Jake Flannigan, NP
June 4, 2025
LPNs function as essential caregivers who provide medical services across different healthcare facilities. Tennessee depends heavily on LPNs to fill healthcare needs in both rural and urban communities. LPNs provide hands-on care through vital sign monitoring and medication distribution while supporting patients with their daily requirements. The healthcare system of Tennessee heavily depends on LPNs who work in long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health services because registered nurse shortages frequently occur in these areas.
Knoxville, TN - Private 4-year - south.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
South College’s on-campus Certificate in Licensed Practical Nursing provides a rigorous, hands-on education with simulation labs and clinical training across medical-surgical, mental health, pediatric, geriatric, and maternal infant nursing. The program emphasizes patient-centered care, clinical judgment, and cultural competence, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam. Admission requires academic prerequisites, including entrance exam scores, and the college is military-friendly with multiple campus locations.
Cookeville, TN - Private 2-year - fortis.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fortis Institute-Cookeville provides a campus-based Practical Nursing program in Tennessee, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences. The curriculum covers essential topics such as patient care, pharmacology, and emergency care, equipping graduates for entry-level roles in diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with financial aid options available for eligible students. This program emphasizes practical skills and experienced faculty guidance, making it an ideal choice for those starting their nursing careers.
Chattanooga, TN - Public 2-Year - chattanoogastate.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Chattanooga State Community College's Practical Nursing program is a three-semester diploma that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and a career as an LPN. With 1,357 clock hours of training, it emphasizes hands-on skills for roles in clinics, offices, and long-term care. The program requires a high school diploma or GED, ACCUPLACER or ACT entrance exam, college-level reading, and advanced math. It boasts a 95% job placement rate and average annual earnings of $41,920, with a total cost of $7,105 and limited class sizes for personalized education.
Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - galencollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus offers a 12-month full-time or 21-month part-time Practical/Vocational Nursing program, ideal for those new to nursing. With four start times annually, it provides hands-on clinical training in modern labs to prepare for the NCLEX-PN® exam. Financial aid and support services are available, making it a fast-track to a rewarding career without requiring an entrance exam.
Crump, TN - Public 2-Year - tcatcrump.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Crump offers a 12-month Practical Nursing diploma program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam through a blend of classroom and clinical training. With a total cost of $4,680 plus $1,393.49 for supplies, it requires a high school diploma or GED and passing the HESI entrance exam. This full-time or hybrid program is military-friendly and designed for quick entry into nursing, featuring 1,296 clock hours and competitive admissions.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
At Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Crump, the hybrid Practical Nursing program provides flexible 12-month full-time or 16-month part-time options, leading to LPN licensure and NCLEX-PN eligibility. Costing $4,680 in tuition with additional expenses for materials, it mandates a high school diploma or GED and the HESI entrance exam. Clinical experiences are integrated, and the program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing, with applications due in June for a September start and financial aid available.
The nursing education requires hands-on training which prevents Tennessee from offering fully online LPN programs. The state of Tennessee needs in-person clinical experience for nursing students to develop essential hands-on nursing abilities. Some educational institutions in Tennessee provide students with hybrid learning options through their campus locations. Students can finish their theoretical requirements online while spending time in person for lab work and clinical rotations through this approach. Hybrid programs provide flexible scheduling options for students who need to balance their academic responsibilities with work and family commitments.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Crump |
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| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Morristown |
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| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson |
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| Certifying Board | Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, Department of State |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) |
| Educational Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED and completion of a board-approved practical nursing program (minimum 1,500 hours over at least 12 months) |
| Application & Fees | $95 initial application fee for PA graduates ($115 for out-of-state), $200 NCLEX exam fee, $70 temporary permit fee |
| Application Processing Time | Authorization To Test issued in 1–2 weeks, permanent license typically granted 4–6 weeks after passing NCLEX and meeting all requirements |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal every two years with a $76 renewal fee |
| Continuing Education | 2 hours of board-approved child abuse recognition and reporting training required each renewal cycle |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $120 endorsement fee ($145 if exam required), verification of an active, unrestricted LPN license |
The salary range for Licensed Practical Nurses in Tennessee offers competitive pay and promising career opportunities. The initial compensation for LPNs begins at approximately $40,000 and reaches up to $50,000 annually based on their work location and experience level. Nursing professionals in urban cities such as Nashville and Memphis can expect higher compensation rates particularly when working in hospital settings and specialized clinics. Rural locations provide lower initial compensation but their strong employment demand creates job stability together with growth potential.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Tennessee | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $53,673 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $26.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$59,984 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | ~$53,673 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$48,383 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~19.6% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~4,200 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga State Community College |
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| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Crump |
| - |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jacksboro |
| - |
LPNs working in Tennessee possess different career advancement opportunities. The majority of LPNs decide to enter LPN-to-RN bridge programs because these programs allow them to build their existing knowledge while obtaining an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. These educational programs grant existing credit value to previous coursework and students can finish their studies within one to two years. Working LPNs can easily continue their education through part-time and online programs that various schools provide. LPNs who want to expand their skills can obtain certifications in IV therapy, wound care, and gerontology to increase their responsibility levels.
Additional Nursing Programs in Tennessee
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