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.
These LPN programs in and around Chattanooga are ordered by cost-effectiveness, combining net price data from the U.S. Department of Education with graduate earnings and institution-wide outcomes to surface schools that balance affordability and career preparation.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga, TN | $5,000/yr (net price) | Chattanooga-area learners seeking local clinical placements | |
A public community college rooted in the Chattanooga workforce, this program reports a low net price ($5,283) and strong local clinical partnerships. Its three-semester diploma in Practical Nursing limits cohorts to 24 students, ensuring individualized instruction with day classes and three start dates annually. The institution posts a 25.9% overall graduation rate, but its nursing program touts a 95% job placement rate and an LPN-to-RN transition pathway, making it a practical pick for area residents eligible for Tennessee Promise funding.
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| #2 | South College | Knoxville, TN | $18,000/yr (net price) | Aspiring LPNs wanting a BSN progression path | |
This private college offers a Certificate in Licensed Practical Nursing with an ACEN-accredited curriculum that spans 12–18 months full-time. Its net price of $17,858 is offset by a clear LPN-to-BSN pathway, appealing to students eyeing career advancement. With a 42.1% institution-wide graduation rate and the nursing program ranked #1 in Tennessee by Niche for 2026, South College serves multiple campus locations across the state, including Knoxville and Nashville.
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| #3 | Fortis Institute-Cookeville | Cookeville, TN | $20,000 – $25,000/yr | Tennessee residents prioritizing low student debt | |
A private, career-focused institute, Fortis Cookeville provides a Practical Nursing diploma with a curriculum aligned to Tennessee Board of Nursing requirements. The school reports a net price of $23,582 but also a moderate median debt of $13,000 and a 50% institution-wide graduation rate. Its hands-on clinical experiences and experienced faculty prepare students for entry-level roles, with Pell Grant recipients making up 84.7% of the student body, reflecting a commitment to serving economically diverse learners.
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| #4 | Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus | Nashville, TN | $27,000/yr | ||
Galen College of Nursing’s Nashville campus delivers a fast-track Practical/Vocational Nursing program that can be completed in as few as 12 months full-time or 21 months part-time, with no entrance exam required. While its net price ($27,267) is the highest on this list, graduates earn a median of $61,480 annually, according to College Scorecard. A low student-faculty ratio of 12:1 and modern simulation labs enhance the learning experience at this private, nursing-focused institution.
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| #5 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Crump | Crump, TN | |||
Part of Tennessee’s public applied technology system, TCAT Crump’s Practical Nursing program stands out for its extremely low net price (-$839, indicating heavy grant aid) and flexible delivery: students can choose traditional campus, hybrid, or a part-time hybrid option over 16 months. The institution’s overall graduation rate is 62.6%, and its curriculum includes 1,296 clock hours of training, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam. Tennessee Promise recipients often find the program tuition-free after aid.
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| #6 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jacksboro | Jacksboro, TN | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | ||
TCAT Jacksboro’s public Practical Nursing program achieves an 84.2% institution-wide graduation rate, the highest among the listed schools. The 12-month diploma costs approximately $4,620 in tuition plus supplies, with a net price of $12,746. HESI scores gate admission, and clinical rotations cover medical, surgical, obstetric, and pediatric care, ensuring broad preparation for the licensure exam.
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| #7 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Oneida-Huntsville | Huntsville, TN | $16,000/yr | ||
Also a public TCAT campus, this school reports a 73.9% graduation rate and an intimate student-faculty ratio of 7:1. The 12-month Practical Nursing diploma offers both day and evening classes, accommodating working students, and requires a net price of $15,875. With clinical experiences and a curriculum spanning mental health to medication administration, graduates are eligible for Tennessee state licensing.
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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.
