Tennessee RN Programs

Earn your ADN degree or BSN degree at a Tennessee college

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Tennessee

When considering a future career, whether you are a student coming out of high school or someone who is looking for a change of professions, Tennessee RN Programs may be just what the doctor ordered. The outlook for jobs as an RN are excellent and the pay scale is very rewarding. The average RN salary in Tennessee is $62,390 a year, or $32.49 an hour.

Due to the nature and importance of the job, the educational requirements to become an RN are set a notch higher than other nursing designations. A well rounded knowledge of human anatomy and physiology is mandatory. Knowledge of drugs and possible chemical interactions is vital. To obtain that knowledge Tennessee offers 2-year Associate programs for RN’s and 4-year Baccalaureate programs.

Most Associate programs are offered at community colleges around the state, but a few universities offer the ADN program as well. The program consists of 24 hours of general university classes including English, biology, chemistry, sociology, math, and computer. That is followed by 36 hours of specific nursing classes which leads to an AASN or Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing. Successful completion will allow you to take the NCLEX-RN Licensure Examination.

The 4-year Baccalaureate program is offered at many universities throughout Tennessee. The RN program begins with basic general university education classes. Once accepted into the RN program the courses become nursing specific with a variety of different topics covered. Pathophysiology, pharmacolgy, family nursing, mental health nursing, and management courses are just a few of the required courses in the nursing core of the BSN program. Completion of the 4-year program is recognized as a Bachelor Of Science in Nursing or BSN degree. After graduation, the NCLEX-RN Licensure Examination must be taken and passed to secure an RN license. The BSN track will provide a great foundation for future advancement in specialty areas.

As an RN you will provide patient care and supervise nurse aides and practical/vocational nurses. There will be lots of hands-on work like taking vital signs, administering tests, and assisting the doctor when necessary. You will also supervise other health care workers to ensure proper treatment and care of the patients and to keep the health care facility running smoothly.

RN’s not only work in hospitals but can also find opportunities in private physicians offices, elderly care facilities, public schools, and home health care. The outlook for job opportunities is excellent as the aging of America provides more patients and the retirement of career nurses creates demand for new nurses to take their place. Employment prospects for Tennessee RN’s are expected to increase at 26% growth over the next 5-8 years. Salary can vary due to area of the state but one can expect a range of $55,000 to $65,000 per year on average.

Associates Degree RN Programs in Tennessee

Resources for Nurses and Nursing Students in Tennessee

Tennessee Board of Nursing
Tennessee Nurses Association
Tennessee Nurses Foundation Grants & Scholarships
Harriet D. Westmoreland Nursing Scholarship Endowment
Roy and Nathan Tudor Nursing Scholarship

Annie Mae Grant Nursing Scholarship Endowment

Accredited Tennessee RN Schools

See our complete list of qualified RN nursing education programs in the state of Tennessee. The schools listed here offer pre-licensure nursing programs that meet the registered nursing education requirements set forth by the Tennessee State Board of Nursing. Although the schools listed on this page are accredited by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and approved by the state of Tennessee, they might not be accredited by national organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Individuals should check to see if the state-approved nursing school they are considering also enjoys national accreditation status if they are seeking a school with both accreditations.