Online RN to BSN Programs in Tennessee: Inside Top Schools

Spotlighting Tennessee Online RN to BSN Programs

Tennessee is home to many affordable online RN to BSN programs. Whether you’re looking for a general nursing focus or stepping into healthcare leadership, these programs offer asynchronous learning, opportunity to level up your skills, and a solid educational foundation for advanced nursing degrees. Below, we’ve highlighted three programs to show you what a quality RN to BSN program looks like in Tennessee.

FAQs for Tennessee RN to BSN Students

Most RN to BSN students in Tennessee have many of the same questions before choosing the right program for them. Below, we’ve answered questions related to cost, financial aid, admissions requirements, and identifying a quality program.

What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an RN to BSN program in Tennessee?

Online RN to BSN programs usually cover science-based courses like physiology and pharmacology as well as leadership classes. Coursework also typically explores the needs of diverse communities and special health situations.

RN to BSN programs build on the knowledge and experience you already have as an RN and allow you to advance in ways that open up management and higher-education opportunities. Not only do you become more valuable to your employer, but you’ll also likely earn more since you can take on more responsibilities and potentially move into specialty areas.

How do I go from being an RN to a BSN nurse in Tennessee, and how long does it take?

Go from being an RN to a BSN by completing an RN to BSN program designed specifically for nurses who already have RN licenses. Note that holding an RN license from another state may mean you need to take additional steps or classes to qualify you for RN licensure in Tennessee.

Full-time students who have already completed general education credits can complete a program in as little as a year. Part-time students move more slowly through the program, and those who don’t have an associate degree may need to fulfill additional requirements that will add time to earning their BSN.

How much do the RN to BSN programs in Tennessee cost, and can I get financial aid to help pay for my program?

The cost of an online or hybrid RN to BSN program in Tennessee varies, but expect to pay $400 to $900 per credit in addition to required materials and supplies. However, financial aid opportunities are usually available, including scholarships available just for nursing students.

Begin by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), so your school knows what money you are eligible for. If you currently work as an RN, check with your employer for tuition reimbursement programs.

What should I look for in a quality RN to BSN program in Tennessee?

For a rigorous education with all the support resources needed to help you succeed, look for online RN to BSN programs in Tennessee with flexible course offerings taught by practicing, experienced nurses. You’ll also want to make sure the program has a high pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN).

A quality RN to BSN program in Tennessee is recognized as an approved educational program by the Tennessee Board of Nursing, which means it holds the proper accreditation.

What are the admission requirements for RN to BSN programs in Tennessee?

RN to BSN programs in Tennessee have stricter admissions requirements than for a typical freshman pursuing a general degree. Applicants generally need to have their Tennessee RN license, though some schools admit those who will soon pass the NCLEX-RN.

In addition to having completed (or be close to completing) general education requirements, applicants also usually need a minimum GPA in all science and math coursework from their associate degree program with a 3.0 overall GPA. Some schools also require applicants to take a standardized entrance exam.

Tennessee’s RN vs. BSN Job and Pay Outlook

Because of their more developed skillset and qualification for higher-level positions, BSN-educated RNs typically make more money than RNs without bachelor’s degrees. The average yearly salary for an RN in Tennessee are $79,030, and there is an expected growth in RN openings of almost 13%. Though the data does not differentiate between BSNs and RNs without bachelor’s degrees, many employers – especially hospitals – require a bachelor’s degree.

RNs without bachelor’s degrees typically work in entry-level and general nursing positions such as nursing assistants and practical nurses, while BSNs are qualified to take on leadership roles such as charge nurses, clinical nurses, and nurse educators. There are plenty of positions available outside of hospitals for RNs regardless of educational path, including those in long-term care facilities and outpatient care centers.

Ranking Tennessee’s Best Online RN to BSN Programs

Our rankings were developed by researching and analyzing the online RN to BSN bridge programs available in Tennessee, and only accredited schools are included. Using data from the schools themselves and from the Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), schools are ranked based on academics, financial aid, tuition, faculty, career services, and academic counseling. For more details on the methodology used, see the About the Rankings popup above the rankings list.