Nursing Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee has a rich history that dates back millions of years. This history is recounted in Centennial Park located in the state's capital of Nashville. Today, the state has a population of well over six million people and boasts some of the most diverse topography and musicians of any state in the union. What's more, is that not only is the state's capital city Nashville considered Music City, USA, but is also one of the top cities in America for healthcare organizations including Hospital Corporation of America, Community Health Systems, HealthStream, and hundreds more. That's why it's no surprise there are numerous excellent nursing schools in Tennessee.

Nursing Education in Tennessee

When it comes to the educational options available throughout the state of Tennessee, there are several options to choose from; the most well-known being the University of Tennessee as well as Vanderbilt University. As with many of the other educational institutions throughout the country, many schools such as these offer different degree levels that include bachelor’s, Masters's, PhDs, and Doctoral degrees.

The state of Tennessee has many other universities and colleges to choose from other than the two previously mentioned. Nonetheless, the types of courses one takes will be determined by the selected degree program; each degree program is structured differently.

After nurses have completed their training and education, they will have ample opportunities for employment in Tennessee – an area projected to have a 20% increase by the year 2030. As such, also expected is that LPN and RN salaries will also be increasing at a high rate. This, combined with the state's 0% income rate, makes it an attractive place to live.

Potential job offers may be available at locations such as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, Johnson City Medical Center, and St. Jude's, as well as other healthcare facilities.

Sponsored Programs

Featured Programs

Austin Peay State University School of Nursing

Austin Peay is a four-year public, master’s level university offering over 56 majors and 63 different concentrations. The APSU School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an RN to BSN bridge program, and a Master of Science in Nursing. The MSN allows students to select from three concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner; Nursing Administration; and Nursing Education. Post master’s certificates are also available for students who have completed a master’s degree in nursing and wish to gain additional specialization in a further concentration area. Both the RN-BSN Completion track and the MSN are offered online.

601 College Street

Clarksville, TN 37040

Ellington Building, Rm 129

800-844-2778

Website: http://www.apsu.edu

Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences School of Nursing

Baptist Memorial College is a private, specialized educational institution that is aligned with a distinctive set of Christian beliefs. It was founded in 1912 and focuses on education in the health sciences. Its nursing programs are designed to prepare professional nurses who are ready for careers of service and leadership and are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

On offer at the school are a traditional BSN, an RN to BSN completion program, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). Students benefit from one-on-one instruction, a collaborative learning environment, access to a simulation laboratory, and easy access to clinical rotations.

The DNP option is a new program of study for the school and will lead to certification as Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner after approximately three years of study for existing BSN-qualified students.

1003 Monroe Avenue

Memphis, TN 38104

866-575-2247

Website: http://www.bchs.edu

Cumberland University School of Nursing

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Cumberland University is a private liberal arts university that was founded in 1842 and has just under 2,000 students enrolled.

On offer at the Rudy School of Nursing are a traditional eight-semester BSN, an RN to BSN completion pathway, an accelerated BSN, and an MSN program. The curriculum for all programs is focused upon the development of transfer of learning to practice, critical thinking, and decision-making. Programs can be completed on a part or full-time basis.

Traditional BSN students must first be admitted to Cumberland University and declare nursing as their major. Applicants require a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in lower division coursework with no grade below a C. RN to BSN students may study the 36-39 credit hours program fully online and can complete the coursework in as little as 12 months.

Two specialization tracks are available through the online master’s program: Nurse Educator; and Nurse Executive Leadership and Administration. The program has a duration of approximately 18 months.

1 Cumberland Square

Lebanon, TN 37087

615-444-2562

Website: http://www.cumberland.edu

King University School of Nursing

Founded in 1867, King University is a Presbyterian-affiliated Christian educational community dedicated to the integration of liberal arts academic programming alongside the exploration of faith. Its nursing program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). King University is ranked #89 in Regional Universities South by the US News & World Report 2018.

Nursing students focus on themes of diversity, social tolerance and justice and the physical, spiritual, and intellectual dimensions of health. They develop key competencies to promote, maintain, and restore health through planned classroom and clinical experiences. Opportunities to participate in mission trips to Honduras, India, Brazil, Italy, and Washington D.C. also feature as highlights of the program

Courses on offer at the school include a four-year BSN, options for existing RNs to go back to their studies either online or on campus, and DNP and MSN programs for graduate students.

1350 King College Road

Bristol TN 37620

800-362-0014

Website: http://www.king.edu

Tennessee Board of Nursing Approved Schools

Aquinas College School of Nursing
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Programs: BSN, MSN
Founded: 1961
Accreditation: ACEN – Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing
Website: http://www.aquinas-tn.edu

Austin Peay State University School of Nursing
Location: Clarksville, Tennessee
Programs: BSN
Founded: 1927
Accreditation: ACEN – Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing
Website: http://www.apsu.edu

Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences School of Nursing
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Programs: BSN
Founded: 1994
Accreditation: CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Website: http://www.bchs.edu

Belmont University School of Nursing
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Programs: BSN, MSN
Founded: 1951
Accreditation: CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Website: http://www.belmont.edu

Carson-Newman College School of Nursing
Location: Jefferson City, Tennessee
Programs: BSN, MSN
Founded: 1851
Accreditation: CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Website: http://www.cn.edu

Cumberland University School of Nursing
Location: Lebanon, Tennessee
Programs: BSN
Founded: 1842
Accreditation: ACEN – Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing
Website: http://www.cumberland.edu

East Tennessee State University School of Nursing
Location: Johnson City, Tennessee
Programs: BSN, MSN, PhD
Founded: 1911
Accreditation: ACEN – Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing
Website: http://www.etsu.edu

King College School of Nursing
Location: Bristol, Tennessee
Programs: BSN
Founded: 1867
Accreditation: CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Website: http://www.king.edu

Lincoln Memorial University School of Nursing
Location: Harrogate, Tennessee
Programs: BSN
Founded: 1897
Accreditation: ACEN – Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing
Website: http://www.lmunet.edu

Middle Tennessee State University School of Nursing
Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Programs: BSN
Founded: 1911
Accreditation: CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
and ACEN – Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing
Website: http://www.mtsu.edu

Southern Adventist University School of Nursing
Location: Collegedale, Tennessee
Programs: BSN, MSN
Founded: 1892
Accreditation: ACEN – Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing
Website: http://www.southern.edu

Tennessee State University School of Nursing
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Programs: BSN, MSN
Founded: 1912
Accreditation: ACEN – Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing
Website: http://www.tnstate.edu

Tennessee Technological University School of Nursing
Location: Cookeville, Tennessee
Programs: BSN
Founded: 1915
Accreditation: CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Website: http://www.tntech.edu

Tennessee Wesleyan College School of Nursing
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Programs: BSN
Founded: 1857
Accreditation: CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Website: http://www.twcnet.edu

Union University School of Nursing
Location: Jackson, Tennessee
Programs: BSN, MSN
Founded: 1823
Accreditation: CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Website: http://www.uu.edu

The University of Memphis School of Nursing
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Programs: BSN, MSN
Founded: 1912
Accreditation: CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
and ACEN – Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing
Website: http://www.memphis.edu

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga School of Nursing
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Programs: BSN, MSN
Founded: 1886
Accreditation: CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Website: http://www.utc.edu

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville School of Nursing
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Programs: BSN, MSN, PhD
Founded: 1794
Accreditation: ACEN – Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing
Website: http://www.utk.edu

The University of Tennessee-Martin School of Nursing
Location: Martin, Tennessee
Programs: BSN
Founded: 1900
Accreditation: ACEN – Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing
Website: http://www.utm.edu

The University of Tennessee Memphis School of Nursing
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Programs: BSN, MSN, PhD
Founded: 1911
Accreditation: CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Website: http://www.utmem.edu