Best Nursing Schools in Tennessee: Online + Campus
Discover today’s top online and campus nursing programs in Tennessee for current and aspiring RNs. Plus get key details on degree paths, earnings potential, licensure requirements, and financial aid.
Whether you’re an LPN looking to make the jump to the RN level, a licensed RN ready to earn your bachelor’s, or are just beginning your nursing career and education journey, Tennessee nursing schools have a program that meets your unique goals.
This guide highlights the best nursing schools in Tennessee and provides information on the various types of nursing degrees they offer, including convenient online program options. You’ll also find helpful information on where to get financial aid, the job market for nurses in Tennessee, and more. Keep reading to find the online or campus nursing program in Tennessee that’s right for you.
King University
Bristol, Tennessee
Private
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
Public
Baptist Health Sciences University
Memphis, Tennessee
Private
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, Tennessee
Public
University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Public
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Public
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee
Public
Union University
Jackson, Tennessee
Private
Lincoln Memorial University
Harrogate, Tennessee
Private
Lipscomb University
Nashville, Tennessee
Private
Tennessee State University
Nashville, Tennessee
Public
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Public
Carson-Newman University
Jefferson City, Tennessee
Private
The University of Tennessee-Martin
Martin, Tennessee
Public
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee
Private
Cumberland University
Lebanon, Tennessee
Private
Roane State Community College
Harriman, Tennessee
Public
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Tennessee
Nursing schools in Tennessee offer a variety of programs at every degree level. Whether you’re just out of high school and entering the field for the first time or a seasoned professional looking to bolster your credentials, there’s a program for you. Here are some of the most common nursing programs available in Tennessee.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Tennessee
ADN Programs
ADN programs are for students without previous nursing training. 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.
Examples of Tennessee Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
BSNs are four-year programs offering in-depth training in areas like patient care technology, health promotion, and research. Students with ADNs and RN licensure can finish in about two years.
Examples of Tennessee Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs are usually for students with bachelor’s degrees in outside fields and who want to change to nursing. Accelerated BSN programs help them earn nursing bachelor’s degrees without having to repeat general education classes and spend another four years in school. Accelerated BSNs take 12-24 months to complete.
Examples of Tennessee Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Tennessee for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs build upon existing knowledge and skills and prepare students for the NCLEX-RN. LPN to RN programs take about two years to finish while LPN to BSN programs takes 2-3 years.
Examples of Tennessee Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
For students who already have ADNs and RN licensure, the RN to BSN allows them to expand their nursing skill set, increase their earning potential, and have more job opportunities. RN to BSN programs in Tennessee usually take one to two years.
Examples of Tennessee Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
RNs with either associate or bachelor’s degrees in nursing can take an RN to MSN program, some of which include completing both a BSN and MSN simultaneously. Depending on your education, you can complete RN to MSN programs in 2-3 years.
Examples of Tennessee Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Tennessee
MSN Programs
MSNs come in both standard and direct-entry tracks. The standard track is for students with BSNs and RN licensure. The direct-entry programs are for non-nurses with bachelor’s degrees in outside fields. MSN programs offer advanced training in specialty areas like family nurse practitioner or nursing education.
Examples of Tennessee Nursing Schools with This Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctoral degrees in nursing are available for MSN degree holders planning to pursue nursing leadership or research-focused careers. BSN to DNP programs are also available. DNPs help students take the latest research and skills in the field and put them into practice in healthcare settings. A PhD prepares nurses for research or teaching positions at colleges, universities, research institutions, and private companies. These programs take 3-5 years to complete.
Examples of Tennessee Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
Nurses with graduate degrees can sharpen their skills in a particular area of the nursing field with post-graduate certificates. Popular certificates include executive nursing leadership, acute care nurse practitioner, mental health nurse practitioner, and family nurse practitioner. These programs take 1-2 years.
Examples of Tennessee Nursing Schools with This Program
Inside Online Nursing Programs in Tennessee
If you want the flexibility of a remote program but also some in-person interaction, look for a hybrid nursing program. If you’re interested in working through coursework at your own pace, a program with asynchronous course delivery is a good choice. Whether fully-online or hybrid, most programs still require you to complete clinical training in person.
Online nursing programs in Tennessee work well for students who are motivated, organized self-starters. Students preferring a lot of structure may find asynchronous programs challenging and may find that synchronous course delivery with live instruction, scheduled meeting times, and interactive opportunities with peers and teachers more helpful.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Tennessee
You can offset the cost of your degree by securing financial aid such as scholarships, grants, or loans. Scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid, while loans must be repaid with interest.
In Tennessee, students have several state programs to help make college more affordable. The Tennessee Student Assistance Award is for undergraduate residents in financial need and is worth up to $4,000 per year. The Tennessee Promise Scholarship also gives awards to graduates of eligible high schools. Additionally, nursing graduate students planning careers in nursing education may qualify for the state’s Graduate Nursing Loan Forgiveness Program.
For more Tennessee-based awards, check out the state’s Pay for College resources. For information on scholarships and aid in general, read through our nursing scholarship guide, guide to graduating from nursing school debt-free, and main financial aid guide.
How to Become an RN in Tennessee: Licensing Information and Requirements
To become an RN in Tennessee, you’ll need to apply for licensure through the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Make sure you understand all the steps for licensure in Tennessee and remember that each state has slightly different requirements. This step-by-step guide is for RN’s looking to obtain licensure by exam.
Complete a State-Approved RN Degree
Begin by completing a nursing degree program approved by the state and that prepares you for the NCLEX-RN. Prospective RNs must choose between an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Apply for Licensure to the State
To receive permission to sit for the exam, you need to apply for licensure by exam. The state must then verify and approve your application, which can take six weeks or more. Applications must include a photo with signature and date, proof of citizenship, and official transcripts.
Submit an NCLEX-RN Application
Next, complete the NCLEX candidate bulletin through NCSBN. Test-takers in Tennessee pay $200 every time they sit for the exam. You’ll know you’re eligible for the exam when you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE. You can then schedule your exam at a local testing center in Tennessee.
Pass the NCLEX-RN
The NCLEX-RN exam covers foundational topics like health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, reduction of risk potential, and safety and infection control. It’s a pass-fail computer-administered exam and consists of 75-265 questions that you have up to six hours to finish.
Keep Your License Current
You’ll need to renew your license every two years in Tennessee. The state accepts several forms of evidence that prove satisfactory performance in nursing roles. Examples include documentation from a nursing school, copy of a satisfactory employer letter, and proof of completing a nursing refresher course. See the Tennessee Board of Nursing for a full list of acceptable documents.
Job Outlook for RNs in Tennessee
Registered nurses in Tennessee will see slightly above average job growth through 2028. According to Projections Central, that means a 12.3% growth or about 730 job openings per year, which is slightly faster than the national average.
Metro areas in Tennessee offer great employment opportunities for RNs in the state. Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, for example, employs more than 4,800 nurses and holds Magnet Designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Employment Projections for RNs in Tennessee
| New Jobs (2018-2028) | Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 7,640 | 12.3% | 4,290 |
| United States | 371,500 | 12.1% | 210,400 |
Source: Projections Central
How Much You Could Make as an RN in Tennessee
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in Tennessee earn a good living with a median annual salary of $62,220. While that is lower than national median earnings for RNs, Tennessee RNs still make more than the national median annual wage for all other occupations. Moreover, the top 10% of earners make a healthy $86,170 median annual income. The top-paying RN jobs in Tennessee are located in Memphis and have a $66,600 median annual salary.
Annual Earnings for Registered Nurses in Tennessee
| 10th Percentile | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $44,640 | $62,220 | $86,170 |
| United States | $53,410 | $75,330 | $116,230 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $44,380 | $59,680 | $79,820 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $45,740 | $65,200 | $82,050 |
| Cleveland, TN | $42,600 | $54,480 | $63,920 |
| Jackson, TN | $42,580 | $56,390 | $76,140 |
| Johnson City, TN | $44,580 | $61,710 | $89,450 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | $42,480 | $56,180 | $76,840 |
| Knoxville, TN | $42,610 | $58,490 | $78,400 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $48,060 | $66,660 | $93,070 |
| Morristown, TN | $41,760 | $57,160 | $74,510 |
| Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN | $47,760 | $65,300 | $95,140 |
Source:Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020
