Tennessee’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
If you’ve considered a nursing career, now is the perfect time. The need for nurses continues to grow, with a national growth rate of 6% for registered nurses (RNs) between 2021-2031. Tennessee has a growth rate of 15%, with 4,700 RN openings annually. This means there are plenty of nursing jobs to choose from.
Tennessee offers endless outdoor recreation opportunities and scenic beauty. There are many hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, or caving options. It is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which offers exceptional hiking trails with plenty of space to explore.
Forbes HOME ranked Tennessee the sixth cheapest state to live in for 2023. Housing costs are 20.7% lower than the national average, and its unemployment rate is also lower than the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax on earned wages, allowing your dollar to stretch further.
Nashville, Tennessee, is known for its rich country rock, blues, and jazz musical history. The city houses vibrant musical entertainment across various genres, including The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Belcourt Theatre, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville Opera, Music City Drum and Bugle Corps, and Nashville Ballet.
Nashville, TN, is a hub for healthcare, banking, and transportation industries and is also home to numerous colleges and universities. The world-renowned Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt Heart Transplant Center – the largest in the world – are in Nashville. Nurses have access to over 30 hospitals in the Nashville metropolitan area, and Tennessee boasts some of the best nursing schools in the country, making it an excellent state for those aspiring to become a nurse.
The Best Nursing Schools in Tennessee
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Tennessee to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Tennessee based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Tennessee Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs
ADN Nursing Programs:
#1 ADN Nursing Program
Pellissippi State Community College
Pellissippi State Community College is a public community college located in Knoxville, Tennessee. They offer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in nursing. The nursing program offers two pathways: A traditional and a bridge pathway. Students enrolled in the traditional pathway are recommended to complete their non-nursing courses before entering the nursing program. Students who are entering the bridge pathway must have completed a diploma or other certification program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or received an EMT-P licensure. The bridge program is a 12-month hybrid program with online lectures and testing, lab, and clinical on-site. The nursing program is offered at the Blount County, Magnolia Avenue, and Strawberry Plains campuses.
Average Tuition
In-State: $2,402
Out-of-State: $9,332
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$2,402 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$9,332 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
96% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022-2023 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2022 |
95% |
| Students Enrolled |
8,710 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 ADN Nursing Program
Jackson State Community College
Jackson State Community College is a public community college in Jackson, Tennessee. They offer a two-year traditional nursing program or an LPN to RN program. The nursing program prepares students for nursing practice in structured healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, and extended-care facilities. Graduates are competent in assessments, clinical decision-making, caring interventions, communication, teaching and learning, collaboration, management of care, and professional behaviors. The nursing program utilizes continuous quality improvement methods to ensure students receive a quality education and are prepared to be RNs.
Average Tuition
In-State: $7,015 first year
$5,483 second year
Out-of-State: $18,076
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$7,015 first year
$5,483 second year |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$18,076 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
96% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
29.4% |
| Job Placement 2020 |
99% |
| Students Enrolled |
4,203 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the (ACEN) |
#3 ADN Nursing Program
Cleveland State Community College
Cleveland State Community College is a public community college in Cleveland, Tennessee. They offer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing degree that prepares students to practice as professional RNs in a public, private, or governmental healthcare sector. Students can enroll in the Nursing AAS day option, the Nursing AAS evening option, or the LPN AAS bridge program. They also offer dual enrollment for BSN through university partnerships. After completing the program, graduates will have acquired the necessary skills to meet the professional nursing practice standards. Students will learn the skills to communicate effectively with other members of the healthcare team. They will analyze both subjective and objective data to identify actual or potential health issues and utilize evidence-based practices to offer safe and effective care. They will also learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of caring interventions and develop and implement teaching plans to meet the learning needs of their clients and families. Furthermore, they will collaborate with other healthcare team members to provide individualized care and effectively manage care through the use of prioritization, delegation, informatics, and resources.
Average Tuition
In-State: $2,379
Out-of-State: $9,309
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$2,379 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$9,309 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2019-2020 |
95% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020-2021 |
55.17% Day program
63.33% Evening program
62.5% LPN Bridge program |
| Job Placement 2020 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,074 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
51% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the (ACEN) |
BSN Programs:
#1 BSN Program
The University of Tennessee Southern
The University of Tennessee Southern formerly known as Martin Methodist College, is a public college in Pulaski, Tennessee. They offer a BSN program that can be completed in four years, including one summer session, when attending full-time. Students in the program are held to high standards and must complete all of their nursing courses with a minimum grade of a B-. This helps ensure they succeed in the program and are well-prepared for entry-level RN positions. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities through skills labs, simulation, and clinical rotations.
Average Tuition
In-State: $10,200
Out-of-State: $10,200
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$10,200 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$10,200 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
80% |
| Retention Rate |
52% |
| Students Enrolled |
800 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
40% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 BSN Program
Milligan University
Milligan University is a private Christian university in Milligan, Tennessee. Students in the BSN program receive comprehensive training in nursing, including patient examination, treatment, and education on healthcare and chronic conditions. Students receive a quality nursing education combined with an excellent liberal arts curriculum to prepare them as nurses who lead and serve. Through their coursework, students are given opportunities to work with several major medical centers, smaller urban hospitals and clinics, community health centers, modern rural hospitals, primary care clinics, home health programs, and parish nursing programs at local churches. There is no waiting list to get into the nursing program, and graduates have a history of excellent employment placement.
Average Tuition
In-State: $37,700
Out-of-State: $37,700
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$37,700 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$37,700 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
97% |
| Admission Rate |
67% |
| Retention Rate |
93% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,100 |
| Institution Type |
Private Christian University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
42% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 BSN Program
Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University is a public university in Nashville, Tennessee. They offer an online RN-to-BSN program or a traditional BSN program where students acquire the skills to intervene and cater to the needs of patients and families. They learn to communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds and make a positive impact on the lives of others. The faculty teaches them how to provide holistic, ethical, and culturally-sensitive care throughout their lifespan. Graduates gain strong and effective leadership qualities by participating in professional and community-based collaborative projects.
Average Tuition
In-State: $8,336
Out-of-State: $21,692
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$8,336 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$21,692 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
93% |
| Retention Rate |
64% |
| Students Enrolled |
7,774 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
50% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Tennessee
When choosing a nursing program in Tennessee, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Tennessee
US News ranks Tennessee as the 24th best state overall and 34th for healthcare. Tennessee has an NCLEX-RN pass rate greater than the national average, with an average pass rate of 86% for first-time test takers in 2022. This should come as no surprise since Tennessee has some of the top-ranked schools for nursing in the country.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $72,480. While this is below the national average, Tennessee was ranked the sixth cheapest state to live in, so your dollar will stretch further.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Tennessee
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics the average mean wage for an RN in Tennessee is $72,480, and it employs 60,840 nurses. Tennessee also employs 13,060 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who make an average wage of $99,330.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in Tennessee for RNs |
| Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN |
$77,240 |
| Cleveland, TN |
$75,810 |
| Memphis, TN |
$74,450 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Tennessee
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in Tennessee, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Tennessee:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first RN license in Tennessee, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, you must maintain evidence of two items from the following list:
- Copy of a satisfactory employer evaluation
- Letter from a peer providing a satisfactory evaluation of your nursing performance
- Letter from a patient or family member giving evidence of a satisfactory nurse/patient relationship
- Copy of a contract of renewal or re-appointment to a nursing position
- Written self-evaluation based on the standards of competence listed in the rules
- Evidence of current national certification
- A document that identifies two nursing goals and how you met these goals
- A letter from the agency where you volunteered as a nurse
- Documentation from a school of nursing stating that you participated in the education of nursing students (RNs only)
- Certificate/evidence of five contact hours of continuing education (for RNs/LPNs who are not practicing, ten contact hours will fulfill the competency requirement)
- Copy of a published article relevant to nursing written by the licensee
- Letter of satisfactory completion of a nursing refresher course
- Letter of satisfactory completion of a comprehensive nursing orientation program
- Official transcript (may be student issued) demonstrating two hours of nursing credit
- Evidence of having successfully retaken the NCLEX
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in Tennessee:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Tennessee.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Tennessee APRN licenses must be renewed every two years. APRNs must complete either two contact hours of continuing education designed to address controlled substance prescribing practices, including the Tennessee Chronic Pain Guidelines OR present a copy of the current collaborative request/APRN supervisory request or notice and formulary if prescribing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Tennessee
Is Tennessee a good place for nurses to work?
Tennessee is an excellent place to work as a nurse. There are multiple top-rated nursing schools to choose from in Tennessee, in addition to many state-of-the-art healthcare facilities to work at when you graduate.
Is Tennessee a compact state for nursing?
Tennessee is a compact state for nursing. If you hold a compact RN license for another state, you can practice nursing in Tennessee.
What are the requirements for RNs in Tennessee?
Once you have been issued your first RN license in Tennessee, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, you must maintain evidence of two items from the following list:
- Copy of a satisfactory employer evaluation
- Letter from a peer providing a satisfactory evaluation of your nursing performance
- Letter from a patient or family member giving evidence of a satisfactory nurse/patient relationship
- Copy of a contract of renewal or re-appointment to a nursing position
- Written self-evaluation based on the standards of competence listed in the rules
- Evidence of current national certification
- A document that identifies two nursing goals and how you met these goals
- A letter from the agency where you volunteered as a nurse
- Documentation from a school of nursing stating that you participated in the education of nursing students (RNs only)
- Certificate/evidence of five contact hours of continuing education (for RNs/LPNs who are not practicing, ten contact hours will fulfill the competency requirement)
- Copy of a published article relevant to nursing written by the licensee
- Letter of satisfactory completion of a nursing refresher course
- Letter of satisfactory completion of a comprehensive nursing orientation program
- Official transcript (may be student issued) demonstrating two hours of nursing credit
- Evidence of having successfully retaken the NCLEX
How much does a Tennessee RN license cost?
It costs $200 to take your NCLEX-RN exam in Tennessee. As of 8/5/2019, Tennessee eliminated the application NCLEX-RN exam fee. License by endorsement costs $115, and it’s $100 to renew your Tennessee RN license.
