Online RN to MSN Programs in Tennessee: Reviewing Top Schools
Grow your expertise and explore leadership opportunities by completing an online RN to MSN programs in Tennessee. This EduMed guide breaks down how RN to MSN programs work and how they accommodate students who work full-time. Get details on tuition, financial aid opportunities, and potential earnings after graduation.
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Inside Online RN to MSN Degrees in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to several respected nursing schools, including the East Tennessee State University College of Nursing and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga School of Nursing, which prepare RNs for advanced practice and leadership roles. Through RN to MSN bridge programs, nurses can specialize in clinical or non-clinical fields while benefiting from flexible learning formats.
Many Tennessee RN to MSN programs offer:
- Multiple specialization options, including family practice, psychiatric care, education, and administration
- Primarily online coursework for theory-based classes
- In-person clinical requirements based on concentration and program structure
- Leadership-focused training for nurses seeking advanced or management roles
Whether you’re aiming for clinical advancement or future leadership positions, today’s RN to MSN programs in Tennessee offer a practical way to expand your career. Below, we highlight three programs that provide online MSN coursework for RNs.
East Tennessee State University
The RN to MSN program at East Tennessee State University has a solid reputation for graduating students in as little as five months with full-time status, although part-time options are available. The program includes between 420 and 540 clinical hours, and the majority of the courses can be completed online.
In addition to earning a fully accredited MSN degree, you’ll get to choose from one of four concentration areas: family nurse practitioner, nursing administration, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and nursing education. Students need permission to change between concentrations, however, as this may change how long it takes them to finish their required coursework.
Duration: 5–8 months
Mode: Online with local clinicals
Cost: $646 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Active and unencumbered RN license
- Non-nursing BA/BS degree from an accredited institution
- Personal Essay
- Transcripts of previous coursework
- Completion of the 12-credit RN/MSN nursing bridge sequence with a “B” or better
Curriculum:
Core Requirements:
- Conceptual Systems for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Nursing Research for Evidence-based Practice
- Advanced Role Development
- Health Policy Leadership
- Health Policy Leadership
- Interprofessional Experiences & Collaboration
Specialization Tracks:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing Education
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
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Tennessee Tech
The Whitson-Hester School of Nursing at Tennessee Tech University offers flexible, fully online MSN programs tailored to working nurses. With two advanced specializations—Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)—these programs prepare graduates to excel in leadership roles and provide expert care to diverse populations.
Students benefit from 100% online coursework, local clinical preceptorships, and no required campus visits, making it an ideal choice for busy professionals. Graduates are equipped with advanced skills in healthcare policy, research, and clinical practice, allowing them to work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including primary care clinics, hospitals, schools, and private practices.
With part-time and full-time enrollment options, students can complete their degree in as little as two years or spread it out over six years. Tennessee Tech’s programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring rigorous academic and clinical training for all enrollees.
Duration: 2–2.5 years
Mode: Online with local clinicals
Cost: $730/credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Tennessee or in the state in which your clinical assignments will be completed
- Bachelor’s degree and an Associates Degree in Nursing
- Provisional admission for students with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered only on a case-by-case basis
- Completion of or planned enrollment in a statistics course
- Three letters of reference
- Resume/CV with a cover letter explaining your interest in the program
- Transcripts for any previously attended schools
Curriculum:
Core Requirements:
- Health Care Policy
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Adult Health Primary Care I & II
- Advanced Nursing Research
- Advanced Role Development
- Role Transition to Certification and Practice
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Healthcare of Communities
Specialization Tracks:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing Education
Union University
With three available RN to MSN programs to choose from, Tennessee’s Union University may be a top pick for those looking for ultimate flexibility. Pick the nursing administration, education, or nurse practitioner track, and get your full MSN degree even without a BSN.
Both the nursing administration and education tracks are available for full-time and part-time students and give you access to online coursework. The nurse practitioner track is full-time only and requires in-person classes on Thursdays.
The program has fall admission only, but degrees can be earned in as little as four semesters for full-time students (or seven for part-time students).
Duration: 4-7 semesters
Mode: Online
Cost: $712/credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Current unencumbered Tennessee or compact state RN licensure at time of application deadline
- Completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, from an accredited and state approved nursing program
- GPA of at least 3.0
Curriculum:
Core Requirements:
- Advanced Statistics for the Health Sciences
- Informatics and Healthcare
- Clinical Prevention and Population Health in Advanced Nursing Practice
- Theory and Ethics for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Advanced Nursing Research and Evidence-Based practice
- Health Systems and Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Role Development and Collaborative Strategies in Advanced Nursing Practice
Specialization Tracks:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing Education
Expert Insight
Keep in mind that a school may or may not allow you to change your MSN specialty or concentration midway through the program. I attended a synchronous, online MSN program and had the option to change my concentration midway. This was permissible because all concentration courses were structured to be completed in the final year. So as long as I changed my concentration prior to the final year, it was okay. Check to see if your school has this option.
Tennessee Student FAQs about RN to MSN Programs
If you’re considering advancing your nursing career with an RN to MSN program in Tennessee, you probably have questions about what to expect. From program requirements to cost, online learning formats, and career outcomes, we’ve curated this FAQ to address the most common concerns of working RNs like you.
We’ll break down essential details about program duration, admission criteria, online vs. in-person components, and the opportunities an MSN degree can unlock. Let these answers guide you as you take the next step in your nursing journey.
What can you do with an MSN in Tennessee?
With an MSN degree in Tennessee, you can diagnose and treat patients, or lead other healthcare professionals. Many career opportunities are available to you once you earn an MSN, but it all depends on your personal interests and the concentration in which you earned your online degree.
Some RN to MSN graduates choose to go on to get their nurse practitioner license, while others become nurse midwives or nurse educators. For those who want to become nurse anesthetists, the doctorate of nursing degree is an option.
Keep in mind though, just because a school offers online RN to MSN programs in Tennessee does not mean it also offers doctoral nursing degrees.
Will I earn my bachelor’s degree during my RN to MSN program?
Not every online RN to MSN program in Tennessee offers BSN degrees. Though a program may include bachelor’s level coursework, some schools only award you an MSN upon graduation. Every school is different, so it’s important to research carefully.
What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an RN to MSN program in Tennessee?
Some skills you’ll learn in an RN to MSN program in Tennessee include scientific writing, research, and leadership. Most of the programs available today also teach students how to address the different healthcare needs of various groups, such as pregnant women, those in urban areas, or the aging population.
Not only do the RN to MSN bridge programs in Tennessee give you quality learning time with knowledgeable professors and nurses in your field, but you’ll also learn advanced clinical skills such as diagnosis and health assessment.
In Tennessee, how long does it take to complete an RN to MSN program?
RN to MSN bridge programs in Tennessee can take as little as a few months to two years, but it depends on the school and whether you pursue full-time or part-time enrollment.
For example, East Tennessee State University gives full-time students a program that can be done in just five months. Those taking just one or two courses a year, however, will need to spend much longer in school to complete their RN to MSN bridge program. The program at Tennessee Tech, however, can be completed in eight semesters, with two courses a semester.
Expert Insight
One way to shorten your time in an RN to MSN program is to pay close attention to deadlines and program requirements. Know what courses are required to complete your degree, and know your school’s enrollment dates. I unintentionally extended my MSN program by several months because I missed a course enrollment deadline. This also led to an extra tuition cost. I highly recommend keeping a planner or detailed calendar to stay on top of things.
In Tennessee, how much do RN to MSN programs cost?
It varies per school. The cost of an RN to MSN program in Tennessee depends on factors such as:
- School type—private schools generally charge more than public schools
- Enrollment status—full-time students may pay more than those who are part-time
- Synchoronous versus asynchronous learning
- Need to repeat courses
You do have access to a wide range of financial aid no matter your chosen school or program, so be sure to explore your options. Additionally, consider there are scholarships designed just for MSN students.
Tennessee RN vs. MSN Salary & Career Comparison
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Tennessee | $55,510 | $76,200 | $98,090 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Tennessee | $53,450 | $105,420 | $132,190 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation | Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Tennessee | 60,020 | 67,720 | 7,700 | 12.80% | 4,200 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Tennessee | 13,620 | 21,500 | 7,880 | 57.90% | 1,570 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
