Tennessee Technological University Nursing School Review
Tennessee Technological University (TTU) began educating students in 1912 as the University of Dixie, a two year private school. The school began to grow and evolve, eventually becoming a four year public university and gaining its current name, Tennessee Tech, in 1965. The Whitson-Hester School of Nursing began in 1980.
Tennessee Tech enrolls over 11,500 students each year in over 40 bachelor’s degree and 23 graduate degree programs. The school is located in a town of about 25,000 people, and is near several scenic state parks, yet is only an hour away from three of the state’s largest metropolitan areas.
Tennessee Tech has been named one of the country’s “Best Value” public institutions, as well as one of the nation’s Best College Buys and one of the Top Public Schools in the South.
Nursing Programs
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This four year program prepares students to practice nursing in a wide variety of healthcare settings. Graduates of the program will earn a BSN degree and be eligible to become Registered Nurses (RNs) by taking the state licensing exam (NCLEX).
The program is designed for students to spend their first two years in Lower Division Nursing, completing general education courses for the degree. Students that have completed the Lower Division Nursing program may apply for Upper Division Nursing. They will be chosen for the program based on their GPAs.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) will not receive credit for prior education if they apply to Tennessee Tech. They may, however, complete an LPN to RN program and earn their Associate Degree at another school, and then apply for the RN-BSN program (see below).
RN-BSN
RNs may apply to the RN to BSN program to earn their bachelor’s degree. To be eligible to apply, students must have graduated from an accredited diploma or associate degree nursing program. They must also hold a current RN license or be eligible to be licensed. In addition, they need to have earned a grade of C or higher in all previous nursing classes, and must have three years of nursing experience, or have graduated in the last three years.
Students who meet these requirements will be admitted to the RN to BSN program as an Upper Division Nursing student. Once they successfully complete 12 credit hours of Upper Division classes, they will be granted 33 credit hours for prior nursing experience.
The RN to BSN program is offered in a traditional classroom setting, or as an online program.
Master of Science in Nursing
Tennessee Tech has partnered with the Tennessee Board of Regents to offer an online MSN program through the Regents Online Degree Program (RODP).
Students who follow this program will earn an MSN degree with a concentration in Nursing Administration, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Education, or Family Nurse Practitioner.
To be eligible to apply to this program, students must have a current RN license, a BSN degree, a GPA of at least 3.0, letters of reference, a resume, and a written document with their professional experience, career goals, and the reason they are pursuing a graduate degree.
For students with a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than nursing, there is a bridge program. Students must still be a licensed RN, and must complete four bridge courses in nursing theory before they can start their MSN program.
The RODP also offers a Post-Master’s certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner. This program is for students who already have an MSN in a different concentration.
Contact:
Tennessee Technological University
1 William L Jones Drive,
Cookeville, TN 38505