Top Nursing Schools & Programs in Tennessee

The Associate of Science in Nursing at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN, is a part-time, campus-based program that can be completed in four semesters or three for LPNs. It features small classes, hands-on learning, and high NCLEX-RN pass rates, with admission requiring a 2.5 GPA and prerequisites. As an associate level program, it may require an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission.

• Part-time program
• Four semesters completion
• Three semesters for LPNs
• Small class sizes
• Hands-on learning
• High NCLEX-RN pass rates
• Transition to RN to BSN
• 2.5 GPA requirement
• Prerequisites needed
• Official transcripts required

Lincoln Memorial University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers multiple tracks, including traditional, fast track, and RN-BSN Bridge, all campus-based with hands-on learning. It prepares students for the NCLEX exam and has flexible start dates across various campuses. As a bachelor's level program, it may require an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission, though specifics should be confirmed with the school.

• Traditional or fast track BSN.
• Accelerated BSN option.
• RN-BSN Bridge available.
• Campus-based learning.
• Flexible start dates.
• Multiple campus locations.
• Prepares for NCLEX.
• Hands-on learning experiences.
• Varied prerequisites by track.
• Focus on practical skills.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Lincoln Memorial University is a three-semester, campus-based program in Harrogate, TN, designed for individuals with a prior degree. It combines rigorous coursework with clinical experiences to quickly prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam. As a bachelor's level program, it may require an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission.

• Accelerated 3-semester program.
• Requires a previous degree.
• Campus-based in Harrogate, TN.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Combines coursework with clinicals.
• Fast track to nursing career.
• Ideal for career changers.

Lincoln Memorial University's RN-BSN Bridge Option is a fully online program for registered nurses with an ASN or diploma, offering flexibility for working professionals. It enhances skills for broader nursing roles and graduate studies, requiring an RN license for admission. As a bachelor's level bridge program, it typically does not require an ACT or SAT exam, focusing on prior nursing credentials.

• Fully online program.
• For RNs with ASN/diploma.
• Prepares for graduate studies.
• Requires RN licensure.
• Flexible for working nurses.
• Enhances patient care skills.
• General education included.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Accredited program.
• No campus visits required.

Union University's Traditional BSN program in Jackson, TN, provides a comprehensive nursing education within a Christian liberal arts framework. This four-year campus-based program requires an ACT score of 20 or higher for admission, along with a 3.0 GPA for progression. It integrates state-of-the-art technology, excellent clinical experiences, and a holistic approach that blends faith with professional practice, preparing graduates for entry-level nursing roles or further studies.

• Four-year program duration.
• Campus-based learning.
• Requires ACT 20 or higher.
• 3.0 GPA for progression.
• Integrates Christian faith.
• State-of-the-art technology.
• Excellent clinical experiences.
• Prepares for graduate studies.
• Holistic nursing approach.
• Liberal arts framework.

Union University's Accelerated BSN program is a 15-month full-time option for non-nurses aged 24+ or those with a bachelor's degree in another field. Offered on three campuses, it features rolling admissions and extensive clinical rotations, focusing on safe patient care, pharmacology, and health assessment. No entrance exam is specified, and it prepares students for graduate school with financial aid available.

• 15-Month Program
• Full-time only
• Available on three campuses
• Rolling admission process
• Extensive clinical rotations
• Prepares for graduate school
• Financial aid available
• Covers pharmacology, health assessment
• For non-nurses with bachelor's degree
• Ages 24+ eligible

Union University's online RN-BSN program allows registered nurses to advance their careers in 18 months, requiring a 2.5 GPA for the last 60 hours of coursework and current RN licensure. With no general education requirements and a focus on leadership and community nursing, it offers flexibility and financial aid, emphasizing professional growth without an entrance exam.

• Online program flexibility
• 18-month completion time
• $400 per credit hour
• GPA 2.5 admission requirement
• Current RN licensure needed
• Financial aid available
• Rolling admissions process
• 27 nursing credit hours
• Excludes general education requirements
• Leadership and community nursing focus

Austin Peay State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a campus-based offering that equips students for healthcare leadership roles. With doctoral-educated faculty, it includes Pre-Licensure and RN to BSN options, accredited by CCNE and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. The program emphasizes high NCLEX pass rates, strong employment outcomes, and adherence to AACN and ANA standards, focusing on evidence-based practice, ethics, and technology. As a bachelor's program, it may require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, though specifics should be confirmed with the university.

• Campus-based program.
• High NCLEX pass rates.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Doctoral-educated faculty.
• Strong employment outcomes.
• Adheres to AACN standards.
• Includes ANA Code of Ethics.
• Pre-Licensure and RN to BSN options.
• Focus on healthcare technology.
• Emphasizes nursing ethics.

Austin Peay State University's online RN to BSN concentration is tailored for working nurses, offering a flexible, 100% online curriculum with five annual start dates and accelerated 7-week courses. It can be completed in as little as one year, with no entrance exam required, making it highly accessible. The program includes elective choices in areas like holistic and wound care nursing, focuses on leadership, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice, and is CCNE-accredited with affordable tuition and military benefits.

• 100% online coursework
• Five start dates per year
• Accelerated 7-week courses
• Supportive faculty
• Finish in as little as one year
• Choice of elective courses
• Affordable in-state tuition
• Military tuition benefits
• Scholarships available
• No entrance exam

Baptist Health Sciences University in Memphis offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that emphasizes hands-on learning through clinical simulations and personal instruction from experienced faculty. This campus-based program boasts high NCLEX-RN pass rates and strong job placement, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings. Admission to the university ensures acceptance into the nursing program, simplifying the path to a nursing career. As a bachelor's level program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams, though specifics should be confirmed with the institution. The curriculum integrates with the Baptist Memorial Health Care system, fostering leadership skills in nursing.

• Four-year BSN program.
• High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
• Strong job placement for graduates.
• Personal instruction from faculty.
• Combines classroom and clinical learning.
• Admission to university equals nursing program acceptance.
• Focus on diverse healthcare settings.
• Campus-based learning environment.
• Prepares for leadership in nursing.
• Integration with Baptist Memorial Health Care system.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is a four-year campus-based program that prepares students for the NCLEX exam to become Registered Nurses. It requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission. With small class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention and diverse clinical experiences, emphasizing critical thinking and practical skills. The program boasts high NCLEX pass rates and outstanding faculty leadership, equipping graduates for professional practice and further graduate studies in nursing.

• Four-year BSN program.
• Prepares for NCLEX exam.
• Small class sizes.
• Diverse clinical experiences.
• Emphasizes critical thinking.
• High NCLEX pass rates.
• Outstanding faculty leadership.
• Prepares for graduate studies.
• Professional degree.
• Personalized attention.