Tennessee MSN Programs
Austin Peay State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Austin Peay State University, 601 College Street, Clarksville, TN 37044
Clarksville based Austin Peay State University is a public university that maintains an affiliation with the Tennessee Board of Regents. The university was established in 1927 as Austin Peay Normal School. In addition to the campus in Clarksville, additional classes are hold at satellite locations in Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Dickson, Tennessee and Springfield, Tennessee. The university also offers online degree programs. The university is named for Austin Peay, a former governor of Tennessee.
Austin Peay University offers online nursing masters degree programs in collaboration with the Regents Online Degree Program (RODP). RODP is a collaborative effort among several local post-secondary institutions to offer access to MSN education through distance learning and prepare more students to become nurses in Tennessee.
The nursing masters degree program is delivered online and offers Nursing Informatics, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education and Family Nurse Practitioner specializations.
In order to apply to the RN to MSN program, applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. A prerequisite course in statistics completed with a grade of “C” or better is also required. International applicants to the nursing masters degree program at Austin Peay State University should have a score above 500 for the paper test, above 61 for the internet test and 173 for the computer TOEFL exam.
Belmont University: RN to MSN Program Review
Belmont University
1900 Belmont Blvd
Nashville, TN 37212
Today, Belmont University serves more than 6,500 students. The university was established in 1890 as Belmont College. Belmont University is a private Christian university based in Nashville. The university was featured in U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges publication.
Belmont University offers a Master of Science in nursing program with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. After completing the MSN FNP program, students are eligible to take the national certification exam for Family NPs. The masters program can be completed in approximately two years on a part time schedule and is suitable for nurses who would like to continue working. During the last few semesters in which students are completing clinical requirements, it is recommended that students work part-time hours if they must. A full-time MSN program is also offered.
Nursing masters courses are not offered completely online, rather the program meets weekly during a 2-3 day block in the daytime. For admission consideration to the nursing masters program, applicants should have a BSN degree completed with a 3.0 or above GPA. Applicants must submit test scores for the Graduate Record Exam within the past five years, though there is no minimum score requirement. Students must have a nursing license in the area in which clinical practicum requirements will be completed.
Carson-Newman University: RN to MSN Program
Carson-Newman University
1646 Russell Ave
Jefferson City, TN 37760
Carson-Newman University is a Christian liberal arts college located in Jefferson City. The university was established in 1851. Just over 1,900 students are enrolled at Carson-Newman University. The university has received numerous honors and accolades including being named by Newsweek as one of the top community-service oriented universities in the nation.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the nursing masters program at Carson-Newman University. The MSN features specialization options in the following areas:
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Educator
Students can also opt-in a combined Family Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Educator program. An RN to MSN program is offered for Registered Nurses without a bachelor’s degree. Nurses in the RN to MSN program complete two semesters of transitional coursework, though in the second semester they are formally admitted as a graduate student.
In order to apply to the nursing masters program, applicants should submit a resume, personal statement and scores for the Graduate Record Exam. Applicants are required to submit three letters of reference, one each from a character, academic and professional/career reference. Students are evaluated for admission to the nursing masters program based on their academic achievement, work experience, leadership potential, and activities related to the nursing profession among other things.
Several community service opportunities and nursing organizations exist on campus with which students can get involved.
East Tennessee State University: RN to MSN Program Review
East Tennessee State University
807 University Pkwy
Johnson City, TN 37604
East Tennessee State University is based in Johnson City. The university was founded in 1911 as a normal school, which offers teacher education. More than 15,000 students are enrolled at East Tennessee State University.
East Tennessee State University offers a Master of Science in nursing Clinical Nurse Leader program. The course is delivered in a hybrid format, with classes both online and on-campus. In addition to the hybrid MSN CNL course, East Tennessee State University offers an online MSN program through the Regent’s Online Degree Program (RODP). RODP is a group of Tennessee colleges working together to make nursing education readily available in hopes of reducing the shortage of nurses. The following specializations are offered in the MSN RODP program:
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Administration
Nursing Informatics
Nursing Education
The nursing masters program admits nurses with a BSN as well as nurses with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. Nurses without a BSN will need to complete the following prerequisite courses before being admitted to the nursing masters program:
Community Health Nursing
Trends and Issues in Nursing and Healthcare
Healthcare Research
Nursing Leadership and Management
Students in the RN to MSN program do not earn a bachelors degree, rather they complete the above bridge program and continue to nursing masters coursework. General admission requirements for the Master of Science in nursing program include a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation and a nursing license. Nurses must have a valid nursing license to complete clinical practicum experiences before the first MSN semester ends.
King University: RN to MSN Program Review
King University
1350 King College Road
Bristol TN 37620
King University was established in 1867 and is based in Bristol, Tennessee. The campus is near several local attractions including the Bristol Motor Speedway where NASCAR races are held. Additional King University campuses are in Knoxville and Kingsport.
A Master of Science in Nursing program is offered at King University. The MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Family Nurse Practitioner, Educator and Administration specialty tracks are offered within the program. A joint degree Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration program is also offered at King University. The nursing masters program is designed for working adults who need flexibility in order to further their graduate education. Nursing students can complete the MSN program in as little as 20 months.
Generally, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required for admission to the nursing masters program. Nurses who do not meet the GPA requirement may be accepted through provisional admission. Applicants to the RN to MSN program should have a bachelors degree in nursing, basic life support or CPR certification and a current nursing license. Prerequisite courses in nursing research and statistics are required for all nursing tracks. It is recommended though not required that applicants also take a pathophysiology course. Nurses in the MSN Administration track should also complete a prerequisite course in health assessment.
Lincoln Memorial University: RN to MSN Program Review
Lincoln Memorial University
6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy
Harrogate, Tennessee 37752
Lincoln Memorial University is a private post-secondary institution. The university’s 1,000 acres campus is right next to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Lincoln Memorial University was established in 1897 to honor President Abraham Lincoln.
Caylor School of Nursing has offered nursing masters degree programs since 2006. Three specializations, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia and Family Nurse Practitioner, are offered in the nursing masters program at Lincoln Memorial University. Students in the Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia tracks are eligible to take the relevant certification exam upon completion of their degree program. The Master of Science in Nursing degree program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Programs are held at the Cedar Bluff, Harrogate or Knoxville campuses.
Entrance requirements vary slightly according to which specialty the nursing student enrolls in. In general, applicants should have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Scores for the Graduate Record Exam are required for admission consideration. Three letters of recommendation and a 3-page personal essay outlining the nursing student’s goals in the nursing profession are required. Applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia masters program should have completed two courses in chemistry at the undergraduate level.
Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia: RN to MS Program Review
Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia
315 Hospital Drive
Madison, Tennessee 37115
Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia was first named Madison Hospital School of Anesthesia when it was established in 1950. The school is affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist faith and is based in Madison, Tennessee. The Nurse Anesthesia masters program at Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
In order to apply to the Master of Science program with a Nurse Anesthesia major, applicants must obtain five letters of recommendation from people familiar with their work in the nursing profession. Recommendations should come from 3 coworkers, 1 supervisor and another healthcare professional in any position. Usually, students admitted to the program have a BSN degree; however students without a bachelors degree may apply to the program after completing 15 credits of biophysical sciences coursework beyond the nursing degree. A GPA of 3.0 or above and scores for the Graduate Record Exam are also required.
Classes are not available online, but students have the option of completing clinical practicum experiences in several of 20+sites located in Tennessee, Texas, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. The Nurse Anesthesia masters program can be completed in 28 months of full-time study. Students in the Nurse Anesthesia MS program should maintain a 3.0 or above GPA throughout the course of the nursing program.
Middle Tennessee State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Middle Tennessee State University
1301 E Main St
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Established in 1911 as Middle Tennessee State Normal School, Middle Tennessee State University has now grown to serve over 25,000 students annually. The campus is more than 500 acres and based in Murfreesboro.
Nursing programs have been offered at Middle Tennessee State University since 1966. Middle Tennessee State University offers the Nursing masters degree program through its collaboration with the Regents Online Degree Program. The following four MSN specializations are offered:
Nursing Administration
Nursing Informatics
Nursing Education
Nursing Advanced Practice
The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredits the RN to MSN programs. The nursing masters degree programs range from 34 to 46 credits. Several scholarship opportunities for students at all levels of their nursing program are listed on the departmental website.
Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have a 3.0 or above GPA and a bachelors degree in nursing. A prerequisite course in statistics is required for consideration to the nursing masters program. In addition, applicants should have a Tennessee nursing license, or a valid license in the location in which clinical experiences will be completed. Non-native speakers must provide TOEFL scores of 525, 71 or 195 for the paper, internet or computer based TOEFL, depending on which form of the exam that they take.
Southern Adventist University: RN to MSN Program Review
Southern Adventist University
4881 Taylor Cir
Collegedale, TN 37363
Southern Adventist University is a post-secondary institution affiliated with the Southern Union Conference of Seventh Day Adventists. The university was established in 1892 in the city of Graysville. Today, the university is located in Collegedale, less than 10 miles from Chattanooga.
Southern Adventist University offers a nursing masters degree program in several formats. An RN to MSN program is offered for nurses without a BSN. A MSN program is offered for nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing and a dual degree Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration program is offered for nurses with a BSN seeking a career in management and leadership. Students in the MSN program can choose from a Nurse Educator, Acute Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner specializations.
In order to apply to the RN to MSN program, applicants should have a GPA of 3.25 or above in their undergraduate degree program. Additionally, it is required that applicants have at least two years of full-time experience in a clinical nursing setting, which is equivalent to about 4,000 hours of practice. Applicants to the Acute Care Track should also have acute care experience.
Applicants to the nursing masters program for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree require a 3.0 or above GPA. Applicants who have completed at least 12 hours of graduate credits, may have the graduate GPA considered in lieu of the undergraduate GPA. At least one year of nursing experience is required to apply to most tracks of the nursing masters program, though applicants to the Acute care concentration must have at least two years of nursing experience and documented experience in a critical care setting.
Tennessee Technical University: RN to MSN Program Review
Tennessee Technical University
1 William L Jones Dr
Cookeville, TN 38505
Tennessee Technical University is a public post-secondary institution less than 75 miles away from Nashville in the city of Cookeville. Tennessee Tech, as the university is commonly known, is part of the Tennessee Board of Regents consortium that has partnered with several Tennessee universities to offer nursing programs.
The nursing masters degree program is offered in the following areas:
Administration
Education
Family Nurse Practitioner
Informatics
Though the nursing masters degree program was designed for bachelors prepared nurses, an RN to MSN option exists for nurses with an ADN (Associate degree in Nursing) or diploma and a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field seeking to earn a masters degree in nursing. International students may apply to the Master of Science in nursing degree programs but they must pass the TOEFL with a score above 500 on the paper exam. Other admission requirements to the program include a BSN earned with a 3.0 or above GPA.
The entire nursing masters degree program is delivered online and students in the program must choose their clinical practicum supervisor. Students must first apply and be accepted to the nursing masters program. Upon being accepted to the program, applicants apply to Texas Technical University as the home school for the nursing masters degree program.
Tennessee State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Tennessee State University
3500 John A Merritt Blvd
Nashville, TN 37209
Tennessee State University is an HBCU (Historically Black College University) located in Nashville. The university was established in 1912. Tennessee State University is affiliated with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Three concentrations are offered in the Tennessee State University RN to MSN program, Holistic Nursing, Nursing Education and Family Nurse Practitioner. The campus-based programs have very flexible scheduling options as classes are offered in the day, evening and online. All three campus-based MSN programs lead to certification.
The university has also partnered with the Regents Online Degree Program to offer Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Informatics and Nursing Education concentrations in a distance learning format. In order to apply to the nursing masters program, applicants should submit three letters of recommendation and a statement outlining their career experience in the nursing profession.
For the nursing masters degree programs, applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing from an accredited program earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. Applicants that do not meet these requirements may be offered provisional admission. Applicants offered conditional admission must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and are required to earn a “B” or better in 9 credits of coursework before being formally accepted into the nursing masters degree program.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center: RN to MSN Program Review
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
920 Madison Ave
Memphis, TN 38163
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is based in Memphis with additional campuses in Chattanooga and Knoxville. The university was established in 1911. Over 2,800 students are enrolled at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center annually.
A Master of Science in Nursing degree with a Clinical Nurse Leader concentration is offered at the University of Tennessee. The MSN program accepts both BSN prepared nurses and applicants with a bachelors degree or higher without prior nursing experience. Applicants to the RN to MSN program are evaluated for admission consideration based on their academic achievement, Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores, admission interview, personal essay and letters of reference.
In order to apply for admission to the nursing masters degree program, applicants should submit transcripts. The average GPA for students previously accepted was 3.2. BSN prepared nurses should have a minimum 2.0 GPA in science prerequisites, while applicants with a bachelors or masters degree in a non-nursing field should have a 2.6 or above GPA in science coursework. Applicants to the MSN Second-Degree program for applicants with a bachelors degree or above, but no prior nursing experience are required to take the TEAS.
The Master of Science in Nursing degree program requires approximately 80 credits of study and over 1,000 hours of clinical experience, and it may be difficult to work during some parts of the MSN program.
University of Tennessee Chattanooga: RN to MSN Program Review
University of Tennessee Chattanooga
615 McCallie Ave
Chattanooga, TN 37403
The University of Tennessee Chattanooga has served students since 1886. Over 10,500 students are enrolled at the university.
The University of Tennessee Chattanooga offers an RN to MSN program with a Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration or Nurse Anesthesia focus. Prospective students interested in the Nursing Administration focus should contact the department for more information.
The Nurse Anesthesia program is 27 months in length. The university has a partnership with the North Mississippi Medical Center. Students who enroll in the partnership program can complete the Nurse Anesthesia program in Tupelo, Mississippi while completing clinical experience at the medical center. The Nurse Anesthesia nursing masters program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program requires six semesters of study. Upon completion of the program, students can take the FNP certification exam. The MSN FNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Applicants to the MSN program should have a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Nurses applying the FNP specialization should have at least one year of clinical care experience. Nurses applying to the Nurse Anesthesia concentration should have a minimum of two years of clinical experience in a critical care setting. Scores for the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test are required for admission consideration.
University of Tennessee Knoxville: RN to MSN Program Review
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
The University of Tennessee Knoxville can trace its roots to 1794, though it was formerly declared a land-grant university in 1879. The flagship location of the University of Tennessee system is the Knoxville campus.
The Master of Science in Nursing program offers the following MSN program concentrations:
Nursing Administration
Global Disaster Nursing
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
Nurse Anesthetist
Adult Nurse Practitioner
Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist
Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
Both financial aid programs and university-funded scholarships are available to students at all levels of study in the College of Nursing. The nursing masters degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Council on Accreditation (Nurse Anesthesia). Programs in the College of Nursing are primarily offered full-time and in a hybrid format, with classes offered online and on-campus. A part-time program of study may be approved in some cases.
Entrance requirements to the nursing masters program vary slightly depending on the MSN concentration. In general, applicants should have a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing with a 3.0 overall GPA. Scores for the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test should also be submitted for admission consideration. Prerequisite courses include statistics, and also health assessment is required for some majors.
Union University: RN to MSN Program Review
Union University
1050 Union University Dr
Jackson, TN 38305
Union University was established in 1823 and is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Christian faith. In addition the Jacksonville campus, additional campuses are located in Hendersonville and Germantown.
The nursing masters degree program at Union University offers the following specializations:
Education Administration
Family Nurse Practitioner
Adult Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
The online nursing degree programs at Union University were recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as 40th overall in the nation. The Nursing Education and Administration masters tracks are offered online in collaboration with e-campus. The Nurse Practitioner degree programs are held on-campus in Jackson or Germantown.
The nursing masters degree programs generally require two years of study. Students can enroll in the MSN program on a full or part time plan of study.
To apply to the nursing masters degree program, applicants should have a bachelor of science degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or above GPA in the last 60 credits of the undergraduate degree program. Though the nursing masters degree programs are offered online, attending an on-campus orientation may be necessary. Statistics is the only required prerequisite course for all nursing masters degree programs. Three letters of recommendation and a current license are also required as part of the admission process.
University of Memphis: RN to MSN Program Review
University of Memphis
101 John Wilder Tower
Memphis, TN 38152
The University of Memphis is the flagship campus in the Tennessee Board of Regents system. Plans to establish the university began as early as 1909 and the university was originally called West Tennessee Normal School. The first University of Memphis classes were held in 1912. Over 22,000 students are enrolled at the University of Memphis.
The University of Memphis offers several Master of Science in Nursing concentrations. All nursing masters degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The following concentrations are offered in the MSN program:
Family Nurse Practitioner
Executive MSN
Nursing Administration
Nursing Education
Nursing Informatics
The Loewenberg School of Nursing has collaborated with the Regents Online Campus Collaborative to offer nursing programs online. In addition to the specializations above, an RN to MSN program has been offered in the past for nurses with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing area.
To be admitted to the Master of Science in nursing degree program, applicants should have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or above, Tennessee RN license or valid nursing license in the location where nursing degree requirements will be completed. Three letters of recommendation, with at least one letter from an academic reference should be submitted along with the MSN application.
Vanderbilt University: RN to MSN Program Review
Vanderbilt University
2201 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37235
Vanderbilt University is a private research university located in Nashville. Over 12,500 students are enrolled in the university’s undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs. Vanderbilt University’s Graduate School of Nursing was named the 15th top graduate nursing school in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Master of Science in Nursing programs at Vanderbilt University offer several points of entry and a variety of specialization options for nurses and aspiring nurses. The following specializations are offered in the nursing masters degree program:
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (also offered with an intensivist specialization)
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Emergency Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner (option for dual concentration as Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with an emergency focus)
Health Systems Management
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Midwifery
Nurse Midwifery/ Family Nurse Practitioner Dual Focus
Nursing Informatics
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute or Primary Care focus)
Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner/Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner dual concentration
Masters degree completion programs are offered for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with a bachelors degree. Nurses may also enroll in the joint degree Master of Science in Nursing and Masters of Divinity and Theological studies program. Entry options are available for bachelors prepared nurses, nurses with an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing),college graduates with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and nurses in their senior year of their undergraduate program that are affiliated with a partner school.
MSN admission information sessions are held twice weekly and conducted by an admission counselor. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend and ask any questions that they have about the RN to MSN programs. Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. Prerequisite courses and entrance requirements vary according to the MSN concentration.
