LPN to RN Programs in Tennessee (2026)

Advance from Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse in Tennessee. Compare 1 accredited bridge program with real tuition data, program length, and Tennessee-specific licensing context.

Limited LPN / ADN listings in Tennessee

Our directory currently shows fewer than 8 combined LPN and ADN programs for Tennessee. Explore the Tennessee nursing hub, online programs in Tennessee, or national LPN-to-RN programs.

Among the LPN and ADN programs shown for Tennessee in our sample, 33% are fully online, 0% hybrid, and 67% on-campus (first-page results from our directory).

LPN Programs

ADN Programs

11 mo

Fastest Bridge

+$8K

Salary Jump (LPN→RN)

Find LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs in Tennessee

Advancing to RN in Tennessee can mean +$8K/year. Compare 3 bridge programs by tuition, format, and start date — enter your zip code to get matched.

Why Advance from LPN to RN in Tennessee?

The LPN-to-RN bridge is one of the most financially efficient moves in nursing. LPNs already have clinical experience and foundational medical knowledge — bridge programs build on that foundation rather than starting from scratch, cutting the time to RN licensure in half compared to a pre-licensure ADN program.

In Tennessee, registered nurses earn an average of $68,020 per year — roughly $8,290 more than the national LPN median. With Tennessee nursing job growth projected at 6.9% through 2032, the demand for RNs — and the salary premium they command — will only grow.

Beyond pay, RN licensure expands your scope of practice to include comprehensive patient assessments, IV therapy, care plan development, and greater clinical autonomy. It also opens the door to specialty certifications, charge-nurse roles, and graduate programs (MSN, DNP) that can lead to advanced practice salaries exceeding $120,000.

Two Paths: LPN-to-ADN vs. LPN-to-BSN

LPN → ADN (Fastest)

Duration: 12–18 months
Outcome: Associate Degree in Nursing + NCLEX-RN eligibility
Best for: LPNs who want to start earning RN wages quickly
Many nurses later complete an RN-to-BSN while working.

LPN → BSN (Most Competitive)

Duration: 2–3 years
Outcome: Bachelor of Science in Nursing + NCLEX-RN eligibility
Best for: LPNs targeting Magnet hospitals or grad school
Required for many Tennessee hospital leadership tracks.

Admission Tips for LPN-to-RN Applicants in Tennessee

Current, Active LPN License

Most programs require an active, unencumbered LPN license in Tennessee at time of enrollment. Verify your license is in good standing with the Tennessee Board of Nursing before applying.

Prerequisite Science Courses

Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry are commonly required. Check each program's prerequisites before applying — completing them at a community college while working as an LPN is a common strategy.

Work Experience

Most programs prefer 1+ year of clinical LPN experience. Some require it. Highlight diverse clinical settings (hospital, long-term care, home health) in your application.

Credit Evaluation

Request a credit evaluation from each program's admissions office to understand exactly how much of your LPN coursework transfers. This directly affects total cost — and programs in Tennessee start as low as $22,000.

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LPN Programs in Tennessee

1 program listed for Tennessee.

Program	School	Format	Duration	Tuition
LPN (Practical Nursing)	Concorde Career College	On Campus	11 mo	$22,000	Get Info →

ADN Programs in Tennessee

Associate Degree in Nursing programs — the most common outcome of an LPN-to-RN bridge. 2 programs available in Tennessee.

Program	School	Format	Duration	Tuition
ADN	Concorde Career College	On Campus	22 mo	$35,000	Get Info →
ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)	Excelsior University	Online	24 mo	$14,560	Get Info →

See all nursing programs in Tennessee →

Get Matched with Tennessee Bridge Programs

Compare your options side by side — tuition, format, and admissions requirements. Enter your zip to see which programs are accepting Tennessee students.

How do I go from LPN to RN in Tennessee?

To advance from LPN to RN in Tennessee, enroll in an LPN-to-RN bridge program at an accredited nursing school. These programs typically award credit for your LPN coursework and take 12 to 18 months to complete. At graduation you sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The Tennessee Board of Nursing (https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/nursing-board.html) issues RN licenses and can confirm current requirements.

How long does LPN to RN take in Tennessee?

Most LPN-to-RN bridge programs available in Tennessee take 12 to 18 months full-time. The fastest option currently listed for Tennessee is 11 months. Part-time enrollment extends the timeline to 18–24 months. Programs that award a direct-entry BSN at completion may take longer than those that award an ADN.

How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in Tennessee?

Registered nurses in Tennessee earn an average of $68,020 per year (BLS May 2023). The national median for licensed practical nurses is $59,730 — a difference of roughly $8,290 per year. Most LPN-to-RN programs pay for themselves within the first year of RN practice based on that salary increase alone.

Do LPN credits transfer in Tennessee?

Most LPN-to-RN programs accept 15 to 30 LPN credits through advanced standing or articulation agreements. The exact number depends on the program and your LPN coursework. Some schools require a validation exam or skills assessment before awarding credit. Ask each program's admissions office for a transfer credit evaluation before applying.

What is the difference between LPN-to-ADN and LPN-to-BSN in Tennessee?

LPN-to-ADN bridge programs (typically 12–18 months) result in an Associate Degree in Nursing and NCLEX-RN eligibility — the fastest route to RN licensure. LPN-to-BSN programs take longer (usually 2–3 years) but award a bachelor's degree, which many Tennessee hospital systems prefer for direct-care positions and which is required for graduate nursing programs. Many nurses complete the ADN first to start earning an RN salary sooner, then complete an RN-to-BSN program while working.

Is Tennessee in the Nurse Licensure Compact?

Yes, Tennessee is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member. After earning your RN license in Tennessee, you can practice in other compact states without applying for a separate license — ideal for travel nursing or cross-border healthcare employment.

Tennessee RN License Information

Renewal Cycle

2 years

CE Hours Required

None specified

NLC Compact Member

Yes

Source: Tennessee Board of Nursing

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