Compare costs, program length, NCLEX prep, and outcomes at Chattanooga-area practical nursing schools.
Chattanooga’s major hospitals and nursing homes, including Erlanger Health System and CHI Memorial, create steady demand for licensed practical nurses. That employer base makes the city a reliable place to launch an LPN career.
Local training programs condense preparation into 11 to 16 months, a timeline comparable to the fastest LPN programs, combining classroom instruction with clinical rotations. Tuition, admission requirements, and NCLEX-PN pass rates vary enough across schools that prospective students need to weigh cost against post-graduation outcomes.
Choosing a program involves more than comparing tuition. Licensing exam performance and local employment patterns matter just as much.
The following schools offer accredited LPN programs within 35 miles of Chattanooga, ranked by a combination of cost and graduate outcomes. Each entry highlights key program details to help you find the right fit for your career goals.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dalton State College | Dalton, GA | $3,000 – $11,000/yr | Cost-conscious students wanting hybrid flexibility | |
Dalton State College is a public institution offering a 12-month hybrid LPN certificate that blends online coursework with hands-on clinical experience. The program is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and prepares students for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. With two start dates per year and affordable tuition, it is a practical choice for those entering nursing quickly.
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| #2 | Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga, TN | $5,000/yr (net price) | Chattanooga-area adults seeking job placement | |
Chattanooga State Community College is a public college providing a three-semester diploma in practical nursing with a strong local reputation. The program limits cohorts to 24 students for personalized instruction and reports a 95% job placement rate. Graduates can seamlessly transition into the college's LPN-to-RN program, all while benefiting from in-state tuition and Tennessee Promise eligibility.
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| #3 | Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers | Chattanooga, TN | $34,000/yr | Working adults needing day or night classes | |
Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers is a private institution that offers an accelerated practical nursing diploma. Students can choose between a 12-month day track or an 18-month night track, making it adaptable for working adults. The program includes intensive pharmacology and medical-surgical content, simulation labs, and clinical rotations in diverse settings.
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Chattanooga-area aspiring LPNs have several program options, though only one school, Chattanooga State Community College, is located within the city limits. Nearby Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology and private institutions expand the choices. The table below compares key cost figures including tuition, net price, and total program expenses so you can make an informed decision.
| School | In-State Tuition & Fees | Out-of-State Tuition & Fees | Net Price | Program Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga State Community College | $4,772 | $17,756 | $5,283 | $7,105 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jacksboro | $4,620 | N/A | $12,746 | $8,594 |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Oneida-Huntsville | $4,620 | N/A | $15,875 | $9,244 |
| South College | $18,535 | $18,535 | $17,858 | N/A |
| Fortis Institute-Cookeville | $15,120 | $15,120 | $23,582 | N/A |
| Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus | $17,048 | $17,048 | $27,267 | N/A |
What do you need to get into an LPN program in Chattanooga? Across local schools, the requirements share many common elements: entrance exams, a high school diploma or GED, background checks, and CPR certification. However, each program layers on its own specifics. Knowing these details helps you prepare a complete application for the nursing pathway you want.
Chattanooga State Community College evaluates applicants using ACCUPLACER or ACT scores, not the TEAS or HESI. A 2.0 overall GPA is the floor, but individual prerequisite courses require at least a C, and nursing courses demand a B to stay in the program. Math placement at Level 4 is also required. By contrast, Chattanooga College Medical Dental & Technical Careers uses the Digital Assessment Exam (DAX) and sets a minimum age of 18 for entry.
Both programs require a high school diploma or GED. Chattanooga College builds in two specific prerequisite courses: Dosage Calculations and Anatomy and Physiology, which must be completed before clinical work. Chattanooga State lists general education prerequisites that include math and science courses; a minimum grade of C is required in these. Neither school requires CNA certification or prior healthcare experience, though CPR certification is mandatory for enrollment and clinical placement.
Chattanooga State operates on a fixed cycle with three annual starts. Application deadlines are July 1 for fall, December 1 for spring, and April 1 for summer. The program admits a limited cohort of 24 students each term, so applying early is wise. Chattanooga College MDTC runs rolling admissions and multiple starts throughout the year, check directly for the next available cohort.
Background checks are universal. Chattanooga College also requires two letters of recommendation and a mandatory orientation session. Both programs emphasize meeting immunization records and health screenings. Because requirements shift, always confirm the latest details on the school’s official nursing program page.
Official NCLEX-PN pass rates for individual Chattanooga nursing schools are published by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. For the most current program-specific data, check the board's website or contact schools like Chattanooga State, Chattanooga College, TCAT-Chattanooga, and the Academy of Allied Health directly. Nationally, the NCLEX-PN pass rate for all candidates in 2024 was between 86% and 87%, according to the NCSBN.
Licensed practical nurses in Tennessee earn a median annual wage of $54,530, with most LPNs making between $46,370 and $60,410. Chattanooga-area employers such as Erlanger Health System, CHI Memorial, and local nursing homes rely heavily on LPNs for patient care, though actual salaries may vary by facility, shift, and experience. Statewide, about 19,140 LPNs are employed across Tennessee, supporting strong demand in medical centers, long-term care, and home health agencies.
| Occupation | Total Employment (TN) | Median Annual Wage | Wage Range (25th-75th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | 19,140 | $54,530 | $46,370 - $60,410 |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,310 | $76,620 | $64,230 - $83,840 |
| Registered Nurses | 67,990 | $79,030 | $67,110 - $88,380 |
Becoming an LPN in Tennessee follows a clear 5-step path from education to ongoing licensure. After completing an approved practical nursing program, you must apply to the Tennessee Board of Nursing, undergo a background check, and pass the NCLEX-PN. Once licensed, you’ll renew every two years; many LPNs later transition to RN roles through bridge programs at Chattanooga-area schools and beyond.
Considering an LPN program in Chattanooga? Here are answers to common questions about program length, costs, licensing exams, career advancement, and local salary expectations. Use this quick guide to compare your options.
