Best Nursing Programs in Tennessee (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 181 accredited nursing programs across 41 schools in Tennessee. The fastest listed completion time is 11 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 97.0% first-time pass rate. RNs in Tennessee earn $82,010/year on average (BLS).
181
Programs
41
Schools
11 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
97.0%
Avg NCLEX (1)
93
Online / Hybrid
$82K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2024 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Tennessee nursing programs at a glance
- 181 accredited nursing programs across 41 schools in Tennessee (1 LPN, 2 ADN, 12 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 11 months (LPN (Practical Nursing) at Concorde Career College).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 97% (University of Tennessee at Knoxville).
- 93 online or hybrid programs serve Tennessee students (7 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Tennessee: $82,010 (BLS) · 6.9% projected job growth through 2032.
Tennessee nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 181 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 41 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 1 LPN · 2 ADN · 12 BSN · 60 MSN · 25 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | LPN (Practical Nursing) at Concorde Career College — 11 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 97.0% average across 1 programs with published data · high: 97% (University of Tennessee at Knoxville) |
| Delivery formats | 81 online · 12 hybrid · 7 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $82,010/yr (BLS) · 6.9% projected growth through 2032 |
All Nursing Programs in Tennessee
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Showing 100 of 181 programs from our directory for Tennessee.
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How to choose a 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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- Average RN salary
- $82,010 (BLS, May 2024) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Tennessee
Programs by Degree Type
60
MSN Programs
25
DNP Programs
12
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
1
LPN Programs
Nursing Schools in Tennessee
2 accredited institutions with a campus in Tennessee.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Tennessee at Knoxville | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 97.0% | View |
Online Nursing Programs Available to Tennessee Residents
39 accredited schools based outside Tennessee that enroll Tennessee residents online. Confirm clinical-placement arrangements and Tennessee Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Galen College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Concorde Career College | 2 | ADNLPN | N/A | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Walden University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Tennessee?
There are 181 accredited nursing programs available in Tennessee across 41 schools — including 1 LPN, 2 ADN, 12 BSN, 60 MSN, and 25 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Tennessee?
Nursing program tuition in Tennessee starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $108,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Tennessee?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Tennessee can be completed in 11 months (LPN (Practical Nursing) at Concorde Career College). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary 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.
Can I complete nursing school online in Tennessee?
Yes. There are 93 online and hybrid nursing programs (81 fully online, 12 hybrid) available to Tennessee residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Tennessee.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Tennessee?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, University of Tennessee at Knoxville leads at 97% first-time pass rate (BSN (Traditional)). Average across 1 programs with data: 97.0%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Tennessee?
To practice nursing in Tennessee, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Tennessee is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years.
Is there a nursing shortage in Tennessee?
Yes. Like most states, Tennessee is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 6.9% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Tennessee?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Tennessee vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
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Compare nursing programs in Tennessee
- Most affordable programs in Tennessee
- Online nursing programs in TennesseePrograms delivered primarily online for students who can't relocate.
- No-waitlist nursing schools in TennesseePrograms reporting open seats rather than a waitlist queue.
- Accelerated BSN programs in TennesseeSecond-degree tracks for applicants who already hold a bachelor's.
- Fastest programs in Tennessee
- ADN programs in TennesseeAssociate-degree and community-college routes to RN licensure.
- BSN programs in TennesseeFour-year pre-licensure bachelor's degrees for first-time RNs.
