Online ABSN Programs in Tennessee: Reviewing & Comparing Schools
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) can help you earn your nursing bachelor’s quickly. This EduMed guide looks at top online ABSN programs in Tennessee, including tuition, admissions, program length, curriculum details, and career opportunities.
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How ABSN Programs Work
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs in Tennessee allow you to earn your degree quickly and affordably without a prior nursing background. If you hold a bachelor’s degree, you’ve satisfied the general education requirements you’ll need to earn for your BSN.
Features of accelerated BSN programs:
- Short duration: Typically designed to be completed within an accelerated time frame of 12 to 24 months, unlike traditional BSN programs which take around four years to complete
- Flexible formats: Coursework may be online or hybrid in format (part online and part on-campus); academic learning and theoretical course components may be delivered remotely
- Rigorous learning: Designed to compress traditional nursing education into a shorter timeframe while still ensuring competency in patient care
Regardless of the format of your ABSN program, you’ll need to complete in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities in Tennessee to meet the requirements of your degree.
If you are a highly motivated individual searching for accelerated BSN programs in Tennessee, the options below are reputable schools for consideration. These accredited programs offer high-quality education, preparing you for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and a career as a registered nurse in Tennessee.
Herzing University
Herzing University’s accelerated BS Program for non-nurses is in Nashville is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Though this program is accelerated, they do offer general education courses.
Features:
- General education courses are completed online, but core courses must be taken at the University’s Nashville campus
- Incoming students may transfer up to 90 credits (of 120 credits total for the program) from their former degree
- Students can earn credits towards a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with several concentration options
Duration: 20 months (those needing to complete science prerequisites may require 24 months)
Mode: Hybrid (Online coursework + In-person training)
Cost: ~$82,200
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Minimum score of 66 on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
Curriculum:
- Nursing Fundamental Concepts
- Nursing Pathophysiology, Pharmacology
- Health Assessment
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
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Marian University
Marian University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program includes online coursework, in-person simulation labs, and clinical rotations at Ascension Saint Thomas, a Marian partner. All ABSN students must complete online prerequisite courses through Marian’s Adult Programs and must live in Nashville for in-person clinical rotations.
Features:
- State-of-the-art learning center featuring study areas, simulation labs with clinical equipment, and onsite learning and testing rooms
- Two-days-a-week labs; clinical practice hours begin during the first semester, continuing throughout the program
- Enrollment three times a year: January, May, or August
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid (Online coursework + In-person training)
Cost: Tuition costs $925 per credit hour; nursing assessment and clinical fees cost $275
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete at least 30 non-nursing college credits with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
Curriculum:
- Community Health Concepts
- Pharmacology and Dosage
- Nursing Concepts & Connections, Pathophysiology
- Mental Health Nursing
- Nursing Research and Informatics
- Clinical Immersion Experience
Tennessee ABSN Student FAQs
Beginning your journey toward becoming a nurse in Tennessee can feel overwhelming, and it’s normal to have more questions about the career and the studies needed. You’ll find that many prospective students often wonder the same things about online BSN programs in Tennessee. That’s why we’ve compiled answers for the most frequently asked questions from students like you below. Read on to find out more about this promising career.
Are online ABSN programs in Tennessee completely online?
No, online ABSN programs in Tennessee are not entirely online. You may complete some coursework online, but you are still required to attend clinical training at healthcare facilities in person. Some programs may also require occasional on-campus labs.
Before enrolling in an online accelerated BSN program, determine if you have the time or the commitment to balance hands-on requirements and online coursework. For more information, check out our online vs. hybrid vs. campus learning guide to determine which format style is right for you.
How much do online ABSN programs in Tennessee cost?
You can expect to pay $30,000 to $85,000 for an entire online ABSN program in Tennessee, but costs will differ from institution to institution. Remember though, the cost of an online degree can include tuition, clinical expenses, lab fees, and learning materials.
Despite this reality, many students finance their online ABSN program through private loans, employer tuition assistance programs, and federal student aid. You might also consider exploring university payment plans, as some offer these to help ease the financial burden students face.
What are the admission requirements for an ABSN program?
If you are considering enrolling in an ABSN program in Tennessee, you must meet a few requirements for admission, including at least a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited institution. Admission requirements might also include:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0, but lower GPAs can be accepted with additional requirement
- Completed prerequisite courses in subjects you most likely have not previously learned, such as physiology, microbiology, anatomy, and statistics
- Standardized test scores like the GRE, TEAS, and HESI
- Proof of personal readiness, including submission of a personal statement and/or letters of recommendation
How long does it take to complete an ABSN program in Tennessee?
Most ABSN programs in Tennessee take 12 to 24 months to complete, depending on the school, program structure, and clinical hour requirements. Some full-time programs may be completed in as little as 12 months. Part-time programs, on the other hand, offer greater flexibility but typically take closer to 24 months.
Be sure to check out our medical careers timeline guide to get a better understanding of the duration of the most popular healthcare roles.
What job opportunities are available for ABSN graduates?
Once you graduate from an ABSN program and become a registered nurse (RN), you can access several career opportunities in clinics, hospitals, public health departments, and home healthcare, among others. You can also specialize in areas such as oncology, labor and delivery, critical care, and surgery.
Many students also pursue further education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse educators. With a high demand for nurses nationwide, ABSN graduates can expect strong job security and competitive salaries in the healthcare industry.
Expert Insight
To increase the odds of quickly landing your first RN job after graduation, make connections at the facilities in which you complete your clinical training. Make a great impression, then when you graduate and earn your license, apply for a job at these facilities. The staff and managers may remember you, increasing the chance you’ll get a call for an interview!
Why Career Changers in TN Choose Nursing
Like many other states in the US, Tennessee champions nursing as an in-demand profession, which is why it’s a good choice for second-degree students. You can also feel confident in knowing that nursing pays relatively well. Explore these benefits of earning a BSN and obtaining RN licensure in Tennessee:
- Demand: Nursing is expected to see employment growth of 9% for RNs by 2030.
- Salary potential: An RN’s average salary in Tennessee is $68,000 annually, with higher pay in more specialized fields.
- Career expansion: Upon completing your online ABSN program, you’ll be able to explore many different career paths, from working in hospitals and clinics to taking on roles in education and research.
- Personal fulfillment: Nursing is a fulfilling career, granting you the ability to make a difference in the healthcare industry by improving the lives of the people in the Tennessee community.
