Jake Flannigan, NP
June 19, 2025
RN to BSN programs exist to support Registered Nurses who possess an associate degree or nursing diploma to achieve their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. RN to BSN programs strengthen clinical expertise and develop leadership skills for nurses to perform advanced healthcare roles. Hospitals and healthcare organizations throughout Tennessee demand BSN degrees from nurses because these institutions now need this credential for career advancement.
Harrogate, TN - Private 4-year - lmunet.edu
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Lincoln Memorial University's RN-BSN Option is an online program tailored for registered nurses with an ASN or diploma, focusing on advancing careers and preparing for graduate studies. It emphasizes comprehensive care across the wellness-illness continuum and offers flexibility for completing general education requirements. Admission requires RN licensure and an accredited ASN, with no entrance exam needed for this bachelor's-level program. This program is ideal for dedicated professionals seeking to enhance their nursing expertise and opportunities.
Cookeville, TN - Public 4-Year - tntech.edu
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Tennessee Technological University provides an online RN-to-BSN program for registered nurses with an ADN or ASN, focusing on leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice to prepare for advanced roles. No entrance exam like ACT or SAT is required, as admission depends on an active RN license and prior nursing degree. This flexible program supports working professionals in balancing education with career commitments, enhancing skills for greater responsibilities in nursing.
Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu
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The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's RN to BSN online program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers with a bachelor's degree. This fully online, flexible program requires 34 credit hours and can be completed in as little as one year through eight-week courses, with no campus visits necessary. Admission criteria include a valid RN license, an associate degree in nursing, and a minimum 2.0 GPA. The program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, making it accessible for working professionals. Options for part-time and full-time study accommodate busy schedules, emphasizing convenience and efficiency in nursing education.
Jackson, TN - Private 4-year - uu.edu
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Union University's online RN-BSN program offers a flexible 18-month pathway for registered nurses to advance their careers, with no concentration specified. It requires an unencumbered RN license, a 2.5 GPA, and rolling admissions. Priced at $400 per credit hour, the curriculum covers health assessment, research, and community nursing, including a capstone course. No entrance exam like ACT or SAT is mentioned, focusing on online accessibility and professional development for nationwide students.
Johnson City, TN - Public 4-Year - etsu.edu
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East Tennessee State University's RN-to-BSN online program, ranked among Tennessee's best, offers a flexible, 100% asynchronous pathway for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree in just three semesters. Designed for working professionals, it includes a practicum in the student's current workplace, enhancing leadership skills without requiring entrance exams like ACT or SAT. CCNE-accredited with tuition starting at $464 per credit hour, it provides scholarships and summer start options for career advancement.
The state of Tennessee provides multiple online RN to BSN programs which enable nurses to obtain their degree from their present location. The curriculum of fully online programs at universities targets working nurses through flexible course scheduling and online delivery. Students in these programs typically complete 7 to 8-week courses and they have multiple entry points during different months of the year. Schools provide two types of programs to their students which include traditional online courses and hybrid programs that combine virtual classes with limited campus-based sessions. Working nurses who seek flexible scheduling can find classes that run during evenings and weekends. Students who need flexible schedules benefit from online and hybrid programs because they allow BSN degree completion without disrupting work-life balance.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Union University |
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| Lincoln Memorial University |
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| Christian Brothers University |
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| Certifying Board | Tennessee Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate of board‑approved BSN, pass NCLEX‑RN, complete fingerprint background check |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial, notices mailed 45 days before expiration, online renewal opens 60 days prior |
| Continuing Education | Two continuing competence activities per cycle (e.g., five CE hours, specialty certification) |
| License Application Fee | $200 NCLEX registration, $37.15 fingerprint check, $115 endorsement, $100 renewal |
| Clinical Hours | Minimum 1,000 supervised practice hours in core nursing areas |
| Application Processing Time | About six weeks for full licensure, fingerprints clear in 8–10 business days |
| License by Endorsement | Online application with $115 fee, license verification, transcripts, fingerprint check, and proof of competence |
The average annual salary for Registered Nurses in Tennessee amounts to $66,000 according to the current market data. The BSN degree enables nurses to receive better pay since it enables them to pursue leadership roles. The employment prospects for nurses in Tennessee remain promising because of population aging and increased healthcare requirements. BSN-prepared nurses can find more opportunities in cities like Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis because hospitals actively recruit them to fulfill their rising patient needs. Rural nursing positions come with added benefits including relocation support together with forgiveness of student loans because of the high demand for nursing services.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Tennessee | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $68,900 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $33.12 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$78,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $62,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$48,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 9% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~3,200 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State University |
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| East Tennessee State University |
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| Tennessee Wesleyan University |
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The BSN degree enables Tennessee nurses to develop multiple career advancement routes. BSN holders become qualified to take charge nurse and nurse manager roles while developing skills which lead to nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist careers. A BSN educational background enables nurses to work as leaders within healthcare organizations across three different sectors which include administrative roles, educational, and public health positions. Nurses who get their BSN degree can become certified specialists in pediatric care, oncology, and critical care to earn better-paying positions. The BSN serves as the starting point for graduate school entry for those who wish to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
Additional Nursing Programs in Tennessee
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