davy Crockett Parkway
Morristown, Tennessee TN
Phone: 423-585-2600
Online: Yes
Remington College - Nashville Campus
Address: 441 Donelson Pike #150
Nashville, Tennessee TN
Phone: 615-889-5520
Online: No
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology - Main Campus
Address: P.O. Box 614 1233, East College Street
Pulaski, Tennessee TN
Phone: 931-424-4014
Online: No
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology - Tri-County Extension Campus
Address: 2575 North Springs Rd
Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee TN
Phone: 615-699-2224
Online: No
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology - Whiteville Branch Campus
Address: 1685 Highway 64 PO Box 489
Whiteville, Tennessee TN
Phone: 731-254-8521
Online: No