Fastest Nursing Programs in Tennessee (2026)

The fastest accredited nursing program in Tennessee takes 12 months. Compare accelerated BSN (12–18 months), ADN (18–24 months), and LPN/LVN (9–12 months) pathways below — then request free info from programs accepting applications now.

12 mo

Shortest Program

181

Accredited Programs

$82K

Avg RN Salary

172

Online / Hybrid

14

Entry-Level RN

1

LPN / LVN

Salary source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024

Key takeaways

  • Fastest accredited program in Tennessee: 12 months.
  • Prioritize NCLEX pass rates over raw speed — a longer program with 95% outcomes beats a fast program with 70%.
  • Tennessee offers 14 entry-level RN programs, 1 LPN/LVN programs, and 48 bridge/transition programs.
  • Total tuition across Tennessee programs ranges from $8,100 to $140,000.
  • Registered nurses in Tennessee earn $82,010/year on average (BLS May 2024).

Choose your pathway

Compare Fastest Programs Accepting Applications in Tennessee

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These accredited programs are currently enrolling Tennessee residents. Request free tuition and start-date information — no obligation, accredited programs only.

Fastest ABSN & ADN Programs

Accelerated BSN and ADN pathways — the fastest routes to full RN licensure, and the shortest time to a hospital paycheck.

Fastest LPN / LVN Programs

LPN and LVN certificates are typically the fastest nursing credential (9–12 months). Compare vocational schools accepting Tennessee residents. Showing matches near ZIP 43215.

RN-to-BSN & Bridge Programs

Already licensed as an RN? Compare accredited bridge programs completing your BSN or MSN in 12–18 months — many are built around working nurses' schedules.

Fastest Tennessee campus programs by completion time

Among 12 Tennessee nursing programs at Tennessee-based schools with listed completion times, the shortest runs 12 months (Vanderbilt University, BSN) and listed durations extend to 60 months. Program data current as of 2026-08-21.

Degree

Delivery

Showing 12 of 12 programs. Ranked by shortest listed completion time.

Source: MyNursingSchools program directory as of 2026-08-21. Programs without a listed duration are omitted.

A further 169 accredited programs enroll Tennessee residents without being headquartered here — almost all online. See all online programs for Tennessee.

Get Matched with Fast Programs in Tennessee

RNs in Tennessee earn $82,010/year on average. Tell us your timeline and we'll match you with programs you can start this year — free, ~30 seconds.

Quick Picks by Situation

Our analysis of Tennessee programs — matched to the most common student goals.

  • Fastest path to any nursing credential

    LPN program — 11 months

    Concorde Career College. Entry-level; graduates work under RN supervision.

  • Fastest path to RN licensure

    ABSN — 12 months

    Vanderbilt University. Full RN license; eligible for hospital employment.

  • Lowest debt while becoming an RN

    Community college ADN — from $14,560

    Excelsior University. Longer waitlists are common; plan 1–2 years ahead.

  • Best for working adults

    Online program — 9 months

    Chamberlain University. Flexible didactic schedule; clinical hours remain on-site.

What most students overlook

A 9-month program is not automatically better. Programs with weak clinical rotations, poor NCLEX prep, or high attrition rates can cost you more time in the long run. We recommend prioritizing: NCLEX outcomes → clinical quality → accreditation → then speed — not just duration.

How to choose a fast nursing program in Tennessee

Tennessee can be one of the lowest total-cost states in which to become an RN, because state-funded last-dollar tuition programs can cover community college coursework for residents who qualify — which makes the ADN-then-bridge route hard to beat here. The job market is genuinely multi-metro rather than concentrated in one city: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Tri-Cities each anchor their own hospital systems, and a program's clinical partnerships rarely travel between them. Tennessee also borders eight states and belongs to the Nurse Licensure Compact, which makes the license unusually portable if you live near a line.

Tennessee student checklist

  • Check whether you qualify for Tennessee Promise or Tennessee Reconnect before paying community college tuition — confirm current eligibility rules with the school, because for those who qualify they change the ADN math entirely.
  • Tennessee is a Nurse Licensure Compact state and borders eight others (AL, AR, GA, KY, MO, MS, NC, VA) — compact eligibility is worth more here than in most states.
  • Choose your metro before your program: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga clinical placements are largely separate markets, and a program's hospital relationships usually don't transfer between them.
  • Screen on the Tennessee Board of Nursing's most recent program-level NCLEX-RN results rather than a school's marketing average.
  • RN-to-BSN online completion while working is the standard Tennessee career path — ask your employer about tuition assistance before paying out of pocket.

Editorial note: In Tennessee the most expensive avoidable mistake is enrolling in the wrong metro — a Memphis clinical placement does little for a Nashville job search, and the two markets hire on different timelines.

What Students in Tennessee Should Know

Speed vs. NCLEX outcomes — a real trade-off

Accelerated programs compress the same curriculum into a shorter timeframe — often 40+ hours per week. Before committing, always ask the program for its three-year first-time NCLEX pass rate. A program with a 72% pass rate and 12-month timeline may leave you spending months and hundreds of dollars on retakes, offsetting any time gained.

Public vs. private programs: the cost spectrum

In Tennessee, program tuition ranges from $8,100 to $140,000 total. Community college ADN programs are the most affordable option — sometimes under $15,000 total — but often have waitlists of 1–2 years. Private accelerated programs have more immediate availability but can exceed $60,000. Factor your total cost of attendance (including living expenses during the program) against your expected starting RN salary when comparing.

Online and hybrid options in Tennessee

172 programs in Tennessee offer online or hybrid scheduling. Online programs handle didactic coursework remotely but still require on-site clinical hours. For working adults who cannot commit to full-time on-campus attendance, these can extend the program by a few months while keeping it compatible with part-time employment.

Choosing an Accelerated Nursing Program in Tennessee

Before choosing the fastest option, weigh these factors in order:

  1. NCLEX pass rate — look for first-time rates above 85%.
  2. Clinical placement quality — schools with hospital partnerships provide more reliable rotations.
  3. Accreditation — CCNE or ACEN required. Unaccredited programs may not qualify for NCLEX or financial aid.
  4. Total cost — include tuition, fees, and cost of living during the program.
  5. Timeline to start — fast programs with 18-month waitlists are not actually faster.

Typical duration by pathway

Fastest nursing credentials in Tennessee — typical completion timelines
PathwayTypical durationLicense / credential
LPN / LVN Certificate9–12 monthsLPN/LVN — practice under RN supervision
ADN (Associate Degree)18–24 monthsRN license (NCLEX-RN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)12–18 monthsRN license (NCLEX-RN)
RN-to-BSN12–18 monthsBSN completion for licensed RNs

Related Tennessee Nursing Guides

compare Tennessee nursing tuitionTennessee NCLEX pass ratesAccelerated BSNAll Programs in TennesseeOnline ProgramsPrograms for Working AdultsLPN to RNRN to BSNHow to Become a NurseNursing scholarships in TennesseeRN Salary DataFastest Programs (National)

Fastest Nursing Programs in Tennessee — FAQ

How fast can I complete a nursing program in Tennessee?

The fastest accredited nursing programs in Tennessee can be completed in as little as 12 months. Accelerated BSN programs typically run 12–18 months for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree.

What is the fastest nursing degree I can get in Tennessee?

LPN certificate programs are typically the fastest pathway (9–12 months), followed by ADN programs (18–24 months). Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs can be completed in 12–18 months for career changers with prior college credits.

What is the fastest LPN or LVN program in Tennessee?

Among programs in our directory, the shortest LPN/LVN pathway in Tennessee is 11 months at Concorde Career College. Vocational schools often offer 9–12 month certificates even when community colleges run longer ADN waitlists.

Which accelerated nursing programs in Tennessee are accepting students now?

The sponsored program matches at the top of this page show accredited ABSN, ADN, and LPN/LVN programs currently accepting applications from Tennessee residents. Request free information to compare start dates, tuition, and clinical placement options — no obligation.

How much do registered nurses earn in Tennessee?

Registered nurses in Tennessee earn an average of $82,010 per year ($39/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Tennessee is projected to grow 6.9% through 2032.

Are fast nursing programs in Tennessee accredited?

Yes — every program in our listing is accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or holds state board approval. Accreditation is required to sit for the NCLEX licensing exam and to qualify for federal financial aid.

Do fast nursing programs have lower NCLEX pass rates?

Not necessarily. Many accelerated programs maintain NCLEX pass rates above 90%, particularly those that use rigorous selection criteria and integrated simulation labs. Always ask a program for its three-year NCLEX pass rate before enrolling.

Should I prioritize speed or NCLEX outcomes when choosing a program?

Prioritize NCLEX outcomes first. A program that finishes two months sooner but has a 70% first-time pass rate will likely cost you more time overall than a program with a 95% rate. Speed matters, but not more than your licensing success.

Can I use a Tennessee nursing license in other states?

Yes — Tennessee is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. Once Tennessee is your primary state of residence, a multistate license may allow you to practice in other compact states without separate endorsements.

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