The Tennessee healthcare system is evolving to one of great complexity. Registered nursing is a highly sought-after career field, and the state is looking to hire an estimated 1,800 new nurses per year for the next five years. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting the annual mean salary for a registered nurse in Tennessee at $66,680, it is a worthwhile endeavor to earn your nursing degree through one of the state's many programs.
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Cities in Tennessee
Selecting the best nursing school in Tennessee can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 20 nursing schools in Tennessee by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 47 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - School of Nursing's BSN program aspires to educate nurses who embrace diversity, inclusion, and foster change in the field. Graduates are known for being innovators in patient care.
Lee University serves prospective nurses by offering a Christian-centered BSN program for students in and around Cleveland, TN. Lee offers students a rigorous curriculum focused on holistic and compassionate care, with numerous nursing scholarship opportunities available.
Traditional ADN and bridge pathways are popular nursing options at Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, Tennessee. Programs are built to provide the skills and competencies to gain employment immediately upon graduation and to instill a passion for lifelong learning.
Columbia State Community College serves nursing students by offering both an associate degree in nursing and an LPN to RN bridge pathway. Enrolled students are prepared to deftly handle the many challenges nursing can throw their way with confidence and ease.
Jackson State Community College in Jackson, Tennessee is dedicated to providing an associate degree nursing program that evolves with the changing healthcare field. Graduates benefit from faculty that are experts in their field and support each student's individual academic needs.
The ever-evolving nursing curriculum at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville is a testament to the school's commitment to providing a modern healthcare foundation for enrolled students. Evidence-based practice and incorporation of the latest technology lead BSN students to successful nursing careers.
Chattanooga State Community College in Chattanooga, Tennessee is preparing its graduates to become the change they wish to see in the healthcare field. Critical thinking and clinical decision-making are core values instilled in all nursing professionals emerging from the AAS programs.
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville campus is not afraid to answer the demand for more qualified nurses. The College of Nursing offers a competitive, diverse BSN degree program guaranteed to produce compassionate and highly-skilled nurses.
Nashville State Community College's 2-year AAS nursing program primes students with a mix of didactic and clinical training to assess and care for patients across the lifespan. The hands-on portion of the curriculum takes place at hospitals and facilities located in middle Tennessee.
For those who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree, Vanderbilt University provides an accelerated MSN pathway that requires no prior nursing background. Enrolled students take 3 semesters of "Pre-Specialty" courses before diving into the MSN curriculum, where they can choose from a number of advanced practice specialties or dual-focus areas.
Tennessee's own Cleveland State Community College offers an associate's degree pathway to registered nursing. Consisting of 69 credit hours, CSCC's program has both day and evening options available, as well as university partnerships for those who want to go on to earn an BSN.
Located in Henderson, Freed-Hardeman University is home to a traditional BSN program. The curriculum consists of a liberal arts core supported by nursing courses and electives. This competitive program aims to produce caring and competent registered nurses.
Cumberland University's Lebanon campus provides motivated students with a BSN degree program that promotes nursing excellence. With standard cohorts as well as evening/weekend cohorts, Cumberland students gain a world-class nursing education with flexibility in mind.
Through innovation, research, and clinical care, the University of Tennessee - Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis is determined to provide graduates with the most up-to-date learning experience that will translate into innovative nursing professionals. The school's accelerated 2nd degree BSN program can be completed in just 12 months.
Creating Godly nursing leaders is the mission of Union University and their Department of Nursing in Jackson, Tennessee. Students enrolled in the school's multiple BSN degree programs utilize state-of-the art technology in simulation labs, the expertise of seasoned faculty, and the challenging curriculum that is sure to prepare them for a fulfilling career in nursing.
Critical thinking, dedication, and effective communication are just a few of the attributes a graduate from the University of Tennessee - Martin are sure to possess upon completion of the BSN program. With a consistently high first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, UTM grads are poised for top employment opportunities.
Nursing programs at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee are delivered by experienced faculty and give opportunities to graduates to thrive in theoretical, clinical, and simulated environments. Grads of APSU's BSN pathways are known to care for patients around the country.
Nashville's Lipscomb University offers students a Christ-centered traditional BSN program. Small class sizes, experienced faculty, and opportunities for medical mission trips domestically or abroad make Lipscomb University a highly desirable destination for prospective nursing students.
Volunteer State Community Colleges offers an Associate of Applied Science degree program to prepare students to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The program is designed to be completed in 2 years of study, including summers. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for entry-level RN practice.
Situated in Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University's traditional BSN degree program is a popular pathway for students in the area. The curriculum and experienced staff prepare students to meet the complex needs and challenges of the healthcare system.
A great place to start if you are looking into a career as a registered nurse is an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN). This program is relatively short at just 2 years in length, and widely available at many junior and technical colleges throughout the state. Once you go through the ADN program you will have the opportunity to take your licensure exam to become a registered nurse.
There are over 15 schools in Tennessee that offer ADN programs, making it easy to find one in a location near you.
There's a lot to consider when looking for a good ADN program. Here are a few things to remember when comparing schools and programs:
Schools that offer legitimate programs are usually accredited, meaning that they follow certain rigorous standards of excellence. You'll want to look for accreditations from national organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and/or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). You'll also want to be sure the program is fully vetted by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
The ADN program you choose should prepare you to take the National Council Licensure Examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse (NCLEX). Once you pass this exam, you'll be able to receive your RN license in the state of Tennessee.
A great way to ensure that your potential school's program is up to par is by taking a look at its outcomes. The following are all good indications of the school's reputation:
As an example, Walters State Community College in Morristown, TN, is one of the many schools in the state with an accredited ADN program.
It's important to remember that each school may have slightly different admission requirements. Here are a few common ones:
Understanding how much an ADN program costs is crucial. Aside from the big expense of tuition, you'll also have to factor in things like textbooks, uniforms, and other additional fees. Some schools roll these extras into the cost of tuition and some don't, so it's always wise to check with any prospective school to see what's included.
To give you an idea of potential cost, Columbia State College in Columbia, TN, estimates their in-state ADN program tuition to be roughly $11,457. This does not include extra fees such as textbooks, achievement exams, NCLEX application fees, and more.
The great thing about obtaining an ADN degree is that it gets you into the healthcare workforce much faster than a traditional 4-year nursing program. Because of the shortened length, and the fact that it's offered at junior colleges, ADN programs also tend to be less expensive. It's a perfect choice for the budget-conscious student looking to start their nursing career as quickly as possible.
A popular alternative route to registered nursing, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN bridge program is an excellent option for current practical nurses in the state. These programs offer an accelerated curriculum, taking into account prior courses taken. Students can earn either an ADN or a BSN degree.
The quickest option for practical nurses to earn their RN degree is via the LPN to ADN program. Often, this program pathway can be completed in just a year or less. For example, Motlow State Community College, with locations throughout Tennessee, offers a renowned LPN to ADN pathway.
For those wanting a more intensive RN program, LPN to BSN programs exist. These programs take a little longer to complete but culminate in the coveted bachelor’s degree in nursing. East Tennessee State University offers an LPN to BSN pathway, which primes the nurse for immediate employment or for continuation into a graduate degree program.
LPN to RN programs in Tennessee usually require the following for admission:
A little more schooling can earn you a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). This degree lasts the traditional 4 years and will open up many more opportunities for employment and earning potential. A lot of schools also offer a shorter RN to BSN program for those who already hold a nursing license.
Tennessee boasts over 25 schools that offer BSN programs all throughout the state.
It's extremely important to do some research and compare BSN programs to find the right fit for you. Cost, program outcomes, location, and accreditation are just a few of the things you'll want to vet to be sure the program is a good one. The program type is also something to consider; accelerated BSN programs, as well as RN to BSN programs, may be available at some schools.
Lincoln Memorial University, located in Harrogate, TN, is a great example of a school offering a properly accredited BSN program in the state.
A direct BSN program will be 4 years in length. Depending on the school, shortened accelerated programs may be available. If you are already a nurse, an RN to BSN program can take roughly 1-2 years to complete. Be sure to inquire at prospective schools about what kind of BSN schedules and program options are available.
While BSN program requirements vary, the following is a sampling of what you might come across when researching schools:
The cost of earning your BSN has a few basic components. First, you'll need to pay for tuition, which is the main cost of attending a school with a BSN program. Then, depending on what your school's tuition includes, you'll need to pay for extras such as textbooks, lab fees, uniforms, and other miscellaneous items. The estimated cost of tuition for a BSN at Tennessee Wesleyan University, located in Athens, TN, is estimated at $28,100 – or $325 per credit hour.
BSN degrees are perfect for someone who has the time and ability to complete a traditional 4-year program. In return, earning your BSN will grant you the opportunity to earn a greater amount of money and obtain a wider array of jobs in the nursing field. For those who are already nurses, a BSN will allow them to advance further in their careers.
A Master's of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) is ideal for RNs wanting to move into jobs including Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner, among other advanced specialties. This graduate-level degree offers increased earning potential as well.
With a handful of MSN programs in the state, continuing your education in nursing is right at your fingertips.
MSN programs can vary, but most of them take roughly 2-3 years to complete. A lot of this depends on the type of schedule your program offers, as many schools design their MSN programs around the needs of busy working nurses. Online, night or part-time schedules may be available depending on the school.
You'll want to inquire about MSN admission requirements with any prospective school as they can vary. The following is an example of some typical requirements:
Careful consideration should be placed on comparing MSN program costs and fees, as they can vary widely depending on the school and the program. As an example, the estimated tuition and fees for an MSN at Middle Tennessee State University is approximately $601 per credit hour for in-state students. Additional fees may be required.
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Tennessee has set out regulations for obtaining a nursing license that requires candidates to provide more documentation along with a paid application.
Applying for licensure by examination requires the corresponding application, fees and supporting documentation:
Applying for licensure by endorsement requires the appropriate application, fees, the above documentation, and this additional information:
Learn more about TN RN license information at the Tennessee Department of Health - Board of Nursing.
If you could take 12 to 18 months out of your career and apply it to earn a higher degree what would you do? Twelve to 18 short months in one of the accelerated programs offered within the state could send your career on the fast track for opportunities and advancement. Employers are seeing the same benefits and are offering incentives to nurses that are looking to attend bridging programs, these programs are generally offered while the candidate is still working; accelerated programs require a full-time commitment. Prerequisites vary depending on program and college, as do tuition costs, look closely at each program to ensure it meets your individual needs.
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| Ranked | School | Program | Score | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21. | Dyersburg State Community College |
