Top LPN Programs in Clarksville, Tennessee for 2026

Where do you go to become an LPN in Clarksville, TN? The city’s healthcare sector is expanding, anchored by Fort Campbell Army installation, Tennova Healthcare, and growing demand for long-term care.

While no nursing school operates an LPN program within city limits, seven accredited programs are available within a short drive, from public technical colleges to private career institutes. Choosing among them means weighing cost, cohort size, schedule flexibility, and NCLEX-PN pass rates.

With full-time programs lasting just 12 months and total tuition as low as $4,680, a practical nursing career here is more attainable than you might expect.

Best LPN Programs Near Clarksville, TN

While Clarksville itself does not have a dedicated LPN school within city limits, several high-quality practical nursing programs are available within a short drive or via the state's public college system. The following options were selected based on affordability, graduate outcomes, and hands-on training quality, with special attention to campuses near the Clarksville area. Whether you prefer a fast-track private program in Nashville or a low-cost public TCAT diploma, you'll find a path that fits your goals.

Rank	School	Location	Net price	Best for
#1	Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus	Nashville, TN	$27,000/yr	Career changers seeking a fast LPN path
Galen Health Institutes in Nashville offers a fast-track LPN program just an hour from Clarksville, with full-time completion in 12 months or part-time in 21 months. The campus-based program features hands-on clinical training in modern labs and prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. Financial aid and support services are available, and there are four start dates per year for flexibility. Practical/Vocational Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Complete in as few as 12 months full-time or 21 months part-time No entrance exam required for admission Four start dates per year for scheduling flexibility Hands-on clinical training in modern simulation labs Prepares students for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam Financial aid and support services available Fast-track path ideal for career changers Located on Galen's Nashville campus, accessible from Clarksville area
#2	South College	Knoxville, TN	$18,000/yr (net price)	Learners wanting hands-on simulation practice
South College's Nashville campus, about an hour from Clarksville, provides an ACEN-accredited Certificate in Licensed Practical Nursing. The program can be completed in 12-18 months full-time and includes extensive simulation lab work. Entrance exams (TEAS or HESI) are required, and the college accepts military benefits and offers financial aid and scholarships. Certificate in Licensed Practical Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website ACEN-accredited program ensuring quality nursing education Requires TEAS or HESI entrance exam for admission Full-time completion in 12-18 months Prepares students for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam Hands-on simulation lab training and clinical practice Enroll at the Nashville campus, an hour from Clarksville Accepts military benefits and offers scholarships Curriculum covers med-surg, mental health, pediatrics, and more
#3	Fortis Institute-Cookeville	Cookeville, TN	$20,000 – $25,000/yr	Cost-conscious learners minimizing loans
Fortis Institute in Cookeville, within commuting distance of Clarksville, offers a campus-based Practical Nursing diploma that emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences and preparation for the NCLEX-PN. The curriculum covers patient care, pharmacology, and emergency care, and typically takes 12-15 months to complete. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and financial aid is available for eligible students. Practical Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Campus-based program with hands-on clinical experiences Prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam Covers patient care, pharmacology, and emergency care Financial aid available for eligible students High school diploma or equivalent required for admission Experienced faculty providing blended theory and practice Prepares for entry-level nursing roles in diverse healthcare settings Located in Cookeville, within commuting distance of Clarksville
#4	Chattanooga State Community College	Chattanooga, TN	$5,000/yr (net price)
Chattanooga State Community College's Practical Nursing program is a public, in-state option located in Chattanooga. The three-semester diploma program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN with a cohort-based structure limited to 24 students, ensuring personalized attention. With a 95% job placement rate and affordable net price, it's a strong value for Tennessee residents willing to relocate or commute. Practical Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Three-semester diploma program with 1,357 clock hours 95% job placement rate for graduates Cohort limited to 24 students for personalized attention Full-time day classes, Monday through Friday Prepares for the NCLEX-PN exam Total program tuition of $7,105 for in-state students Requires ACT or ACCUPLACER entrance exam LPN-to-RN transition pathway available for advancement
#5	Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Crump	Crump, TN
TCAT Crump's Practical Nursing program in West Tennessee offers a 12-month diploma with full-time and part-time options, including a hybrid track. The program requires the HESI entrance exam and costs just $4,680 in tuition, making it one of the most affordable LPN programs in the state. Students gain clinical experience in area facilities and graduate eligible for the NCLEX-PN. Practical Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website 12-month full-time or 16-month part-time options available Total tuition of $4,680, one of the most affordable in Tennessee HESI entrance exam required for admission Hybrid and traditional on-campus delivery formats 1,296 clock hours including clinical rotations in area facilities Approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam Financial aid and Tennessee Promise/Reconnect eligible
#6	Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jacksboro	Jacksboro, TN	~$13,000/yr (est.)
TCAT Jacksboro, located in East Tennessee, provides a 12-month intensive Practical Nursing diploma with a structured 1,296 clock-hour curriculum. Admission requires passing the HESI exam, and the program boasts a strong institution-wide graduation rate of 84%, with focused clinical training and preparation for the state board exam. Practical Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website 12-month full-time diploma program with day classes 1,296 clock hours of nursing theory and clinical practice Tuition of $4,620, with additional costs for books and supplies HESI entrance exam required for admission Hands-on clinical experience in medical, surgical, obstetric, and pediatric care Prepares students for the State Board of Nursing exam Strong institution-wide graduation rate of 84% Campus-based program in East Tennessee
#7	Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Oneida-Huntsville	Huntsville, TN	$16,000/yr
TCAT Oneida-Huntsville offers a comprehensive 12-month Practical Nursing diploma with day and evening class options to accommodate schedules. The curriculum covers medical-surgical, pediatric, and mental health nursing, and includes clinical rotations under instructor supervision. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, CPR certification, and passing the HESI exam. Practical Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website 12-month diploma program with day or evening class options Full-time and part-time formats to accommodate schedules Total estimated cost of $9,244 including tuition, fees, and supplies Comprehensive curriculum covering med-surg, mental health, and maternity nursing Requires HESI entrance exam, CPR certification, and high school diploma or GED Clinical rotations supervised by experienced instructors Prepares for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam Part of the statewide TCAT system, eligible for Tennessee Promise

How Much Do LPN Programs in Clarksville Cost?

LPN program costs vary widely across Tennessee. Chattanooga State Community College offers the most affordable net price at $5,283 after aid, while private institutions like Galen Health Institutes and Fortis Institute top $23,000. Keep in mind that out-of-state students at public Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology typically pay higher tuition than the in-state figures reflected in these net price averages.

How Long Are LPN Programs in Clarksville?

LPN programs in the Clarksville area are typically designed to be completed in 12 months of full-time study. The Practical Nursing program at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Dickson Clarksville Campus runs for 1,296 clock hours and follows a Monday through Friday schedule, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This accelerated pace allows students to enter the workforce quickly, but it does demand a significant time commitment.

While some nursing programs elsewhere offer part-time or hybrid formats, the primary LPN programs near Clarksville remain fully in-person. TCAT Dickson and TCAT Nashville do not advertise evening, weekend, or online tracks for their practical nursing programs. Even if a portion of the didactic coursework were offered online, Tennessee Board of Nursing regulations require all LPN students to complete hands-on clinical rotations at approved healthcare facilities. This means that regardless of the classroom format, students must be available for in-person clinical hours during the day.

Students considering the 12-month program should plan for a full-time schedule and confirm the exact start date and clinical site locations with the admissions office, as these details can vary by cohort.

NCLEX-PN Pass Rates for Clarksville-Area Programs

NCLEX-PN pass rates reveal how effectively a program prepares students for licensure, and the numbers for Clarksville-area programs are competitive.

Program Pass Rates at a Glance

The most recent data from the Tennessee Board of Nursing shows Herzing University's Nashville campus, a popular choice for Clarksville students due to its location roughly 40 miles southeast, achieved a perfect 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for its 2025 cohort.¹ For other programs within a 75-mile radius, annual pass rates are published by the Board of Nursing, and many consistently perform above state benchmarks.

How Local Programs Compare to State and National Benchmarks

Tennessee's LPN programs collectively posted a 90.3% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2024, with 1,086 of 1,203 test-takers succeeding. That performance exceeds the national first-time pass rate of 86.7% for the same year.¹ The state's 90.3% mark reflects performance across all approved PN programs in Tennessee, making Herzing's 100% rate particularly noteworthy. For context, when counting all test-taker categories (including repeat attempts), the national PN pass rate drops to 77.3% in 2025, underscoring the rigor of the exam.²

Verifying NCLEX-PN Pass Rates

The Tennessee Board of Nursing publishes an annual report with program-level NCLEX-PN outcomes, including first-time pass rates and total test-takers.¹ Because pass rates can fluctuate from year to year, looking at multiple years of data helps identify programs with sustained quality. Checking these official reports gives you an accurate, year-over-year picture before you apply.

Admissions Requirements and How to Apply

Applying to an LPN program is straightforward, but requirements vary slightly between schools. Knowing what to gather ahead of time can streamline the process.

Prerequisites at a Glance

• High school diploma or equivalent: All programs require a diploma or GED.
• Entrance exam: Most schools use TEAS or HESI. TCAT Dickson requires HESI A2 with math and reading scores of 70 or above; scores are valid for 24 months. Retakes are allowed once per term, at least 30 days apart. Herzing University uses a standardized exam with a minimum score of 48. South College requires ATI TEAS, though a minimum is not publicly listed.
• GPA: Minimums exist but vary; Herzing requires a 2.0, while others do not publish a cutoff.
• Background check and drug screen: Required by all programs before clinical rotations.
• Immunizations: Proof of immunity (MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, Tdap, flu) is typically due before enrollment.

How to Apply

• Submit an online application and official high school or GED transcript.
• Register for and complete the required entrance exam; send scores to the school.
• Some programs, such as TCAT Dickson, verify prerequisites and exam scores before moving forward.
• Once accepted, you’ll receive instructions for the background check, drug screen, and immunization documentation.
• Final clinical clearance confirms your ability to participate in hands-on training at local healthcare partners, including Tennova Healthcare Clarksville and Blanchfield Army Community Hospital.

Admission deadlines vary, TCAT Dickson’s next cohort begins in September 2026, but the application deadline is not yet posted. Contact each school directly for the most current dates.

Frequently Asked Questions About LPN Programs in Clarksville

Prospective LPN students in Clarksville often ask about accreditation, online options, and admissions. Here are clear answers to common queries to help you get started.

How can I verify if an LPN program near Clarksville is accredited?

Visit the Tennessee Board of Nursing website for a list of state-approved programs and check whether they hold ACEN accreditation. You can also use the BLS.gov 'Find an LPN Program' tool or the ACEN directory to cross-check a school's status. Many programs, like Fortis College and Nashville State Community College, post their accreditation details on their sites.

Can I complete an LPN program entirely online in Tennessee?

No, the Tennessee Board of Nursing requires in-person clinical hours for all LPN programs. Some schools may offer lecture courses online, but you must attend clinical rotations at approved facilities. Contact admissions offices near Clarksville to ask about any hybrid formats that combine online coursework with mandated on-site training.

How long does it take to finish an LPN program in Clarksville?

Full-time programs usually take 12 to 18 months, including classroom and clinical components. Part-time tracks may extend this timeline. Check with individual schools for their exact schedule and total program length.

What are the admissions requirements for LPN programs in Clarksville?

Common requirements include a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA (often 2.0 or above), and passing TEAS or HESI entrance exam scores. You will also need to complete a background check, drug screening, and provide immunization records. Contact each program for a detailed admissions checklist.

What is the cheapest LPN program in Clarksville, TN?

Public community colleges typically charge less than private vocational schools. For example, Nashville State Community College offers lower in-state tuition rates. Compare total costs (tuition, fees, books, and supplies) by reaching out to financial aid offices, and ask about grants or scholarships that can reduce your out-of-pocket expense.