Nursing Education

Blount Memorial's on-site and off-site programs prepare qualified candidates for nursing careers

If you would like to become a nurse, Blount Memorial's two nursing education programs offer the training, knowledge and clinical experience required to prepare for the state's certification and licensure examinations.

1. Certified Nursing Assistant Program

Certified nursing assistant (CNA) classes are also available through the Blount County Chapter of the American Red Cross. For more information about the course call 865-983-0821 or visit www.redcrossblount.org.

2. Practical Nursing Program (LPN)

The practical nursing program at Blount Memorial is an 11-month training class that includes 600 classroom -- or theory -- hours and 800 clinical -- or practice -- hours, which gives students exposure to a variety of clinical experiences and practical nursing training. Upon graduation, students are eligible to write the licensure examination administered by the Tennessee Board of Nursing, and satisfactory completion of the examination means graduates are licensed practical nurses by the State of Tennessee.

Adults age 18 and older with a high school diploma or GED equivalent are eligible to apply. Additional application requirements include:

• entrance and physical examinations, including a drug screen
• references
• background checks

Program costs include:

• tuition (approximately $5,000)
• books
• physical examination fee
• liability insurance
• name tag fees
• licensure fees
• uniform (including white shoes and uniform, and a watch with a second hand)