Online LPN Programs in Tennessee: Review Schools & More

Inside Online LPN Classes in Tennessee

Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) offers a more affordable, faster route to the healthcare industry than earning a bachelor’s degree. Most online LPN programs can be completed in four to six semesters, instead of the typical four years to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Tennessee has many high-quality schools that offer students scheduling flexibility and hybrid options to accommodate work and personal lives. Hybrid programs are a mix of courses taken online and in person, focusing on caregiving as an LPN. There is often an additional in-person clinical requirement, so you can gain on-the-job experience.

Below, we’ve chosen three hybrid LPN programs to help you get started. Included is information on costs, time to complete, admissions requirements, and a list of courses for each.

Answering Common Questions from LPN Students in Tennessee

There are many details that go into becoming an LPN, and you’re bound to have some questions about what happens before, during, and after your education is complete. We’ve provided answers to some typical questions from LPNs below.

Why is going to an LPN accredited program so important?

When you graduate from a program that is accredited, potential employers notice because it shows that your education was from a quality source that teaches the types of skills that LPNs need in the field. Two accrediting organizations to watch for in Tennessee include the national Higher Learning Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges, or SACSCOC. You should also consider endorsements from the Tennessee Board of Nursing and the ACEN, or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, both of whom are active in accrediting learning institutions.

What kind of work should I expect when I’m an LPN?

LPNs are charged with administering medications, providing patient comfort, and completing some specific modes of direct patient care. It’s important to note that all care from an LPN still needs to be supervised by an RN or other healthcare staff members at a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility. LPNs participate in care planning with other professionals, operate specific types of medical equipment, perform diagnostic tests, and record patient medical histories.

Is there financial aid available to help with the cost of my LPN education?

Yes, there are several sources of financial assistance for students who need help in meeting the cost of tuition, school fees, and essential items such as books or uniforms. There are many traditional financial aid sources that include federal and state loans, some of which can be received once a student fills out the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. There are also several other scholarships just for LPN students, as well as sources solely for Tennessee residents.

What type of license renewal and continuing education is needed to continue working as an LPN?

In Tennessee, LPNs must renew their licenses every two years, and you’ll need five hours of continuing education (CE) to be eligible for renewal within that timeframe. If you’re not actively working as a nurse, you’ll need 10 hours of CE credits. You’ll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 45 days before your license expires, and you can renew your license online up to 60 days before it expires.

Can getting my LPN lead to other more lucrative nursing careers?

Yes, and this is a common scenario for many LPN graduates. To help you move up, bridge programs make it possible to transfer most of the courses you took as an LPN to earn an advanced degree on a faster timeline — and to likely earn more. There are bridge programs for an associate degree in nursing, which you can complete and be ready to take exams for a registered nursing license. BSN bridge programs also can help you earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing in a shorter timeframe.

LPN Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Once you graduate from an LPN program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN, the licensing exam that determines if you meet the minimum standards of nursing competency. This national test is also the one required by the Tennessee Board of Nursing to meet state standards for nursing competency.

Before taking the exam, you’ll need to fill out the application, pay the fee, pass another background check, and submit an official transcript from an approved program. LPN students in Tennessee can apply four weeks before graduation and must wait up to six weeks after graduation for applications to process. The fee for taking the NCLEX-PN the first time is $100. If you fail, you must wait at least 45 days to retake and pay an additional $110.

If you are wondering about what material is on the NCLEX-PN, the exam is broken down into specific areas, including safe care environments, physiological concerns, metal health and social skills, and health maintenance and promotion. There are some LPN programs that give specific course instruction on what might be covered on the test, as well as tips on how to best study.

Salary & Career Outlooks for Practical Nurses in Tennessee

Those who graduate from LPN or LVN programs in Tennessee are in for a pleasant surprise: the job outlook for the state is exceptional. The national growth rate expected for LPNs nationwide from 2022 to 2032 stands at 5.3%, but those in Tennessee will see a growth rate of 19.6%. This means an impressive 3,600 new jobs and 1,890 annual openings. These openings include new jobs as well as positions from LPNs choosing to leave the profession, usually to retire or move up to work as registered nurses.

LPNs in Tennessee can expect to see a median annual wage of $49,780, with the 10th percentile earning $37,230 and the upper 90th percentile earning $62,370. The highest wages are typically found in metro areas, and the same is true for Tennessee. Those in the Clarksville area—home of Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne—make a median wage of $53,020, while those in the Nashville area earn $54,910. Check out the charts below to learn more about being an LPN in Tennessee.