Tennessee Nursing Schools
There are over 35 accredited nursing schools in Tennessee, which offers nursing degrees at every level, from entry-level programs all the way up to terminal Ph.D./doctoral degrees.
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Right now, Tennessee has a wealth of schools that offer good nursing programs, as well as new efforts at creating accelerated programs, distance learning, and online programs designed to turn out as many qualified nurses as possible.
Still more changes to Tennessee’s nursing programs are underway, but all of them are good news to would-be nursing students looking to avoid a waitlist, get enrolled, and graduate as soon as possible.
Nursing Landscape in Tennessee
Tennessee has several monetary incentives in place to help attract new students to its nursing programs. These include, but are not limited to
– The Graduate Nursing Loan Forgiveness Program, designed to draw RNs to Tennessee’s post-graduate nursing and nursing education programs
– Scholarships from schools
– Sign-on bonuses from hospitals
– Private tuition reimbursement programs from employers and recruiters
Tennessee, in addition to facing a shortage of practicing nurses, is also hurting for nursing educators. If you are considering entering a graduate program to teach new nursing students, there may be even more incentives in place for you.
Career Options for TN Nurses
There is some variation in salary for nurses in Tennessee. This is influenced by things like the socio-economic status of the community, and it’s location within the state. A registered nurse in Memphis will earn a median annual salary of around $61,000, while a registered nurse in Knoxville will earn around $57,000. An RN in the state’s capital, Nashville, could earn anywhere from around $51,000 to $74,000, depending on where he or she is employed. All figures are from the BLS.
Tennessee Board of Nursing
Tennessee’s Board of Nursing is part of its Department of Health. It is the main governing body for the nursing industry within Tennessee, and nursing students, RNs, and LPNs alike will end up well acquainted with it. The Tennessee Board of Nursing is an important resource for information on approved nursing schools and programs, licensing and examinations, changes to health laws, and industry news. The Board of Nursing can be reached at 425 Fifth Avenue N., 1st Floor, Cordell Hull Building, Nashville, TN, 37247.
Nursing Scholarships & Grants in Tennessee
Following are examples of nursing scholarships and grants for nursing students attending nursing schools in Tennessee.
Jim Blevins Foundation
Residents of Tennessee are eligible for scholarships from the Foundation. Nursing students who live and attend nursing school in Tennessee can apply for financial assistance. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Award amounts vary. For current deadline information and application guidelines, contact the Foundation at P.O. Box 150056, Nashville, TN 37215 or by calling (615) 298-5000.
The Foundation for Geriatric Education
Students enrolled in geriatric nursing classes may be eligible for nursing scholarships from the Foundation. Scholarships are available for books only. Award amounts vary. Interested nursing students should write the Foundation at 100 East Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. For general questions, you can call the Foundation at (615) 890-2020.
Educational Institute Nursing Scholarships
Always consider your nursing school as a potential source of financial assistance. In addition to general scholarships open to all students, the nursing school may offer scholarships specifically for nursing students. You can find out about such opportunities at your school by contacting the nursing department or the financial aid office. Following is an example of an educational institution that offers nursing scholarships.
University of Tennessee
With over 40 scholarship programs administered by the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, nursing students have multiple opportunities to apply for financial assistance. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Sample scholarships include the Sam Burge Nursing Scholarship, the Fraker Family Nursing Scholarship, and the Betty Jo McAfee Greene Nursing Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on various criteria. Applications must be submitted by the end of March annually. Students can contact the College of Nursing directly at (865) 974-4151 for more information.
Employer-Sponsored Nursing Scholarships
Local employers in Tennessee may offer nursing scholarships. While many such scholarship programs are restricted to employees and their family members, others accept applications from nursing students who live or attend school in the employer’s service area. Following are examples of employer-sponsored nursing scholarship programs.
The HCA Foundation
Children of full-time employees of HCA, Inc. may be eligible for scholarships from the Foundation (formerly Columbia/HCA Healthcare Foundation, Inc.). Nursing students who meet this criterion may apply for financial assistance. Scholarships are administered by Scholarship Program Administrators. For more information, contact the Foundation at 1 Park Plaza, Building 1, 4th Floor East, Nashville, TN 37203 or by calling (615) 344-2390.
Methodist Healthcare Foundation
The Foundation offers nursing scholarships to students in Tennessee who live in the Methodist Hospital’s service area. Students must be enrolled in accredited undergraduate nursing programs in the state. Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, financial need, and commitment to the community. Award amounts vary. For current applications and guidelines, write the Foundation at 1211 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104. For general questions, you can call the Foundation at (901) 516-0500.
Community-Based Nursing Scholarships
Nursing students can research community organizations for possible scholarship opportunities. Organizations to consider include family and community foundations, nonprofit healthcare organizations, and civic groups. The following is an example of a community foundation that provides community-based nursing scholarships and grants.
John & Ina Berkshire Educational Operating Foundation, Inc.
The Foundation offers scholarships to students who are graduates of any high school in Sevier County, Tennessee. Nursing students who meet this criterion and are enrolled in undergraduate nursing programs can apply for financial assistance. Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, financial need, and community service. Award amounts vary. Applications are due to the Foundation by the end of May annually. For current applications and guidelines, contact the Foundation at 6901 Sherwood Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919. Completed applications must be mailed to the Foundation at 3428 Rena Street, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. For general questions, students can call (865) 453-2401.
Nursing students have multiple means for locating Tennessee nursing scholarships and grants to help pay for nursing school expenses.
List of Top Nursing Schools & Accredited Programs in Tennessee
★ Featured Nursing Schools Accepting Tennessee Applicants
List of TN Nursing Schools
Aquinas College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
4210 Harding Pike
Nashville, Tennessee 37205
Phone: (615) 297-7545
Phone: (800) 649-9956
Website: www.aquinascollege.edu
Aquinas College is a 4-year, primarily associate’s, private not-for-profit institution.
Austin Peay State University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelors of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Nursing Education
Nursing Administration
Nursing Informatics
Family Nurse Practitioner
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
601 College St
Clarksville, Tennessee 37044
Phone: (931) 221-7011
Phone: (800) 844-2778
Website: www.apsu.edu
Austin Peay State University is a 4-year, public institution.
Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1003 Monroe Ave
Memphis, Tennessee 38104
Phone: (901) 572-2247
Phone: (800) 575-2247S
Website: www.bchs.edu
Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Belmont University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master of Science in Nursing Certificate
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1900 Belmont Blvd
Nashville, Tennessee 37212-3757
Phone: (615) 460-6000
Website: www.belmont.edu
Belmont University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Bethel University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
325 Cherry Ave
McKenzie, Tennessee 38201
Phone: (731) 352-4000
Website: www.bethelu.edu
Bethel University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Carson-Newman College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN/BSN)
Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelors of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1646 S Russell Ave
Jefferson City, Tennessee 37760
Phone: (865) 471-2000
Website: www.cn.edu
Carson-Newman College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Chattanooga State Community College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
4501 Amnicola Hwy
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37406-1097
Phone: (423) 697-4404
Website: www.chattanoogastate.edu
Chattanooga State Community College is a 2-year, public institution.
Cleveland State Community College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
3535 Adkisson Drive
P.O. Box 3570
Cleveland, Tennessee 37312
Phone: (423) 472-7141
Phone: (800) 604-2722
Website: www.clevelandstatecc.edu
Cleveland State Community College is a 2-year, public institution.
Columbia State Community College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
1665 Hampshire Pike
Columbia, Tennessee 38401
Phone: (931) 540-2722
Website: www.columbiastate.edu
Columbia State Community College is a 2-year, public institution.
Cumberland University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN/BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Jeanette C Rudy School of Nursing
500 Park Ave
Lebanon, Tennessee 37087
Phone: (615) 444-2562
Website: www.cumberland.edu
Cumberland University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Dyersburg State Community College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
1510 Lake Rd
Dyersburg, Tennessee 38024-2411
Phone: (731) 286-3200
Website: www.dscc.edu
Dyersburg State Community College is a 2-year, public institution.
East Tennessee State University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
Executive Leadership Nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Administrator
Nurse Educator
Nurse Informatics
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
PhD in Nursing
Post-Master’s of Science in Nursing Certificate
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
807 University Pkwy
Johnson City, Tennessee 37614-0000
Phone: (423) 439-1000
Website: www.etsu.edu
East Tennessee State University is a 4-year, public institution.
Fisk University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
1000 17th Ave N
Nashville, Tennessee 37208-4501
Phone: (615) 329-8500
Website: www.fisk.edu
Fisk University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Freed-Hardeman University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
158 E Main St
Henderson, Tennessee 38340-2399
Phone: (800) 348-3481
Website: www.fhu.edu
Freed-Hardeman University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Jackson State Community College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Licensed Practical Nursing to Registered Nurse (LPN/RN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
2046 North Pkwy
Jackson, Tennessee 38301-3797
Phone: (731) 424-3520
Website: www.jscc.edu
Jackson State Community College is a 2-year, public institution.
King College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Educator
Nurse Administrator
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1350 King College Rd
Bristol, Tennessee 37620-2699
Phone: (423) 652-4861
Phone: (800) 362-0014
Website: www.king.edu
King College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Lincoln Memorial University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Anesthetists
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy
Harrogate, Tennessee 37752-9900
Phone: (423) 869-3611
Phone: (800) 325-0900
Website: www.lmunet.edu
Lincoln Memorial University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Lipscomb University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
One University Park Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37204-3951
Phone: (615) 966-1000
Phone: (800) 333-4358
Website: www.lipscomb.edu
Lipscomb University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Martin Methodist College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
433 West Madison Street
Pulaski, Tennessee 38478-2799
Phone: (931) 363-9804
Phone: (800) 467-1273
Website: www.martinmethodist.edu
Martin Methodist College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia Inc
Nursing Programs Offered:
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
315 Hospital Drive
Madison, Tennessee 37115
Phone: (615) 732-7662
Website: www.mtsa.edu
Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia Inc is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Middle Tennessee State University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN/BSN)
Master of Science in Professional Science in Health Care Informatics
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Administrator
Nurse Educator
Nurse Informatics
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Cason-Kennedy Nursing Building
Box 81
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132
Phone: (615) 898-2437
Website: www.mtsu.edu
Middle Tennessee State University is a 4-year, public institution.
Milligan College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Milligan Hwy
P.O. Box 500
Milligan College, Tennessee 37682
Phone: (423) 461-8700
Website: www.milligan.edu
Milligan College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Motlow State Community College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
P.O. Box 8500
Lynchburg, TN 37352
Phone: (931) 393-1500
Phone: (800) 654-4877
Website: www.mscc.edu
Motlow State Community College is a 2-year, public institution.
Northeast State Community College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
2425 Hwy 75
Blountville, Tennessee 37617-0246
Phone: (423) 323-3191
Website: www.NortheastState.edu
Northeast State Community College is a 2-year, public institution.
Roane State Community College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
276 Patton Lane
Harriman, Tennessee 37748
Phone: (865) 354-3000
Phone:(8660 462-7722
Website: www.roanestate.edu
Roane State Community College is a 2-year, public institution.
South College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
3904 Lonas Dr
Knoxville, Tennessee 37909-0000
Phone: (865) 251-1800
Website: www.southcollegetn.edu
South College is a 4-year, private for-profit institution.
Southern Adventist University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
4881 Taylor Cir
Collegedale, Tennessee 37315-0370
Phone: (423) 236-2000
Website: www.southern.edu
Southern Adventist University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Licensed Practical Nursing to Registered Nurse (LPN/RN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
5983 Macon Cove
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Phone: (901) 333-5000
Website: www.southwest.tn.edu
Southwest Tennessee Community College is a 2-year, public institution.
Tennessee State University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Holistic Nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Administrator
Nurse Educator
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
3500 John Merritt Blvd
Nashville, Tennessee 37209-1561
Phone: (615) 963-5000
Website: www.tnstate.edu
Tennessee State University is a 4-year, public institution.
Tennessee Technological University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Administrator
Nurse Educator
Nursing Informatics
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Whiston-Hester School of Nursing
1 William L. Jones Drive
Cookeville, Tennessee 38505-0001
Phone: (931) 372-3888
Phone: (800) 255-8881
Website: www.tntech.edu
Tennessee Technological University is a 4-year, public institution.
Tennessee Technology Center
Nursing Programs Offered:
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education
1635 Vo Tech Dr
Athens, Tennessee 37371-0848
Phone: (423) 744-2814
Website: www.ttcathens.edu
Tennessee Technology Center at Athens is a 2-year, public institution.
Tennessee Wesleyan College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
204 East College Street
Athens, Tennessee 37303
Phone:(423) 745-7504
Phone: (800) 742-5892
Website: www.twcnet.edu
Tennessee Wesleyan College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
333 Murfreesboro Rd
Nashville, Tennessee 37210
Phone:(615) 248-1200
Website: www.trevecca.edu
Trevecca Nazarene University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Union University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1050 Union University Dr
Jackson, Tennessee 38305-3697
Phone:(731) 668-1818
Website: www.uu.edu
Union University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
University of Memphis
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Administrator
Nurse Educator
Nurse Executive
Nurse Informatics
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Loewenberg School of Nursing
Memphis, Tennessee 38152
Phone:(901) 678-2000
Website: www.memphis.edu
University of Memphis is a 4-year, public institution.
University of Phoenix-Nashville Campus
Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Nursing and Health Care Education
Family Nurse practitioner
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)/Master’s of Health Administration
PhD in Nursing
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
616 Marriott Drive, Suite 150
Nashville, Tennessee 37214-5048
Phone:(615) 872-0188
Website: www.phoenix.edu
University of Phoenix-Nashville Campus is a 4-year, private for-profit institution.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Nursing Programs Offered:
Doctor of Nursing Practice (Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP))
Clinical Nurse Leader
Nurse Anesthesia
PhD in Nursing
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Health Science Center
Memphis, Tennessee 38163
Phone:(865) 974-5500
Website: www.tennessee.edu
The University of Tennessee is a 4-year, public institution.
Vanderbilt University
Nursing Programs Offered:
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Adult Nurse Practitioner
Emergency Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Health Systems Management
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Midwifery
Nurse Midwifery/ Family Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner/ Urogynecology
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner / Adult Nurse Practitioner
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)/ Master’s of Divinity (M Div)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) / Master’s of Theological Studies (MTS)
PhD in Nursing
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
2101 West End Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37240
Phone:(615) 322-7311
Website: www.vanderbilt.edu
Vanderbilt University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.
Walters State Community College
Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science In Nursing (AAS)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
500 South Davy Crockett Parkway
Morristown, Tennessee 37813-6899
Phone:(423) 585-2600
Website: www.ws.edu
Walters State Community College is a 2-year, public institution.
