Excel Academy is Knoxville's state-authorized CNA training school, founded by a Nurse Practitioner who started exactly where you are. Expert instruction. All materials included. Results that speak for themselves.
We walk beside you from your first day of class to the moment you pass your Tennessee state exam — and beyond.
Most of our educators hold advanced degrees and remain active in healthcare. You'll learn from professionals who still do this work every day.
Unlike other CNA schools, your tuition covers books, uniforms, and all required equipment. What you see is what you pay.
Brand new to healthcare or building on existing experience — our programs meet you where you are and take you where you want to go.
Excel Academy has maintained a Tennessee state pass rate above 80% every single year — structured learning, dedicated faculty, and student accountability.
We hold ourselves to a higher standard. Our results reflect what happens when great instruction meets student determination.
Authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). tn.gov/THEC
Our Story →Get a real look at our training environment, our instructors, and the hands-on experience that prepares our students for lasting healthcare careers.
Hands-on, focused programs designed to get you certified, confident, and ready for employment across East Tennessee.
Our flagship program prepares you for the Tennessee state CNA exam with hands-on clinical training and all materials included from day one.
View CNA Program →Build and sharpen clinical skills for today's healthcare environment. Ideal for students advancing beyond basic certification.
Learn More →Need to re-take your state exam? Targeted skills reinforcement so you walk in prepared and walk out certified.
Get in Touch →
Unlike other CNA schools in Knoxville and East Tennessee, Excel Academy bundles all costs into a single tuition. No surprise fees — what you see is what you pay.
"Your beginning is just that — a beginning. Where you go next is up to you."Valresha Johnson, APRN, MSN, FNP-C Founder & Director · Nurse Practitioner · Educator
Valresha Johnson's journey in healthcare began where many careers do — as a Nurse Assistant. With a passion for helping others and a determination to grow, she worked on the front lines of patient care while putting herself through nursing school, step by step.
Through perseverance, long hours, and an unwavering commitment to her calling, she advanced from Nurse Assistant to Registered Nurse, spending 15 years providing hands-on patient care. Driven by a desire to expand her impact, she continued her education, ultimately earning her Master's Degree and becoming a Nurse Practitioner, a role she has proudly served in for the past 5 years.
Her personal journey inspired the creation of Excel Academy LLC — a school built to encourage, educate, and empower future Nurse Assistants and other healthcare professionals. Today, Valresha continues to serve as a Nurse Practitioner and educator, leading Excel Academy with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to helping students realize their potential.
Real reviews from real students who completed their training at Excel Academy and launched healthcare careers across East Tennessee.
"From the moment I signed up to the time I completed the course, the instructor was very professional and explained everything clearly. She made the training easy to understand and helped calm my nerves. The institution was well organized, spacious, and very clean. I would definitely recommend — 10 stars!"Deshaun Richardson Student
"If I could give more stars, I would! 10/10 for sure. Val was the best teacher — very informative, patient, and understanding. She made the classes such a great experience. The training was engaging and well-structured, and she made learning enjoyable. I highly recommend!"Kayla Ritchie Student
"I highly recommend this skills testing site. After failing my first attempt, I was able to gain confidence and improve my speed through the support provided. The training really helped me understand what to focus on, and I passed on my second attempt."Dezmere Gordon Student
"I had an awesome experience! I was greeted and treated with the utmost respect. The support and environment were outstanding. If I had known about this place before attending school in Cookeville, I would have enrolled here. I definitely recommend this location."Kailyn Carney Student
Excel Academy's one campus is in Knoxville. Students from Maryville, Oak Ridge, Farragut, Sevierville, Clinton, Lenoir City, Jefferson City, Alcoa, and across East Tennessee make the short drive to train with us.
Blount County · 25 min south of Knoxville
CNA Training in Knoxville — Serving Maryville →Anderson County · 30 min west of Knoxville
CNA Training in Knoxville — Serving Oak Ridge →Sevier County · 35 min east of Knoxville
CNA Training in Knoxville — Serving Sevierville →Knox County (West) · 20 min west of Knoxville
CNA Training in Knoxville — Serving Farragut →Anderson County · 30 min north of Knoxville
CNA Training in Knoxville — Serving Clinton →Loudon County · 30 min SW of Knoxville
CNA Training in Knoxville — Serving Lenoir City →Classes fill quickly — we keep enrollment intentionally small so every student gets the personal attention they deserve. Apply today.
Or email: Admissions@excelacademytraining.com
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