Nursing Schools in Nashville, TN: Best Online & Campus
Learn about Nashville’s top-rated nursing schools and find the online, campus, or hybrid program that’s right for you.
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- Program Types
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- Earnings
Whether you’re just beginning your nursing journey or are an experienced RN interested in advancing your nursing career, there’s probably a nursing school in Nashville for you. There are a variety of programs that range from helping you become eligible to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to training you to become an advanced practitioner or take on a leadership role at your organization. No matter your academic needs, nursing schools in Nashville, TN offer a variety of in-person, hybrid, and online programs to choose from.
This guide showcases the top Nashville nursing schools and details their nursing programs to help you choose the one that’s right for you. You’ll also find other valuable resources and information, including financial aid opportunities, licensing requirements, and how much you could earn after your start your new job. Find your Nashville nursing school match and learn more about becoming a nurse in the area by reading on to discover which schools made it onto our list.
Lipscomb University
Nashville, Tennessee
Private
Tennessee State University
Nashville, Tennessee
Public
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee
Private
Types of Nursing Programs Available in or Near Nashville
There are a number of programs available in Nashville and the surrounding area to meet your goals, whether you want to become an RN with an associate degree or earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice or PhD in Nursing. Options at nursing schools in Nashville, Tennessee are profiled below.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Nashville
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An ADN is the fastest way to become an RN, providing graduates with registered nurse eligibility within two years. These associate degrees provide general education and targeted nursing courses to prepare students for the NCLEX. With both classroom work and hands-on training, these programs are either in person or hybrid.
Examples of Nashville Nursing Schools with this Program
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
A BSN is typically a four-year program that combines general education with clinical training and patient-centered care courses. A traditional BSN might be in a hybrid format, with courses offered online and hands-on clinical training in person. Those with BSNs typically have more job opportunities than those only with ADNs as they will complete a greater number of general education and advanced-theory nursing courses.
Examples of Nashville Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Those who have bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields can turn to an accelerated BSN to get the nursing education needed to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Depending on their prior bachelor’s degree coursework, students can complete this program in as little as 18 months as they’ve already met most general education requirements.
Examples of Nashville Nursing Schools with this Program
Direct-Entry MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Those with bachelor’s degrees in something other than nursing can earn an MSN in two to three years, depending upon the chosen specialty. A direct-entry MSN prepares students to sit for licensure as registered nurses without having to first complete a separate associate or bachelor’s degree nursing program.
Examples of Nashville Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Nashville for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
With LPN to RN and LPN to BSN bridge programs LPNs or LVNs can build upon their clinical training and prior education to become registered nurses in less time. These programs take about two years to complete and provide general education as well as advanced nursing courses in preparation for the NCLEX-RN.
Examples of Nashville Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
Nurses sometimes begin with an associate degree in nursing to get into the field as soon as possible. After a few years of working as an RN, they sometimes choose to pursue a BSN through an RN to BSN program to broaden their employment opportunities. Because students already have much of the necessary clinical training, most students graduate from RN to BSN programs in 18 months or less.
Examples of Nashville Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
Registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees can easily move into RN to MSN programs where they can focus on a particular specialty to help them advance in their careers. Because nurses already have their clinical experience, these courses take a deep dive into theory, research, and advanced theories. RN to MSN programs typically take two years to complete and can be entirely online, depending on the specialization.
Examples of Nashville Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Nashville
Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Traditional MSN programs are for BSNs who want to move into advanced practice areas like nursing education, nursing informatics, leadership, and administration. These programs are often fully online, either full-time or part-time, and many nurses continue working while earning their MSNs.
Examples of Nashville Nursing Schools with this Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is designed for nurses wanting to focus on the clinical side of nursing. In contrast, the PhD focuses on research and theory to prepare students to become educators or medical researchers. Completion times vary from three to seven years.
Examples of Nashville Nursing Schools with this Program
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
Those who have an MSN or higher can pursue a post-graduate nursing certificate to build expertise in a specific aspect of nursing. Graduate certificates can open doors to a variety of specialized areas, including administration, gerontology, and pediatrics. Most working professionals take these courses at a comfortable pace for them and complete them within two years.
Examples of Nashville Nursing Schools with this Program
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Nashville
When looking into financial aid for nursing schools in Nashville, Tennessee the best bet is often scholarships and grants since they do not have to be paid back. Many organizations, businesses, and government entities recognize the deep need for more nurses and offer generous scholarships and grants. The State of Tennessee, for example, offers general scholarships for those enrolled in one of the many quality nursing programs in the state. Schools themselves, like East Tennessee State University, also offer scholarships.
Learn more about financial aid options by visiting our nursing scholarship guide, financial aid guide, and nursing student loan forgiveness guide.
How to Become an RN in Nashville: Licensing Requirements
Those who want to become a nurse in Nashville must pass the RN licensing requirements set forth by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. These include completing a board-approved and accredited program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Other requirements include passing a background check and showing proof of citizenship. To learn more about the process, visit our guide to Tennessee nursing schools.
Earnings for RNs and APRNs in Nashville
Now that you've seen the types of degrees that provide nurse training, you may be thinking about specific schools. Whether you're a first-time college student, career changer, or registered nurse seeking advancement, you can see how the different degree programs discussed here can help you achieve your goals. But chances are, you still have an important question: “How much will I be able to make once I've finished my training?” We have the answer. We have compiled information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics below, which provides a look at how much registered nurses are paid. RNs in the Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin region make an average of $78,020, and the pay range is $60,020 to $101,910. The Tennessee average is slightly lower at $76,200. The state’s 10th percentile of earners make $55,510, and the 90th percentile make $98,090. Get a better look at the data by reviewing the table below.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $55,510 | $76,200 | $98,090 |
| Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN | $60,020 | $78,020 | $101,910 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
