Nashville Nursing Schools
The best nursing schools in Nashville offer programs for Tennessee nurses to advance their careers and for new nurses to enter the field. In Tennessee’s capital city of Nashville, there is an abundance of career opportunities for nurses. There are also many nursing schools in Nashville Tennessee that will provide a student with a quality education and the skills they need to become an excellent nurse.
Most nursing schools offer both traditional classroom courses as well as online courses for students who are able to take them. Online classes for students in a Bachelor’s or Master’s nursing program let them work full-time while they attend school. Choosing an online format for a nursing program does not change the quality of the education the student receives. It just changes the platform the student chooses to access the coursework. You may even be able to find an accelerated program that gives you an opportunity to earn your degree in less time than a more traditional program. So you can start working toward your career goals and earn higher pay!
How We Ranked the Best Nursing Schools in Nashville
To rank the best nursing schools in metropolitan Nashville, TopRN editors feature accredited, trustworthy schools with a history of positive career impact for students. We rank nursing programs according to several factors, including reputation, cost, and variety of offerings.
1. Vanderbilt University
Topping the list of the best nursing schools in Nashville TN is the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. It focuses on nursing programs from the master’s level to the postdoctoral with master’s options for both nurses and non-nurses.
- Master of Nursing program (MN) – direct entry MSN programs are for non-nurses
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – for licensed nurses
Additionally, students can choose from fourteen post master’s advanced practice nursing specialties (APRNs). The Vanderbilt School of Nursing also offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice, PhD in Nursing Science, post-master certificates, and a two-year postdoctoral program.
The Vanderbilt School of Nursing provides students with the critical thinking, technical, and human skills they need to be successful as advanced practice nurses. Its educational programs use innovative approaches along with distance learning opportunities and flexible scheduling to provide the best possible education. The PhD nursing program focuses on research while the DNP program produces practice-focused nurses who make a difference in the healthcare sphere. And, the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is intentional about inclusion and diversity.
Location: Nashville TN
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Programs: MN, MSN program, DNP, PhD, graduate certificates
More: Visit the school for more about nursing at Vanderbilt University.
2. Belmont University
As one of the best nursing schools in Nashville, TN, Belmont University offers nursing programs at all levels from bachelor’s to doctoral. Students seeking a bachelor’s degree can choose from the traditional program or an accelerated second-degree program. The Master of Science in Nurses focuses on the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) advanced practice option, as does the BSN-to-DNP program. Students in the BSN-to-DNP program learn how to advocate for safe care within the healthcare system, how to translate evidence-based research into clinical practice, and how to measure patient outcomes.
The Belmont University School of Nursing has been training nurses for success for over 45 years. The school has a reputation for excellence at doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare organizations throughout the nation. Additionally, the nursing programs at Belmont prepare students for the NCLEX licensure exam.
Location: Nashville TN
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Programs: traditional BSN, accelerated BSN program, MSN program, Post-graduate APRN, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
More: Visit the school
3. Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University offers a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as a Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The curriculum for the BSN program consists of three semesters of general education requirements and five semesters of nursing courses. Students in the BSN and MSN programs receive a quality nursing education that provides the knowledge and skills students need to become highly successful nurses in today’s changing healthcare system.
- MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
The School of Nursing at Middle Tennessee State University provides top-notch nursing education and prepares students for the complex and ever-changing healthcare needs of today’s society. The school operates based on five core competencies. They are leadership, the nursing process, professional and personal relationships, critical thinking, and communication. Good communication skills are essential to a nurse’s success. MTSU has a 96% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Location: Nashville TN
Accreditation: SACSCOC and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Programs: BSN, MSN
More: Visit the school for more about a nursing career.
4. Cumberland University
Cumberland University offers three routes to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The traditional program takes eight or nine semesters to complete. There is also an online RN to BSN program and a second-degree program for students who have a bachelor’s degree in something other than nursing. There are two tracks to choose from in the Master of Science in Nursing program. They are nurse executive leadership and administration, and nurse educators. Graduates of the MSN program demonstrate strong decision-making and critical-thinking skills as well as leadership skills that will serve them well throughout their careers.
- LPN to BSN program
- BSN program
- MSN Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator
- Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Executive Leadership and Administration
The Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions values excellence, commitment, motivation, professionalism, vision, passion, service, collaboration, integrity, resilience, caring, and scholarship. The school prepares well-educated graduates for the field of nursing. The school has a reputation for placing students in nursing jobs right after graduation.
Location: Nashville TN
Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE
Programs: BSN, MSN, and the RN to BSN and MSN programs are both online.
More: Visit the school for more about a nursing career at Cumberland University.
5. Tennessee State University
As one of the best nursing schools in Nashville, TN, Tennessee State University offers a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, RN-to-BSN, and a Master of Science in Nursing. The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing has recently been discontinued since most nurses now need more than an associate degree. Students who wish to pursue an MSN can choose from three concentrations: holistic nursing, nursing education, and family nurse practitioner. The program has online course options and flexible scheduling to accommodate busy working nurses’ schedules.
- BSN Traditional Program
- RN to BSN (fully online)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Holistic Nursing MSN
- MSN Nursing Education
The Tennessee State University School of Nursing provides students with the skills and also knowledge they need to succeed as nurses in the growing healthcare industry. Students learn to meet the needs of both families and patients. Additionally, they work with experienced faculty members. Graduates are able to communicate effectively with patients and doctors in order to make a difference for their patients.
Location: Nashville TN
Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE
Programs: AAS, BSN, MSN
More: Visit the school for more about a nursing career.
6. Lipscomb University
Lipscomb University offers a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an RN-to-BSN program. Students enrolled in the program learn how to adapt to changes in the nursing field as technology advances. The school provides a quality nursing education that covers community-based learning, mental health, pediatrics, obstetrics, and critical care. “Practice before you practice” is the school’s motto, and the high-tech patient simulation lab makes it possible. Students often get chances to participate in medical mission trips both in the US and abroad.
One of the best nursing schools in Nashville is Lipscomb. The university is endorsed by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. The Board says that Lipscomb’s faculty is open and supportive, with caring characteristics. Additionally, Lipscomb students have one-on-one interactions with professors as they strive to learn. Lipscomb had a 97.96% NCLEX RN first-time pass rate.
Location: Nashville TN
Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE
Programs: BSN
More: Visit the school for more about a nursing program.
7. Trevecca Nazarene University
Trevecca Nazarene University has an agreement with Belmont University to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through a joint degree. Students complete the first two years of the program at Trevecca and the last two years at Belmont. Students who graduate from the program provide high-quality care to their patients, as they learn from their professors at both Trevecca and Belmont. The program includes high-tech simulation, which allows students to practice procedures over and over before treating real patients. Students also receive real-life training in community clinics, hospitals, and mission opportunities.
Trevecca Nazarene University has been a leader in higher education since 1901. At Trevecca, students receive a Christ-centered education in a student-focused environment. Moreover, the school’s respected faculty members help students fulfill their potential. Trevecca provides a holistic education that helps students grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and also intellectually. Additionally, most students receive some kind of financial aid or scholarship.
Location: Nashville TN
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and CCNE
Programs: BSN
More: Visit the school for more about a nursing program.
8. Marian University
Marian University and Ascension Saint Thomas offer an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. However, this second-degree program is for students who have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to earn their BSN. Furthermore, the program has three start dates every year and can help accelerate the student’s transition to the field of nursing. However, there are several prerequisites students must complete before they begin the program. These include introductory microbiology, general human physiology, human anatomy, and also elements of general and biological chemistry. Students complete clinical rotations at local hospitals. Students can complete Marian’s accelerated BSN in as little as 16 months.
One of the best nursing schools in Nashville, TN, Marian University is a Catholic university that is open to students of all faiths. The Leighton School of Nursing opened in 1977 and has a history of providing outstanding education to nursing students. Furthermore, the school has faith-based values and expert faculty. And, its clinical partnerships give students real-world learning opportunities in the nursing profession.
Location: Nashville TN
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and CCNE
Programs: BSN
More: Visit the school for more about a nursing program.
9. Nashville State Community College
Nashville State Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing that includes clinical and didactic training throughout the two-year program. Students learn community health nursing, mental health nursing, care of expectant mothers and children, caring for adults in an intensive care or medical-surgical setting, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. Additionally, the curriculum incorporates hands-on practice in clinical settings throughout middle Tennessee. So, students learn how to transition into capable decision-makers and interact with people of different cultures. The LPN to RN Bridge Program is for practical nurses who want to pursue their RN license. This program prepares students to take the NCLEX RN exam.
Nashville State Community College started in 1970 and provides accessible and affordable higher education to central Tennessee. NSCC is part of the Achieving the Dream initiative, which focuses on equality and accessibility. The school experiences provide opportunities for students and staff to demonstrate excellence. Additionally, Nashville State Community College works to overcome barriers and ensure every student is successful.
Location: Nashville TN
Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Programs: Nursing AAS, LPN to RN Bridge Program
More: Visit the school for more about nursing at Nashville State Community College.
10. Fortis Institute
The Fortis Institute offers an Associate of Science in Nursing at the Institute’s Nashville campus. This program prepares students for careers as registered nurses. Not only is nursing one of the largest professions in the healthcare industry, but it is growing. Due to the growing number of senior citizens and the increase in the number of people who have health insurance, the demand for nurses is expected to grow all over the US. The Fortis Institute provides the skills and also knowledge new nurses need to be ready to take the NCLEX RN and succeed in their new careers as RNs.
- Licensed Practical Nursing
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- RN to BSN Online
- Online MSN through the Denver College of Nursing
At Fortis, students are valuable members of the community. The school believes that its success is grounded in the success of its students. Fortis continually invests in its facilities and technology to ensure that students have the resources they need to succeed.
Location: Nashville TN
Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Programs: PN diploma, ASN, BSN, MSN
More: Visit the school for more about this associate degree nursing program.
11. Galen College of Nursing
Galen College of Nursing is a private nursing school with eight locations across the United States. The college was founded in 1989 and it is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Galen offers both undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees, as well as certificate programs. The college provides a comprehensive nursing education that prepares graduates to become successful, compassionate, and ethical nurses. Galen College also provides students with a variety of clinical experiences, including internships and externships, which help them gain the experience they need to excel in the nursing field. Clinical placements are in major hospitals and healthcare agencies in the Nashville metro area.
- 3-Year BSN
- ADN Associate Degree in Nursing
- LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge
It also offers an online RN to BNS. And an online MSN with specializations in Nursing and Healthcare Leadership and Nurse Educator. And during the enrollment process, each nursing student receives information for their nursing school financial aid application.
Location: Nashville TN (Galen College other locations are in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, and Virginia)
Accreditation: SACSCOC, CCNE, and ACEN
Programs: ADN, BSN, MSN
More: Visit the school for more about a nursing degree.
What are the Admission Requirements for Nursing?
Admission requirements for nursing school vary from school to school. But, the admission requirements typically include the following in the application process.
- High school diploma or GED
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
- Completion of prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, nutrition, microbiology, etc.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 – 3.0 (depending on the school)
- test scores – ACT or SAT scores for undergraduate
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Interview with a nursing school representative or admissions representatives
- Proof of immunizations
- A background check and drug screening
What Kinds of Nursing Schools are in Nashville?
The top nursing schools in Nashville are traditional colleges and universities, health education schools, and also career schools. All of these schools prepare aspiring nurses for a professional nursing career. Vocational schools have mostly certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs. So, a high school graduate can earn a work-ready degree quickly from a community college.
Colleges and universities offer BSN programs and MAS degrees with specializations. These programs prepare nurses with experience to earn advanced degrees. And they are also for individuals with a college degree who want to start a new career in professional nursing.
How Do You Choose a Nursing School in Nashville?
When choosing a nursing school in Nashville, TN, there are several factors to consider. First, research the school’s accreditation status and if it offers the degree and program you need for your career path. Upon graduation, students must be able to pass their state-mandated licensing test and prove they meet the expectations of the nursing industry. Once they have successfully passed their state boards, they can begin to apply for nursing positions in the area. Only accredited schools have programs that qualify graduates to sit for the NCLEX exam.
Additionally, look into the cost of tuition and fees, the program length, and any available financial aid or scholarship opportunities. Tuition varies greatly between public and private colleges. Lastly, investigate the school’s faculty and student services, such as job placement, tutoring, and clinical experience. Take the time to visit each school’s campus, meet a faculty member, and get a better feel for the environment and the level of support offered by the faculty and staff.
How Is the Job Market for Nurses in the Nashville Area?
Across the country and especially in Nashville Tennessee, the job market for nurses is always increasing. Due to the many specialty areas, as well as the numerous management levels associated with the nursing industry, the demand for exceptional nursing graduates is extremely high. Graduates who have earned a Bachelor’s or Masters’ degree in Nursing can find employment in many different types of facilities including doctors’ offices, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. The potential for advancement within any of these different types of facilities is incredibly high. Nursing candidates with years of experience will not remain unemployed for very long, especially if they have worked in a specialized field.
Nurses who enter the workforce in Nashville with a BS in Nursing can return to school and enroll in an MS program that will give their career a boost It will also maximize their earning potential as they continue to move forward in their careers. Aside from on-the-job experience, continuing your education while working as a nurse is the best way to increase your earnings and move forward to gaining a management position. Having a specialization such as emergency room, pediatric, or surgical, will further expand the available options that nursing candidates have to choose from.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Nashville?
On average, a registered nurse in Nashville Tennessee can expect to earn anywhere from $48,000 to $82,000 per year in an entry-level position straight out of college. As they continue to gain experience, their potential earnings will continue to increase over time. If they take on a position in a specialty field, such as working in the emergency room or a surgical unit, they will be able to explore more opportunities as well as increase their earning potential.
Nashville’s nursing salaries are among the highest in the state. Local CNAs earn a median annual salary of $30,620, LPNs earn $45,670 on average, and RNs make about $70,000 per year. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), like nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists, typically receive $85,000 to $200,000 in annual compensation.
| Type | Tennessee | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| CNAs | $28,900 per year (BLS) | $30,620 per year (BLS) |
| LPNs | $43,620 per year (BLS) | $45,670 per year (BLS) |
| RNs | $66,680 per year (BLS) | $70,900 per year (BLS) |
| Nurse Midwives | $99,250 per year (BLS) | $103,460 per year (BLS) |
| Nurse Practitioners | $95,120 per year (BLS) | $98,600 per year (BLS) |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $176,020 per year (BLS) | $177,470 per year (BLS) |
If they continue to pursue new opportunities, they may be able to earn more. Nurses who go on to work as administrators and managers may be able to earn over $100,000 per year if they work in a facility that supports that large of a budget.
What are the Factors in How Much a Nurse Earns in Tennessee?
Nurses who live in Nashville Tennessee can expect a wide range of wage options. There are many factors when determining a nurse’s wage. While experience and education are two of the most common factors, there are also others that need to be considered as well. The size and budget of a facility are also key factors that must be taken into consideration.
Another key factor is if the nurse has a specific area of expertise in which they have worked for several years. When all of these factors are added together, a nurse can expect to have a very lucrative career. Continuing their education will also enhance their earning potential. In order to maintain their licenses, a nurse is required to complete a set number of continuing education courses each year. With the right educational program, they may be able to work towards an additional degree or certification. Either way, the extra schooling will keep them up to date on the latest trends and technology.
Tennessee Nursing Resources
- Nursing Education in Tennessee more
- Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tennessee Board of Nursing (TBON)
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