Overview of Nursing Schools in Tennessee
- There are 44 nursing schools in Tennessee. The CCNE accredits 19 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 27 schools in Tennessee.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Tennessee is between 75.63% and 96.50%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Tennessee is between 69.86% and 100.00%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Tennessee can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for Tennessee
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 16 | 29 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 89.63% | 88.77% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 75.63% to 96.50% | 69.86% to 100.00% |
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
- Columbia State Community College
- Pellissippi State Community College
- Jackson State Community College
- Lee University
- Freed-Hardeman University
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- Cumberland University
- Tennessee Technological University
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Cleveland State Community College
- Nashville State Community College
- Union University
- Austin Peay State University
- Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- The University of Tennessee-Martin
- Lipscomb University
- Dyersburg State Community College
- Milligan College
- Milligan University
- Middle Tennessee State University
- King University
- Motlow State Community College
- Carson-Newman University
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Pass Rate
- 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN - 37403-2598
- 4234254111
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.78%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN - 38401
- (931) 540-2730
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville, TN - 37933-0990
- (865) 694-6400
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 2046 North Pky, Jackson, TN - 38301-3797
- (731) 424-3520
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 1120 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN - 37311
- (423) 614-8000
- 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
Pass Rate
- 158 E Main St, Henderson, TN - 38340-2399
- (800) 348-3481
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
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
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
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 1 Cumberland Square, Lebanon, TN - 37087
- (615) 444-2562
- 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
Pass Rate
- 1 William L. Jones Drive, Cookeville, TN - 38505-0001
- (931) 372-3101
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.33%
- Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, RN to MSN
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 4501 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN - 37406-1097
- (423) 697-4400
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 3535 Adkisson Drive, Cleveland, TN - 37312
- (423) 472-7141
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 120 White Bridge Rd, Nashville, TN - 37209-4515
- (615) 353-3333
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 1050 Union University Dr, Jackson, TN - 38305-3697
- (731) 668-1818
- 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
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 601 College St, Clarksville, TN - 37044
- (931) 221-7011
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.33%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 1003 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN - 38104
- (901) 572-2468
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.33%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 875 Monroe Avenue, Memphis, TN - 38163
- (901) 448-5500
- 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
Pass Rate
- 554 University Street, Martin, TN - 38238
- (731) 881-7000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
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
Pass Rate
- One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN - 37204-3951
- (615) 966-1000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.67%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 1510 Lake Rd, Dyersburg, TN - 38024-2411
- (731) 286-3200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 1 Blowers Blvd., Milligan College, TN - 37682
- 4234618700
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.89%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 1 Blowers Blvd., Milligan, TN - 37682
- (423) 461-8700
- 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
Pass Rate
- 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN - 37132
- (615) 898-2300
- 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
View More
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
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
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 6015 Ledford Mill Road, Tullahoma, TN - 37388
- (931) 393-1500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 1646 S Russell Ave, Jefferson City, TN - 37760
- (865) 471-2000
- 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
View More
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%
Grade
|
University
|
Tennessee Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
88.00 | Northeast State Community College | 10 | ADN |
87.70 | Roane State Community College | 11 | ADN |
86.00 | Southwest Tennessee Community College | 12 | ADN |
85.00 | Lincoln Memorial University | 13 | ADN |
84.70 | Southern Adventist University | 14 | ADN |
75.70 | Tennessee State University | 15 | ADN |
88.67 | Belmont University | 17 | BSN |
87.00 | University of Memphis | 18 | BSN |
86.00 | South College | 19 | BSN |
83.00 | East Tennessee State University | 20 | BSN |
78.67 | Tusculum College | 21 | BSN |
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.
MSN Programs Recommended by Our Education Experts
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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.