University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Nursing School Review

Begun as Chattanooga University in 1886, the school spent 83 years as a private college. But when it merged with Chattanooga City College and the University of Tennessee in 1969, it became University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), part of a four campus, statewide public University system. UTC has almost 11,500 students enrolled each semester, and offers over 70 degree programs.

The university is located in Chattanooga, with a population of over 160,000. This thriving city is located at the base of Lookout and Signal Mountains, an area rich in history and natural beauty.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Students may enter the BSN program as freshmen when they apply to UTC. To be eligible to apply, they must have a high school GPA of at least 3.5, an ACT score of 23, and write an essay based on an interview with a BSN or higher Registered Nurse (RN).

After completing 32 credit hours at UTC, students will be evaluated to see if they may remain in the program. At this time, they must have a 2.75 GPA or better, at least a C grade in all nursing classes, and be full time students.

Students that aren’t accepted into the nursing program as freshmen may apply after completing the nursing prerequisites of Chemistry, English Composition I and II, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, General Psychology, Pathophysiology, and Statistics.

After completing the program and graduating with a BSN degree, students are eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX).

Gateway RN to BSN Program

This program is designed for the working nurse, this program is available either in an online format, where classes are taken completely online, or in a hybrid format, where some classes are taken online, and some classroom time is required.

To apply, students must have graduated from an accredited diploma or associate degree program, be a currently licensed RN, and have a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

This program offers the following concentrations:

  • MSN Family Nurse Practitioner – this program takes six to seven semesters to complete. Students who graduate may take the Family Nurse Practitioner national certification exam.
  • MSN Nurse Anesthesia – this 27 month, intensive program prepares students to take the Nurse Anesthetist national certification exam. UTC students from Mississippi may take advantage of UTC’s partnership with North Mississippi Medical Center and attend courses there while they do their clinical rotation.

To be eligible to apply, students must have a BSN degree and at least a 2.5 GPA. They must also have a current RN license and at least one year of patient care experience. In addition, they will have to provide their GRE scores, recommendations, and a written statement that includes their resume, prior professional experience, and why they are interested in a graduate degree.

UTC also offers Post Master’s Certificates in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia. After completing a Post Master’s Certificate, Nurse Practitioner students will be eligible to take the national certification exam from either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Nurse Anesthesia students will be eligible for the national certification exam from the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

This post master’s program is to prepare advanced practice nurses to improve healthcare through leadership.

To apply, students must have an MSN degree and a 3.0 GPA. They must also have a current RN license, and complete an interview.

In order to graduate, students will be required to complete a minimum of 34 credit hours, and complete and defend a DNP Translational Project. They will also complete 1000 hours of clinical training.

DREAMWork Nursing Diversity Program

This program is dedicated to increasing diversity in nursing with educational opportunities for underrepresented groups, such as ethnic and racial minorities. Funded by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), this program strives to build awareness of the nursing profession in middle schools and high schools, increase education opportunities for underrepresented minorities interested in nursing, and boost the number of minority applicants to the BSN program.

This program gives support in the way of information, mentoring, tutoring, college transition courses, and help with applying for financial aid. Students accepted into the program will also receive a monthly stipend.

Pre-nursing students may apply to the program through the DREAMWork Project Manager at the UTC School of Nursing.

Contact:
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
615 McCallie Avenue,
Chattanooga, TN 37403