Nursing Schools in Tennessee: Campus & Online Programs (2026)

Compare 14 campus-based nursing schools in Tennessee — plus accredited online programs open to Tennessee residents. NCLEX pass rates, acceptance rates, and accreditation in one place.

Campus-Based Nursing Schools in Tennessee

Nursing schools with a campus in Tennessee, ranked by NCLEX pass rate, accreditation, and program quality.

Online Nursing Programs Available to Tennessee Residents

These accredited schools are based outside Tennessee but enroll Tennessee residents online. Confirm clinical-placement and Tennessee Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.

How We Evaluate Nursing Schools in Tennessee

We separate schools with a physical campus in Tennessee from accredited online programs that enroll Tennessee residents, because the two answer different questions — one is about studying locally, the other about studying from Tennessee. Within each group we weight NCLEX first-time pass rate most heavily; it is the strongest available predictor of how well a program prepares graduates for licensure.

Accreditation is non-negotiable: we only include schools accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or regionally accredited programs with state board approval. We also consider acceptance rate (program selectivity), program variety across degree levels (LPN through doctoral), and value relative to regional salary expectations. Where a school has not yet reported outcome data, we show it without inventing a number.

What to Look for in a Tennessee Nursing School

The most important factor is NCLEX pass rate. The national average for first-time test-takers sits around 87–89% (NCSBN, 2023). Programs consistently above 90% have demonstrated they effectively prepare students for licensure. Ask schools for their three-year average pass rate — a single good year can be an anomaly.

Accreditation matters for several reasons beyond quality assurance. CCNE- or ACEN-accredited programs make you eligible for federal financial aid, qualify you for military service, and meet the requirements for most graduate nursing programs if you plan to advance your career later.

Consider clinical placement. Hospitals in Tennessee often have affiliation agreements with specific nursing schools, giving graduates an inside track to jobs. If you are considering an online program based outside Tennessee, confirm that it arranges clinical placements within Tennessee and is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing for pre-licensure study.

Nursing Career Outlook in Tennessee

Registered nurses in Tennessee earn an average of $82,010 annually. The BLS projects nursing employment to grow 6% nationally through 2032 — faster than the average for all occupations — driven by an aging population and expanded access to healthcare. Tennessee is expected to see strong demand in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and home health settings.

BSN-prepared nurses command higher salaries and have access to broader roles. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that 80% of nursing positions now prefer or require a BSN. If you currently hold an ADN, many schools serving Tennesseeoffer flexible RN-to-BSN completion programs you can complete while working.

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