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Top Tennessee RN to BSN Programs

The healthcare system in the U.S. and the nursing field are not the same as they once were. In years past, registered nurses holding an associate's degree could easily find work. These days, it has become almost mandatory for RNs to hold a BSN degree in most workplaces. Thus, ADN-educated registered nurses around the country headed back to school to earn their BSN degrees so that they can advance their career and salary opportunities. Colleges and universities have responded to the increased need for BSN-educated nurses by offering specialized RN to BSN degree pathways. Finding the top programs in your state can be difficult, however, so to help we've compiled a list of the top RN to BSN programs in Tennessee.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Tennessee

Deciding on the best RN to BSN program for you is a very individualized choice. We recommend taking the following into account as you research Tennessee programs:

  • Acceptance rate and/or waitlists
  • Student satisfaction rate
  • Cost of tuition
  • Reputation of nursing department and faculty
  • Program accreditation
  • Scholarship and financial aid opportunities
  • Employment data for recent grads
  • Class and cohort sizes
  • Program partnerships at local hospitals or healthcare facilities

Testing and Certification

Registered nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam before they can acquire their RNs license, which ADN graduates would have had to do at the completion of their degree program. This means RN to BSN students aren't required to take any sort of licensing examination.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Tennessee

1. East Tennessee State University

Founded in 1911, East Tennessee State University is a public university in Johnson City, Tennessee and is part of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee. ETSU offers a 42 semester credit RN to BSN program that can be completed mostly online, although in-person practicums are required each semester. The university offers students RN to BSN programs that can be completed in either two, three, or five semesters. Courses students can expect to tackle include Health Assessment, Population, Community, and Public Health Nursing, and Pathophysiology, among others. New students are admitted into the program at the beginning of each fall, spring, and summer semester.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Franklin Woods Community Hospital
  • Woodridge Hospital
  • Johnson City Specialty Hospital

Tuition:

Students who enroll in ETSU's RN to BSN program can expect to pay around $33,642 in tuition plus additional fees.

2. University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Founded over 130 years ago, the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is a public university located in Chattanooga that's one of three universities affiliated with the University of Tennessee system. UTC offers a 27 semester credit online RN to BSN track that's has been designed so that nurses who are working full-time can be successful. The program, which can be completed in just 16 months, or 4 semesters, covers topics like nursing theory, community health, and health assessment, among others. In addition to online coursework, students are required to complete in-person clinicals as a part of their program of study. New students are admitted twice per year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Erlanger Medical Center
  • Memorial hospital
  • Parkridge hospital

Tuition:

For current info on tuition and fees for the RN to BSN program at the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga, contact them at (423) 425-4111.

3. King University

Originally established more than 150 years ago, King University is a private Presbyterian university located in Bristol. KU offers students a 32 semester credit, online RN to BSN bridge program that delivers contemporary coursework designed to prepare students for a modern healthcare setting. The program, which can be completed in a single calendar year, is composed of 7-week courses that are delivered in either an online or in-person format. Students who opt for the in-person program will attend class one night and have one additional course online. The university gives students the option to choose to complete the program in three semesters or six semesters. New cohorts are admitted into the program 6 times per year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Bristol Regional Medical Center
  • Baptist Hospital of Cocke County
  • Johnston Memorial Hospital

Tuition:

For information on King University's RN to BSN tuition, contact them at (800) 362-0014.

4. University of Memphis

Founded in 1912, the University of Memphis is a public research university that offers students a flexible, online RN to BSN track designed for working RNs. In addition to accepting transfer credits earned from other institutions, RNs can gain credits for their previous work experience by way of the Credit by Examination option, which can reduce the student's tuition costs and length of time it takes to complete the program. Students who enroll in UoM's 32 semester credit RN to BSN program can expect to finish in around four semesters. Once enrolled in the program, students will take courses like Clinical Pathophysiology, Health Assessment Lab, and Pharmacology, just to name a few. New students are admitted into the program three times per year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Methodist Hospitals of Memphis
  • Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis
  • Saint Francis Hospital

Tuition:

For tuition and fees for the University of Memphis RN to BSN program, call (901) 678-2000.

5. Austin Peay State University

Founded in 1927, Austin Peay State University is a public university located in Clarksville. APSU's RN to BSN program, which is delivered in 7-week courses, is composed of 30 semester credit hours and can be completed entirely online. APSU's RN to BSN program was specifically designed to enhance an RNs critical-thinking and decision-making skills, arm them with holistic assessment techniques for patients, families, and groups, and prepare them for graduate school. Course subjects in the curriculum include Concepts of Professional Nursing, Clinical Leadership, and Pathophysiology, among others. New students are admitted into the program five times per year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Tennova Healthcare – Clarksville
  • Northcrest Medical
  • TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center

Tuition:

In-state students can expect to pay $9,937 in tuition plus fees, and out-of-state students should expect to pay $16,867 in tuition plus fees.