
Jake Flannigan, NP
July 15, 2025
Tennessee’s NP programs train RNs for advanced, autonomous care from Nashville and Memphis hospitals to rural clinics. CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks at Vanderbilt, UT Health Science Center, ETSU and others combine rigorous coursework with clinical rotations. Graduates qualify for national certification and Tennessee APRN licensure with prescriptive authority.
Cookeville, TN - Public 4-Year - tntech.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Tennessee Tech's 100% online Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advanced practice. With a comprehensive 45-credit curriculum, students can complete the program in 2-2.5 years, balancing professional commitments with academic growth. The program emphasizes specialized clinical training through local experiences, preparing nurses for comprehensive patient care. Designed for working professionals, it provides a strategic approach to advancing nursing careers with minimal disruption to current employment. Graduates receive robust preparation for advanced practice licensure and professional development.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Tennessee Technological University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner, designed for registered nurses aiming to advance their careers. This 100% online program spans 45 credit hours, typically completed in 2-2.5 years, offering flexibility with two courses per semester. It prepares students for advanced practice through specialized coursework and local clinicals, meeting requirements for Advanced Practice licensure. Admission requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, eligibility to practice as an RN, and submission of a professional document and references. Ideal for those seeking to specialize in family practice nursing.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Tennessee Technological University's online Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares graduates for advanced practice in psychiatric-mental health care across the lifespan. This program focuses on providing comprehensive care in diverse settings, emphasizing collaboration with healthcare teams. Graduates are eligible for national certification, opening doors to varied employment opportunities in healthcare. The curriculum integrates specialized knowledge and theories, preparing students to manage client healthcare within legal, ethical, and professional standards. Admission requires meeting Tennessee Tech Graduate Studies criteria, with support available for applicants. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring a quality education that meets professional standards.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Tennessee Technological University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner provides a targeted 23-credit hour program for advanced nursing professionals. Combining intensive academic coursework with 510 clinical clock hours, this certification equips nurses with specialized pediatric healthcare expertise. The program focuses on advanced assessment, management, and intervention strategies specific to pediatric populations. Ideal for registered nurses seeking to expand clinical capabilities, it offers a comprehensive pathway to specialized pediatric practice with rigorous academic and practical training.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Tennessee Tech's Post-Graduate Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification delivers a fully online pathway for advanced practice licensure. This 23-credit hour program enables registered nurses to expand clinical expertise through specialized coursework and clinical practicum. With an estimated cost between $17,000-$21,000, students can complete the certification in approximately four semesters. The program balances professional commitments with advanced educational goals, providing flexible learning options for nurses seeking to specialize in psychiatric and mental health care.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online Learning - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - vanderbilt.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Vanderbilt University's Family Nurse Practitioner program stands out as a premier educational pathway for advanced nursing professionals. Nationally ranked #3, this hybrid program delivers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares nurses to provide exceptional primary care across patient lifespans. Students benefit from extensive clinical training, accumulating over 600 practice hours while mastering preventive care, acute condition management, and health promotion strategies. The program meets 2021 AACN Essentials, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for certification and professional practice in diverse healthcare environments.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
This innovative Nurse-Midwifery/Family Nurse Practitioner specialty at Vanderbilt offers a transformative educational experience for advanced practice nurses. Combining dual specialties, students engage in a comprehensive program featuring over 900 clinical hours and small collaborative learning environments. The curriculum emphasizes holistic healthcare delivery across patient lifespans, preparing graduates for national certification and impactful careers in various healthcare settings, from rural clinics to global health centers.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Vanderbilt's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care program represents a specialized track for experienced RNs committed to critical pediatric healthcare. Designed for professionals seeking advanced expertise, the program provides 560 clinical hours of intensive training in acute care settings. Students learn to deliver comprehensive, family-centered care for critically ill children, with a curriculum aligned with cutting-edge nursing standards and an impressive certification exam pass rate.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare for patients aged 13 and older. With a hybrid learning model, students gain over 500 supervised practice hours, developing sophisticated skills in assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic conditions. Boasting a 100% first-time exam pass rate, the program equips graduates for diverse roles in medical offices, clinics, and community health settings.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Vanderbilt's top-ranked Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan) program offers a rigorous pathway for nurses specializing in mental healthcare. Students receive comprehensive training in psychotropic medication management, psychotherapy, and holistic patient care across all life stages. The hybrid curriculum includes 560 clinical practice hours, preparing graduates for diverse mental health roles with flexible full-time and part-time options.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johnson City, TN - Public 4-Year - etsu.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
East Tennessee State University's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program offers a comprehensive online pathway for nurses seeking advanced primary care expertise. Spanning 51 credit hours, the program uniquely prepares practitioners to manage patient health across developmental stages, emphasizing acute and chronic illness management. Designed for working professionals, the asynchronous format allows flexible learning without GRE requirements. Students benefit from competitive tuition rates, CCNE accreditation, and a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical clinical skills, positioning graduates for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings.
Online Learning - Visit Website
ETSU's Master of Science in Nursing with a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Specialty delivers specialized training for advanced practice nurses focusing on older adult healthcare. The 46-credit program emphasizes rural and underserved community care, preparing practitioners to provide high-quality, cost-effective interventions. Students develop comprehensive clinical assessment skills, complex care management techniques, and patient-centered approaches. With a strong focus on geriatric healthcare, the program prepares graduates for national certification and leadership roles, combining rigorous academic preparation with extensive clinical practicum experiences.
Online Learning - Visit Website
ETSU's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a transformative 48-credit online pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced mental healthcare expertise. Designed for working professionals, the asynchronous curriculum prepares practitioners to deliver comprehensive psychiatric care across patient lifespans. With no GRE requirements and flexible enrollment options, students gain advanced skills in treating individuals, groups, and families. The program combines affordable tuition, CCNE accreditation, and extensive clinical training, positioning graduates for impactful roles in diverse mental health settings.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
East Tennessee State University's RN-MSN program with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares registered nurses for advanced practice in mental health care. This hybrid program combines online coursework with practical experiences, offering flexibility for working professionals. Applicants need an RN license and a non-nursing bachelor's degree, plus completion of prerequisite courses. The program emphasizes advanced nursing knowledge, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership in mental health care. Graduates are equipped to improve community health, apply research in practice, and influence health policy. With a focus on psychiatric mental health, students gain specialized skills to serve diverse populations across the lifespan.
Online Learning - Visit Website
ETSU's Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates provide specialized professional development for nurses seeking targeted expertise. With flexible online formats and multiple concentration options including mental health and gerontology, these programs enable strategic career advancement. Ranging from 12-32 credit hours, the certificates feature affordable per-credit rates, no GRE requirements, and comprehensive clinical training. Designed for working professionals, these programs support nurses in expanding their skills, meeting critical healthcare needs, and preparing for national certification across various specialized nursing domains.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Online Learning - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online Learning - Visit Website
Online Learning - Visit Website
Online Learning - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Jackson, TN - Private 4-year - uu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Union University's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track offers an intensive graduate nursing program that prepares professional nurses for advanced practice roles. Designed as a hybrid learning experience, the curriculum emphasizes comprehensive patient care skills across life stages. Students complete 560 clinical hours, gaining expertise in managing acute and chronic conditions. The program's annual fall admission and competitive $739 per credit hour tuition make it an attractive option for nurses seeking specialized family healthcare training. Graduates are well-positioned to become versatile healthcare providers with extensive clinical preparation.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Union University's Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Track provides a dynamic 16-month pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice. The hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus sessions in Jackson, TN, featuring 560 clinical hours. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, and RN licensure. At $739 per credit hour, students gain expertise in acute and chronic care, health promotion, and family health across the lifespan. Graduates are eligible for FNP certification exams, opening diverse healthcare career opportunities.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Union University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner provides advanced nursing professionals an opportunity to expand clinical expertise. The program requires an earned MSN degree, current RN licensure, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. With 560 total clinical hours, students develop comprehensive skills in patient care across different life stages. The hybrid format allows flexible learning, with tuition ranging from $13,302 to $15,519. Applicants must complete a NursingCAS application, submit professional references, and provide a personal statement outlining career objectives.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Union University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers experienced nurses an advanced pathway to specialized mental health practice. The program requires a master's degree, current RN licensure, and a 3.0 GPA. Students complete 26-29 credit hours with 560 clinical hours, focusing on advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and clinical management. With competitive tuition and a comprehensive curriculum, the program prepares nurses for enhanced mental health care roles, emphasizing practical clinical experience and rigorous academic preparation.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Union University's BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner Track offers a comprehensive 36-month program for nursing professionals seeking advanced clinical expertise. Students complete 1,220 clinical hours, integrating faith and science while emphasizing evidence-based primary care across the lifespan. The blended learning environment, with an annual tuition of $19,440, provides flexible and accessible advanced nursing education. The program prepares graduates to address complex healthcare challenges through transformative practice, professional leadership, and comprehensive clinical training.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Pediatric Primary Nurse Practitioner certificate offers advanced nursing professionals a specialized pathway to comprehensive pediatric healthcare. Tailored for licensed nurses with a master's degree, this program provides intensive training in pediatric clinical skills, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practice. Students complete 840 clinical hours across diverse pediatric settings, developing advanced competencies recognized by national nursing standards. The hybrid program combines rigorous coursework with hands-on training, preparing graduates to address critical pediatric healthcare needs with sophisticated clinical expertise.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate delivers comprehensive advanced practice nursing education for experienced healthcare professionals. Designed for master's-prepared nurses, this hybrid program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking in primary care delivery. Students gain extensive clinical experience through 840 direct patient care hours, learning to provide high-quality healthcare across diverse patient populations. The competency-based curriculum integrates advanced clinical skills training with holistic patient management, preparing nurses for complex healthcare environments.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate equips Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with specialized skills in managing critically ill children. This hybrid program offers advanced clinical training targeting pediatric acute care professionals, requiring a minimum of 840 clinical practice hours. Ideal for certified pediatric nurse practitioners seeking specialized acute care expertise, the program prepares healthcare professionals to deliver complex medical interventions in high-intensity pediatric settings. Rigorous coursework and hands-on training ensure graduates are prepared for challenging pediatric healthcare roles.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Dual Nurse Practitioner program addresses critical pediatric healthcare provider shortages through comprehensive training. This innovative hybrid curriculum prepares advanced practice nurses to seamlessly transition between emergency departments, intensive care units, and outpatient clinics. Students develop sophisticated clinical skills enabling holistic care for children from birth to young adulthood. The program combines high-fidelity simulation, synchronous online meetings, and strategic clinical rotations, positioning graduates as versatile pediatric healthcare experts.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program offers an advanced pathway for nurses passionate about child health. This hybrid curriculum addresses provider shortages by preparing nurses to deliver evidence-based, holistic pediatric care from birth through young adulthood. Students engage in 600-840 clinical hours across diverse healthcare settings, utilizing high-fidelity simulation and mentored rotations. The program emphasizes advanced clinical skills, certification preparation, and comprehensive pediatric healthcare strategies, creating adaptable practitioners ready to make significant community health impacts.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Most schools use a hybrid model, online lectures and webinars with on‑campus simulation labs and workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally under approved preceptors, and some programs offer fully online didactic phases with brief in‑person skills checks. This balance ensures flexibility without sacrificing hands‑on training.
| Certifying Board | Tennessee Board of Nursing – APRN Section |
|---|---|
| Certification | Board-approved NP program + national APRN credential + TN RN/NLC license |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal concurrent with RN license, renewal opens 60 days before expiration |
| Continuing Education | Maintain national CE, COF holders add 2 hours of controlled-substance CE per cycle |
| Application Fee | $210 initial fee |
| Clinical Hours | Official transcripts verifying required practicum hours |
| Processing Time | 4–6 weeks for review, application active for one year |
| Endorsement | Requires TN RN licensure and primary-source verification of APRN credentials |
Tennessee NPs earn about $110,000 annually on average, with entry‑level roles near $90,000 and seasoned practitioners in major metros up to $135,000. Compensation often includes health benefits, retirement plans, sign‑on bonuses and loan repayment assistance. Advanced certifications and leadership roles can further increase earnings.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Tennessee | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual NP Salary | $103,720 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $49.90 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$132,190 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $103,720 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$94,073 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~58% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,017 | ~54,000 |
Data from Salary.com and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Many pursue a DNP to qualify for leadership, faculty or executive positions. Post‑master’s certificates let NPs add specialties, like acute care or women’s health, without another full degree. PhD tracks prepare practitioners for research or academic careers, while others transition into administration, informatics, policy or telehealth leadership.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Tennessee
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Nurse Leadership & Administration (NLA) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner Lifespan - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Primary Care—Psychiatric Mental Health NP - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Acute Care—Adult/Gerontology NP - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Primary Care—Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Acute Care Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Primary Care—Adult/Gerontology NP - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Primary Care—Family NP - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Primary Care—Family NP - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Adult, Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Specialty - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Primary/Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website