Compare top-ranked NP schools by cost, clinical hours, format, and career outcomes across the state.
Nurse practitioners in Tennessee earn median wages of $103,000 to $105,000, according to 2024 BLS data. That range conceals a stark urban-rural divide: urban hospitals are well-staffed, while rural counties face primary care shortages that show no sign of easing.
Family nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee run the gamut from fully online to hybrid to campus-based, with options spanning Nashville, Memphis, and regional state schools. Online tracks now enroll students statewide, though clinical placements remain concentrated around urban hubs.
In a state where full practice authority remains elusive and physician collaboration is required for core primary care duties, comparing NP programs requires more than verifying accreditation. The right choice hinges on how reliably a school's clinical pipeline and certification outcomes align with Tennessee's regulatory environment.
We evaluated every CCNE-accredited NP program in Tennessee to identify the ten that best combine affordability, completion rates, and career outcomes. Whether you need a fully online MSN-FNP or a hybrid DNP with a rural health focus, these schools offer strong pathways for Tennessee nurses.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | Military-connected nurses in Middle Tennessee | |
Austin Peay's MSN nurse practitioner programs serve a high percentage of Pell-eligible and military-affiliated students in Middle Tennessee. Its hybrid PMHNP and FNP tracks combine primarily online coursework with two required on-campus visits, balancing flexibility for working RNs with hands-on skill development. The university's Nursing Simulation Center supports high-fidelity training, and the net price under $10,000 makes it one of the most affordable NP pathways in the state.
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| #2 | Tennessee Tech | Cookeville, TN | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | Rural nurses needing 100% online MSN-FNP | |
Tennessee Tech's MSN and DNP programs are consistently ranked among the best online NP pathways in Tennessee, with the MSN-FNP named a top online option by external rankings. All tracks emphasize flexibility for working nurses, featuring asynchronous online courses, local clinical placements, and low in-state tuition. Joint doctoral programs with ETSU expand concentration choices in areas like women's health, acute care, and primary care.
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| #3 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | $13,000/yr | Nashville-metro RNs filling mental health gaps | |
Middle Tennessee State's FNP and PMHNP graduate programs are designed to meet the growing demand for primary and mental health providers in the Nashville-Murfreesboro region. Both MSN tracks are delivered online with local clinical rotations, and the PMHNP certificate offers a fast post-master's path. CCNE accreditation and affordable in-state rates make MTSU a practical choice for Middle Tennessee RNs.
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| #4 | University of Memphis | Memphis, TN | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
The University of Memphis offers a strong focus on adult-gerontology acute care, with MSN and certificate programs that leverage partnerships with major Memphis health systems. Its hybrid AGACNP curriculum includes on-campus intensives and requires two years of ICU/ER experience, preparing graduates for high-acuity roles in hospitals and ICUs. A post-master's FNP certificate is also available for APRNs seeking to expand into primary care.
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| #5 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | ~$16,000/yr (est.) | ||
ETSU anchors NP education for East Tennessee and Appalachia, with fully online MSN and DNP tracks that emphasize rural and underserved populations. The university boasts a 100% licensure pass rate for its FNP program and high certification pass rates across all concentrations. Joint DNP offerings with Tennessee Tech provide additional specialization options, and clinical placement assistance helps students secure preceptors in rural counties.
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| #6 | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN | ~$14,000/yr (est.) | ||
UTC's School of Nursing offers hybrid DNP and MSN tracks with an emphasis on primary care across the lifespan. The FNP and PMHNP programs consistently achieve first-time certification pass rates above 96%, and the curriculum includes immersive clinical practicums in diverse settings. A range of post-graduate certificates allows existing NPs to add population foci without relocating.
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| #7 | The University of Tennessee Health Science Center | Memphis, TN | |||
UTHSC's DNP programs combine affordable in-state tuition with exceptional outcomes: a 100% first-time AANP exam pass rate and strong graduate earnings. The hybrid delivery with on-campus intensives in Memphis provides hands-on training, while faculty assist with clinical placements across the Mid-South. Dual concentration pathways and post-graduate certificates allow APRNs to broaden their scope efficiently.
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| #8 | Tennessee State University | Nashville, TN | $9,000 – $22,000/yr | ||
Tennessee State, Nashville’s only public HBCU, offers an affordable online MSN-FNP and a post-master's FNP certificate designed for working nurses. The 49-credit master's path includes 750 clinical hours and can be completed in as few as six semesters. TSU's community focus helps address primary care access in underserved urban and Middle Tennessee communities.
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| #9 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | ~$19,000/yr (est.) | ||
UT Knoxville's DNP and graduate certificate programs emphasize evidence-based practice and hands-on training at the high-fidelity simulation center. The hybrid FNP, PMHNP, and pediatric NP tracks require two on-campus visits per semester, fostering strong clinical mentorship. With a 73.9% institutional graduation rate and strong alumni earnings, UTK offers a competitive pathway for nurses committed to East Tennessee.
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| #10 | Baptist Health Sciences University | Memphis, TN | $11,000/yr | ||
Baptist Health Sciences University in Memphis offers CCNE-accredited DNP programs specializing in adult-gerontology acute and primary care. The hybrid delivery and close integration with the Baptist Memorial Health Care system provide strong clinical placement access in West Tennessee. Rolling admissions and January cohort starts accommodate working RNs in the Mid-South.
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This table compares key characteristics of MSN Family Nurse Practitioner programs in Tennessee. Look for the balance between tuition costs, net price, and required clinical hours, as these directly affect your budget and training intensity. Schools like Austin Peay State University stand out with a notably low net price of $9,735 and extensive 750 clinical hours, while Vanderbilt University charges a premium per-credit rate of $2,057 but offers strong CCNE accreditation and at least 600 clinical hours.
| School | Program | Format | Credit Hours | Clinical Hours | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State University | MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | Hybrid | 45 | 750 | $10,518 | $15,702 | $9,735 | N/A |
| Tennessee Tech | MSN Family Nurse Practitioner | Online | 45 | N/A | $12,386 | $15,746 | $14,246 | N/A |
| Middle Tennessee State University | MSN Family Nurse Practitioner | Online | 42 | 630 | $11,718 | $29,700 | $13,359 | N/A |
| East Tennessee State University | MSN Family Nurse Practitioner | Online | 51 | N/A | $11,366 | $26,486 | $15,983 | N/A |
| The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | MSN Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Lifespan | Hybrid | 48-53 | 630 | $11,110 | $19,174 | $14,265 | N/A |
| Tennessee State University | MSN Family Nurse Practitioner | Online | 49 | 750 | $11,188 | $23,808 | $15,796 | N/A |
| Vanderbilt University | MSN Family Nurse Practitioner | N/A | N/A | 600+ | N/A (per credit: $2,057) | N/A (per credit: $2,057) | N/A | CCNE |
Tennessee offers NP students both fully online and hybrid program formats, each with distinct advantages. Understanding how these formats handle clinical placements, campus requirements, and state authorization is crucial for choosing the right path.
Tennessee requires a Master's or DNP degree, national certification, and Board approval for APRN practice. The process builds on your registered nursing foundation with graduate education and a separate state licensure step.
Tennessee combines a strong demand for primary care with one of the more tightly regulated nurse practitioner environments in the Southeast. Understanding where the state draws the line between independent practice and required physician collaboration is essential before you commit to a program.
In Tennessee, NPs must enter a formal collaborative agreement with a supervising physician who practices in the same or a related specialty. The physician must be available at all times, either in person or by electronic communication, though physical on-site presence is not mandated. The Board of Nursing requires that 20% of patient charts be reviewed by the collaborating physician every 30 days, with more frequent review for controlled substance prescriptions: those charts must be reviewed every 10 business days. The written protocol governing the collaboration must be updated every two years. Recent legislative sessions have seen bills proposing full practice authority, but as of 2025-2026, none have passed into law, so Tennessee remains a restricted-practice state.
Tennessee NPs can prescribe legend drugs and Schedule II through V controlled substances, but only under the terms of the collaborative agreement and with the supervising physician's delegation. Abortion-inducing drugs are explicitly prohibited from NP prescribing. Before writing any controlled substance prescription, you must obtain a federal DEA registration and enroll in the state's Controlled Substance Monitoring Database (CSMD). The Board of Nursing charges a separate prescriptive authority fee, set annually, that must be paid at the time of initial application and renewal.
The Tennessee Board of Nursing, operating under T.C.A. Title 63, Chapter 7, requires APRN applicants to hold a graduate degree in their role and population focus, plus current national certification. The application process includes:
All documents are submitted through the Tennessee Department of Health's online licensure system.
Tennessee participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for RNs, which lets you hold a multi-state registered nurse license. However, APRN licensure is not covered by the NLC. You will need a separate Tennessee APRN license to practice as a nurse practitioner in the state, even if you hold an RN compact license. The APRN credential is state-specific and requires meeting Tennessee's education, certification, and collaborative practice standards.
Among neighboring states, scope of practice varies dramatically. Arkansas and Mississippi also maintain restricted practice, requiring similar collaborative agreements, while Kentucky moved to full practice authority after a specified transition period. Georgia and Alabama remain restricted, often with stricter on-site supervision rules. Tennessee's 20% chart review requirement is relatively moderate within the region, but the mandatory availability of the physician and the 30-day review cycle create a consistent oversight structure. For students deciding where to settle, these differences can tip the balance toward states where an NP can open a practice independently after gaining experience.
How much do nurse practitioners earn in Tennessee, and is the salary worth the cost of schooling?
As of 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual wage for nurse practitioners in Tennessee between $103,000 and $105,000. That sits below the national median of approximately $126,260, but Tennessee’s lower cost of living, especially outside the Nashville metro, means a six-figure salary can go a long way. The statewide mean annual wage was $99,330 in 2022, with a location quotient of 2.40, meaning Tennessee employs more than twice as many NPs per 1,000 jobs as the national average.
Where you practice within the state makes a real difference. Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin reports the highest median, between $108,000 and $112,000. Memphis comes next at $102,000–$106,000, followed by Knoxville at $100,000–$103,000 and Chattanooga at $98,000–$101,000. An NP in Nashville can earn roughly $10,000 more per year than one in Chattanooga, and competition for roles in the highest-paying facilities can be steep.
Base salaries alone rarely reach $200,000, but total compensation can climb close to that mark for some NPs. Overtime, on-call pay, and specialty certifications, such as psychiatric mental health or adult-gerontology acute care, push earnings higher. NPs who own or co-own a practice, work locum tenens, or take on administrative roles often see their income rise. In high-demand settings like rural emergency departments or hospital intensive care units, experienced NPs may negotiate salaries well above the metro median. Building a mix of clinical, teaching, and consulting income also helps bridge the gap to $200,000.
Nationally, the BLS projects 45% employment growth for nurse practitioners from 2020 to 2030. Tennessee mirrors that trajectory, fueled by an aging population, expanding primary care shortages, and the state’s large rural footprint. Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta region both face significant healthcare provider gaps, and NPs are filling those roles rapidly. With over 13,000 NPs already employed statewide in 2022, demand remains strong in both metropolitan hospitals and critical-access clinics.
Program-level salary figures for recent graduates are not yet available for these schools, but institutional earnings data offer a helpful benchmark. At Vanderbilt University, former students report median earnings of $91,565 a decade after entering school, while median graduate debt sits at $14,000, an earnings-to-debt ratio above 6:1. Even at schools with more modest figures, such as Union University ($53,990 median earnings, $20,714 debt), the ratio remains favorable. When weighed against Tennessee’s NP median wage and the quick payback period, the return on investment for a well-chosen graduate program is clear, particularly if you target a high-wage metro and a high-demand specialty.
The BLS reports a broad salary distribution for nurse practitioners in Tennessee. New graduates often start closer to the 10th percentile, while seasoned NPs command wages near the 90th percentile. Keep in mind that program-level earnings from College Scorecard can vary and are not directly comparable to these statewide occupation averages.
Several Tennessee universities offer compact, low-cost family nurse practitioner programs with strong earning potential after graduation. For RNs who already hold a master's degree, post-graduate certificates like the University of Memphis' FNP option can be a quick path to advanced practice. Accelerated BSN-to-MSN and BSN-to-DNP tracks are available at some schools, though these are not always the cheapest options. Part-time pacing, such as taking two courses per semester, extends time to degree but lets working nurses balance job and school. All programs below show manageable median graduate debt and median earnings ten years after enrollment that exceed the national average for registered nurses.
| School | Approx. Net Price | Median Graduate Debt | Median Earnings (10 Yr) | Typical Completion Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State University | $9,735 | $20,547 | $44,301 | 2.5 years (part-time pace; 45 credits, 750 clinical hours) |
| University of Memphis (Post-MSN Certificate) | $12,397 | $23,300 | $48,458 | Varies (post-master's certificate; 630+ clinical hours) |
| Middle Tennessee State University | $13,359 | $20,000 | $48,541 | 16–24 months (full-time 4 semesters or standard 5 semesters; 42 credits, 630 clinical hours) |
| Tennessee Tech University | $14,246 | $15,650 | $48,501 | 2–2.5 years (flexible, may include summers; 45 credits, 630+ clinical hours) |
As nursing education leans toward doctoral preparation, Tennessee nurses face a decision shaped by both career ambition and state regulatory realities. Selecting a nurse practitioner program means matching your existing credentials with a pathway that meets licensure requirements, fits your timeline, and aligns with how you want to practice. Below is a side-by-side look at the main routes available at Tennessee schools.
The traditional BSN-to-MSN track is designed for registered nurses who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Full-time students typically finish in two to three years, earning either an MSN or, in some cases, an additional specialty certificate. Vanderbilt University offers a BSN-to-MSN FNP program, and while not listed in every directory, Union University, Belmont University, and Lincoln Memorial University also host MSN tracks. Graduates sit for national certification and then apply for Tennessee APRN licensure.
RN-to-MSN programs bridge the gap for nurses with an associate degree (ADN). These programs combine baccalaureate-level coursework with graduate-level FNP content, often reducing the total time to around three years of full-time study. Vanderbilt's ASN-to-MSN pathway accepts RNs with an associate's degree, awarding both the BSN equivalency and MSN along the way. The curriculum includes the same clinical hours and FNP competencies as the BSN-to-MSN option.
For BSN-prepared nurses intent on earning a terminal degree, the BSN-to-DNP FNP track crams master's-level clinical training and doctorate-level leadership and systems coursework into three to four years of full-time study. Vanderbilt and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) both run BSN-to-DNP FNP programs. Because Tennessee does not grant full practice authority based on degree alone, this route does not change your legal scope but may open doors in academia, administration, or future policy environments where the DNP becomes the expected standard.
Nurses who already hold an MSN or DNP in another specialty can add FNP qualifications through a post-master's certificate. Programs are usually 12 to 24 months long, focusing solely on the FNP clinical didactics and practicum hours, skipping courses already completed. Both Vanderbilt and UTHSC offer this certificate for MSN- or DNP-prepared nurses. NurseJournal.org highlights that many post-master's certificates are available in online or hybrid formats, making them practical for working APRNs.
Career changers with a non-nursing bachelor's degree can enter nursing through a direct-entry MSN pathway. Vanderbilt's Bridge program admits students with a bachelor's in a non-nursing field, providing accelerated pre-licensure RN training before moving into FNP graduate courses. Completion timelines vary but generally run three to four years, depending on the starting semester. This route is among the fastest ways to become a family nurse practitioner without a previous nursing background.
Tennessee law requires nurse practitioners to hold a collaborative practice agreement with a supervising physician for prescriptive authority and a significant portion of clinical decision-making. The DNP does not alter this requirement: it offers no independent practice rights beyond what an MSN-prepared NP already has. However, the DNP does strengthen diagnostic reasoning, evidence-based practice skills, and leadership capabilities that can lead to roles in management, research, and education. For nurses aiming at hospital leadership or faculty positions, the extra investment may pay off. For those whose primary goal is direct patient care in a community clinic, an MSN remains the most streamlined and cost-effective route to FNP practice in Tennessee today.
Certification pass rates are a key indicator of program quality. First-time pass rates for the national AANP FNP exam typically range from 80% to 85%, but these figures differ noticeably by program. Ask any Tennessee NP school directly for their most recent pass rate data. Several programs in the state boast rates above the national average, underscoring their strength as training pipelines.
Choosing the right NP program and understanding state requirements are critical first steps. We answer common questions about salaries, licensing, and program options for aspiring nurse practitioners in Tennessee.
The following schools offer accredited nurse practitioner programs at various degree levels and formats across the state. Use this directory to browse additional options beyond the top-ranked programs and find the right fit for your goals.
