Tennessee Nursing Colleges, Degrees & Licenses
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Nurses are essential to the healthcare system. In Tennessee, despite having over 100,000 registered nurses, there is currently a shortage. According to an October 2022 report prepared by GlobalData for the Tennessee Hospital Association, Tennessee faced a shortfall of 15,700 registered nurses (RNs) in 2021. An extrapolation of current supply numbers and related patterns leads to a predicted shortfall of 8,500 RNs by 2035.
Factors cited as contributing to the shortage include an aging demographic within the nursing profession that ultimately leads to a sustained high retirement rate for years to come, an increase in diseases among those who continue to work that thereby impacts their availability and productivity, and a lack of nursing faculty actively training new nurses. The Covid-19 pandemic also exacted a heavy toll on healthcare professionals both within Tennessee and throughout the nation.
Another major factor ultimately impacting workforce resiliency and patient outcomes is a current regulation that impacts the state’s advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Examples include nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists. The current regulation binds APRNs to physician collaborators. In doing so, this regulation limits the geographic scope within which APRNs may easily practice and thereby often restricts access to care in the communities that are in most need of care, especially rural communities where physician practices are less likely to base their operations.
If APRNs were untethered from physician practices and given full practice authority, they could more easily meet the needs of people living in the more than two dozen primary care shortage areas that currently exist in Tennessee. Providing better quality care in a more timely way could reduce the frequency of health problems worsening to the point that hospitalization becomes necessary. A lowered hospitalization rate would improve the resiliency and productivity of the state’s workforce and thus strengthen the state’s economy.
Tennessee features a variety of academic programs for nursing professionals seeking to begin or advance their careers. These programs vary in terms of duration, intensity, and complexity. Like many states, Tennessee struggles to provide accessible and quality healthcare to its rural regions. Nursing professionals aspiring to work with rural populations will thus find ample opportunities to apply their skills.
Discover Tennessee’s top undergraduate and graduate nursing programs along with salary expectations and licensing requirements for nursing careers in this state.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Tennessee
The Austin Peay State University (APSU) School of Nursing offers a bachelor of science degree in nursing. This pre-licensure program offers two concentrations. One of these concentrations is the online RN-to-BSN concentration.
Students develop skills through evidence-based learning and practice. The curriculum follows the American Association of College of Nurses’ professional nursing standards and the American Nurses’ Association code of ethics. Students complete three semesters of nursing prerequisite courses and five semesters of nursing courses. Upon graduation, students can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurse licensure.
Graduates emerge with several skills, including evidence-based practice to support optimal patient outcomes; a capacity to synthesize, analyze, and disseminate knowledge in support of patient care; the effective use of varied methodologies and healthcare technologies to provide quality care; and self-care and professional skills necessary to sustain a lifelong nursing career.
- Location: Clarksville, TN
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $292 per credit for 1-12 credits and $58 per credit for each additional hour (in-state); $523 per credit for first 12 credits (out-of-state)
The Belmont University Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing offers a 128-credit bachelor of science in nursing degree program. This student-centered program offers an education in a caring Christian community defined by a culture of openness, mutual respect, and compassion. This academically challenging program trains diverse student cohorts in the skills necessary to become intelligent, compassionate, and courageous nursing professionals.
Features of this program include direct admission into the nursing program with nursing coursework beginning in the first semester, exceptional faculty who serve as both mentors and advisors, small class and clinical groups, an accredited nursing simulation center with state-of-the-art facilities, and five dedicated nursing labs, and participation in interdisciplinary simulations and service projects with students in social work, pharmacy, OT, PT, public health and graduate nursing programs. In addition, May 2023 program graduates had a 98.5 percent pass rate on their first attempt on the NCLEX exam.
Graduates discover various career possibilities in areas including hospital-based acute care, intensive and emergency care, specialty population care, case management, public health and community-based nursing, and research nursing.
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $1,485 per hour
The Cumberland University Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree program. The program was ranked first in Tennessee in 2021 based on its NCLEX pass rate.
The program features two tracks: a direct track to a BSN degree and a track for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to obtain a BSN degree. Qualities this program seeks in applicants include scholarship, caring, resilience, integrity, collaboration, service, passion, vision, excellence, professionalism, motivation, and a commitment to excellence.
The BSN track curriculum features a requirement of 1,080 clinical hours and experiential and service learning such as transcultural learning abroad nursing trips, using state-of-the-art human simulators, and participation in community health fairs designed to promote wellness in middle Tennessee. Graduates may work in many nursing specialty areas, including flight nursing, palliative care, telehealth, informatics, midwifery, and forensics.
The LPN-to-BSN track is designed to supplement the knowledge LPNs already hold such that they can obtain a BSN and expand their career possibilities. Students of this track begin nursing courses in their first semester. This program features full- and part-time options with hybrid courses available in an asynchronous online format. Students can receive credit for past training specific to their LPN studies and thereby complete this program in as little as four semesters.
- Location: Lebanon, TN
- Duration: Four years for BSN; as short as four semesters for LPN-BSN track
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $1,110 per credit; $13,320 per semester if taking at least 12 credits
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University offers a wealth of nursing undergraduate and graduate degree options. This entry profiles only two of the undergraduate programs offered. Prospective applicants should search the website for more information on the school’s programs. ETSU programs can be especially suitable for students interested in a future career focused on rural practice.
The ETSU Accelerated BSN program is a 72-credit bachelor’s degree that allows students to complete a route to licensure in just five semesters. This program emphasizes leadership, evidence-based nursing practice, and culturally relevant care.
Students complete their clinical experience requirement within the largest health systems in the region. The program is offered in Johnson City, Kingsport, and Sevierville. This degree is awarded after completing all nursing course work qualifying you to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
The traditional BSN program is a four-year program featuring university general education courses (three semesters) and nursing major coursework (five semesters). To become a BSN major, applicants enroll at ETSU as a health professions nursing Interest major, change majors, or transfer to ETSU from another college or university. Successful graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
- Location: Programs are offered in varied cities; see website for details
- Duration: Five to eight semesters (four years) depending on education level and degree requirements upon entry
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $4,975 per semester for in-state and bordering counties; $5,395 for students from adjacent states
The Freed Hardeman University Department of Nursing offers a four-year bachelor of science in nursing degree program. This program, based on a foundation of Christian values, trains students in the nursing knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to provide holistic care to individuals, groups, and entire communities.
The bachelor’s degree curriculum is divided into two sections. One section comprises general education coursework in disciplines such as the natural sciences, behavioral sciences, liberal arts, and humanities. This section also includes 16 credits of Bible study. The second section is 54 credits of nursing major coursework. Topics within nursing include concepts of nursing, skills for healthcare professionals, care of diverse patient populations, and promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health.
- Location: Henderson, TN
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: Contact the school for a customized assessment
Lipscomb University offers students a learning environment featuring a Christ-centered, professional faculty dedicated to training nursing professionals in the art of healing and nurturing both body and soul.
Lipscomb University offers students three pathways to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing. Students may enter as a freshman via the direct admit pathway. Undeclared Lipscomb undergraduate and transfer students may enter after completing prerequisites via the transfer pathway. The third path, namely the RN-BSN pathway, is open to registered nurses who hold an associate’s degree in nursing. Please note that the RN-BSN program is inactive during the 2023-2024 academic year.
The pre-licensure bachelor of science degree in nursing is designed for students with minimal or no prior experience in nursing. It is the common pathway for recently graduated high school students. This 128-credit program features education in a number of topics including critical care, obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health, and community-based learning. The curriculum also features a nursing capstone course in the student’s final semester. This course prepares the senior nursing student to enter professional practice. It also enhances students’ knowledge and confidence so they can successfully sit for the (NCLEX-RN).
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $37,152 per year (including fees); junior year nurses also pay a nursing fee of $6,630 (senior year nursing fee is $6,670)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Tennessee
Carson-Newman University, ranked as one of the most affordable Christian universities in the nation, offers a 46-credit master of science in nursing degree with a track for those seeking to become family nurse practitioners (MSN-FNP). This program is designed for full-time nurse professionals who already hold a BSN. This program is fully online and thus provides the flexibility often essential for busy working professionals to concurrently further their education.
The curriculum also has a clinical requirement—a critical part of education in many healthcare profession training programs. It typically provides real-life practice under expert supervision and may also serve as a networking experience that introduces students to potential employers. A placement specialist will assist students by providing comprehensive clinical placement services. This assistance includes ensuring a proposed clinical site meets program and state-specific requirements. Students can complete clinical placements in women’s health, pediatrics, or primary care. The total clinical hour requirement is 660 to 690 hours.
- Location: Jefferson City, TN
- Duration: 32 months or more
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $650 per credit
Cumberland University offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) program with two concentration options. Those options are nurse educator and nurse executive leadership and administration. The MSN program offers an evidence-based curriculum designed to fulfill its mission of training nursing professionals to effectively work in various educational and leadership roles in the ever changing healthcare industry.
The nurse educator concentration prepares nurses to work in educational roles in academia, healthcare organizations, and healthcare systems. This concentration reviews learning theories, research, and best practices in nursing education. The program prepares students to develop curricula, deliver content, and perform assessments of program outcomes. The executive leadership and administration concentration trains its students to develop and apply knowledge and skills necessary for the successful management of healthcare quality and patient safety.
- Location: Lebanon, TN
- Duration: Five semesters
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $690 per credit
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University offers a wealth of nursing undergraduate and graduate degree options. This entry profiles only two of the graduate programs offered. Prospective applicants should thoroughly search the university website for more information on the school’s diverse program offerings.
The BSN/MSN-to-PhD program is especially suited to students dedicated to scholarship who wish to make a noteworthy contribution to nursing. This program prepares nurse scientists to apply research and scholarship skills to improve individualized healthcare and healthcare delivery systems. This program features a blended/online curriculum, and interprofessional learning experiences and emphasizes using research to improve outcomes for patients, communities, and healthcare delivery systems. Part-time students may complete this program in ten semesters while full-time students may complete it in as little as seven. This timeline includes all program features including preparation for, and completion of, the student’s dissertation.
The fully online RN-MSN program provides training for nursing professionals to develop advanced knowledge in a particular focus area at the master’s degree level. This program offers specialty concentrations in nursing administration, psychiatric mental health nurse practice, nursing education, and family nurse practice. The curriculum features interprofessional and simulation experiences.
Applicants seeking admission to the MSN program must fulfill all requirements for admission to the ETSU College of Graduate Studies. They must hold an RN license and a non-nursing BA/BS degree.
- Location: Programs are offered in varied cities; see website for details
- Duration: Between five and ten semesters depending on program and pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: Contact the school for a customized assessment
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program with multiple concentration options. These options include family nurse practitioner (FNP), family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMH), and nursing administration. The time commitment and number of credits required for graduation vary among the different concentrations. Requirements such as clinical placements, directed/research/capstone projects, and certification exams also vary among the concentrations. Full- and part-time study options are typically available for these programs.
Upon completion of their particular concentration, graduates may fill any number of roles in the nursing profession. Given the wide variety of potential roles among these concentrations, students seeking an MSN at LMU will likely be able to find a concentration that matches their particular specialization of interest.
- Location: Harrogate, TN
- Duration: 17 to 28 months depending on concentration and pace of study
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $740 per credit (FNP, PMH) and $565 for nursing administration
Middle Tennessee State University
The Middle Tennessee State University School of Nursing has offered a graduate program in nursing since 2005. The master of science degree in nursing (MSN) program is designed to accommodate working professionals who need flexibility as a prerequisite for continuing their education. Except for required clinical rotations, students complete coursework online.
Students may choose from one of two concentrations. They may train to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP) or a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Both concentrations offer options to complete the programs in four or five semesters. All programs require the completion of 42 credit hours.
- Location: Murfreesboro, TN
- Duration: Four to five semesters
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $536 per credit hour for in-state; $1,483 for non-resident students
The Southern Adventist University School of Nursing offers a variety of bachelors, master’s, and doctoral level nursing programs. This entry focuses specifically on two master’s level programs.
The accelerated RN-to-MSN program allows RNs to move quickly through the BS and MSN nursing coursework requirements to ultimately obtain a master’s degree. No BS degree is awarded unless a student chooses not to complete the accelerated program but instead completes the regular BS program requirements. This program requires completion of 50 to 62 credits and features five different potential concentrations. These concentrations are acute care/adult gerontology nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and three focus areas within the role of primary care practitioner: family nurse practitioner, adult/gerontology practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
The master of science in nursing program is designed for experienced nurses who seek professional advancement without the necessity of obtaining a terminal degree. The MSN program is structured to meet essential MSN competencies through core and emphasis classes. This program features the same concentration options as the accelerated program mentioned above. Students complete anywhere between 44 and 56 credits to graduate.
- Location: Collegedale, TN
- Duration: Two years for strictly master’s degree programs and up to four years for accelerated RN to MSN program
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $715 per credit
Regularly ranked as one of the nation’s top Christian universities, Union University integrates academics with Christian faith throughout all its programs of study. The Union University College of Nursing offers a master of science degree (MSN) in nursing. This program educates students in advanced theory as well as practice in a specialty area of nursing.
Students may choose from one of four available tracks: nurse practitioner, education, administration, and an MSN/MBA dual degree featuring training in both nursing and business. Full-time, part-time, and online learning options make the university’s programs accessible to many students.
Graduates can analyze nursing problems, promote the health and well-being of people, and apply principles of spiritual care and bio-ethics in their ongoing patient care duties. This program prepares students for leadership roles within their chosen specialization and also provides the foundation necessary to pursue a doctoral nursing program.
- Location: Hendersonville, TN
- Duration: Four semesters (full-time) to seven semesters (part-time)
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $685 per credit for the nurse practitioner track
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing school accreditation is a voluntary but important step programs take to demonstrate that nurses who complete their program have received a quality education. When looking for a nursing program, it is important to make sure that the program is accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These organizations are responsible for ensuring that nursing programs meet certain standards and provide students with a quality education.
In Tennessee, in order to be eligible to obtain an RN license, students must attend a Tennessee Board of Nursing-approved program. Accredited nursing programs operating within Tennessee will typically be accredited by ACEN or CCNE. Additional necessary steps to become a licensed RN include passing a criminal background check, completing the TN Board of Nursing application for licensure, and passing the NCLEX exam.
After first obtaining their license, nursing professionals maintain their skills through continued education. Continuing education is an important way for nurses to maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties and renew their licenses in the future.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Tennessee?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2022—the latest data available as of December 2023.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 641,240 | 20,480 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $51,850 | $46,540 |
| 10th percentile | $37,150 | $36,360 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,070 | $46,930 |
| 90th percentile | $63,790 | $57,140 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,047,530 | 60,840 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $82,750 | $72,480 |
| 10th percentile | $59,450 | $51,270 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $77,600 | $65,800 |
| 90th percentile | $120,250 | $95,490 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 43,950 | 1,760 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $202,470 | $174,170 |
| 10th percentile | $131,840 | $138,130 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $195,610 | $177,340 |
| 90th percentile | >$208,000 per year | $223,010 |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 7,750 | 180 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $114,210 | $97,920 |
| 10th percentile | $61,500 | $87,400 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $112,830 | $93,600 |
| 90th percentile | $166,170 | $111,300 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 234,690 | 13,060 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $118,040 | $99,330 |
| 10th percentile | $79,470 | $47,950 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $120,680 | $103,080 |
| 90th percentile | $163,350 | $131,820 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licenses in Tennessee
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee LPN license requirements are:
| Tennessee licensed LPNs are required to renew their licenses every two years. In addition to submitting a renewal application and paying the $100 fee, LPNs must complete two out of 15 continuing competency requirements. |
Registered Nurse (RN) Licenses in Tennessee
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Department of Health Board of Nursing | RN license requirements in Tennessee are:
| Tennessee requires registered nurses to renew their licenses every two years. In addition to submitting a renewal application and paying the $100 fee, nurses must complete two out of 15 continuing competency requirements. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licenses in Tennessee
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| In Tennessee, an NP is licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a license:
|
APRNs must renew their license biennially and current national certification is a requirement. APRNs with certificates of fitness are required to complete two hours of continuing education related to prescribing controlled substances. There is a renewal fee of $110. |
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) Licenses in Tennessee
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Tennessee, a CNM is licensed as an APRN and must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a license:
|
APRNs in Tennessee must renew their license biennially and national certification is a requirement. APRNs with certificates of fitness are required to complete two hours of continuing education related to prescribing controlled substances. There is a renewal fee of $110. |
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Licenses in Tennessee
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Tennessee, a CRNA is licensed as an APRN and must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a license:
|
APRNs in Tennessee must renew their license biennially, and national certification is a requirement. APRNs with certificates of fitness are required to complete two hours of continuing education related to prescribing controlled substances. There is a renewal fee of $110. |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licenses in Tennessee
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Tennessee, a CNS is licensed as an APRN and must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a license:
|
APRNs must renew their license biennially and national certification is a requirement. APRNs with certificates of fitness are required to complete two hours of continuing education related to prescribing controlled substances. There is a renewal fee of $110. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].