Tennessee Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs

East Tennessee State University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
East Tennessee State University, 807 University Parkway, Johnson City, TN 37614.
This institution is based in Johnson City, Tennessee. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs of study. East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 and serves over 15,000 students. The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at East Tennessee State University offers entry options for bachelors and masters prepared nurses.

The DNP program may be completed on a full or part time plan of study. Areas of focus offered within the DNP program include Family, Adult and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (NP) as well as Executive Leadership.

Admission requirements for the DNP include a BSN or MSN for nurses applying to the post bachelors and post masters options respectively. Applicants with a GPA below 3.2 are also required to submit test scores for the GRE. Prospective students for the DNP masters track should have a certification in one of the areas of specialty or a minimum of one year experience for the Executive Leadership track. Ideally, all DNP applicants will have at least two years of experience as a nurse.

The PhD in Nursing is offered in a blended format, which utilizes online and campus-based study. Admission criteria to the PhD in Nursing program include GPA (ideally a 3.0 or higher), GRE scores, writing ability and clear goals for PhD study. Since a primary focus of the program is serving rural and underserved populations, prospective students should also demonstrate interest in these areas.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

UTHSC College of Nursing
877 Madison Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee 38163

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (also called UT Health Science Center and UTHSC) offers degree programs in various healthcare fields. The University of Tennessee system has three campuses in Memphis, Chattanooga and Knoxville. UT Health Science Center was established in 1911.

The UTHSC School of Nursing is a result of a merger between the university and Memphis General Hospital. Though the nursing school can trace its roots back to 1887, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center has operated the nursing school since 1927.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The DNP is delivered in a hybrid method using both web and campus-based instruction. The doctoral nursing practice program is offered on a full time plan of study. Specialty areas within the DNP include Primary Care; Acute Critical Care, Forensic Nursing, Psychiatric/Family Nurse Practitioner, and Public Health Nursing. To apply to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, applicants should have a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) or MSN with a Clinical Nurse Leader specialization. Applicants should have a 3.0 GPA overall or a 3.2 or higher GPA in their most recent degree program.

Full and part time study options are available for nurses pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in nursing, a research focused nursing degree. To enroll in the part time option, applicants should have a masters degree. The nursing PhD is offered in collaboration with the University of Tennessee Knoxville and other departments within the College of Health Sciences. To apply, prospective nursing doctoral students should have a BSN or MSN with a 3.0 GPA and a score of 1,000 or higher on the GRE.

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga: DNP Program Review

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga

School of Nursing

615 McCallie Avenue, Department 1051

Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is one of several campuses in the University of Tennessee system. Other campuses include Memphis and Knoxville. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was established in 1886 as Chattanooga University and formerly operated as a private institution. In 1969, the university merged with the University of Tennessee system.

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga (or the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga) offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program for masters prepared nurses. As of fall 2014, a DNP for bachelors prepared nurses is also available. A direct care track for nurses who seek to practice with APRN certification (NP, CNS, CNA or CNM) is offered along with an indirect care track for nurse administrators and educators.

The DNP program utilizes distance education as a means of completing DNP coursework. Students are required to complete work at certain times (synchronous) and are allowed to complete other assignments on their schedule (asynchronous). Students in the DNP are required to come to the UT Chattanooga campus for an interview and also the program orientation; no further visits to campus are required for the DNP program.

To apply to the DNP, applicants should have an MSN with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Students with a GPA below 3.0 may submit scores on the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test for consideration.

The University of Tennessee Knoxville: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review

The University of Tennessee Knoxville

College of Nursing
1200 Volunteer Blvd
Knoxville, TN 37996

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is the leading campus of the University of Tennessee system. Founded in 1794, the university was established before the state of Tennessee. The University of Tennessee Knoxville is part of the UT system along with campuses in Chattanooga and Memphis.

The UT College of Nursing was established in 1971. Fifty students are enrolled in nursing doctoral programs which include the Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. The DNP can be completed in 1.5 to 2.5 years of study depending on a full or part time study plan. Prospective students to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program should hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from a program accredited by a nursing body.

The PhD in Nursing is offered in collaboration with the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center. The nursing PhD program allows students to earn a minor in statistics, gerontology or a certificate in health policy. The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing requires 5 semesters of coursework followed by additional semesters in which students complete the doctoral dissertation. To apply to the PhD in Nursing program, applicants should have a masters degree in nursing from a program accredited by a nursing body. A 3.3 or higher GPA should be earned in the MSN program. A scholarly writing sample is also required for admission consideration among other things.

Union University: DNP Program Review

Union University

1050 Union University Drive

Jackson, TN 38305 |

Union University is a private university in Jackson, Tennessee affiliated with the Christian faith. Hendersonville and Germantown are home to other Union University campuses. Nearby metropolitan cities include Memphis and Nashville. The university was founded in 1823 and grants undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Union University offers three tracks-Executive Leadership, Nurse Anesthesia and Nurse Practitioner. The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program is designed to be full time. Masters prepared nurses are eligible to enroll in the DNP. Delivered in a hybrid format, doctoral nursing students will participate in on campus study programs as well as online learning. Students complete a final clinical project in an area nearby.

To apply to the DNP program, applicants should hold a bachelors and masters degree in addition to licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Students with degrees in a field other than nursing will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Students interested in the Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthesia track should have NP or CNA certification. Each year,15 to 20 students are admitted to the DNP. Other admission requirements include letters of recommendation and transcripts.

Financial aid for the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is available in the form of Federal Stafford loans, a type of aid which must be repaid upon completing the doctoral nursing program.

Vanderbilt University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Degree Programs

Vanderbilt University

School of Nursing

Godchaux Hall 207
461 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37240

Vanderbilt University is based in Nashville, Tennessee. The University serves near equal amounts of graduate and undergraduate students, approximately 6,000 each, for a total of 12,000 enrolled students. More than 300 student organizations and extracurricular activities are available to students at Vanderbilt University. Graduates of Vanderbilt University have gone on to become Nobel Laureates in their field. Among the numerous accolades, are top rankings for several academic programs including best graduate nursing school. Vanderbilt University was founded in 1859.

Nurses with a BSN and MSN may enroll in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Vanderbilt University. Nurses with a BSN will earn an MSN as part of the degree program. Admission criteria to the DNP program include transcripts, letters of recommendation and an interview. Applicants to the program should have an RN license and APRN licensure with eligibility in the location in which clinical practice is held.

The PhD in Nursing Science is a hybrid program with both online and campus-based education. Admission requirements to the nursing PhD program include an average GPA of 3.0 or above in all academic programs including the degree concentration. In addition to the application, nursing PhD applicants should submit GRE scores, letters of recommendation and an essay. Selected applicants are required to have an interview with a faculty member.

Vanderbilt University awards numerous nursing scholarships to offset the cost of doctoral education in nursing.