Online LPN to BSN Programs in Tennessee: Compare TN Schools
Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree are in high demand in Tennessee. A Tennessee Hospital Association workforce study found that in 2021, the state lacked 15,700 registered nurses (RNs) needed to keep its quality of healthcare comparable with the national average level of services.
If you’re looking for a fast and convenient way to level up your career, an LPN to BSN program might be a good fit. EduMed researched available LPN to BSN bridge programs to help you make an informed decision. This guide will cover top programs, course details, the increased salary you can expect after becoming an RN, and more.
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Inside Online LPN to BSN Programs in Tennessee
Online LPN to BSN programs are popular for a variety of reasons. You can take online classes from your home, and many are asynchronous, so can complete coursework around your busy schedule. Most coursework, including readings, video lectures, assignments, and quizzes, can be accessed online.
Because an LPN to BSN program requires hands-on training, you should plan on completing clinicals or practicum work on campus or at an approved clinic near your home. If you choose an online program, you’ll need to have a computer, an internet connection, and self-discipline to manage your time efficiently.
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Herzing University
Herzing University’s Tennessee campus is in Nashville. The school’s LPN to BSN program can be completed on campus or as a hybrid program. Students can complete general education classes online while taking nursing courses in person. They must complete clinicals and intensives at a designated Herzing University site or partner site.
Students can transfer up to 90 of 120 required credits. Students will take classes including Nursing Pathophysiology; Mental Health Nursing; Nursing Informatics; Medical/Surgical Nursing; and Policy, Trends, and Ethics in Nursing. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its nursing program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Duration: 28 months (120 credits)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $695 per credit
Admissions requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Practical Nursing (PN) diploma
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Minimum score of 58.7 on Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) from the Assessment Technology Institute (ATI)
Curriculum: The program requires that students take general education courses plus nursing-specific classes like Mental Health Nursing and Family Nursing.
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East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is located in Johnson City. The school’s LPN to BSN program in the College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). It takes four semesters to complete the program after core class requirements are met. Students can earn 23 credits based on knowledge gained from a completed LPN program.
BSN classes are held one to three days a week in the evening, depending on the semester (fall, spring, or summer). The clinical portion of the program is scheduled for the third and fourth semesters. Clinicals are held in the evening or on weekends, depending on the availability of clinical sites at approved locations in Tennessee.
Students should enroll at ETSU as a Health Professions/Nursing Interest (HPNU) major and plan on applying to the program after all prerequisites are completed. In recent years, the program’s first-time pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) averaged above 80%.
Duration: Four semesters (after university core requirements are completed)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $5,236 (tuition per semester for in-state students)
Admissions requirements:
- Apply to ETSU
- Complete general education requirements
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative college-level GPA
- Minimum 2.75 GPA for nursing prerequisite courses
- Minimum 65% score on Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam
Curriculum: The program includes four semesters of nursing-specific courses like Pharmacology for the Transitioning LPN and Population, Community, and Public Health Nursing.
Cumberland University
Cumberland University is located in Lebanon, Tennessee. The school’s LPN to BSN program builds on students’ knowledge to create a customized and accelerated path to learning. Students in the bridge program begin taking nursing classes in the first semester and receive credit for experience as working nurses. The program is available in a hybrid format with asynchronous online learning modules.
Students must complete in-person clinicals at healthcare facilities in the area. They can enroll part-time or full-time for maximum flexibility. After the university’s core requirements in math, social sciences, and language arts are completed, students can complete nursing-specific classes in approximately four semesters.
Duration: Approximately four semesters (after required core classes are completed)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $13,320 (tuition per semester)
Admissions requirements:
- Official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended
- Nursing Candidacy Form
- Letter of recommendation from an employer or former nursing instructor
Curriculum: In addition to core classes like history and literature, students must complete nursing classes like Pharmacology and Community Health Nursing.
FAQs for Online LPN to BSN Students in Tennessee
You might be thinking about returning to college to earn a BSN. It’s important to conduct research before you decide on a specific school. Investing time and money is a big step, and we’ll help you make an informed decision. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions that prospective LPN to BSN students have.
What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an LPN to BSN program in Tennessee?
The point of an LPN to BSN bridge program is to build upon knowledge you gained while studying to become an LPN and skills learned during your subsequent experience in the nursing field. Through research on LPN to BSN programs in Tennessee, we found that you’ll learn the following skills:
- Supporting other healthcare disciplines to coordinate holistic healthcare
- Integrating information technology and the use of informatics when assessing, planning, intervening, and evaluating safe and ethical nursing practices
- Integrating nursing research into evidence-based practice
- Demonstrating leadership to positively influence healthcare policy by using quality, safety, and regulatory standards
- Adapting and utilizing therapeutic communication
- Using and applying skills to serve as the key connection between doctors and patients
What should I look for in an LPN to BSN program in Tennessee?
You should look for several qualities when looking for an LPN to BSN program. You’ll want to check that the program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and accredited by national nursing associations such as the CCNE or ACEN. You’ll want to make sure that the university is regionally or nationally accredited, as well. You’ll also need to ensure that the program will prepare you for the NCLEX and that it meets all of the requirements for licensure in Tennessee.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN to BSN program in Tennessee?
Several opportunities for financial aid are available to help you pay for an LPN to BSN program. There are federal aid grants, such as those you might receive after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Scholarships from the school you’re attending are available for a variety of academic and performance levels. Tennessee offers state assistance programs for education, as well.
There are also student loan options from the government or other private entities – though loans need to be paid back with interest. This can contribute to accruing debt. For more financial aid opportunities, check out EduMed’s nursing scholarship guide and financial aid guide.
Will earning a degree through an online or hybrid LPN to BSN program in Tennessee program impact my ability to get licensed?
No; you can become licensed if you complete a BSN degree online. However, when picking a program, you’ll need to make sure that the program is offered through an accredited university (preferably, the program will be accredited by the CCNE or the ACEN). The program should also meet the Tennessee requirements for licensure. Most programs highlight on their websites whether they prepare you for the NCLEX and meet requirements for licensing.
Will employers care if I took some LPN to BSN classes online?
The format of your class should not make a difference to employers; in most cases, they won’t know what format your classes were in unless you choose to tell them. Whether a degree is earned online or on campus is typically not noted on the certificate or diploma you earn. As online learning becomes increasingly common, the format is often as effective as on-campus classes. Online courses can seem more rigorous. So, you should not be denied a position simply because you took classes online.
Salary and Career Comparison: LPNs vs. RNs
Graduates who choose to work as registered nurses in Tennessee will find plenty of opportunities for employment. The Volunteer State is home to many metro areas, including Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis. Healthcare facilities in these areas will likely offer higher pay for LPNs and RNs. The average yearly salary for LPNs in Tennessee is $56,399. RNs earn significantly more, with an average yearly salary of $79,750. So, RNs earn over $20,000 more per year than their LPN counterparts. This makes the cost of a BSN degree well worth the time and resources you’ll expend to earn one.
The job outlook for both LPNs and RNs in Tennessee is exceptional. The statewide growth rate through 2030 for LPNs and RNs is expected to be 15% and 17%, respectively.
Beyond job security and salary potential, earning a BSN degree will prepare you for a wider range of non-clinical positions and leadership opportunities. Many employers prefer to hire RNs due to their expanded knowledge and skills. And if you’re thinking about specializing and perhaps becoming a midwife or nurse practitioner, a BSN is a necessary step for anyone considering an advanced degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Those who choose to work as registered nurses in Tennessee will find plenty of opportunities, as the Volunteer State is home to many metro areas, including Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis. These areas are likely to offer higher pay for LPNs and RNs. What kind of pay? The median annual wage for an LPN in Tennessee is $49,780, while RNs earn significantly more, with a median wage of about $76,200. This wage gap is evident even among those in the 10th percentile, with RNs earning $55,510 compared to the $37,230 earned by LPNs.
The job outlook for both levels of nursing is exceptional in Tennessee. The national growth rate for LPNs and RNs is expected to be 5.3% and 5.6%, respectively. However, in Tennessee, the growth rate increases dramatically. LPNs can anticipate a growth rate of 19.6%, and RNs are not far behind with a growth rate of 12.8%. To learn more about job growth and salary for RNs in Tennessee, check out the following charts.
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Tennessee | $37,230 | $49,780 | $62,370 |
| Registered Nurses | Tennessee | $55,510 | $76,200 | $98,090 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation | Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | Tennessee | 60,020 | 67,720 | 7,700 | 12.80% | 4,200 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Tennessee | 18,350 | 21,950 | 3,600 | 19.60% | 1,890 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
