RN Programs 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
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 16 | 28 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 89.63% | 363.42% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 75.63% to 96.50% | 72.00% to 3,714.57% |
| Average Net Price | $9,722.56 | $15,625.39 |
| Average Net Price Range | $4,575.00 to $26,647.00 | $7,531.00 to $30,357.00 |
| Average Student Loan | $9,290.93 | $17,663.68 |
| Average Student Loan Range | $2,500.00 to $21,565.00 | $11,128.00 to $27,000.00 |
| See Additional Detail | ADN Rankings for Tennessee State | BSN Rankings for Tennessee State |
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 25 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.
RANKED 1
Jackson State Community College
- 2046 North Pky, Jackson, TN - 38301-3797
- (731) 424-3520
Jackson State Community College is located in Jackson, Tennessee. The average RN program requires 60 credits and their RN program requires 65 for degree completion. They offer an RN program and an LPN Mobility option, allowing the LPN advanced placement into the program.
School Information
Location: Jackson, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 98.44%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 17
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 2
Chattanooga State Community College
- 4501 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN - 37406-1097
- (423) 697-4400
Chattanooga State Community College is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Baroness Erlanger Nursing Program offers an AAS in nursing; this program is subdivided into day and night programs. They also offer an AAS Transition track, which is available to LPNs and paramedics. Paramedics are accepted into the night program, and are accepted on even-numbered years.
School Information
Location: Chattanooga, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 98.37%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 20
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 3
Nashville State Community College
- 120 White Bridge Rd, Nashville, TN - 37209-4515
- (615) 353-3333
School Information
Location: Nashville, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 98.00%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 28
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 4
Lincoln Memorial University
- 6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy, Harrogate, TN - 37752-9900
- (423) 869-3611
Lincoln Memorial University is located in Harrogate, Tennessee. They offer a variety of undergraduate options for their nursing students – an ASN program, a BSN program, and an RN to BSN program. The RN to BSN program is offered completely online.
School Information
Location: Harrogate, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.89%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 143
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 5
Motlow State Community College
- 6015 Ledford Mill Road, Tullahoma, TN - 37388
- (931) 393-1500
Motlow State Community College is located in Tullahoma, Tennessee. They offer an AAS – Two-Year Path to RN ad AAS – One-Year Path, LPN to RN. They also have articulation programs in place so that students may elect to transfer to a four-year university after graduation.
School Information
Location: Tullahoma, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.70%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 150
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 6
Pellissippi State Community College
- 10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville, TN - 37933-0990
- (865) 694-6400
Pellissippi State Community College is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. They offer an RN degree with a traditional pathway and a bridge pathway; the bridge pathway allows LPNs and EMT-P students to enter the program during the summer semester. This program is offered at three of Pellissippi’s campuses: Blount County, Magnolia Avenue, and Strawberry Plains campuses.
School Information
Location: Knoxville, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.56%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 156
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 7
Roane State Community College
- 276 Patton Lane, Harriman, TN - 37748
- (865) 354-3000
School Information
Location: Harriman, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.74%- State Rank: 7
- US Rank: 189
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 8
Columbia State Community College
- 1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN - 38401
- (931) 540-2730
Columbia State Community College is located in Columbia College. They offer both an RN program and an LPN to RN Bridge Program. They also offer a 3+1 partnership with Middle Tennessee State University, which allows RN to complete general education requirements at Columbia State, with the final year being completed at MTSU.
School Information
Location: Columbia, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.37%- State Rank: 8
- US Rank: 206
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 9
Dyersburg State Community College
- 1510 Lake Rd, Dyersburg, TN - 38024-2411
- (731) 286-3200
School Information
Location: Dyersburg, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.22%- State Rank: 9
- US Rank: 250
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 10
Walters State Community College
- 500 South Davy Crockett Parkway, Morristown, TN - 37813-6899
- (423) 585-2600
School Information
Location: Morristown, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.04%- State Rank: 10
- US Rank: 255
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 11
Northeast State Community College
- 2425 Hwy 75, Blountville, TN - 37617-0246
- (423) 323-3191
School Information
Location: Blountville, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.67%- State Rank: 11
- US Rank: 339
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 12
Cleveland State Community College
- 3535 Adkisson Drive, Cleveland, TN - 37312
- (423) 472-7141
School Information
Location: Cleveland, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.70%- State Rank: 12
- US Rank: 379
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 13
Southern Adventist University
- 4881 Taylor Cir, Collegedale, TN - 37315-0370
- (423) 236-2000
School Information
Location: Collegedale, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.70%- State Rank: 12
- US Rank: 379
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 14
Southwest Tennessee Community College
- 737 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN - 38103
- (901) 333-5000
Southwest Tennessee Community College is located in Memphis, Tennessee. STCC offers an AAS in Nursing: Generic Track and LPN Mobility Track. STCC has nationally ranked for their degree programs for minorities and African Americans, such as “number one in the top 100 Associate Degree producers for total minorities in business operations support and assistant services – Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, 2014” and “number two in the top 100 Associate Degree producers for African-Americans in business operations support and assistant services – Diverse: Issues in High Education, 2014.”
School Information
Location: Memphis, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 81.19%- State Rank: 13
- US Rank: 576
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 15
Tennessee State University
- 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd, Nashville, TN - 37209-1561
- (615) 963-5000
School Information
Location: Nashville, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 77.04%- State Rank: 14
- US Rank: 640
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
NOT RANKED
South College
- 3904 Lonas Road, Knoxville, TN - 37909-0000
- (865) 251-1800
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.
School Information
Location: Knoxville, TN- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
ADN Programs In Tennessee
RN programs are abundant in the state of Tennessee; in fact, many colleges also offer articulation programs, allowing students to finish general education credits, then finish their BSN degree at university. For incoming freshman, students may also apply for Tennessee Promise - a program that, "...provides students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover tuition and fees not covered by the Pell grant, the HOPE scholarship, or state student assistance funds."
NCLEX Passing Rates for Tennessee ADN Programs
Chattanooga State Community College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in Tennessee of 96.50%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $7,902.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in Tennessee: 16
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 89.63%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 75.63% to 96.50%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in Tennessee?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in Tennessee so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in Tennessee is offered by Walters State Community College at about $4,575.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 90.25%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by South College and it will cost about $26,647.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of N/A%.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inTennessee: $9,722.56
- Net-Price Range for Tennessee ADN Programs: $4,575.00 to $26,647.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Tennessee Schools: $9,290.93
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in Tennessee: $2,500.00 to $21,565.00
RANKED 1
The University of Tennessee-Martin
- 544 University Street, Martin, TN - 38238-0002
- (731) 881-7000
The University of Tennessee – Martin is located in Martin, Tennessee. UTM offers a traditional BSN program and an online BSN program. UTM also recognizes nursing student excellent with Sigma Theta Tau (Pi Tau Chapter), which is an international honor society for nursing.
School Information
Location: Martin, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 100.00%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 1
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 2
Bethel University
- 325 Cherry Ave, McKenzie, TN - 38201
- (731) 352-4000
School Information
Location: McKenzie, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 98.52%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 10
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 3
Carson-Newman University
- 1646 S Russell Ave, Jefferson City, TN - 37760
- (865) 471-2000
Carson-Newman University is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee. They offer two avenues towards a nursing degree – the traditional BSN degree, which is 8 semesters over 4 years, or the accelerated BSN degree, which is 8 continuous semesters.
School Information
Location: Jefferson City, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 97.04%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 39
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 4
Tennessee Technological University
- 1 William L. Jones Drive, Cookeville, TN - 38505-0001
- (931) 372-3223
Tennessee Technological University is located in Cookeville, Tennessee. The Whitson-Hester School of Nursing offer a BSN program, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) and an RN to BSN program. Their RN to BSN program is an online program and is one of the most affordable options available, at $365 per credit hour for in-state tuition and $661 per credit hour for non-resident students.
School Information
Location: Cookeville, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.48%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 51
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 5
Lincoln Memorial University
- 6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy, Harrogate, TN - 37752-9900
- (423) 869-3611
Lincoln Memorial University is located in Harrogate, Tennessee. They offer a variety of undergraduate options for their nursing students – an ASN program, a BSN program, and an RN to BSN program. The RN to BSN program is offered completely online.
School Information
Location: Harrogate, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 96.30%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 56
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 6
Lipscomb University
- One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN - 37204-3951
- (615) 966-1000
School Information
Location: Nashville, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.15%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 80
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 7
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN - 37403-2598
- (423) 425-4111
School Information
Location: Chattanooga, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 95.07%- State Rank: 7
- US Rank: 84
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 8
Austin Peay State University
- 601 College St, Clarksville, TN - 37044
- (931) 221-7011
Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, Tennessee. They offer a traditional BSN program and an online RN to BSN program. The traditional program is for pre-licensure students and students with a prior bachelor’s degree. The online program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
School Information
Location: Clarksville, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.85%- State Rank: 8
- US Rank: 93
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 9
Union University
- 1050 Union University Dr, Jackson, TN - 38305-3697
- (731) 668-1818
Union University is located in Jackson, Tennessee, with 2 other campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville. They are proud to boas that their student to faculty ratio is 10:1 and 85% of their faculty have the highest degree possible in their field. Their nursing program offers state-of-the-art equipment to practice skills and the opportunity to take ministry trips internationally. They offer a traditional BSN program, an LPN to BSN program, which takes two years to complete, an RN to BSN program, which is completed online in 8 months, and a First Step to BSN program, which is designed for adult learners with little college experience, readying them for the accelerated BSN program. The ABSN program is designed for students of the First Step program and students with prior bachelor’s degree.
School Information
Location: Jackson, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid
NCLEX
Overall Score: 94.30%- State Rank: 9
- US Rank: 116
Nursing Degrees Offered
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, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 10
The University of Tennessee
- 527 Andy Holt Tower, Knoxville, TN - 37996
- (865) 974-1000
School Information
Location: Knoxville, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid
NCLEX
Overall Score: 93.67%- State Rank: 10
- US Rank: 140
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 11
Tennessee Wesleyan College
- 204 East College Street, Athens, TN - 37303
- (423) 745-7504
Tennessee Wesleyan College is located in Athens, Tennessee. They boast that their student to faculty ratio is 12:1. 92% of their classes have 30 or fewer students. The Fort Sanders Nursing Department has a partnership with Covenant Health and Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, providing extensive resources for clinical experience. They offer a BSN degree.
School Information
Location: Athens, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.96%- State Rank: 11
- US Rank: 163
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 12
Middle Tennessee State University
- 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN - 37132
- (615) 898-2300
Middle Tennessee State University is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. They offer a traditional BSN program and an RN to BSN program. MTSU has multiple simulation labs where students may practice their nursing skills; the labs have low-, medium- and high-fidelity simulators that mimic real-life situations.
School Information
Location: Murfreesboro, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.89%- State Rank: 12
- US Rank: 167
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 13
East Tennessee State University
- , Johnson City, TN - 37614-0000
- (423) 439-1000
School Information
Location: Johnson City, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 91.07%- State Rank: 13
- US Rank: 227
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 14
Belmont University
- 1900 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN - 37212-3757
- (615) 460-6000
Belmont University is located in Nashville, Tennessee. Belmont was named as the “Most Innovative” university by US News & World Report. It is a Christian university that “…brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service.” They offer a BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, and an RN to BSN program.
School Information
Location: Nashville, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.63%- State Rank: 14
- US Rank: 289
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 15
Milligan College
- 1 Blowers Blvd., Milligan College, TN - 37682
- (423) 461-8700
School Information
Location: Milligan College, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.15%- State Rank: 15
- US Rank: 300
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 16
University of Memphis
- Southern Avenue, Memphis, TN - 38152
- (901) 678-2000
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.
School Information
Location: Memphis, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.11%- State Rank: 16
- US Rank: 301
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 17
Trevecca Nazarene University
- 333 Murfreesboro Rd, Nashville, TN - 37210
- (615) 248-1200
School Information
Location: Nashville, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.00%- State Rank: 17
- US Rank: 307
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 18
Freed-Hardeman University
- 158 E Main St, Henderson, TN - 38340-2399
- (800) 348-3481
School Information
Location: Henderson, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 85.07%- State Rank: 18
- US Rank: 376
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 19
Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences
- 1003 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN - 38104
- (901) 572-2468
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.
School Information
Location: Memphis, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 84.00%- State Rank: 19
- US Rank: 391
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 20
Cumberland University
- 1 Cumberland Square, Lebanon, TN - 37087
- (615) 444-2562
School Information
Location: Lebanon, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 83.37%- State Rank: 20
- US Rank: 408
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 21
King College
- 1350 King College Rd, Bristol, TN - 37620-2699
- (423) 968-1187
School Information
Location: Bristol, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 82.56%- State Rank: 21
- US Rank: 422
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
RANKED 22
South College
- 3904 Lonas Road, Knoxville, TN - 37909-0000
- (865) 251-1800
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.
School Information
Location: Knoxville, TN- Type: Private For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 81.07%- State Rank: 22
- US Rank: 440
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
RANKED 23
Tusculum College
- 60 Shiloh Road, Greeneville, TN - 37743
- (423) 636-7300
School Information
Location: Greeneville, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 68.63%- State Rank: 23
- US Rank: 494
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
RANKED 24
Martin Methodist College
- 433 West Madison Street, Pulaski, TN - 38478-2799
- (931) 363-9800
School Information
Location: Pulaski, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
NCLEX
Overall Score: 64.89%- State Rank: 24
- US Rank: 500
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
NOT RANKED
Tennessee State University
- 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd, Nashville, TN - 37209-1561
- (615) 963-5000
School Information
Location: Nashville, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
NOT RANKED
Southern Adventist University
- 4881 Taylor Cir, Collegedale, TN - 37315-0370
- (423) 236-2000
School Information
Location: Collegedale, TN- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
NOT RANKED
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- 527 Andy Holt Tower, Knoxville, TN - 37996
- (865) 974-1000
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. UTK offers several tracks for their BSN students – they have a BSN program, an accelerated track, for students with a prior bachelor’s degree, and an RN track.
School Information
Location: Knoxville, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
NOT RANKED
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN - 37403-2598
- (423) 425-4111
The University of Tennessee – Chattanooga is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They offer several nursing options – they offer an on-campus BSN program and an RN-BSN Gateway program; the gateway program is 100% online, is four semesters in length and takes 16 months to complete. Students are accepted in two cohorts each year, beginning in either January or August.
School Information
Location: Chattanooga, TN- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
BSN Programs In Tennessee
Nurses can be prepared for acute care in a hospital setting with an associate’s degree. However, without a higher education, nurses will not have a lot of room to grow as professionals. Nursing schools in Tennessee offer BSN programs that can connect knowledge gained while working in the field to what is learned in the classroom. As nurses in Tennessee complete higher education in the field, they will be better prepared for new opportunities that would not have been previously offered.
NCLEX Passing Rates for Tennessee BSN Programs
Lincoln Memorial University wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in Tennessee with a score of 3,714.57%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $14,576.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in Tennessee: 28
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 363.42%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 72.00% to 3,714.57%
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in Tennessee?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in Tennessee to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in Tennessee is offered by The University of Tennessee-Martin and will cost you about $7,531.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 96.13%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by Belmont University and will cost you about $30,357.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 90.00%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in Tennessee: $15,625.39
- Net-Price Range for Tennessee BSN Programs: $7,531.00 to $30,357.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Tennessee Schools: $17,663.68
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in Tennessee: $11,128.00 to $27,000.00
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.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 5,850 | $27.72 | $57,670 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 1,490 | $27.70 | $57,600 |
| Cleveland, TN | 570 | $24.95 | $52,420 |
| Jackson, TN | 2,000 | $24.86 | $49,570 |
| Johnson City, TN | 2,700 | $26.63 | $54,980 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | 2,600 | $24.80 | $49,900 |
| Knoxville, TN | 6,970 | $25.93 | $54,310 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 12,200 | $28.80 | $58,900 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 15,850 | $28.51 | $58,870 |
| Western Tennessee nonmetropolitan area | 1,680 | $25.63 | $52,190 |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area | 2,140 | $25.79 | $52,670 |
| North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area | 2,120 | $27.20 | $56,300 |
| Eastern Tennessee nonmetropolitan area | 1,910 | $25.04 | $51,240 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
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