Online LPN to BSN Programs in Tennessee: Comparing Schools
A Tennessee Hospital Association workforce study found that in 2021, the state needed 15,700 more registered nurses (RNs) to keep its quality of healthcare comparable with the national average level of service. If you’re looking for a fast and convenient way to level up your career, an LPN to BSN program might be a good fit. This EduMed guide covers top programs, course details, licensed requirements, and salary expectations.
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Inside Online LPN to BSN Programs in Tennessee
Online LPN to BSN programs are popular for a variety of reasons. You can take online classes from your home, and many are asynchronous, so can complete courses around your busy schedule. Most coursework, including readings, video lectures, assignments, and quizzes, can be accessed online.
Because an LPN to BSN program requires hands-on training, you need to compete clinicals or practicum work on campus or at an approved health facility. If you choose an online program, you’ll need to have a computer, internet connection, and self-discipline to manage your time efficiently.
Read more to learn about LPN to BSN programs in Tennessee and how to find the right program for you.
Herzing University
Herzing University’s Tennessee campus is in Nashville. The school’s LPN to BSN program can be completed on campus or as a hybrid program. Students can complete general education classes online while taking nursing courses in person. They must complete clinicals and intensives (labs) at a designated Herzing University site or partner site.
Students can transfer up to 90 of 120 required credits. Classes include:
- Nursing Pathophysiology
- Mental Health Nursing
- Nursing Informatics
- Medical/Surgical Nursing
- Policy, Trends, and Ethics in Nursing
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its nursing program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Duration: 28 months (120 credits)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $695 per credit
Admissions requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Practical Nursing (PN) diploma
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Minimum score of 58.7 on Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) from the Assessment Technology Institute (ATI)
Curriculum: The program requires that students take general education courses plus nursing-specific classes like Mental Health Nursing and Family Nursing.
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is located in Johnson City. The school’s LPN to BSN program in the College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Program specifics:
- After core requirements are met, the program takes four semesters to complete.
- Students can earn 23 credits based on knowledge gained from a completed LPN program.
- BSN classes are held one to three days a week in the evening, depending on the semester (fall, spring, or summer).
- Clinical rotations are scheduled for the third and fourth semesters, and are held in the evening or on weekends, depending on clinical stie availability.
Students should enroll at ETSU as a Health Professions/Nursing Interest (HPNU) major and plan on applying to the program after all prerequisites are completed. In recent years, the program’s first-time pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) averaged above 80%.
Duration: Four semesters (after university core requirements are completed)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $5,236 (tuition per semester for in-state students)
Admissions requirements:
- Apply to ETSU
- Complete general education requirements
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative college-level GPA
- Minimum 2.75 GPA for nursing prerequisite courses
- Minimum 65% score on Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam
Curriculum: The program includes four semesters of nursing-specific courses like Pharmacology for the Transitioning LPN and Population, Community, and Public Health Nursing.
Cumberland University
Cumberland University is located in Lebanon, Tennessee. The school’s LPN to BSN program builds on students’ knowledge to create a customized and accelerated path to learning. The program is available in a hybrid format with asynchronous online learning modules.
Program specifics:
- Nursing classes begin in the first semester and students receive credit for experience as working nurses.
- In-person clinicals must be completed at healthcare facilities in the area.
- Students can enroll part- or full-time for maximum flexibility.
After the university’s core requirements in math, social sciences, and language arts are completed, students can complete nursing-specific classes in approximately four semesters.
Duration: Approximately four semesters (after required core classes are completed)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $13,320 (tuition per semester)
Admissions requirements:
- Official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended
- Nursing Candidacy Form
- Letter of recommendation from an employer or former nursing instructor
Curriculum: In addition to core classes like history and literature, students must complete nursing classes like Pharmacology and Community Health Nursing.
Expert Insight
If you’re already an LPN, many of the principles you learn in a bridge program will already be familiar to you. The LPN and RN roles, though different, are actually very similar in terms of bedside practice. However, new topics you will encounter include intravenous medication administration, care plan development, delegation, and leadership.
FAQs for Online LPN to BSN Students in Tennessee
If you’re thinking about returning to college to earn a BSN, it’s important to conduct research before you decide on a specific school. Investing time and money is a big step, but we’ll help you make an informed decision. Below, you will find answers to common questions from prospective LPN to BSN students.
What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an LPN to BSN program in Tennessee?
LPN to BSN programs in Tennessee will provide you with following skills:
- Supporting other health care disciplines to coordinate holistic health care
- Integrating information technology and the use of informatics
- Integrating nursing research into evidence-based practice
- Demonstrating leadership to positively influence health care policy
- Adapting and using therapeutic communication
The point of an LPN to BSN bridge program is to build upon knowledge you gained while studying to become an LPN and skills learned during your subsequent experience in the nursing field.
What should I look for in an LPN to BSN program in Tennessee?
Be sure the LPN to BSN program:
- Is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing (meets all of the requirements for licensure in Tennessee)
- Has received accreditation by national nursing associations such as the CCNE or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Prepares you for the NCLEX (check the Tennessee Board of Nursing’s website to see if the program has a high NCLEX pass rate)
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN to BSN program in Tennessee?
Yes, several opportunities for financial aid are available to help you pay for an LPN to BSN program. These include:
- Merit-based scholarships from the school you’re attending
- Tennessee state assistance programs for education
- Federal student loans and grants – must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Loans from private entities
Loans can contribute to a significant amount of debt after graduation. But many employers offer loan repayment programs for student debt alleviation.
For more financial aid opportunities, check out EduMed’s nursing scholarship guide and financial aid guide. If you already have your RN license but don’t have your BSN yet, check out our page dedicated to online RN to BSN programs in Tennessee.
Expert Insight
If you need to borrow money to fund your education, there are several ways to get help paying it back. Many state assistance programs will pay back some or all of your loan if you work at a state hospital for a number of years after graduation. Check out your state’s official website for details.
Will earning a degree through an online or hybrid LPN to BSN program in Tennessee program impact my ability to get licensed?
Not at all. You can become licensed if you complete a BSN degree online. However, when picking a program, you’ll need to make sure that the program is offered through an accredited university. The program should also meet the Tennessee requirements for licensure. Most programs highlight on their websites whether they prepare you for the NCLEX and meet requirements for licensing.
Will employers care if I took some LPN to BSN classes online?
The format of your class is unlikely to make a difference, but each employer’s requirements are different. Online, accredited LPN to BSN programs are rigorously evaluated to ensure they meet standards of excellence. Additionally, these programs still require you to complete clinical hours in-person at health care facilities, which is what many employers want to see.
Salary and Career Comps in TN: LPNs vs. RNs
Nurses in Tennessee have a tremendous opportunity to earn solid wages. The median annual salary for an LPN in Tennessee was $49,780 in 2023, while RNs earned $76,200. The job outlook for both levels of nursing is exceptional in the state, as well. LPNs should anticipate a growth rate of 19.6% in openings from 2022-2032, and RNs are not far behind with a growth rate of 12.8%.
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Tennessee | $37,230 | $49,780 | $62,370 |
| Registered Nurses | Tennessee | $55,510 | $76,200 | $98,090 |
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 | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | Tennessee | 60,020 | 67,720 | 7,700 | 12.80% | 4,200 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Tennessee | 18,350 | 21,950 | 3,600 | 19.60% | 1,890 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
