Tennessee Rehabilitation Center is a vocational training program for adults with disabilities that teaches them job skills, helps them gain certifications, and receive credentials that will lead to employment success upon graduation. To learn more about what their program entails, please see the frequently asked questions answered below.
Program Information
The Center has three 18 week semesters:
Spring semester: January-April
Summer semester April-August
Fall semester: August-December
Winter break- two weeks in December
TRC- Smyrna have many areas of study including:
Automotive Service Technology
Business Education Technology
Certified Logistics Technician
Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Production Technician
Child Care Worker
Custodial Technician
Food Service
IT/Coding
Pharmacy Technician
Veterinary Assistant Technology
Each program includes hands on training, computer work, and lecture based learning.
All incoming students are required to take TRC 101 that provides foundational information for a successful graduation. This can include managing relationships, habits for success, respectful workplace, work conditioning, etc.
Case Mangers: Each student is assigned a case manager to answer questions and to handle any problems or concerns they may have. They will also be the point of contact between the student and their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
Specialty Services Training: Students have the opportunity to receive therapies and supports through classes such as Work Conditioning/Work Hardening classes, Functional Communication in the Workplace classes, AOS Classroom Supports, Internship Supports, and Individual Supports.
Psychology Services: TRC can provide Psychological Examiners to provide individual and group mental and behavioral health support services.
Transitional Services for the Blind: TRC-Smryna provides individual assessments and essential course instruction training to help blind or visually impaired individuals to increase independence in the job setting.
Recreation and Leisure Services: TRC provides many evening and weekend activities so that students can help discover their interests and learn how to find similar activities in their home communities.
Campus Safety: There is a Vocational Rehabilitation Safety Coordinator who is responsible for monitoring safety concerns and providing emergency preparedness and response training.
First-Aid Center: The dormitories have a first aid center with nurses to assist students with minor injuries, illnesses, while also observing students administering medicine. TRC-Smyrna can also provide transportation to urgent care clinics and the emergency room if necessary but is not able to provide transportation to physician appointments.
TRC does have vans to transport residential students to the grocery store, meals, etc.
Day students need to provide their own transportation to and from TRC.
TRC does provide student living, but it is not a requirement to attend. They can provide foundational training on independent living skills while having a place for them to be self-sufficient and develop social skills.
*They also have day students and online students as well.
After coursework is completed, students will participate in a six to eight week internship in the community related to their area of study with hopes that they will receive a job through this.
Students also receive Employment Obtainment Skills Courses to help with resume writing, interviewing, communication, and self advocacy to prepare them for the workforce.
It is located in Smyrna, TN at 460 9th Ave, Smyrna, TN 37167.
TRC-Smyrna may be a good fit for you if:
You want to have a job in the future
You would like to gain more life skills before having a job
You want to live away from home while gaining independence skills
You are wanting a college experience while training for a specific career
To qualify for TRC, you have to be:
At least 18 years old or a graduate from high school (can be 17 but will not be able to live on campus until turning 18)
Have a diagnosed disability
Have a certain level of independence (dressing, eating, toileting, ability to care for themselves while living independently, doing laundry, etc.)
Be currently seeking training for employment
All applicants must contact their Vocational Rehabilitation counselor to help with filling out an "Intent to Apply" form.
Once an "Intent to Apply" form is filled out, the TRC staff will review the applicants file and reach back out to complete an application.
If accepted, the student will receive a Provider’s Examination and Physical Function form that must be completed by his/her primary physician.
Applications are due a few months prior to the start of the term. Please reach out to TRC-Smyrna or your Vocational Rehabilitation counselor for more specific dates.
TRC-Smyrna has around 245 students each year.
Tennessee Rehabilitation Center is funded by the government, so it is free to attend. This includes tuition, room & board, and meals while on campus.
Some students may be hired to work in certain departments if there are openings available, but it is not guaranteed.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
If you still have unanswered questions, you can contact:
Tracy Alsup-Cole, DHS Program Specialist Tennessee Rehabilitation Center- tracy.alsup-cole@tn.gov, (615) 223-8031
Call Tennessee Rehabilitation Center at (615) 459-6811
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information from their website at: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/ds/trc-smyrna.html
Can I come for a tour of Liberty's Station?
Yes, you can call Tennessee Rehabilitation Center at (615) 459-6811 to set up a tour.
Do they have social media I can follow to learn more?
Follow Liberty's Station on Instagram @tnhumanservices and like them on Facebook at Tennessee Department of Human Services!