2023 - Best Nursing Schools in Tennessee

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 with different healthcare facilities whose ultimate goal is to inspire positive change and provide nursing leadership for the future. Similarly, the highly trained and experienced faculty allow students to engage in health, leadership, and education to become practice-ready. Similarly, the university, the students, faculty, and staff comprise a nurturing environment that enables students to go into the global community so that they can learn to embrace diversity and inclusion as well as inspire positive change. On top of that, the multiple partners and the mission to improve global health allow the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to award multiple financial aids, scholarships, and grants so that students can have their projects, education, and ambition funded.

Undergraduate Programs: The 5-semester BSN program acts as a gateway for students to enter the field of nursing. The in-person classes are paired with extensive lab work and clinical rotations at some of the most prominent healthcare facilities in the state so that the students are ready to practice confidently once they pass their NCLEX-RN examinations.

Furthermore, for nurses who don’t have their bachelor’s degree, the university has an excellent RN-BSN gateway program. This 16-month program is fully online and allows RNs to obtain their BSN degree while continuing to work.

Graduate Programs: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has a Nurse Practitioner Concentration that offers two specialty track options; Acute Care Practitioner Adult-Gerontology and Family Nurse Practitioner Lifespan. These courses involve students in both didactic and clinical courses concurrently while reinforcing work in the clinical setting.

The DNP Nurse Anesthesia program combines rigorous coursework with extensive clinical experiences that allow graduates to work immediately as CRNAs without the need for additional on-the-job training.

Furthermore, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga School of Nursing also has two online DNP tracks available; DNP: Nursing and DNP: Nursing Administration Systems.  These tracks include research and leadership in their coursework, therefore, producing the next generation of nurse leaders and policymakers.

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 valuable healthcare team members. 

Nursing education at Columbia State Community College teaches the students the basics of collaboration, organization, delegation, accountability, advocacy, and respect for other healthcare workers. The nursing curriculum here combines general education with nursing education courses to provide the students with the scientific knowledge, and technical and interpersonal skills needed to make a difference in an individual’s health. In their clinical rotations, the students are taught to provide care to sick individuals as well as their families and communities. They are also taught to take care of groups of patients in acute, intermediate, and long-term care settings. Along with patient care and health promotion, they are also taught collaboration, organization, delegation, accountability, advocacy, and respect for other healthcare workers.

Undergraduate Programs: The AAS nursing degree can be completed in four semesters and allows students to sit for their NCLEX-RN examinations. The coursework itself is challenging and requires attention to time management and self-discipline to excel.

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 itself is committed to assisting every student in achieving success and thus they have specific plans, goals, and requirements requiring enrollment and re-entry so that each student gets the opportunity they deserve. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to function as productive team members of the healthcare team and practice safe nursing practices. The clinical hours and laboratory practice allow them to become effective providers as well as managers of care. The students are taught not only to work as members of a team but also to work independently with a network of individuals who can recognize and be in step with the rapid changes in the healthcare delivery processes. The nursing department also realizes and acts upon the necessity of continued professional growth and development through life-long learning.

Undergraduate Programs: The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) degree offers two options for students to get entry into the healthcare field. The traditional pathway accepts fall and spring applications where students can enroll in a degree that allows them to begin their healthcare journey. 

Similarly, there is a spring bridge to RN pathway that allows students who already have begun a nursing career to get their RN license upon passing their NCLEX-RN examinations.

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 at Jackson State Community College practice in diverse clinical environments such as hospitals, clinics, and extended care facilities to strengthen their skills and knowledge. Additionally, they are led by expert faculty who are currently practicing nursing, in these practicals as well as in their theory classes. The college administration and faculty are also continuously studying the healthcare environment and the students’ experiences to ensure that the curriculum evolves to encompass the recent rapid changes in healthcare. Graduates of the program have been found to function effectively as providers and managers of care, team players, and they abide by the legal and ethical standards of the profession.

Undergraduate Programs: The two-year Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) program prepares the students for entry-level skills and knowledge needed to begin a nursing career upon passing their NCLEX-RN examinations. The graduates can even choose to continue their education to the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.

Similarly, the LPN to RN career mobility track allows working LPNs to pursue their AAS in Nursing degree and take their NCLEX-RN examination. Applicants must possess a valid unencumbered Tennessee or multi-state practical nurse license and complete a minimum of 20 hours of prerequisites before applying for the course.

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.

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 University of Tennessee-Knoxville School of Nursing, nursing education comprises comprehensive educational programs led by highly qualified faculty. Similarly, the students spend hours upon hours in the simulation labs where they learn to practice their skills which focus on innovation, initiative, and teamwork. Similarly, they learn the basics of interprofessional collaboration, accountability, and how to care for real patients and their families in clinical rotations throughout the top healthcare institutions in the state. Furthermore, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville supports research and community outreach where students learn about evidence-based practice and how healthcare practices affect those living in the community. Similarly, the nursing programs at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville School of Nursing are highly accessible to communities across Tennessee and beyond.

Undergraduate Programs: The BSN program at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville School of Nursing combines the resources available at the campus with the healthcare agencies so that both faculty and students are able to fully participate in all aspects of the healthcare delivery system.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed for students with non-nursing bachelor's degrees so that they can complete the program in 12 to 18 months.

Similarly, the online RN to BSN program exists for RNs who do not have their bachelor’s degree but seek to get one without having to compromise their existing schedule.

Finally, the Nursing Honors Program at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville School of Nursing exists for providing an academically diverse and intellectual experience that includes enhanced nursing seminars, courses, and a scholarly project.

Graduate Programs: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville School of Nursing offers a variety of graduate options that are available for students who are working on or have already earned their MSN, DNP, or Ph.D. degrees. The certificate programs include options like FNP, Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Health Informatics, Nursing Education, and other clinical and non-clinical options.

There is also a Ph.D. program designed to prepare future nurse scientists, educators, and healthcare leaders. The program is offered for BSN, MSN, or DNP graduates.

Finally, the DNP program prepares nurse leaders by combining advanced practice nursing skills, appraisal and application of research, and leadership competence.

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.

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 Community College become RNs who can use clinical decision-making and evidence-based practice to provide healthcare to diverse individuals in all kinds of healthcare settings across the lifespan. The college is highly affordable and has a great record in terms of NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, and job placement rates of the past four years. In addition to this, the college has day and night programs for their AAS classes which allow students to choose to work and study in the shift that is feasible to them. Most graduates of the program have successfully found employment within one year of graduation in healthcare centers like hospitals, physician's offices, home healthcare agencies, nursing homes, outpatient care centers, government agencies, social assistance agencies, and educational services. 

Undergraduate Programs: The Associate RN program or the AAS in Nursing in Chattanooga State Community College accepts students in both the day and night shifts. The day program includes four clinical program courses that can be completed in two academic years and the night program includes five clinical program courses which students can complete in two and half years.

Furthermore, registered and working LPNs and Paramedics can choose to transition to RN by pursuing their AAS degree in Nursing to qualify to take their NCLEX-RN examination and work as RNs.

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 care, and a plethora of other areas.  

Nursing students of Cleveland State Community College graduate to become not only good care providers but also competent supervisors of care, nursing managers, counselors, and health promoters. In their extensive clinical hours, the students learn the application of nursing procedures and skills in a manner that benefits the patients and is rooted in evidence-based practice. Students learn in teams, either with themselves or with other healthcare providers in healthcare facilities. In such teams, they learn the importance of collaboration, communication, prioritization, delegation, and teamwork. The highly trained instructors also teach them to practice within the ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks of nursing and the standard of professional nursing practice. Thus the graduates of Cleveland State Community College are highly sought-after and find employment soon after graduation.

Undergraduate Programs: Cleveland State Community College offers three tracks for obtaining an AAS degree. There is a day option as well as a night option for students who have other commitments. Similarly, there is also an LPN - AAS bridge with a flexible schedule that allows working LPNs to work towards their AAS degree and subsequently their RN license.

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 Community College, the nursing program teaches students the art of nursing that includes providing evidence-based practice through discovery, integration, application, innovative technology, and scholarship. Students also participate in clinical practicals in hospitals and healthcare settings located in middle Tennessee, in addition to classroom education. The clinical practical includes rotations in nursing care of adults in a medical-surgical setting and an intensive care unit, family nursing including care of children and expectant mothers, mental health nursing, and community health nursing. In addition to classroom education, the highly dedicated faculty also help students succeed in reaching their educational and career goals, provide learning opportunities to serve students in occupational and educational settings, and respond to the educational and training demands of both students and employers.

Undergraduate Programs: The Nursing Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree at Nashville State Community College is a two-year course that includes both didactic and clinical training. Students are eligible to take and excel at their NCLEX-RN examinations upon graduation and graduates have been successfully working in multiple healthcare settings including obstetrics, psychiatric care, critical care, and other departments and facilities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 education from trained professionals, Dyersburg State Community College aims to elevate the region’s educational attainment and health which in turn helps to enhance the quality of life in West Tennessee. The college aims to provide leadership in public service activities, workforce development projects, and educational collaborations. As such it actively involves its students in lifelong learning, promotion of diversity, and improvement of the community as a whole. Nursing students benefit from the high-tech classrooms where they are instructed by some of the most highly-accredited healthcare professionals in the state. They also spend a huge portion of their academic years in clinical rotations in multiple healthcare facilities in the state where they learn to take care of a diverse population while also working in a team and applying evidence-based practice.

Undergraduate Programs: Dyersburg State Community College offers a traditional ASN program that allows students to sit for their NCLEX-RN examination and work as nurse generalists. The program is also available in the evening track where students will have two night classes a week.

Similarly, the Advanced Standing LPN-RN fast track is a one-year program that allows licensed LPNs to attend the classes while also remaining employed.

Finally, there is a Paramedic-RN program that aims to provide licensed paramedics with the opportunity to work towards their RN degrees. The program is three semesters long.

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.

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.

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 gain extensive clinical experiences regarding skills and knowledge to care for a variety of patients with acute and chronic illnesses at multiple hospitals and community settings. Students also get the chance to actively participate in research where they learn the techniques to research clinical problems and offer evidence-based solutions to clinical problems. Furthermore, King University School of Nursing provides students with the opportunity to participate in mission trips to countries like Honduras, India, Brazil, and Italy or opportunities in Washington. With the spirit of Christ in their hearts, students also participate in service-learning where they actively work in free health clinics, school systems, and community programs. During their course of study at King University, students interact and live with classmates from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and experiences.

Undergraduate Programs: The on-campus four-year BSN program at King University School of Nursing prepares students for their NCLEX-RN examination and life of professional nursing. The graduates are highly sought after and a huge number of them are recruited for key positions even before they graduate. 

There is also an RN-BSN program for RNs who wish to seek their bachelor’s degree. This program focuses on skill development and is available either on-campus, via synchronous learning, or fully online.

Graduate Programs: The MSN degree teaches students the advanced theoretical knowledge, research, and practice skills needed to function in increasingly complex care settings. The courses are available either online or on-campus, depending upon the specialization area. The specialization areas include FNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, and Nurse Administration.

King University School of Nursing also has a DNP program that prepares professional nurses in advanced nursing practice and leadership in the nursing profession.

There are also multiple Post Master’s Certificates for those who seek them.

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, clinical decision making, care provision, teaching and learning, collaboration, and care management of diverse client populations. In addition to classroom instruction, the students also participate in clinical rotations. The clinical practicum takes place in hospitals, extended care facilities, and other health and community agencies. Furthermore, the clinical facilities are located within the college’s 11-county service area so students get the chance to care for a diverse population in different specialty areas. In addition to being affordable and accessible, Motlow State Community College also features a single scholarship application system that allows nursing students to apply for all nursing scholarships together. 

Undergraduate Programs: The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Nursing is a four-semester curriculum that prepares students for their NCLEX-RN examination. Students learn under the guidance of highly qualified, experienced faculty, and their clinical experiences throughout Tennessee prepare them for a rewarding nursing career in any field of their choosing. Graduates contribute to the supply of registered nurses in Motlow State’s eleven county service areas.

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 is provided here.

Nursing students at Carson-Newman University gain a variety of clinical experiences in some of the best clinical facilities in the state including hospitals, nursing homes, and community health clinics. The bachelor-level graduates encompass more than 900 hours of clinical experience by the time they graduate. These experiences include rotations in emergency care, geriatric practice, obstetrics, pediatric nursing, and other prominent departments in different healthcare centers. Classroom instruction and clinical guidance come from highly experienced faculty who are able to provide undivided individual attention to the students thanks to the small class sizes. The education at this institution allows students to practice evidence-based practices while also demonstrating leadership and compassionate care that is concurrent with Christian values.

Undergraduate Programs: The BSN degree can be either completed in 8 semesters over four years or in 8 continuous semesters. Whichever the case, by the time they graduate, the students will have more than 900 hours of clinical experience across multiple healthcare facilities and departments.

Graduate Programs: Carson-Newman University also has an excellent MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner program that can either be completed by attending in-person classes one night a week or attending the entire course online. The clinical rotations allow students to gather experiences in women’s health, pediatrics, and primary care.

Similarly, there is a post-master’s FNP certificate program that is fully online and designed for professional, working nurses who can choose to work full-time while also continuing classes. Students can also choose to complete this program online.

Finally, the university also offers a fully online DNP program with courses that are focused on translating evidence for interprofessional practice, quality improvement, health policy, complex systems leadership, and many more leadership and managerial roles.