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Admissions

Find A Program

Review the programs of study and any program-specific admission requirements.

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Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA to apply for the Pell grant, TN Promise scholarship, the TN Reconnect and the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant.

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Schedule a Visit

Learn about a particular program or tour our campus.

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Student Services Office – Main Campus
1100 Liberty Street
Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: 865-546-5567    Fax: 865-971-4474
admissions@tcatknoxville.edu

General Admission Requirements

  • Program enrollment is based on a first-come, first-served basis by date of completed application. (A completed application includes all items required for enrollment.)
  • Persons seeking admission to a college must be at least 18 years of age or have a high school diploma or equivalent. For full-time programs, the applicant must declare an occupational objective and demonstrate reasonable potential for achieving that objective.
  • All persons who are required to register for the Federal Draft under 50 U.S.C. App. Section 453 are not eligible to enroll in any post-secondary school until they have registered with selective service.

View the Full Admissions Policy

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

Educational and admission requirements vary from program to program. 

Dental Assisting

The Dental Assisting Program will be starting another cohort during the summer trimester on June 10 2024

Deadline for Summer 2024 05/10/2024

How to Apply

To complete admissions for the Dental Assisting program, applicants must submit all institutional general admissions requirements and Dental Assisting program specific requirements to be considered.

Admission to the Dental Assisting Program is highly competitive, and only a select number of students are enrolled each year.  To qualify, an applicant must meet the minimum requirements of the HESI Admissions Assessment Test. However, this does not guarantee admission. Our Dental Assisting Class will be selected from the highest scores on the HESI test.

General Admissions Requirements

Please submit to Student Services Office at 1100 Liberty Street, Knoxville TN 37919

  • Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online – the website is www.fafsa.ed.gov  and our school code is 004025.
  • Complete the Application for Enrollment form online at www.tcatknoxville.edu and select APPLY NOW for the Fall trimester.
  • Provide official, sealed high school transcript or equivalent.

IMPORTANT: If you have foreign transcripts you will need to submit an English translated version of your transcript and an education evaluation both must obtained through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Please visit their website at www.naces.org for more information.

Dental Assisting Program Admission Requirements

Please submit to Marcy Owen at 1100 Liberty Street, Knoxville TN 37919

  • Student must be 18 years of age by the start of class.

  • Proof of below immunizations:

    • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): 2 series immunization (2 shots) OR a titer showing immunization within the last year’s time

    • Varicella: 2 series immunizations (2 shots) OR a titer showing immunization to chickenpox within the last year’s time

    • Adult Hepatitis B: 3 series immunizations (3 shots) OR a titer showing immunization within the last year’s time OR proof of the series in progress

  • Provide current CPR card certification from American Heart Association in BLS for Healthcare Providers which covers basic life support in infant, child, adult, choking and AED.

  • Take and pass the HESI Exam. Exam covers Math and Reading Comprehension and the cost is $40.00. Passing scores are 50 in math and 70 in reading exam.

According to CDC guidelines, you may be exposed to blood borne pathogens and infectious materials while in this program.

The Dental Assistant program is accredited by the Tennessee State Board of Dentistry and the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements.

The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312)440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission's web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.

Nursing Aide

Steps to Enroll:

To enroll in the Nursing Assistant course you will need to do the following:

  1. Complete the Application for Enrollment online by selecting Apply Now.
  2. Create a First Time User Account.
  3. Once waitlist email received, visit the campus' student services department.
  4. Pay tuition in full at the campus.

Also all applicants must provide the following to Mrs. Linda Hafley by the second week of class:

  • A background check from TrueScreen.  The Background check can NOT come from the Police Department! 
  • A ten panel urine drug screen from any laboratory, physician’s office or clinic. 
  • A physical examination.
  • An immunization record showing proof of antibody titer from a health care provider. The  immunizations necessary are as follows: Measles, mumps, rubella or positive titer, Hepatitis series (series may be started, completed or declined), Tuberculin skin test or chest x-ray with negative results (mandatory yearly requirement), 2 varicella vaccines or titer (mandatory), seasonal flu vaccine (mandatory annual requirement each year during October), and COVID vaccine (required by clinical facilities).

You must register in person and registration is first come, first serve.  The total estimated program cost will be around $850 and will include books, supplies, tuition, uniforms, and your state board exam.

About the State Board Exam

For the state board exam, you will be required to present a valid Photo ID and a non-laminated Social Security Card to take the exam. 

Important Note about Course Requirements:   Applicants cannot be on the Abuse Registry or have a theft conviction.  By the first week of class, applicants must provide the instructor with a background check from Truescreen, a physical exam form completed by a physician or nurse practitioner, negative Tb skin test, a ten panel drug screen, and proof of COVID vaccine for clinical facilities.

Applicant must be at least 18 years of age to enroll in this class.

2023/2024 Class Schedule 

Location Program Start Days and Times Dates
Knoxville Campus October 16, 2023 M - F
8:00 am to 2:30 pm
October 16 - November 10, 2023
Knoxville Campus November 13, 2023 M - F
8:00 am to 2:30 pm
November 13 - December 13, 2023
Blount Memorial
Hospital Campus
January 3, 2024 M - Th
2:30 pm to 9:00 pm
January 3 - February 7, 2024
Knoxville Campus February 12, 2024 M - F
8:00 am to 2:30 pm
February 12 - March 18, 2024
Knoxville Campus March 25, 2024 M - F
8:00 am to 2:30 pm
March 25 - April 22, 2024

Truck Driving


  • Complete Application for Enrollment online
  • Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online – the website is www.studentaid.gov  and our school code is 004025.
  • Complete and submit a Department of Transportation Physical (DOT Physical)
    A DOT physical examination must be conducted by a licensed medical examiner. To schedule this you may contact your primary care provider to schedule an appointment but be sure you request a DOT physical since it is specific to the industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) form called the Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination is used for the DOT physical and does evaluate if an individual is physically qualified to drive a motor vehicle. In some cases a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Examination may be required with the DOT physical. For more information please refer to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.
  • Provide a copy of valid drivers license
  • Provide a copy of valid Class A permit.
Trimester Program Start Date End Date Training Days
Fall 2023 September 5, 2023 October 24, 2023 32
Fall 2023 October 2, 2023 November 21, 2023 32
Fall 2023 October 30, 2023
(No Training Days on 01/15)
January 26, 2024 32
Spring 2024 January 3, 2024
(No Training on 01/15 and 02/29)
February 23, 2024 32
Spring 2024 January 31, 2024
(No Training on 02/19 and 03/4 through 3/8)
March 28, 2024 32
Spring 2024 February 28, 2024
(No Training on 03/4 through 3/8)
April 25, 2024 32
Spring 2024 April 3, 2024 May 24, 2024 32
Summer 2024 May 2, 2024 June 24, 2024 32
Summer 2024 May 30, 2024 July 30, 2024 32
Summer 2024 July 8, 2024 August 27, 2024 32
Summer 2024 August 5, 2024 September 25, 2024 32
Fall 2024 September 3, 2024 October 24, 2025 32
Fall 2024 October 1, 2024
(No Training on 10/11)
November 22, 2024 32
Fall 2024 October 31, 2024
​(No Training on 10/11)
January 28, 2025 
*subject to 2025 calendar
32

 

* No classes will be held during the month of December in 2023. The last Truck Driving class day for the 2023 school year will be November 21st, 2023. Truck Driving class will resume January 3rd, 2024. 

Surgical Technology

 

To complete admissions for Surgical Technology program applicants must submit all general admissions requirements, Surgical Technology program specific requirements, and documents for points by the published deadline to be considered. Acceptance is competitive based on a point system. Completion of admissions does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Trimester Application Deadline
Spring 2024 (Feb 2024 Class) October 27, 2023
Summer 2024 (July 2024 Class) May 31, 2024

General Admissions Requirements submitted to:
Student Services at 1100 Liberty Street, Knoxville TN 37919
After completion of the below general admissions requirements applicants will be wait listed, but program requirements must also be submitted by deadline to be considered.

  • Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online – the website is www.fafsa.ed.gov  and our school code is 004025
  • Complete the Application for Enrollment online by selecting Apply Now.
  • Provide an official high school transcript or equivalent (a special education diploma will not qualify.) Transcripts can be sent either by mail, carried in the original sealed envelope, or electronically from the educational institution directly to TCAT Knoxville to the email admissions@tcatknoxville.edu .

IMPORTANT: If you have foreign transcripts you will need to submit an English translated version of your transcript and an education evaluation both must obtained through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Please visit their website at www.naces.org for more information.

  • Take and pass the Allied Health Prerequisite, HESI Exam. Exam is over Math and Reading Comprehension the cost is $40.00. Passing scores are 50 in math and reading score of 70. Applicants are responsible for submitting a copy of their HESI scores with their application because scores are not automatically linked with other application documents on the date of their exam.

 

  • Provide documentation of two MMR and two Varicella immunization doses or proof of immunity.

Surgical Technology Program Specific Requirements submitted to:
1100 Liberty Street, Knoxville TN 37919 

  • Student must be 18 years of age by the start of class
  • Provide current CPR card certification from American Heart Association in BLS for Healthcare Providers which covers basic life support in infant, child, adult, choking and AED.
  • Provide any documentation for Points System.

According to CDC guidelines, you may be exposed to blood borne pathogens and infectious materials while in this program.

Medical Office Information Technology

 

 

Practical Nursing

The Practical Nursing program starts four times a year each January, February, May, and September.


 

To complete admissions for Practical Nursing program applicants must submit all general admissions requirements, Practical Nursing program specific requirements, and documents for points by the published deadline to be considered. Acceptance is competitive based on a point system. Completion of admissions does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Trimester Application Deadline
Spring 2024 11/14/2023
Spring 2024 (Blount Memorial Hospital, Starts February 2024) 01/03/2024
Summer 2024 03/15/2024
Fall 2024 07/12/2024

 

General Admission Requirements submitted to:
Student Services at 1100 Liberty Street, Knoxville TN 37919

  • Complete the Application for Enrollment form online by selecting Apply Now.
    • Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online – the website is studentaid.gov and our school code is 004025
  • Provide copy of official, sealed high school transcript or equivalent
    IMPORTANT: If you have foreign transcripts you will need to submit an English translated version of your transcript and an education evaluation both must obtained through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Please visit their website at www.naces.org for more information.
  • Provide documentation of 2 doses of MMR and 2 doses of Varicella immunizations. Titers are acceptable in lieu of the immunizations.
  • Take and pass the HESI Exam. Exam is over Math and Reading Comprehension the cost is $40.00. Passing scores are 70 in math and 70 in reading. Applicants are responsible for submitting a copy of their HESI scores with their application because scores are not automatically linked with other application documents on the date of their exam. 


  • Student must be 18 years of age by the start of class
  • Declaration of Citizenship: Provide the original completed and notarized Declaration of Citizenship. Applicants who are not US citizens must designate their qualified alien status by circling a “qualified alien” category in section 7 on the citizenship form. They must also submit copies of two unexpired supporting identification documents from the list of “documentation of identity and immigration status as determined by the US Homeland Security.
  • Provide current CPR card certification from American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR which covers basic life support in infant, child, adult, choking and AED.
  • Submit three (3) letters of Recommendation from professionals with the contact information of the professional in the letter (Not from relatives).

  • Documentation for Points System. 

 

According to CDC guidelines, you may be exposed to blood borne pathogens and infectious materials while in this program.

 

Cosmetology

All of the below documents must be submitted to complete your application.
  • Complete Application for Enrollment online
  • Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online – the website is www.fafsa.ed.gov  and our school code is 004025.
  • Provide an official copy in a sealed envelope of one of the following:
    • A High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma transcript with a score of at least 450 with no score less than 410 in any area
    • A high school transcript with proof of completion of at least the 10th grade with 10 high school credits
      • IMPORTANT: If you have foreign transcripts you will need to provide an English translated version of your transcript and have your education evaluated through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Please visit their website at www.naces.org  for more information.
  • If you are transferring hours from High School or another cosmetology program, you MUST turn in an OFFICIAL COPY of your RECORD OF COMPLETION from the Department of Commerce & Insurance.