Best Nursing Schools in Tennessee for 2024

The Union University College of Nursing and Health Sciences aims to prepare Christ-centered professionals to engage their hearts, minds, souls, and bodies in striving for excellence in healthcare to promote health. The education here is excellence-driven, people-focused, and future-directed, in addition to being Christ-centered.

The low, 10:1 student to faculty ratio at the Union University College of Nursing and Health Sciences allows students to connect with their instructors and open doors for personalized instruction and mentoring. The highly-trained and experienced professors care about the students’ future and are available even beyond the boundaries of the classrooms. It is one of the major reasons why the NCLEX-RN pass rate of the college is more than 90% and the graduates’ employment rate is 100%. The purpose of this college is to prepare competent professional nurses who can provide care and therapeutic interventions to meet the healthcare needs of the individuals as well as their families and communities. There are also more than 90 student organizations, sports teams, concerts, and other activities that allow students to connect with each other while also creating a safe place for everyone.

Undergraduate Programs: The BSN course at Union University College of Nursing and Health Sciences has a foundation of an excellence-driven, liberal arts framework. The Traditional BSN degree is four years long and prepares students for their NCLEX-RN exam and graduate students. Similarly, the Accelerated BSN program exists for students who hold a degree in a non-nursing specialty. It is a 15-month, full-time program that features extensive clinical rotations along with classroom and lab work.

There is also an RN to BSN program for RNs who wish to enhance their knowledge, grow their leadership skills, and expand their professional opportunities.

Graduate Programs: The MSN program prepares nurses to assume leadership roles in their specialty area of nursing. The program offers multiple tracks including Family Health and Family Psychiatric Health. Students can opt to take these online courses Full-time and Part-time.

The DNP program allows students to develop their potential as leaders in specialty areas of executive leadership, nurse anesthesia, and nurse practitioner. The courses are available full-time or part-time in online or blended formats.

There are also multiple Post-Graduate certificates in administration, education, and nurse practitioner available for RNs with master's or doctoral degrees in nursing.

For RNs who do not have the resources or do not want to complete an MSN or Post-graduate Certificate, the Nursing Endorsement Program allows them to develop as nurse educators and leaders for the future.

Tennessee Technological University Whitson-Hester School of Nursing consists of diverse students who are seeking a nursing degree to bring about a positive change in the healthcare delivery system. The department consists of highly qualified educators, scholars, and staff who are committed to serving the health needs of a diverse society while also providing good leadership in the advancement of the profession.

The nursing students at Tennessee Technological University Whitson-Hester School of Nursing are committed to a life-long learning process of interdependent/independent and self-initiated learning. Students learn in an environment that stimulates intellectual curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and professional growth. The clinical rotations in some of the top healthcare facilities and simulation labs allow them to grow in self-confidence and assertiveness. The students are even invited to collaborate with the faculty to assist in curriculum planning, policymaking, and the development and evaluation of learning experiences, thereby playing an active role in the teaching/learning process. As such, the graduates of the school are very well prepared to work as generalists who are responsible for counseling, health promotion, prevention of disease, and the care of the sick in all kinds of healthcare facilities.

Undergraduate Programs: The traditional Bachelors in Science in Nursing program at Tennessee Technological University Whitson-Hester School of Nursing is a 4-year program where students learn not only in the classroom but also throughout Middle and Ease TN in different hospitals and in different focus areas.

Similarly, there is a 2nd-Degree BSN program designed for students with a prior bachelor’s degree which is an accelerated program that can be completed in 15 months.

There is also an RN-to-BSN program which is a fully online program available for RNs with associate degrees to complete their bachelor's degree and open doors to bigger and better career options.

Graduate Programs: The MSN program at Tennessee Technological University Whitson-Hester School of Nursing prepares students for managerial roles and roles in patient safety, quality control, policymaking, patient and staff advocacy, legal, ethical, and regulatory compliance, and other leadership roles. The MSN degree is available in five areas; RN-to-MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education.

Finally, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program focuses on practice and is designed to prepare experts in advanced nursing practice.

The Middle Tennessee State University School of Nursing has been producing highly-qualified nursing professionals since the 1960s. The nursing curriculum is robust and rewarding and is committed to the art and science of nursing.

Middle Tennessee State University School of Nursing aims to provide excellence in nursing education by preparing individuals to meet the dynamic and complex healthcare needs of modern society. The school of nursing features a high-fidelity Learning, Teaching, and Innovative Technology Center (LTITC) that provides multiple resources for faculty mentoring and guidance for teaching. The center also serves as a medium for technology integration, scholarly writing groups, and opportunities for the development of a career plan for academic success. There is a recent implementation of an in-house tutoring program for nursing students and ongoing monitoring of student progress by individually assigned college advisors and course professors that ensures that every student is provided with the opportunity to succeed in their course. Middle Tennessee State University School of Nursing has also partnered with more than 200 healthcare facilities in Tennessee to ensure that the students get ample opportunities for experiential learning.

Undergraduate Programs: The BSN program at Middle Tennessee State University School of Nursing is a traditional four-year course that prepares students with classroom work, simulation labs, and extensive clinical rotations to ensure that they are prepared to take their NCLEX-RN examination and begin a career as RN.

Graduate Programs: The MSN degree at Middle Tennessee State University School of Nursing is available in FNP and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks.

The department of nursing at the University of Tennessee at Martin College of Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences has a proud history of educating successful nurses for years. Both the admission process and curriculum here are competitive so as to ensure that the students bring out the best in themselves before going to the field as registered nurses.

The nursing education here combines general education and nursing to ensure that the students learn to provide holistic care to not just the patient but also to the family, community, and nation as a whole. Similarly, the clinical courses begin in the sophomore year ensuring that the students get ample real-life, clinical experience under the supervision of expert healthcare professionals before practicing nursing on their own. The university also makes full use of state-of-the-art instructional technology so that the graduates are prepared to work in the rapidly changing and advancing modern healthcare environment. Furthermore, there are more than 100 organizations, clubs, groups, and student organizations which allow students to explore their leadership and teamwork skills. There are also graduate and continuing education programs that further help students expand their knowledge and employment opportunities.

Undergraduate Programs: The four-year traditional BSN program allows students to explore their options in healthcare including direct patient care, teaching, administration, research, case management, and other career options in healthcare. Upon completion of the program, the students are eligible to take their NCLEX-RN examination and practice in a variety of settings.

The online RN-BSN program exists for the working RNs who do not have a bachelor’s degree. The online course allows them to navigate through their work and academic schedule, allowing them to continue working while also preparing themselves for bigger career roles.

At Milligan University School of Sciences and Allied Health, students learn to explore new technology and become critical thinkers who can successfully comprehend and communicate scientific and health knowledge. The nursing program combines nursing education with liberal arts curriculum to prepare nurses to both serve and lead.

A group of excellent faculty leads the nursing program at Milligan University School of Sciences and Allied Health where they teach students in small class sizes that allow for individualized attention and mentorship. During the course of their study, the students are provided with the opportunity to work in several medical centers including urban and smaller hospitals and clinics, community health centers, modern rural hospitals, primary care clinics, home health programs, and even parish nursing programs at local churches. In these clinical postings, students learn everything, from examining patients and treating their immediate needs, to educating people about healthcare and long-term conditions. The college also offers generous needs and merit-based scholarships so that there is no barrier between students and the quality education they require. Similarly, the graduates of the program have found employment in excellent healthcare centers, both within the state and outside.

Undergraduate Programs: Milligan University School of Sciences and Allied Health offers an excellent BSN program that is four years long and has no waiting list. Moreover, the university proudly states more than 90% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate and excellent job placement for graduates.

There is also an RN to BSN program that is fully online and is designed to meet the needs of working RNs who are seeking to complete their BSN degree.

Lincoln Memorial University is one of the most highly ranked nursing schools in the state of Tennessee. Located in Harrogate, Tennessee the university prepares its nursing students to take the NCLEX-RN examination.

One of the most prominent highlights of the Lincoln Memorial University is its partnership with Florida Hospital (also known as AdventHealth) to create an extended learning site for the School of Nursing in Tampa, Florida. The partnership allows an opportunity for the students to improve and excel in both their theoretical and practical education. The nursing students also get the chance to serve the tri-state region in Appalachia which allows them to develop as highly qualified professional nurses who are able to meet the healthcare needs and disparities of a diverse community. The nursing degree at Lincoln Memorial University prepares the nursing students to become generalists who can care for individuals, families, community groups, and societies at any stage of life. Similarly, the undergraduate degrees offered here also serve as a foundation for continued education and a desire to learn in the field of nursing.

Undergraduate Programs: The BSN program at Lincoln Memorial University is either offered as a traditional two years degree or as an accelerated 17 months degree. Either way, this education allows students to excel at their NCLEX-RN examination and perform as exceptional general nurses.

Furthermore, there is also an RN-BSN option which is designed for working nurses who already have their RN license. Students can take this fully online program either part-time or full-time.

Moreover, the ASN degree at Lincoln Memorial University allows graduates to take their NCLEX-RN examination and work as safe and effective caregivers who can successfully work in entry-level RN positions

Belmont University School of Nursing has been constantly producing competent nursing professionals for almost half a century. The students study in a caring Christian community whose main aim is to put emphasis on a compassionate approach to nursing.

The students at Belmont University School of Nursing learn under the guidance of highly trained faculty members both inside and outside the classroom. The learning experience is enhanced through state-of-the-art simulation where students can learn procedures and skills in a controlled environment along with their peers. After the clinical simulation, students move on to extensive practice experiences in world-class hospitals and community clinics, including mission opportunities down the street and around the world. The School of Nursing aims to promote health, improve care, and impact cost through excellence in teaching, practice, service, and scholarship in the context of a caring Christian environment. The graduates of the program learn to embrace a commitment to lifelong learning by increasing knowledge, competence, and advocacy for patients and professional nurses.

Undergraduate Programs: The traditional track for the BSN program features four-year coursework where students can also opt to take additional courses or study abroad during the summer months. Similarly, the accelerated BSN track allows students who have a bachelor’s degree in a different field to complete their BSN degree in as little as 16 months of full-time study.

Additionally, working RNs without a BSN degree can also choose to enroll in the RN-to-BSN track to open doors for bigger and better opportunities.

Graduate Programs: Similarly, there are two tracks available for MSN (FNP) program; the accelerated track can be completed in four semesters whereas the traditional track is completed in seven semesters.

There is also a BSN-to-DNP program that allows BSN graduates to attain clinical, organizational, and leadership expertise designed to meet the changing demands of the present and the future healthcare system.

Austin Peay State University is one of the best nursing schools in the state which is designed to prepare nurse generalists and nurses in advanced roles to meet regional as well as global healthcare needs. The university creates a positive, supportive, and collaborative environment where all the students and faculty can thrive and help each other. 

The small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio allow the faculty and staff to serve as role models and mentors to all students as they evolve in professional development. At Austin Peay State University, the faculty helps develop students into nurse leaders who have critical thinking, skills, and values for life and can practice in a global society. Students develop themselves into excellent care providers through engagement in evidence-based learning and interprofessional education and practice. Along with clinical practice in diverse healthcare facilities to care for all kinds of patients, the university also supports cultural enrichment programs related to healthcare for diverse populations and incorporates cultural competence across curricula. The students are also provided with ample opportunities and mentorship to develop leadership, teamwork, and managerial skills that they will need in life and while working in healthcare.

Undergraduate Programs: The BSN degree at Austin Peay University provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to find jobs as RNs in multiple healthcare facilities or head to graduate school. There is a traditional BSN program for students who are just starting out on their healthcare journey and an RN-BSN program for working RNs who want to pursue their BSN degrees.

Graduate Programs: Similarly, the MSN program allows students to advance their nursing education and competition to the next level. The MSN degree is available in three concentrations; FNP, Nurse Educator, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. MSN degree at Austin Peay University is as affordable as it is relevant and career-building.

Lipscomb University School of Nursing houses a Christian community of professionals who are focused on healing and nurturing both body and soul. The NCLEX pass rate of more than 90% along with the high job placement rates put the university among the best in not just the state but also the nation. 

One of the best features of this university is the low student-to-faculty rate of 11:1 which allows for one-on-one mentorship and guidance from professors and faculty who strive for students’ success. The School of Nursing also provides students with access to the region’s best-equipped Health Simulation Laboratory where students learn to practice their nursing skills to perfection before moving on to clinical practice. The university aims to nurture the compassion of the students while also building their confidence and training them in their critical thought processes. In addition to classroom study in the university’s spacious state-of-the-art classrooms, students also get the chance to practice in some of the top healthcare centers in the nation.

Undergraduate Programs: The BSN students at Lipscomb University School of Nursing are provided with a high-quality education in medical-surgical courses as well as specialty areas like critical care, obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health, and community health nursing. Furthermore, the online RN-to-BSN program allows working RNs to get their BSN degree in as little as 18 months through distinguished and practical coursework.

The faculty at Freed-Hardeman University College of Arts of Sciences is committed to providing courses and programs with a Christian framework that prepares students for a lifetime of service and achievement. The goal of the university itself is to help students develop their talents by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

During the course of their study at Freed-Hardeman University, nursing students actively engage in lab simulations and clinical rotations. In the clinical rotations, the students are taught about nursing care for all age groups, promotion and maintenance of health, prevention and detection of illness, and restoration of health. The education at this college is Christ-centered and student-focused. Highly trained professionals teach the students the importance of academic excellence, lifelong learning, professionalism, and service to others. Students learn through interactive classes on campus, in diverse cultures abroad, and through hands-on experiences in multiple healthcare facilities throughout the state. 

Undergraduate Programs: The four-year BSN degree at Freed-Hardeman University College of Arts of Sciences offers a unique blend of liberal arts, nursing, and Christ-centered learning. Along with high NCLEX-RN pass rates and high job placement rates, the college also boasts an excellent grad school acceptance rate among BSN graduates.

Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences is located in Memphis, Tennessee.  The college seeks to educate healthcare professionals, from nurses to respiratory therapists.  They offer a traditional BSN program, which utilizes plenty of hands on experience in simulation labs to practice nursing skills, or an RN to BSN program, where the learner can choose an online program or a blended program - a mixture between online and hands-on learning.

Tennessee Wesleyan University Fort Sanders Nursing Department offers one of the most rigorous yet deeply fulfilling nursing programs in the entire state. Graduates have not only become highly sought after by employers but have also been able to make a difference in their patients’ lives every day.

At Tennessee Wesleyan University students learn in high-tech classrooms and practice the knowledge they learn there in the brand new state-of-the-art simulation lab. The location of the nursing department also makes it easier for students to get access to the hospital partners where they can learn to take care of patients alongside professionals in different areas. Students complete over 1000 hours in direct patient care settings with a minimum of 90 hours in each specialty prior to graduation so it is no surprise that the university has an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 97% and a 100% job placement rate. Similarly, during the clinical rotations, the seniors learn alongside RNs to fully understand the roles and responsibilities that they will have to assume upon graduation. Additionally, the nursing course at  Tennessee Wesleyan University is highly affordable with multiple awards and scholarships available for deserving students.

Undergraduate Programs: The traditional BSN program prepares students to take on the roles of professional registered nurses via a series of classroom instructions, lab work, and clinical rotations in different areas. There is also a fully online RN-BSN program where RNs with an associate degree or diploma can earn their bachelor’s degree in as little as 1 year.

Graduate Programs: The online MSN program at  Tennessee Wesleyan University teaches nurses to inspire and develop innovation, lifelong learning, interprofessional collaboration, leadership in healthcare, and translation and integration of evidence-based research into professional nursing practice. The program is available in Education and Administration tracks.

University of Memphis is located in Memphis, Tennessee.  The Loewenberg College of Nursing.  They offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated option for students with a prior bachelor's degree, and an online RN to BSN program.  They also offer a freshman pre-admission to the BSN program option - students must apply in their senior year of high school.  This allows entrance into the program during the second semester of sophomore year, or earlier if the student has AP or dual enrollment credits.

South College is located in Knoxville, although they do have several other campuses.  They offer an ADN degree at an outlying campus.  At their Knoxville campus, they offer a BSN program.  Online, they offer the RN to BSN program.  Students that are out-of-state are eligible for the RN to BSN program, although clinical experiences must meet certain requirements so not all facilities may be eligible.

Bethel University offers one of the best nursing schools in the state and has a proud history of graduating outstanding nurses. The graduates have had a positive impact on the quality of patient care, good leadership qualities, and the desire to pursue graduate education.

The highly skilled faculty members at Bethel University approach nursing education as a collaborative endeavor where they work together with the students to ensure that everyone receives the assistance needed to realize their full potential as nursing professionals. The education occurs in three stages where students first review the upcoming lessons, then they discuss the lessons, then finally practice the lessons in the nursing laboratory. Finally, they move on to clinical rotations where they go to actual healthcare clinics to practice their skills in real-life patients and scenarios. Students practice patient care under the supervision of expert faculty who also teach them the basics of teamwork and critical thinking skills that they will need in the future. The graduates come highly recommended and are recruited promptly by local healthcare employers.

Undergraduate Programs: The BSN program at Bethel University creates opportunities for nursing students in a Christian environment to allow them to reach their highest intellectual, spiritual, and social potential.

Similarly, the RN-to-BSN program is an online program designed for RNs who have their associate’s or diploma in nursing. The program even allows full-time students who take two classes at a time to complete the course in less than a year.