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
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Financial Aid
Student Services Office
813 West Main St.
Hohenwald, TN 38462
admissions@tcathohenwald.edu
931-796-5351 x122
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.
Truck Driving
All students that attend school will have to register with the Clearinghouse before they can take their drug test/participate in the driving part of the class.
https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register
Requirements: The following criteria must be completed before you are given a start date, with the exception of the drug test which is due the week before you start the class. You must pass the drug test. If you do not pass the drug test you will not be able to attend the class. https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register All students that attend school will have to register with the Clearinghouse before they can take their drug test/participate in the driving part of the class.
Step 1: Must be 18 years of age & a U.S. Citizen
Step 2: Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s License
Step 3: Fill out TCAT online application at https://tcathohenwald.edu/future-students/admissions
Step 4: Apply for financial aid at https://fafsa.ed.gov
Step 5: Obtain DOT physical (Certified Medical Exam)
Step 6: Obtain CDL permit at DMV
Step 7: Submit copies of DOT physical (Certified Medical Exam) and Tennessee driver license.
Step 8: Student will provide Student Services with the following documents:
Copy of your Ten Year Motor Vehicle Report. You can get your MVR by visiting https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/mvr.html or by going to your local Driver Service Center
Complete and provide a DOT drug screen prior to admission to the program. A second drug test will be required before drive time training.
Any delay in the Admissions process listed above WILL DELAY ENROLLMENT.
Cost: There is financial aid available for this program if you have been a TN resident for at least a year and never have used the lottery scholarship at a TCAT before. If eligible the lottery scholarship will cover $667 of tuition. You can also visit your local career center to see if you qualify for financial assistance.
Additional out of pocket costs: DOT physical, MVR report, DOT drug test, DOT learner’ permit, and licensure. (estimated costs: $350)
Surgical Technology
Information about the HESI Test (Entrance Exam).
The 2026 Surgical Technology Information Packet can be downloaded here:
Surgical Technology is a three trimester, 1296 hour course, divided between classroom and clinical experience that includes a minimum of 120 cases. High school diploma or the equivalent, passing entrance exam score, and a completed application are required for admission to the Surgical Technology program. For more information about the session email Alison Perry, Surgical Technology Program Director (alison.perry@tcathohenwald.edu), or 931-796-5351.
Effective July 1, 2011 all students enrolled in Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, or CNA programs must provide proof of immunity to Hepatitis B before having patient contact. The Hepatitis B vaccine is administered in 3 doses over a period of 6 months. This requirement is in addition to all other immunization requirements for enrollment to TCAT-H. Vaccination requirements are to be provided when application is submitted.
2026 Surgical Technology Program Information Sessions will be held on:
Friday, July 11, 2025 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Friday, September 12, 2025 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Attendance at one session is highly recommended, no reservation is required.
For more information about HESI and preparing for it, please see:
Practical Nursing
PN information packet as is available on PN Downloadable Forms Page.
Please complete a TCAT application available on the TCAT Hohenwald website (click apply now). If you have further questions, please email or call Haylee Hall at 931-796-5351 (haylee.hall@tcathohenwald.edu).
High school diploma or the equivalent and a minimum of a passing score on the entrance exam are required for admission to the nursing program. Applicants are admitted by rank of score on the entrance exam with submission of completed application packet and process. If accepted into the program, a physical exam must be performed by a licensed physician prior to the first day of class and a completed form returned to TCAT Hohenwald. Medical clearance is required for any previous condition(s) which warrant clearance.
Effective July 1, 2011 all students enrolled in Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, or CNA programs must provide proof of immunity to Hepatitis B BEFORE having patient contact. The Hepatitis B vaccine is administered in 3 doses over a period of 6 months. This requirement is in addition to all other immunization requirements for enrollment to TCAT-H. Vaccination requirements are to be provided when application is submitted.
Currently, the State of Tennessee requires practical nurses to complete 1296 hours of training and meet above stated admissions requirements. The State of Tennessee, with the State Board of Nursing, reserves the right to enact legislative changes at any time, without notice. Change in course content, hours required, or admission requirements could be effected and would be applicable to current students and applicants to the program.
For more information about HESI and preparing for it, please see:
Cosmetology
Prerequisites for the instructor trainee certificate include a high school diploma and a current Cosmetology license.
Automotive Technology
Students enrolled prior to the Fall 2023 trimester, your curriculum is available at this link.