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 88.5% first-time pass rate. RNs in Tennessee earn $68,020/year on average (BLS).
181
Programs
41
Schools
11 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
88.5%
Avg NCLEX (9)
93
Online / Hybrid
$68K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · 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% (Vanderbilt University).
- 93 online or hybrid programs serve Tennessee students (7 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Tennessee: $68,020 (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 | 88.5% average across 9 programs with published data · high: 97% (Vanderbilt University) |
| Delivery formats | 81 online · 12 hybrid · 7 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $68,020/yr (BLS) · 6.9% projected growth through 2032 |
BSN 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 is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (181 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Tennessee ($68,020/year, BLS) sit below the national average, so minimizing tuition and time-to-start (waitlists) matters more than brand-name private programs. RN employment in Tennessee is projected to grow 6.9% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Tennessee means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Tennessee directory, the fastest listed completion time is 11 months. We track 181 accredited nursing programs in Tennessee — including 14 entry-level RN, 1 LPN/LVN pathways. Tennessee is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once Tennessee is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia.
Key takeaways
- Screen Tennessee programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Tennessee.
- Tennessee is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- Tennessee offers both LPN (1) and entry-level RN (14) pathways — match the credential to your timeline and whether you need full RN scope immediately.
- Listed tuition in Tennessee spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 93 online or hybrid programs serve Tennessee students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- Average RN salary
- $68,020 (BLS, May 2023) · 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
41 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 97.0% | View |
| Duke University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 95.0% | View |
| Galen College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | 85.3% | View |
| Arizona College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | 88.3% | View |
| Concorde Career College | 2 | ADNLPN | 75.5% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| National University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| University of Tennessee at Knoxville | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 97.0% | 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 |
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 $68,020 per year ($33/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, Vanderbilt University leads at 97% first-time pass rate (Accelerated BSN). Average across 9 programs with data: 88.5%. 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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