Do you want to work as a nurse in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville and beyond? If so, there are many nursing schools Tennessee available to help you reach your goals. With the help of these schools, you can get all the skills you need to work with patients, administer medicines, take down medical records, and more. You can choose to go to school on a college campus or on the internet, depending on how you like to learn. Here is some information to help you decide if a nursing degree is right for you.
How to Become a Nurse in Tennessee
Most nurses in Tennessee have college degrees. Getting a degree in nursing will teach you what you need to do to work as a nurse every day, and it will give you the foundation you need to apply for a job. The best educational programs out there are those accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). These organizations analyze how applicable a school’s education is to the real world to ensure you will be prepared for work through them.
Here is a look at the most common nursing degrees in Tennessee:
- Diploma of Nursing (DN): 1 year
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 6 years
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 8+ years
After you have completed your degree program, you will need to apply for a nursing license through the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Then you can work just about anywhere you want. Some employers may also request that you to obtain certifications for specific skills related to your work with them. Keep that in mind when you go to fill out your resume.
Tuition for Tennessee Nursing Schools
The tuition you pay for school will depend on many factors, like how long your degree program is and whether your school is private or public. The chart below shows average tuition rates for schools in Tennessee based on information from the College Board:
- Public Two Year College: $3,762 per year
- Public Four Year University: $8,036 per year
- Private Four Year University: $24,577 per year
Job Prospects for Tennessee Nurses
There is a lot of job growth in store for nurses in Tennessee. You can find nursing jobs throughout the state, especially if you have a master’s degree or higher. Nurse practitioners, nurse educators, nurse anesthetists, and the like usually face the highest job demand because so few people are qualified to handle those positions. These statistics show what you may earn at different levels of nursing in Tennessee. (BLS)
- Nursing Assistant: $22,920 per year
- Licensed Practical Nurse: $36,150 per year
- Registered Nurse: $56,250 per year
- Nurse Practitioner: $93,240 per year
Figure out where you want to be as a nurse, and then you can find a degree program to help you get there.
Nursing Schools in Tennessee
Belmont University
Belmont University is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and recently has been ranked #6 within the Regional Universities. The university offers a Christian environment for students to develop necessary skills to enhance their quality of life. The university is committed to helping students explore their passion, develop their talents, and to increase in knowledge. The college currently offers more than 90 undergraduate studies, 19 master programs, and five doctoral degrees.
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Tuition: $645/credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 7,700
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Belmont University Nursing Programs: Accelerated BSN
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University is an incredible place for students to begin or continue their higher educational learning. The university is located in Johnson City, Tennessee. East Tennessee State University’s is committed to preparing students to become responsible and productive citizens that serve their community.
- Location: Johnson City, TN
- Degree Level: Bachelor’s
- Tuition: $ 3,336 (12 credit hours)
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 14,500+
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- East Tennessee State University Nursing Programs: Accelerated BSN
Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, and was established in 1927; although, the current campus has been providing high quality education for students since 1806 (around 180 years). Austin Peay State University is a comprehensive university and is dedicated to increasing the educational options for its citizenry. The university’s School of Nursing continues to have an excellent reputation. Graduates from the nursing program have shown to perform well above average on passing the national standard license test.
- Location: Clarksville, TN
- Degree Level: Bachelor’s
- Tuition: $5,424
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Austin Peay State University Nursing Programs: RN to BSN
University of Memphis
University of Memphis is located in Memphis, and was established in 1909 under the auspices of the General Education Bill. The university is recognized as a comprehensive, innovative public university. The University of Memphis continues to provide high quality education giving students the ability to develop skills, to think deeply, and to pursue necessary knowledge to obtain future employment.
- Location: Memphis, TN
- Degree Level: Bachelor’s
- Tuition: $3,744
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 14,500+
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- University of Memphis Nursing Programs: RN to BSN
University of Tennessee – Knoxville
University of Tennessee is located in Knoxville, and was established in 1794 as the first public university chartered west of the Appalachian Divide. The university continue to educate is students by improving the quality of their undergraduate and graduate programs. The University of Tennessee’s College of Nursing was founded in 1971 due to the need for nurses with collegiate education. The nursing program is nationally recognized as a leader that graduates highly skilled, highly knowledge and competent nurses.
- Location: Knoxville, TN
- Tuition: $3,744
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- University of Tennessee Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Tennessee College of Applied Technology is a system of 27 sister institutions/colleges in different states through Tennessee. The colleges offer higher educational learning opportunities for students who are ready to move on their academic and vocational goals. Each campus has their own financial costs, financial aid, and scholarships that potential students will want to review. With so many different campuses students have the higher chance of finding their program within their own community.
- Location: Tennessee
- Tuition: $3,500 – $7,700
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nursing Programs: LPN
Carson-Newman College
Carson-Newman College is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee and is a Christian college with Christian educators that will assist students in reaching their full potential in life and religion.
- Location: Jefferson City, TN
- Tuition: $12,600/semester
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: Yes
- Carson-Newman College Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, LPN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner
Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga State Community College is located in Chattanooga, and was founded in 1965. The college is a regionally accredited university whose guidelines are set forth by the Tennessee Board of Regents College System. The college is dedicated to transform the lives of it students as they obtain knowledge and develop skills that will enhance their quality of life.
- Location: Chattanooga, TN
- Tuition: $12,600/semester
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: No
- Chattanooga State Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Southern Adventist University
Southern Adventist University is located in Collegedale, Tennessee, and offers students a state-of-the-art facility to learn and enhance their skills. The university is committed to the academic learning and wellness of its students. Student wellness has a positive impact on students social, spiritual, physical, and emotional well being.
- Location: Collegedale, TN
- Annual Tuition: $4,910
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 2,200
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: No
- Southern Adventist University Nursing Programs: Associate, RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner
Tennessee Technological University
Tennessee Technological University is located in Cookeville, Tennessee, and is considered as a top-notch university. Students will learn about different cultures around the globe, they will recognize the characteristic traits of good citizens and become one themselves, and they will gain/obtain the necessary exposure to the knowledge and skills of their chosen field of study.
- Location: Cookeville, TN
- Annual Tuition: $17,507 (Fees, Room, Meal Plan)
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 10,000
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Tennessee Technological University Nursing Programs: BS/BSN
Jackson State Community College
Jackson State Community College is located in Jackson, Tennessee, and was established in 1963 as the first community college from the Tennessee General Assembly. The schools mission, “Jackson State Community College provides accessible learning opportunities that enhance the lives of individuals, strengthen the workforce, and empower our diverse communities by offering traditional and contemporary associate degrees, certificates, continuing education and enrichment, and college-readiness programs.” The Nursing Program at Jackson State Community College will prepare its graduating student body to be able to pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN). Nursing students will also learn how properly care for patients and increase their comfort via staff compassion, empathy, and applied knowledge.
- Location: Jackson, TN
- Tuition: $2,014 (12 credits)
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 3,700
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Jackson State Community College Nursing Programs: Associate
South College
South College is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and was founded in 1882 with the organization of a Business College by Jacob T. Johnson. One of its major initiatives is to be able to meet the needs of the growing East Tennessee business community by graduating competent students in their chosen field of study. The school went through a revitalized their course curriculum to meet these needs in 1989.
- Location: Knoxville, TN
- Annual Tuition: $46,000
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- South College Nursing Programs: RN to BSN, BS/BSN
University of Tennessee – Martin
University of Tennessee has a campus in the city of Martin. This is one of the many campuses the University of Tennessee has to offer students closer to their home town. Students will have the opportunity to enjoy the same curriculum and courses offered at its campus in Knoxville, except closer to home.
- Location: Martin, TN
- Annual Tuition: $9,088
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 5,800
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: No
- University of Tennessee Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, RN-to-BSN
Walters State Community College
Walters State Community College, located in Morristown, Tennessee, and has become an excellent learning center for student since it was established in 1970. The school is dedicated to continue to offer excellent and affordable educational options to its students. Students who graduate from Walters will be able to advance in their chosen careers with the knowledge and skills the gain from class time instruction and personal study.
- Location: Morristown, TN
- Tuition: $152/credit hour
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 5,900 credited
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: No
- Walters State Community College Nursing Programs: Associate (ASN)
Cleveland State Community College
Cleveland State Community College, located in Cleveland, Tennessee is an accredited public college. Since the college was established students continue to be provided with quality educational opportunities from many different schools of learning. Cleveland State Community College continues to be dedicated/committed to offering accessible, responsive, and exceptional learning courses.
- Location: Cleveland, TN
- Tuition: $2,046 (12 credits)
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 3,500
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: No
- Cleveland State Community College Nursing Programs: Associate
Columbia State Community College
Columbia State Community College is located in Columbia, Tennessee, and the doors opened for this campus to students in 1966; although the ground breaking for this campus took place in 1965. The mission of this college is to “nurtures success, and positively changes lives through teaching, learning, and service.”
- Location: Columbia, TN
- Tuition: $156/credit hour (up to 12 credits)
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: No
- Columbia State Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN
Cumberland University
Cumberland University is located in Lebanon, Tennessee, and was established in 1842. The university is an excellent option for higher education learning, and for students who are interested in athletics and social experiences. The university brings to light is rich history of well known individuals who have served as leaders in the highest offices of the United States government; however, the school is committed to its current and future students by ensuring students have the essential opportunities to be successful in and out of the classroom
- Location: Lebanon, TN
- Annual Tuition: $20,160
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: No
- Cumberland University Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, LPN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN
Tennessee Wesleyan College
Tennessee Wesleyan College is located in Athens, Tennessee. The college was originally established as a college for females and has now evolved into a four-year liberal arts school of learning. The college programs are for all types of students: 1) Student who are seeking a degree 2) Students who are non-traditional who need flexible hours because they work during the day evening 3) Students who are seeking additional knowledge but not a degree in their current vocation. Students who attend Tennessee Wesleyan College will have the opportunity to choose from courses in fine arts, natural and social sciences, business, humanities, nursing, and many others.
- Location: Athens, TN
- Annual Tuition: $20,160
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- Tennessee Wesleyan College Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, RN-to-BSN
King College
King College is located in Bristol, Tennessee. The University opened its doors in 1867 and since then the university is able to offer more than 90 majors, minors, and pre-professional degrees to its promising student body. These programs cover: business, nursing, law, medical and health sciences, education, and many more. The mission of King College is, “To build meaningful lives of achievement and cultural transformation in Christ.”
- Location: Bristol, TN
- Annual Tuition: $19,500
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- King College Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, MSN, Nurse Educator
Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, and is the main campus for this university. Austin Peay State University’s building has been offering higher education to students for more than 180 years. The university is committed to ensure its students become engaged and responsible citizens through relative, challenging, and inspirational courses. The School of Nursing offers students a program with excellent reputation in the area, and its nursing students have performed well above the nations average in passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
- Location: Clarksville, TN
- Annual Tuition: $3,844
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 10,190
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Offers Online Programs: Yes
- Austin Peay State University Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, BS/BSN, RN-to-MSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner
Union University
Union University is located in Jackson, Tennessee. The university is a private Christian school that offers four-year, coeducational, liberal arts based learning. The school offers bachelor degrees, master degrees, and doctoral degrees for students seeking to further their knowledge and career options. The school was founded in 1823 and is currently the oldest institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. The mission of the university is to, “provide Christ-centered education that promotes excellence and character development in service to Church and society.” The School of Nursing at Union University offers its nursing students more than 15 possible avenues to gain licensure or to simply enhance their knowledge and skills in this industry.
- Location: Jackson, TN
- Tuition: $14,100 (17+ hours)
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 3,500
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- Union University Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The university was established in November of 1911 as a preparatory school for teachers in the state of Tennessee. As of today, the university is now a four-year institute of higher learning and offers baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral level studies in the following areas: management, nursing, horse science, aerospace, account, education, and many more. The university is second in the state of Tennessee for graduated students.
- Location: Murfreesboro, TN
- Tuition: $275/credit hour (up to 12 hours)
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 22,000+
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Middle Tennessee State University Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner
Milligan College
Milligan College, located in Milligan, Tennessee. The college has been around for nearly 150 years and continues to be dedicated to its student happiness and success in and out of the classroom. The college is committed to the teaching of Christ and is a Christ-centered university education. The college’s emphasis on faith, community, and scholarship attract students from varying backgrounds, communities, and countries. Milligan College currently offers more than 100 programs varying that allow students multiple choices and opportunities to find vocational success — nursing being one of the programs.
- Location: Milligan College, TN
- Annual Tuition: $30,250
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Private
- College Accredited: Yes
- Milligan College Nursing Programs: BS/BSN, RN-to-BSN
Motlow State Community College
Motlow State Community College, located in Tullahoma, Tennessee. The college opened its doors of higher learning in 1969, and offers school in the arts, natural and social sciences, applied sciences, nursing, and teaching. The courses will satisfy students looking to obtain certificates, associate degrees, and those who are looking to continue their education by transferring to a four-year university/college.
- Location: Tullahoma, TN
- Tuition: $156/credit hour (up to 12 hours)
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Motlow State Community College Nursing Programs: Associate
Roane State Community College
Roane State Community College is located in Harriam, Tennessee, and is one of the community college established through the community college system in 1969. The college was opened to be able to serve students educational goals, and to fill the employment needs of the local community and counties that attend Roane State Community College. The vision of the school, “is to be a premier learning institution that transforms lives, strengthens community, and inspires individuals to excellence.”
- Location: Harriman, TN
- Tuition: $156/credit hour (up to 12 hours)
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Student Enrollment: 6,000+
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Roane State Community College Nursing Programs: Associate
Dyersburg State Community College
Dyersburg State Community College, located in Dyersburg, Tennessee. The college is apart of the Tennessee Board of Regents Institution and currently offers: two-year academic programs at an affordable price allowing students to transfer to a four-year university, academic programs are centered are career oriented allowing students to enter job market upon graduation or to increase their current skills and knowledge, and the option to earn certificates that groom students toward a specific occupation (i.e. nursing).
- Location: Dyersburg, TN
- Tuition: $156/credit hour (up to 12 hours)
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Dyersburg State Community College Nursing Programs: Associate, LPN-to-RN
Lincoln Memorial University
Lincoln Memorial University is located in Harrogate, Tennessee. The university is student-centered and is committed to fostering an exceptional learning climate and atmosphere where students are able to obtain essential knowledge for their chosen career path.
- Location: Harrogate, TN
- Annual Tuition: $20,520
- Financial Aid: Yes
- Scholarships: Yes
- Type of School: Public
- College Accredited: Yes
- Degree Programs: Associate, RN-to-BSN