Online RN to BSN Programs in Tennessee: Inside Top Schools
For RNs with an ADN, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can open doors to a number of career opportunities. Online RN to BSN programs in Tennessee offer a flexible option for nurses looking to move up, with coursework and communication taking place entirely online. But how much do they cost? And can you get in? Let EduMed walk you through the process.
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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.
Nursing, RN-BSN – East Tennessee State University
The Nursing, RN-BSN program at East Tennessee State University provides working RNs with flexible coursework and scheduling as they earn BSN. Admitted RNs work with a professional advisor to plan a course of asynchronous study that meets the nursing degree and general education requirements set by East Tennessee’s College of Nursing. This program is accredited by CCNE.
Duration: 3 semesters
Mode: Online or in person
Cost: $487-627 per credit (based on residency)
Admissions Requirements:
- Admission as an HPNU-Nursing Interest major
- Admission as a nursing major
- GPA of 3.0 or higher in previous college courses
- Standardized entrance examination
- Nursing program orientation
Curriculum:
- Pathophysiology
- Health assessment
- Pharmacology
- Advancing to professional practice
- Population, community, and public health
- Health promotion and research
- Health care systems and informatics
- Leadership and professional practice
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RN to BSN – University of Memphis
In the RN to BSN program at the University of Memphis, RNs learn to provide safe and high-quality nursing across many healthcare environments and use evidence-based resources as well as explore the many elements impacting healthcare delivery and nursing practice.
This 120-credit program can be completed entirely remotely; no trips to campus are required. Plus, the faculty for this program are experts motivated to work with nursing students, and transfer students are welcome.
Duration: 4 semesters
Mode: Online
Cost: $545 to $937 per credit (depending on residency)
Admissions Requirements:
- Associate degree or diploma in nursing
- Active RN license
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA in previous college courses
Curriculum:
- Pharmacology and medical administration
- Professional nursing
- Health assessment
- Foundations of patient-centered care
- Foundational nursing skills
- Clinical pathophysiology
- Mental health, adult, and childbearing care
- Pediatric and senior care
- Evidenced-based nursing
RN-BSN Option – Lincoln Memorial University
The RN-BSN option at Lincoln Memorial University trains RNs with an associate degree or diploma who want to expand their career and education options or be considered for graduate school. While this is a completely online program, some courses may be offered at one or more of Lincoln’s several locations.
There are full-time and part-time options available for completing this 122-credit program.
Duration: 2 semesters
Mode: Online
Cost: $420 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed RN-BSN program application
- Active RN license
- Associate degree in nursing
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Meet health requirements
- CPR certification
Curriculum:
- Transition to professional nursing
- Pharmacology to promote adaptation
- Health assessment
- Nursing informatics
- Pathophysiology
- Promotion of adaptation for various groups
- Nursing research
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.
Expert Insight
If you already have an RN license, becoming a BSN-prepared nurse is simple. You only need a bachelor’s degree in nursing! There’s no additional licensure or certification required. Simply show your degree to your current or prospective employer. Some BSN nursing roles, however, may require additional credentials (i.e., public health certification/licensure).
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
Nashville has earned the nickname "Healthcare City" for good reason: more than 900 healthcare companies are headquartered there. This includes HCA Healthcare, the country's largest for-profit hospital operator, alongside Vanderbilt University Medical Center. That concentration of corporate healthcare muscle tends to pull bachelor's-prepared nurses' pay toward the top tier of this range, especially for specialty and leadership tracks in Nashville's dense healthcare market. Rural counties outside the Nashville orbit tell a different story, where an associate degree gets you hired fast, typically toward the lower half of the scale.
Registered Nurses
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $65,150 | $79,770 | $102,930 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $57,680 | $79,450 | $100,590 |
| Cleveland, TN | $56,220 | $72,800 | $79,730 |
| Jackson, TN | $57,840 | $75,610 | $91,680 |
| Johnson City, TN | $61,380 | $77,660 | $117,770 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $62,280 | $76,730 | $100,750 |
| Knoxville, TN | $57,070 | $77,240 | $97,360 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $65,280 | $81,500 | $112,310 |
| Morristown, TN | $57,160 | $75,680 | $93,460 |
| Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN | $69,480 | $84,040 | $112,030 |
| Tennessee | $63,970 | $81,500 | $104,920 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 11 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
