If you are looking to start a career in the “heart of the home,” there has never been a better time to become a caregiver in Tennessee. As our population ages, the demand for Personal Support Service Workers (PSSWs) and Home Health Aides (HHAs) is skyrocketing.
But before you can step into a client’s home, you need to understand the training landscape. Unlike medical professionals who have a single state license, non-medical training in Tennessee is a “choose your own adventure” based on where you plan to work.
Here is everything you need to know about getting trained and certified in the Volunteer State.
1. Identifying Your Path
In Tennessee, “caregiver” is a broad term. Your training hours will depend on which of these three paths you take:
- The Private Pay Route: Working for a private agency or family. Training is usually determined by the agency (often 8–16 hours).
- The TennCare (Medicaid) Route: Working with programs like CHOICES. This requires more rigorous, state-mandated competency training.
- The Home Health Aide (HHA) Route: This is the “gold standard.” It requires 75 hours of training and allows you to work for Medicare-certified agencies.
2. What Will You Learn? (The Core Curriculum)
Tennessee state regulations ensure that every caregiver—regardless of their agency—is grounded in the same fundamental skills. A standard Tennessee training program covers:
- Safety & Mobility: Tennessee has a high rate of senior falls. You’ll learn “transferring” techniques, how to use gait belts, and how to spot trip hazards in a Southern home.
- Mandatory Reporting: In TN, caregivers are legally required to report any signs of elder abuse or neglect to Adult Protective Services (APS). Training teaches you the red flags to look for.
- Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care: With a growing number of Tennesseans facing cognitive decline, many agencies now require specific modules on communication techniques and “sundowning” management.
- Infection Control: Post-pandemic standards are high. You’ll be trained in “Universal Precautions” to keep both yourself and your client safe.
3. The “Must-Haves” Before You Start
Before you even pick up a textbook, Tennessee law requires you to clear a few hurdles:
- Registry Checks: You must be cleared against the Tennessee Abuse Registry and the Sexual Offender Registry.
- Health Screenings: A negative TB test is almost always required.
- Background Check: Most reputable agencies require a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
4. Where to Get Trained in Tennessee
You don’t necessarily need to go back to a four-year university. Here are the most common ways to get your credentials:
| Training Source | Best For… |
| TCAT (TN Colleges of Applied Technology) | Those wanting a formal certificate and hands-on lab time. |
| Home Care Agencies | People who want to “earn while they learn.” Many agencies provide free training if you commit to working for them. |
| Online Providers | Busy individuals who need to complete the classroom portion of their 75 hours remotely. |
5. The 2026 Edge: Enabling Technology
A new trend in Tennessee caregiving is Enabling Technology. Modern training now often includes how to use remote monitoring systems, GPS wearables, and medication dispensers. Being “tech-savvy” is becoming just as important as being “heart-centered.”
Final Thoughts
Becoming a caregiver in Tennessee is more than just a job; it’s a way to serve your community. Whether you are helping a veteran in Memphis or a retiree in the Smokies, your training is the foundation of their safety and dignity.