2022 - Best Nursing Schools in Tennessee

Overview of Nursing Schools in Tennessee

About Nursing Schools in Tennessee

Healthcare is constantly evolving and nursing schools in Tennessee are responding to meet the need of nursing students. They are offering new ways for nurses to expand their education and professional reach. Up until recently, hospitals were designed as the focus of bedside care to patients that experience health disruption. The guidelines in the Affordable Care Act require registered nurses to be health leaders and provide health prevention to the masses. Registered nurses are encouraged to pursue higher education to meet the challenges of the complex and evolving healthcare system. The new responsibilities of nurses are challenging but can present wonderful opportunities and rewards.

In our Tennessee RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Tennessee RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.

In the State of Tennessee, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.

BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Tennessee RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN

Nursing Programs Offered by Tennessee Nursing Schools

• Registered Nursing: 44
• Family Nurse Practitioner: 13
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 4
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
• CNL: 2
• Nursing Administration: 2
• Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Nurse Educator: 1
• Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: 1

Tennessee Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

• Union University: 7
• King University: 6
• East Tennessee State University: 5
• The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: 4
• Tennessee Technological University: 3
• The University of Tennessee-Knoxville: 3
• Belmont University: 2
• Austin Peay State University: 2
• University of Memphis: 2
• The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: 2

Best Ranked RN Programs in Tennessee

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Tennessee and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 15 ADN degree programs and 26 BSN degree programs in Tennessee. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Tennessee to provide our state rankings. View our methodology. 

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

98.78% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN - 37403-2598
• 
  4234254111

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.78%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga School of Nursing aims to become a leader in transforming nursing education and promoting health. With the NCLEX-RN pass rate of more than 98%, the university is well on its way to doing so. Nursing students at the university benefit tremendously from the partnerships

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University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Columbia State Community College

98.30% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN - 38401
• 
  (931) 540-2730

Nurse Admin: Cheryl Smith,

Title: Program Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.30%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Columbia State Community College’s nursing division aims to serve the community of Tennessee and global health by providing students with a basic nursing education that allows them to become successful registered nurses. The graduates work as nurse generalists who take on the roles of care provider, manager/coordinator of care, and

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 106
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,666
• Book and Supplies: $1,800
• Percent Received Aid: 98%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,802
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 26%

Pellissippi State Community College

98.30% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville, TN - 37933-0990
• 
  (865) 694-6400

Nurse Admin: Angela Lunsford,

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.30%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pellissippi Community College is one of the best nursing colleges in the state with the NCLEX pass rate of more than 96%. The nursing educators and faculty aim to provide an education that values excellence in ethical patient care and professional growth and integrity. The department

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 231
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,456
• Book and Supplies: $1,300
• Percent Received Aid: 97%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,120
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 28%

Jackson State Community College

97.30% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2046 North Pky, Jackson, TN - 38301-3797
• 
  (731) 424-3520

Nurse Admin: Leslie Sands,

Title: Dean & Program Director of Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.30%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

At Jackson State Community College, the nursing program employs continuous quality improvement methods to meet the needs of its students, employers, and the healthcare community as a whole. The college ranks among the top nursing colleges in the state with an NCLEX-RN pass rate of more than 99%. Nursing students

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 93
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,618
• Book and Supplies: $1,200
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,208
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 20%

Lee University

School of Nursing

97.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1120 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN - 37311
• 
  (423) 614-8000

Nurse Admin: Sara L. Campbell, PhD, RN, NEA-BC

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.00%
• Programs:
• Award Levels:

University Information

• Total Faculty: 184
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,250
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 98%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,412
• Percent Admitted: 83%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 37%
• Graduation Rate: 63%

Freed-Hardeman University

Department of Nursing

97.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  158 E Main St, Henderson, TN - 38340-2399
• 
  (800) 348-3481

Nurse Admin: Christopher J. White, EdD, RN

Title: Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.00%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

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

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 99
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,300
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 99%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $14,179
• Percent Admitted: 81%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
• Graduation Rate: 66%

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

96.52% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  527 Andy Holt Tower, Knoxville, TN - 37996
• 
  8659741000

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.52%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville School of Nursing aims to be a leading force in optimizing health through nurse-led care by integrating education, practice, research, and technology. This nationally and internationally raked university is a pioneer in quality nursing education that makes a difference in the global healthcare system. At the

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University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Cumberland University

Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing

96.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1 Cumberland Square, Lebanon, TN - 37087
• 
  (615) 444-2562

Nurse Admin: Mary B. Griffith, PhD, RN, CNE, FNP

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.33%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor

University Information

• Total Faculty: 79
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,500
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,573
• Percent Admitted: 54%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 41%
• Graduation Rate: 54%

Tennessee Technological University

Whitson-Hester School of Nursing

96.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1 William L. Jones Drive, Cookeville, TN - 38505-0001
• 
  (931) 372-3101

Nurse Admin: Kimberly J. Hanna, PhD, RN, CNL

Title: Dean And Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.33%
• Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, RN to MSN

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

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 465
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,802
• Book and Supplies: $1,280
• Percent Received Aid: 98%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,613
• Percent Admitted: 80%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 32%
• Graduation Rate: 57%

Chattanooga State Community College

95.70% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  4501 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN - 37406-1097
• 
  (423) 697-4400

Nurse Admin: Martina Harris,

Title: RN Program Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.70%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Chattanooga State Community College is an affordable public institution that is committed to providing accessible, quality nursing education to its students. The nursing program here prepares students to be successful RNs who can meet the current and emerging needs of the individuals, community, and healthcare system.  Graduates from Chattanooga State

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 231
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,430
• Book and Supplies: $1,500
• Percent Received Aid: 99%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,083
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 21%

Cleveland State Community College

95.70% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  3535 Adkisson Drive, Cleveland, TN - 37312
• 
  (423) 472-7141

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.70%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Ranked as one of the state’s best nursing colleges, Cleveland State Community College aims to educate its nursing students to become managers of ill people, their families, and the community as a whole. Graduates of the program are working in hospitals, communities, school systems, nursing homes, Doctors’ offices, home health

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 78
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,400
• Book and Supplies: $942
• Percent Received Aid: 99%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,074
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 28%

Nashville State Community College

95.30% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  120 White Bridge Rd, Nashville, TN - 37209-4515
• 
  (615) 353-3333

Nurse Admin: Cynthia Waller,

Title: Director of Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.30%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Nashville State Community College is one of the best nursing colleges in the state that trains students to work with people from various cultures across the life span. The education aims to create a dynamic learning environment that includes accountability/trust, caring, creativity/passion, diversity, excellence, and lifelong learning. At Nashville State

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 144
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,372
• Book and Supplies: $1,300
• Percent Received Aid: 96%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,539
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 17%

Union University

College of Nursing

94.67% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1050 Union University Dr, Jackson, TN - 38305-3697
• 
  (731) 668-1818

Nurse Admin: Kelly Harden, DNSc, FNP-BC

Title: Dean And Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.67%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

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

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 223
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,600
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $21,886
• Percent Admitted: 58%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 22%
• Graduation Rate: 66%

Austin Peay State University

School of Nusing

94.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  601 College St, Clarksville, TN - 37044
• 
  (931) 221-7011

Nurse Admin: Eve Rice, DNP, MSN, CPNP-C

Title: Interim Director/associate Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.33%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate

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

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 391
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,431
• Book and Supplies: $1,250
• Percent Received Aid: 99%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,786
• Percent Admitted: 91%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
• Graduation Rate: 48%

Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences

Division of Nursing

94.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1003 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN - 38104
• 
  (901) 572-2468

Nurse Admin: Anne M. Plumb, DNSc, RN, CNE

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.33%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

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

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 67
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $940
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 99%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,209
• Percent Admitted: 69%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 22%
• Graduation Rate: 44%

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

94.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  875 Monroe Avenue, Memphis, TN - 38163
• 
  (901) 448-5500

Nurse Admin: ,

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.33%
• Programs:
• Award Levels:

University Information

• Total Faculty: 1432
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $1,467,442
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

The University of Tennessee-Martin

94.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  554 University Street, Martin, TN - 38238
• 
  (731) 881-7000

Nurse Admin: Radford,

Title: Department Chair and Associate Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.00%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

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

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 301
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,912
• Book and Supplies: $1,500
• Percent Received Aid: 99%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,409
• Percent Admitted: 65%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 19%
• Graduation Rate: 54%

Lipscomb University

Bachelor Nursing Program

93.67% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN - 37204-3951
• 
  (615) 966-1000

Nurse Admin: Chelsia Harris, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Title: Executive Director Of Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.67%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

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

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 235
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,500
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 99%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $29,268
• Percent Admitted: 62%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
• Graduation Rate: 69%

Dyersburg State Community College

93.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1510 Lake Rd, Dyersburg, TN - 38024-2411
• 
  (731) 286-3200

Nurse Admin: Kellie Chalk,

Title: Associate Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.00%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Located in Dyersburg, Tennessee, Dyersburg State Community College is a public nursing college that ranks among the best in the entire state. The college is committing to allowing its students to be equipped with the knowledge and expertise needed to lead a career in professional nursing. By providing quality nursing

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 47
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,410
• Book and Supplies: $1,200
• Percent Received Aid: 99%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,349
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 24%

Milligan College

92.89% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1 Blowers Blvd., Milligan College, TN - 37682
• 
  4234618700

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.89%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

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

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University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Milligan University

School of Sciences & Allied Health

92.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1 Blowers Blvd., Milligan, TN - 37682
• 
  (423) 461-8700

Nurse Admin: Melinda Collins, PhD, RN

Title: Associate Dean For The School Of Sciences And Allied Health, Area Chair Of Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.33%
• Programs:
• Award Levels:

University Information

• Total Faculty: 97
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,300
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $24,047
• Percent Admitted: 99%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 39%
• Graduation Rate: 65%

Middle Tennessee State University

School of Nursing

92.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN - 37132
• 
  (615) 898-2300

Nurse Admin: Jenny Sauls, PhD, RN, CNE

Title: Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.33%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN

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

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 957
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,232
• Book and Supplies: $1,260
• Percent Received Aid: 98%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,637
• Percent Admitted: 94%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 36%
• Graduation Rate: 51%

King University

91.56% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1350 King College Rd, Bristol, TN - 37620-2699
• 
  4239681187

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.56%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

King University School of Nursing provides an education that is built on a holistic philosophy that promotes caring relationships and critical thinking. Students learn to apply the classroom knowledge in clinical rotations as well as in their professional life as registered nurses. At King University School of Nursing, nursing students

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University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Motlow State Community College

91.30% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  6015 Ledford Mill Road, Tullahoma, TN - 37388
• 
  (931) 393-1500

Nurse Admin: Amy Holder,

Title: Director of Nursing; Associate Professor, Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.30%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Motlow State Community College’s nursing curriculum prepares students to work in the rapidly changing healthcare world of today. The nursing program here is rigorous and prepares students to become caring and accomplished professionals in addition to being competent leaders. The nursing program emphasizes the application of professional behavior, communication, assessment,

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 131
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,416
• Book and Supplies: $1,124
• Percent Received Aid: 97%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,277
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 32%

Carson-Newman University

Department of Nursing

91.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1646 S Russell Ave, Jefferson City, TN - 37760
• 
  (865) 471-2000

Nurse Admin: Lana Spence, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE

Title: Interim Chair

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.00%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN

At Carson-Newman University, nursing students learn to provide excellent healthcare from a Christian perspective that helps them develop character and compassion. The university ranks among the best in both the state and the country and the graduate job placement and employer satisfaction are a testament to the quality education that

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 115
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,600
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $21,586
• Percent Admitted: 79%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 16%
• Graduation Rate: 52%

Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Tennessee

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Tennessee

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Tennessee offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

Tennessee  RN Licensing Requirements

Tennessee State Board of Nursing
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-3111

Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $100
License renewal (every two years): RN: $100

Continuing Education Requirements:
No continuing education hours are required, though license renewal requires proof of continued competence.

RN Licensure by Exams

Candidates who completed an approved nursing program will be automatically presented to the Board for exam eligibility. Fingerprinting will be required in the process and candidates must use the company Identogo. Then, the candidate will register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE and pay the $200 fee. When the candidate has received authorization to test (ATT), he/she will be able to schedule the exam.

RN License by Endorsement

Applicants who completed a program in one of the other 50 states will be able to apply for endorsement. The candidate must list all positions held in the previous five years and submit a transcript, copy of diploma, and verification of official licensure. There is a $115 fee for license by endorsement and the candidate must include a passport-type photo. The application is to be notarized before submission.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

Candidates who have been trained outside of the United States are encouraged to email the Board for instructions.

RN Salaries in Tennessee

Nurses who are looking to advance their careers can gain positive results from higher education. Baccalaureate-prepared nurses may take advantage of worthwhile areas such as:

• Nurses in the armed forces with a bachelor’s may receive officer status and receive special benefits and advanced education opportunities
• Opportunities in physician specialty areas and private practice like cosmetic surgery

Approximately 79,000 registered nurses have obtained licensure. It is predicted that there will be a 30% increase in shortages of nurses in Tennessee by the year 2020. Nurses in Tennessee earn, on average, $56,730. This varies and is dependent on the education and experience level of the nurse.

Tennessee Registered Nursing Salaries

Chattanooga has the highest amount of registered nurses employed across the state. In addition, Chattanooga also has the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.