Reviewing Top Online Nursing Programs in Tennessee

Undergraduate Nursing Programs (Online/Hybrid)

Undergraduate-level online nursing programs in Tennessee include ones for entry-level certificate courses, diplomas, and associate and bachelor’s degrees. All of the programs combine online didactic coursework with in-person clinical hours providing real-time practice experience working with patients.

Students interested in becoming a registered nurse can choose between an ADN program (suited for those seeking fast entry into the profession) and a BSN (providing broader career opportunities and higher earning potential.)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A CNA program prepares students for entry-level patient care roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health settings under the supervision of more experienced healthcare providers. Training includes basic nursing skills, infection control, and hands-on clinical experience.

Most programs take 4-12 weeks to complete.

Example: Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Certified Nursing Assistant Program

• Cost: $1,249.00 (tuition and fees)
• Length: 2 months
• Mode: Hybrid

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Foundational nursing education is at the center of LPN programs, as students are prepared for direct patient care roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Programs typically take 12-18 months and cover pharmacology, anatomy, and hands-on clinical training.

Graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN to obtain licensure.

Example: Herzing University – Practical Nursing Program

• Cost: Approx. $20,000 (tuition and fees)
• Length: 12 months
• Mode: Hybrid

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

ADN programs are for students without previous nursing training who are seeking to become RNs. These programs take about two years to complete and provide foundational skills and introductory knowledge in preparation for the NCLEX-RN.

ADN-educated RNs work in clinics, home healthcare, outpatient facilities, and nursing homes.

Example: Herzing University – Online ASN Program

• Cost: Approx. $66,000 (tuition only)
• Length: 2 years
• Mode: Hybrid

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are four-year degrees that provide comprehensive training in patient care technology, health promotion, leadership, and research. These programs prepare students for RN licensure and advanced clinical roles and career growth.

RNs with an ADN can complete a BSN in about two years through an RN-to-BSN program.

Example: South College – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• Cost: $4,175/quarter (full-time)
• Length: 4 years
• Mode: Hybrid

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Accelerated BSN programs offer students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major the ability to apply the general education credits earned in their original bachelor’s program to their BSN requirements. As a result, students can complete their accelerated BSN programs in 12-24 months.

Example: University of Tennessee Knoxville – Accelerated BSN

• Cost: $32,295 (Tennessee residents); $62,461(out-of-state residents)
• Length: 12 months
• Mode: Hybrid

Nursing Bridge Programs (Online)

Designed for working nurses, bridge programs offer accelerated pathways to higher degrees, expanding career opportunities in leadership and advanced practice in specialized nursing fields. Common options include LPN to RN, RN to BSN, and RN to MSN programs.

LPN to RN and LPN to BSN

Bridge programs for LPNs build upon existing knowledge and skills and prepare students for the NCLEX-RN and becoming registered nurses. LPN to RN programs take about two years to finish, while LPN to BSN programs typically require two to three years.

Example: Cumberland University – LPN to BSN Program

• Cost: $680/credit
• Length: As few as four semesters
• Mode: Hybrid

RN to BSN

RN to BSN programs provide students with a nursing diploma or ADN and active RN licensure a fast and cost-effective path to obtaining their nursing bachelor’s. Benefits include advanced nursing knowledge and skills, as well as higher salaries and expanded job opportunities.

RN to BSN programs in Tennessee typically require one to two years to complete.

Example: The University of Tennessee Knoxville – RN to BSN Online

• Cost: $24,512 (Tennessee residents); $27,062 (out-of-state residents)
• Length: 1 year
• Mode: Online

RN to MSN

RN to MSN programs provide current registered nurses with an ADN degree a direct route to earning a nursing master’s degree and leadership and advanced specialized practice roles.

Expect to spend one to three years of full-time study to earn the MSN. Part-time options are also typically offered.

Example: Southern Adventist University – RN to MSN (Nurse Educator)

• Cost: $795/credit (master’s level courses)
• Length: Two to three years (full-time)
• Mode: Fully-online

BSN to DNP

A BSN to DNP program allows BSN-prepared nurses to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice without completing a separate master’s degree. These programs typically take three to four years to complete.

Graduates are prepared for advanced nursing practice, leadership, and policy-making roles. Coursework is online, but in-person clinical hours and residencies are common.

Example: Vanderbilt University – BSN to DNP Program

• Cost: $2,057/credit (tuition)
• Length: 4 years
• Mode: Hybrid

Direct-Entry MSN

Direct-entry MSN programs provide a direct route for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to enter the nursing profession with a master’s degree leading to roles in leadership and advanced specialized nursing practice.

These accelerated programs combine online coursework, in-person labs, and clinical rotations and are typically completed with two to three years of full-time study.

Example: Herzing University – Online MSN Direct Entry Program

• Cost: $790/credit
• Length: 20-24 months
• Mode: Online