Applying to a TCAT
Review the programs of study and any program-specific admission requirements. Complete the FAFSA to apply for the Pell grant, TN Promise scholarship, the TN Reconnect and the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant.Admissions
Find A Program
Financial Aid
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 fall trimester on September 3rd 2024.
Deadline for Fall 2024 | 07/19/2024 |
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.
- Submit the additional program requirements listed below.
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 3435 Division Street, Knoxville TN 37919
-
Student must be 18 years of age by the start of class.
-
A copy of an official high school transcript or its equivalent, or a scanned copy of a standard high school diploma.
-
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
-
-
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.
2025 HESI Exam Schedule -
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.
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 has been granted the accreditation status of approval without reporting requirements.
Nursing Aide
Steps to Enroll:
To enroll in the Nursing Assistant course you will need to do the following:
- Complete the Application for Enrollment online by selecting Apply Now.
- Create a First Time User Account.
- Once waitlist email received, visit the campus' student services department.
- Pay tuition in full at the campus.
All applicants must provide the following to Student Services 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:
- MMR, or measles, mumps, rubella vaccines or positive titer (mandatory)
-
2 varicella vaccines or positve titer (mandatory)
- TDAP vaccine (required by clinical facilities)
- Tuberculin skin test or chest x-ray with negative results (mandatory yearly requirement)
-
Hepatitis series (series may be started, completed or declined)
- Seasonal flu vaccine (mandatory annual requirement each year during October)
- 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.
2024/2025 Class Schedule
Location | Program Start | Days and Times | Dates |
Knoxville Campus | October 28, 2024 | Monday - Thursday 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm |
October 28 - December 12, 2024 |
Blount Memorial Hospital Campus |
February 3, 2025 | Monday - Thursday 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm |
February 3 - March 17, 2025 |
Truck Driving
How To Apply
If you are interested in the Truck Driving program at TCAT Knoxville, the first step is to fill out an application on our website.
1) Complete Application for Enrollment online.
Next, you will neeed to provide the necessary admissions requirements to admissions@tcatknoxville.edu. See the full list below.
Truck Driving Admissions Requirements
2) Provide a copy of valid drivers license.
3) Provide a copy of valid Class A permit.
4) Complete a Department of Transportation Physical (DOT Physical) by a licensed medical examiner and provide a copy. See more information below.
Optional Admissions Steps
5) Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online if you plan to use federal or state grants to pay for school.
Visit www.studentaid.gov and use our school code: 004025.
Upcoming Classes for 2025
Trimester | Program Start Date | End Date | Training Days |
Spring 2025 |
January 6, 2025 | February 26, 2025 | 32 |
Spring 2025 |
February 3, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | 32 |
Spring 2025 |
March 10, 2025 | April 25, 2025 | 32 |
Spring 2025 |
April 3, 2025 | May 23, 2025 | 32 |
Summer 2025 |
May 1, 2025 | June 23, 2025 | 32 |
Summer 2025 |
May 29, 2025 | July 29, 2025 | 32 |
Summer 2025 |
July 7,2025 | August 27, 2025 | 32 |
Summer 2025 |
August 4, 2025 | September 24,2025 | 32 |
Fall 2025 |
September 2, 2025 | October 24, 2025 | 32 |
Fall 2025 |
Septemeber 30, 2025 | November 21, 2025 | 32 |
Fall 2025 |
October 30, 2025 | January 29, 2026 |
32 |
* 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/.
Surgical Technology
How To Apply
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 |
Summer 2024 (July 2024 Class) | May 31, 2024 |
Spring 2024 (Feb 2025 Class) | December 10, 2024 |
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.
- Submit the additional program requirements listed below.
Surgical Technology Program Admission Requirements
-
Student must be 18 years of age by the start of class
- 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.
- 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.
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
How To Apply
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.
If you want to know more about the program and gain points towards admissions, you can register to attend a Practical Nursing Information Session.
Trimester | Application Deadline |
Fall 2024 | 07/19/2024 |
Spring 2025 (Main Campus) | 11/01/2024 |
Spring 2025 (Blount Memorial) | 12/10/2024 |
Summer 2025 | 03/14/2025 |
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.
- Submit the additional program requirements listed below.
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.
Practical Nursing Program Admission Requirements
-
Student must be 18 years of age by the start of class.
-
A copy of an official high school transcript or its equivalent, or a scanned copy of a standard high school diploma.
-
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
-
TDAP (Tetanus): Within 10 years of the start date.
-
- Take and pass the HESI Exam. Exam covers Math and Reading Comprehension and the cost is $40.00. Passing scores are 70 in math and 70 in reading exam.
- Provide current CPR card certification from American Red Cross or American Heart Association in BLS for Healthcare Providers which covers basic life support in infant, child, adult, choking and AED.
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.
2025 HESI Examination Schedule
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.