Online MSN Programs in Tennessee: Comparing Top Programs
If you’re a nurse looking to advance in Tennessee, many MSN programs in the state are accredited, specialized, and affordable. In this guide, we dive into Tennessee’s best online MSN programs, explore popular schools, and answer FAQs from students like you.
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NursingNursing Ed.Inside Online MSN Programs in Tennessee
Online learning programs are an excellent option for students in rural areas, or if you’re trying to earn your degree while balancing other demands. Not all online MSN programs in Tennessee operate the same way, however, so it’s important to understand the differences.
Online programs are formatted in one of two ways:
- Fully online: all courses and tests are completed through an online learning platform
- Partially online (or hybrid): a blend of courses are taught on campus and online
Regardless of which option you chose, clinical training is generally completed in-person at healthcare sites in your area, so you can earn your practicum hours close to home. Some programs require you to work within specific health systems on or near campus.
Get the inside scoop on some of Tennessee’s most popular MSN options below.
Tennessee Wesleyan University
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Tennessee Wesleyan University is a 35-credit program that can be completed fully online.
You’ll choose either the education track that prepares you to work as a nurse educator, or the administration track, which offers knowledge and skills for leadership roles as a hospital administrator or executive.
If you already hold an MSN degree, TWU also offers each track as a post-master’s certification (totaling 13 credit hours).
TWU’s Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Duration: 2-3 years
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $700/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Conferred BSN from an accredited institution of higher education
- 3.0 or better cumulative GPA
- CV/Resume
- Proof of active, good-standing RN licensure
- Documentation proving experience of direct-patient care experience
Curriculum:
- Pharmacology
- Research
- Nursing theory
- Health informatics
- Nursing curriculum design (Nurse Educator)
- Health policy and leadership (Nurse Administrator)
- Financial management (Nurse Administrator)
- Human resource management (Nurse Administrator)
- Internship and a capstone project
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South College
The Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Informatics at South College is an online program combining virtual coursework with hands-on clinical practice experiences. You’ll gain real-world experience by exploring and completing healthcare data and technology projects.
Student support is a focal area at South College Online, as you’ll have access to technical support, tutoring, and career services. The school also offers a number of scholarships and grants specifically for Tennessee students.
A BSN-MSN track is also available. South College is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Duration: 21 months to 3 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $5,500 quarterly tuition for 8-20 credits; $210 per credit for each credit above 20; you’ll also pay $245 per quarter for a nursing fee
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed application
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work
- Proof of a current unencumbered Registered Nurse license (or in progress)
- Personal statement of professional goals and objectives
Curriculum:
- Advanced pathophysiology
- Advanced pharmacology
- Advanced research methods
- Nursing leadership and interprofessional collaboration
- Health assessment and diagnosis
- Evidence-based practice/care
- Policy development and advocacy
- Informatics system design, implementation, and evaluation
Southern Adventist University
A unique MSN/MBA dual degree from Southern Adventist University equips students who hold a BSN with interdisciplinary expertise in nursing, business, and healthcare leadership.
You’ll be admitted to both the School of Business and School of Nursing and complete 56 credits of coursework. Most students complete classes from one degree at a time, although overlap is possible if scheduling allows.
You can pursue your degree full or part time, and the dual degree is available totally online. Graduate assistantships are available.
Southern offers a Christ-centered philosophy for leadership, management, and research in the healthcare arena and is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Duration: Approximately 4 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $760 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements: This list includes requirements for both the School of Business and the School of Nursing:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- An undergraduate or graduate course in statistics (3 credit hours)
- Current RN licensure in the state or country of practice
- A minimum of two years (4,000 hours) of current nursing experience
Curriculum:
- MSN core and capstone courses
- Business prerequisites
- MBA core courses
- Healthcare administration classes
FAQs About Online MSN Programs in Tennessee
Ready to gain even more insight into online MSN programs in Tennessee? Here’s your chance to learn from expert perspectives on key topics. Read on to discover some of the more common questions prospective students like you have, accompanied by answers.
What can you do with an MSN in Tennessee
An MSN prepares you for exciting advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles in Tennessee like nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and clinical nurse specialist. You can also become a forensic nurse examiner or nurse informaticist.
If you’re interested in transitioning to leadership, you can choose a nursing administration program like the one at Tennessee Wesleyan University. And if you’re looking to teach, nurse educator programs like the one at Austin Peay State University prepare you to train the next generation of nurses.
If your career ambitions include a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), earning your MSN is an essential step along the way.
How affordable are MSN programs in Tennessee?
Costs vary widely among MSN programs in Tennessee as factors like enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time) and program format can affect the amount you pay. In-person learning often involves additional fees and a higher cost per credit, while online learning can come with a significantly lower tuition bill and reduced incidental costs of commuting, meal plans, etc.
Where you live can also play a role. Many of the schools featured in this guide offer considerable discounts for in-state students.
Can I get financial aid in Tennessee to help pay for my MSN program?
Yes, most schools in Tennessee offer financial aid and scholarships, but there are fewer statewide grants available than in other states. The state government does, however, offer some grants and scholarships that apply to nursing students.
You can also look into scholarships for minorities, veterans, first-generation students, or other groups. Don’t be afraid to expand your search, either. There are plenty of scholarships and financial aid options available on the national level.
Expert Insight
It’s important to note that some scholarship sponsors require you to be enrolled in your grad program for at least a semester/term before they release funds or even accept your application. Also, for some schools, you’ll need to maintain a certain GPA each term (if you’re allotted a yearly award). Don’t make the mistake I once made – read the fine print to ensure you get the maximum award possible!
In Tennessee, how long does it take to complete an MSN program?
A typical MSN will take two to four years to complete. But the amount of time it takes to finish depends on whether you attend full-time or part-time, your current level of education, your chosen specialty, and the program type.
For example, the traditional MSN at South University takes 18 months of full-time study, compared with the 30-month RN-MSN track.
In Tennessee, what should you look for in a quality MSN program?
You should look for an MSN program with these three qualities:
- Public recognition: Ensure the program is both state-approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Career preparation: Inquire about NCLEX pass rates; if a school adequately prepares undergrads for career success, it’s safe to assume its graduate students are also in good hands
- Strong student support: Consider the school’s advising program, class sizes, and opportunities for one-on-one interaction with your professors, even if in a virtual capacity
Types of MSN Programs in Tennessee
Depending on your education, background, and career goals, you’ll have diverse options as you consider the type of MSN program you’d like to pursue in Tennessee. You can review the most popular options below and explore schools that offer these specific types of master’s degrees.
Traditional MSN
Traditional MSN programs are for licensed nurses who already have a BSN. These programs build upon existing knowledge and work experience and have many opportunities to transfer credits.
Direct-Entry MSN
If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject but want to pursue an MSN, direct-entry programs are the way to go. These programs cover all the information you need for nursing certification at the MSN level without requiring a second undergraduate degree.
Accelerated MSN
As you can guess by the name, these programs are for students who want to get their degrees quickly. Accelerated options work best for students who can devote their full attention to school by taking a break from work or by working part time.
RN to MSN Bridge
These programs are designed for RNs with an associate degree in nursing who want to pursue MSN degrees. Because RN to MSN programs are typically planned with working nurses in mind, you can expect a lot of flexibility when it comes to course loads and scheduling.
Dual Master’s
Dual master’s programs are helpful if you have very specific goals. Dual master’s students pursue a separate master’s degree, such as an MBA, alongside their MSN for a career in high-level management.
Career Outlook for TN MSN Grads
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $97,960 | $129,210 | $169,950 |
| Tennessee | $61,530 | $108,420 | $133,120 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $75,330 | $107,890 | $128,960 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $60,780 | $101,650 | $128,500 |
| Cleveland, TN | $47,060 | $101,160 | $128,130 |
| Jackson, TN | $75,350 | $107,870 | $130,540 |
| Johnson City, TN | $41,900 | $98,810 | $121,640 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $55,610 | $108,850 | $129,840 |
| Knoxville, TN | $56,990 | $107,320 | $129,710 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $60,070 | $116,860 | $146,680 |
| Morristown, TN | $61,040 | $98,500 | $126,410 |
| Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN | $67,140 | $116,160 | $137,270 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, 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 | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Tennessee | 13,620 | 21,500 | 7,880 | 57.90% | 1,570 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online MSN Programs in Tennessee
EduMed rankings use the latest data from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Our data scientists first create a list of schools and programs that meet specific eligibility requirements, then assign weightings based on factors including:
- Number of online programs
- Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class
- Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full time
- Student/faculty ratio
The results are then tabulated, producing the following rankings:
