Best Nursing Schools in Tennessee: Online + Campus
Discover 2024’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.
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of MemphisMemphis, TN | Public | $ | 3 | The University of Memphis' online nursing program offers a comprehensive roster of degrees at every level. At the master's and doctoral levels, U of M programs stand out for their emphasis options. At both levels, students can specialize in the bigger picture elements of nursing including education, leadership, policy, and equity. The school's interdisciplinary and intersectional approach to nursing education encourages students to engage with how larger systems influence individual patient care. Program Feature: MSN: Nursing Education
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %58% |
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roane State Community CollegeHarriman, TN | Public | $ | 1 | Roane State Community College offers a 66-credit Associate of Applied SCience in Nursing degree program perfect for students looking for an academic program to prepare them to begin their nursing careers. After taking prerequiste courses like english and Psychology, students progress to courses like Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology in Nursing, and Pediatric Nursing, among others. Roane State also offers a Nursing-LPN Mobility program option for working LPNs to advance in their careers. Program Highlights: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %52% |
Popular Nursing Schools in Tennessee
The following nursing schools in Tennessee will help you continue your search for the right program for you. These accredited programs are popular among nursing students—and for good reason.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
UTC offers several online and in-person nursing programs. The online RN to BSN program features two cohort starting dates per year. Full-time learners can complete the program in 16 months. Support for online students includes a dedicated academic advisor, a technology coordinator, and video conferencing with faculty as needed. Prospective RN to BSN students need current RN licenses and diplomas or associate degrees with 2.0 or higher GPAs.
UTC also offers a four-year, on-campus BSN degree. Students enter as pre-nursing majors and apply for full acceptance after completing prerequisite classes. The nursing program expects its students to maintain 3.0 or higher GPAs.
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges while the nursing program is ACEN-accredited. UTC boasts a 100% NCLEX-RN overall pass rate.
Union University
Union is a private Evangelical Christian school that features three undergraduate nursing programs. The traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN to BSN programs are all very affordable.
The RN to BSN program, offered to students with RN licensure and associate degrees, requires 128 credits. Students apply on a rolling basis and begin classes on one of two starting dates per year. Most courses can be completed online through the E-Campus.
The traditional BSN is a four-year, on-campus program with optional minor concentrations in nursing across culture and nursing and languages. This 129-credit program requires ACT or SAT scores and transcripts reflecting a 2.5 or higher high school GPA. BSN students at Union have a 98% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
University of Tennessee Knoxville
UT Knoxville has one of the best nursing programs in Tennessee with several undergraduate and graduate programs available. The school boasts a 98.5% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate.
The RN to BSN program is affordable and features a 100% online didactic curriculum plus flexible options for completing clinical training. The program follows an eight-week course format, and full-time learners can complete it in as few as three semesters.
UT Knoxville also offers traditional and accelerated BSNs. The in-person, traditional BSN involves 123 credits and four years. Accelerated BSN students usually complete the program in 12-18 months.
Find Tennessee Nursing Programs in a City Near You
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.
Tennessee Wesleyan University
TWU offers an online RN to BSN that costs about $325/credit. The school also offers all first-time freshmen financial aid or a scholarship to offset the cost of their nursing degrees. In 2020, TWU reported a 94% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Students at TWU complete didactic courses entirely online and clinical training at healthcare facilities nearby. Incoming RN to BSN students can take proficiency tests to demonstrate sufficient knowledge covered in TWU’s health assessment, pharmacology, and advanced nursing classes and receive up to 12 credits toward their degrees. Students can complete the program in as few as 12 months.
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
