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Author: Brenda Baron, BA
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Brenda Barron has written features on higher education and healthcare for more than a decade. She specializes in allied health and nursing education, and much of her work focuses on helping students make informed college and career decisions. Brenda holds a BA in English from California State University, Long Beach.
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Editor: Michael Hoffman, MA, JD
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Freelance Writer, Researcher, & Journalist
Michael Hoffman has authored close to 300 articles for higher education publications, including over 140 for EduMed across nursing and allied health. He's interviewed and collaborated with hundreds of active healthcare professionals and students. Michael holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Before his writing career, he practiced as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked as a development executive for a major film producer in Santa Monica, California.
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Review the Top Online RN to MSN Programs in TN

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Online RN to BSN Programs in Tennessee: Inside Top Schools

Unlock career growth and higher pay with an RN to...

Reviewing Top Online Nursing Programs in Tennessee

Discover the best online nursing schools in Tennessee with this in-depth guide. Whether you’re pursuing an RN, BSN, doctorate, or specialty certificate, you’ll find accredited programs, tuition insights, admission requirements, and financial aid options for every education type. Learn about hybrid vs. fully online formats, clinical placement expectations, how Tennessee nursing schools compare nationwide, and more.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

A woman with shoulder-length light brown hair and light skin is looking towards the camera. She is wearing a deep red V-neck shirt and is inside a room with soft natural light. There are framed pictures and some boxes in the background.
Author: Brenda Baron, BA
A woman with shoulder-length light brown hair and light skin is looking towards the camera. She is wearing a deep red V-neck shirt and is inside a room with soft natural light. There are framed pictures and some boxes in the background.
Brenda Baron, BA Arrow up right
Brenda Barron has written features on higher education and healthcare for more than a decade. She specializes in allied health and nursing education, and much of her work focuses on helping students make informed college and career decisions. Brenda holds a BA in English from California State University, Long Beach.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareNursingMedical Assisting
HealthcareNursingMedical Assisting
Editor: Michael Hoffman, MA, JD
A smiling bald man with a beard, wearing a black t-shirt and glasses perched on his head, standing in front of a brick wall.
Michael Hoffman, MA, JD Arrow up right
Freelance Writer, Researcher, & Journalist
Michael Hoffman has authored close to 300 articles for higher education publications, including over 140 for EduMed across nursing and allied health. He's interviewed and collaborated with hundreds of active healthcare professionals and students. Michael holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Before his writing career, he practiced as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked as a development executive for a major film producer in Santa Monica, California.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing
HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing

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Tennessee Online Nursing Programs by Level

When selecting an online nursing program in Tennessee, it’s important to understand how these programs are structured and what to prioritize. Most programs deliver didactic coursework (lectures, readings, and assignments) through an online learning platform. However, pre-licensure nursing programs also require in-person clinical hours, which must be completed at approved healthcare facilities to qualify for state licensure.

As you evaluate your options, consider the following:

  • Accreditation from a recognized nursing education body
  • Curriculum alignment with your academic interests and long-term career goals
  • Instructional format (synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid) that fits your learning style and schedule
  • Student support services, including financial aid guidance, academic advising, career counseling, and clinical placement assistance

Finally, confirm that any program you’re considering meets Tennessee Board of Nursing requirements to ensure eligibility for licensure after graduation.

Undergraduate Nursing Programs (Online/Hybrid)

Undergraduate-level online nursing programs in Tennessee include ones for entry-level certificate courses, diplomas, and associate and bachelor’s degrees. All of the programs combine online didactic coursework with in-person clinical hours providing real-time practice experience working with patients.

Students interested in becoming a registered nurse can choose between an ADN program (suited for those seeking fast entry into the profession) and a BSN (providing broader career opportunities and higher earning potential.)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A CNA program prepares students for entry-level patient care roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health settings under the supervision of more experienced healthcare providers. Training includes basic nursing skills, infection control, and hands-on clinical experience.

Most programs take 4-12 weeks to complete.

Example: Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Certified Nursing Assistant Program

  • Cost: $1,249.00 (tuition and fees)
  • Length: 2 months
  • Mode: Hybrid

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Foundational nursing education is at the center of LPN programs, as students are prepared for direct patient care roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Programs typically take 12-18 months and cover pharmacology, anatomy, and hands-on clinical training.

Graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN to obtain licensure.

Example: Herzing University – Practical Nursing Program

  • Cost: Approx. $20,000 (tuition and fees)
  • Length: 12 months
  • Mode: Hybrid

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

ADN programs are for students without previous nursing training who are seeking to become RNs. These programs take about two years to complete and provide foundational skills and introductory knowledge in preparation for the NCLEX-RN.

ADN-educated RNs work in clinics, home healthcare, outpatient facilities, and nursing homes.

Example: Herzing University – Online ASN Program

  • Cost: Approx. $66,000 (tuition only)
  • Length: 2 years
  • Mode: Hybrid

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are four-year degrees that provide comprehensive training in patient care technology, health promotion, leadership, and research. These programs prepare students for RN licensure and advanced clinical roles and career growth.

RNs with an ADN can complete a BSN in about two years through an RN-to-BSN program.

Example: South College – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

  • Cost: $4,175/quarter (full-time)
  • Length: 4 years
  • Mode: Hybrid

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Accelerated BSN programs offer students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major the ability to apply the general education credits earned in their original bachelor’s program to their BSN requirements. As a result, students can complete their accelerated BSN programs in 12-24 months.

Example: University of Tennessee Knoxville – Accelerated BSN

  • Cost: $32,295 (Tennessee residents); $62,461(out-of-state residents)
  • Length: 12 months
  • Mode: Hybrid

Nursing Bridge Programs (Online)

Designed for working nurses, bridge programs offer accelerated pathways to higher degrees, expanding career opportunities in leadership and advanced practice in specialized nursing fields. Common options include LPN to RN, RN to BSN, and RN to MSN programs.

LPN to RN and LPN to BSN

Bridge programs for LPNs build upon existing knowledge and skills and prepare students for the NCLEX-RN and becoming registered nurses. LPN to RN programs take about two years to finish, while LPN to BSN programs typically require two to three years.

Example: Cumberland University – LPN to BSN Program

  • Cost: $680/credit
  • Length: As few as four semesters
  • Mode: Hybrid

RN to BSN

RN to BSN programs provide students with a nursing diploma or ADN and active RN licensure a fast and cost-effective path to obtaining their nursing bachelor’s. Benefits include advanced nursing knowledge and skills, as well as higher salaries and expanded job opportunities.

RN to BSN programs in Tennessee typically require one to two years to complete.

Example: The University of Tennessee Knoxville – RN to BSN Online

  • Cost: $24,512 (Tennessee residents); $27,062 (out-of-state residents)
  • Length: 1 year
  • Mode: Online

RN to MSN

RN to MSN programs provide current registered nurses with an ADN degree a direct route to earning a nursing master’s degree and leadership and advanced specialized practice roles.

Expect to spend one to three years of full-time study to earn the MSN. Part-time options are also typically offered.

Example: Southern Adventist University – RN to MSN (Nurse Educator)

  • Cost: $795/credit (master’s level courses)
  • Length: Two to three years (full-time)
  • Mode: Fully-online

BSN to DNP

A BSN to DNP program allows BSN-prepared nurses to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice without completing a separate master’s degree. These programs typically take three to four years to complete.

Graduates are prepared for advanced nursing practice, leadership, and policy-making roles. Coursework is online, but in-person clinical hours and residencies are common.

Example: Vanderbilt University – BSN to DNP Program

  • Cost: $2,057/credit (tuition)
  • Length: 4 years
  • Mode: Hybrid

Direct-Entry MSN

Direct-entry MSN programs provide a direct route for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to enter the nursing profession with a master’s degree leading to roles in leadership and advanced specialized nursing practice.

These accelerated programs combine online coursework, in-person labs, and clinical rotations and are typically completed with two to three years of full-time study.

Example: Herzing University – Online MSN Direct Entry Program

  • Cost: $790/credit
  • Length: 20-24 months
  • Mode: Online

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Licensing Requirements for Tennessee RNs

Candidates for Tennessee RN state licensure must complete a properly-accredited and state-approved pre-licensure nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to practice in the state. Below are the steps you’ll take to obtain your initial RN license in Tennessee.

1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree

The first step to becoming an RN in Tennessee is to complete a pre-licensure nursing program leading to NCLEX-RN eligibility. Options include nursing diploma, ADN, and BSN programs, as well as LPN bridge programs.

Be sure to only consider those programs that are approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Beyond that, look for programs offering strong clinical placements, flexible learning formats, and course content that best suits your academic and career goals.

2 – Apply for State Licensure

Once you’ve completed your pre-licensure nursing program, you’ll apply for your RN license through the Tennessee Board of Nursing, which includes submitting your application online, paying the required application fees, and completing a criminal background check.

Once approved by the TBON, you will be able to move on to step 3.

3 – Take and Pass the NCLEX-RN

After receiving exam eligibility approval by the TBON, you will next register to take the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE, the test’s vendor, which you will do online along with paying the exam registration fee. Following registration, you’ll schedule and take your exam at a Person VUE testing center in your area.

You should receive your exam results in around ten days after taking the test. If you’ve passed, you’ll receive your Tennessee RN license, allowing you to begin practicing as a registered nurse in the state.

4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure

Tennessee RNs must renew their licenses through the TBON every two years. This typically requires completion of five contact hours of continuing education (CE) if actively practicing as an RN or 10 CE contact hours if not in active practice.

Submit your renewal application on time to avoid license expiration or reinstatement fees. Keep track of state updates on CE requirements and report any name or address changes.

Maintaining an active license ensures that you can continue practicing without interruption and stay up-to-date with evolving nursing standards.

5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)

Earning specialty certifications can enhance your nursing career in Tennessee by demonstrating expertise in a specific area of nursing practice. Popular certification specializations include:

  • Critical Care
  • Emergency Nursing
  • Informatics
  • Medical-Surgical
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health

Look for certifications offered by the ANCC, AACN, or other credentialing bodies to make sure they align with your career goals.

Many certifications require work experience and passing an exam. Some employers may cover certification costs or offer incentives for obtaining certifications.

Career & Salary Outlook for RNs in Tennessee

Show entries
Search:
Area ↕ 10th Percentile ↕ Median ↕ 90th Percentile ↕
Tennessee $59,540 $79,030 $102,040
Chattanooga, TN-GA $61,140 $76,870 $99,420
Clarksville, TN-KY $57,730 $77,930 $98,900
Cleveland, TN $56,960 $76,230 $90,940
Jackson, TN $57,360 $71,640 $85,710
Johnson City, TN $53,260 $73,340 $106,660
Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA $53,280 $74,680 $97,650
Knoxville, TN $51,890 $73,320 $93,490
Memphis, TN-MS-AR $64,720 $79,250 $108,410
Morristown, TN $56,680 $76,640 $93,600
Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN $64,360 $81,170 $108,530

Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Area ↕ Curr. Jobs ↕ Proj. Jobs ↕ New Jobs ↕ Growth % ↕ Avg. Ann. Openings ↕
United States 3,172,500 3,349,900 177,400 5.60% 193,100
Tennessee 60,020 67,720 7,700 12.80% 4,200

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Ranking the Best Online Nursing Programs in Tennessee

Finding the right online nursing program can be tough, whether you live in Tennessee or not. To help, we’ve researched and analyzed hundreds of schools across the state to find the nursing programs with the most flexible coursework and the most affordable price tags. Key factors in the ranking include:

  • Accreditation
  • Number of students in online courses
  • Student/faculty ratio
  • Tuition
  • Academic placement & career services

To get details on our methodology, click the “About the Ranking” button. To see which schools earned top honors, check out the ranking below.

# School Name Online Enrollment Tuition Students w/ Aid
1
1
34% Online Enrollment
$$$ Tuition
100% Students w/ Aid
2
2
17% Online Enrollment
$$$ Tuition
100% Students w/ Aid
3
3
65% Online Enrollment
$$$ Tuition
99% Students w/ Aid
4
4
55% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
78% Students w/ Aid
5
5
71% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
61% Students w/ Aid
6
6
52% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
64% Students w/ Aid
7
7
50% Online Enrollment
$$$$ Tuition
100% Students w/ Aid
8
8
2% Online Enrollment
$$$$$ Tuition
65% Students w/ Aid
9
9
57% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
50% Students w/ Aid
10
10
36% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
70% Students w/ Aid
Keep Learning

Review the Top Online RN to MSN Programs in TN

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Online RN to BSN Programs in Tennessee: Inside Top Schools

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Brenda Baron, BA AUTHOR

Brenda Barron has written features on higher education and healthcare for more than a decade. She specializes in allied health and nursing education, and much of her work focuses on helping students make informed college and career decisions. Brenda holds a BA in English from California State University, Long Beach.

Read More About Brenda Baron

Michael Hoffman, MA, JD EDITOR

Michael Hoffman has authored close to 300 articles for higher education publications, including over 140 for EduMed across nursing and allied health. He's interviewed and collaborated with hundreds of active healthcare professionals and students. Michael holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Before his writing career, he practiced as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked as a development executive for a major film producer in Santa Monica, California.

Read More About Michael Hoffman
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