The Best Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Programs
Nurse practitioners (NPs) operate as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) trained to deliver a comprehensive range of healthcare services to patients throughout their entire lifespan. For a registered nurse (RN) aspiring to transition into an NP role, the journey involves completing a graduate degree in nursing coupled with the requisite training leading to certification. Delving into the realm of becoming a nurse practitioner? Explore this comprehensive guide to the finest nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee, gaining insights into the intricacies of these programs.
Graduates emerging from Tennessee nurse practitioner programs can anticipate a broadening landscape of job opportunities accompanied by lucrative salaries. This guide serves as an introduction to the top-tier NP programs in the state, offering valuable details on admission prerequisites, accreditation status, and the certification process.
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To streamline the process of finding the right program for you, we employ a data-driven methodology to rank the best Tennessee nurse practitioner programs. Our approach is anchored in metrics we deem critical for students, encompassing academic excellence, affordability, reputation, and program diversity.
A Quick Overview: Leading Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Programs
1. South College
2. Southern Adventist University
3. Union University
4. Vanderbilt University
How Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Programs Work:
Admission to most Tennessee nurse practitioner programs necessitates candidates to hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), a valid and unencumbered RN license, and a minimum of one year of clinical experience. The duration of NP programs typically spans 1.5 to 3 years, contingent upon curriculum intricacies. Flexibility is offered through online formats, part-time study options, and bridge or accelerated programs, influencing the time required to complete the degree.
The standard NP curriculum integrates evidence-based coursework, population-focused classes, and clinical experiences strategically designed to equip graduates for national certification and state licensure. Although clinical experience is a common requirement across all NP programs, the specific placements and the number of hours mandated are determined by each program.
Application Process for Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Programs:
Prospective applicants to Tennessee’s nurse practitioner programs must carefully navigate specific entry requirements. In addition to possessing an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, completion of designated prerequisites may be necessary. Depending on the program, submission of GRE scores might be a requirement. Generally, nurse practitioner programs favor applicants demonstrating the following:
Admission Requirements:
An unrestricted Tennessee RN license; an associate or a BSN degree from an accredited school; at least one year of clinical experience
Admission Materials:
Official transcripts from previously attended schools; 2-3 letters of recommendation; a resume; a personal essay; an in-person or online interview
GPA Requirement:
3.0 GPA or higher
Prerequisites:
Each program establishes its own prerequisites, encompassing undergraduate courses in subjects such as chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and statistics.
Why Is Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Program Accreditation Important?
Aspiring nurse practitioners should prioritize nursing programs offered at regionally accredited colleges and universities. Moreover, within a regionally accredited institution, nursing programs should garner programmatic accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Accreditation serves as a hallmark of the academic quality of the program, ensuring that graduates receive adequate preparation to practice as competent nurse practitioners. Opting for an unaccredited program may jeopardize eligibility for federal financial aid and limit the transferability of credits to accredited institutions. Doctoral programs and potential employers typically seek applicants holding degrees from accredited institutions, underscoring the importance of accreditation. All Tennessee nurse practitioner programs featured in this ranking hold programmatic accreditation.
The Best Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Programs and Schools
We rely on publicly accessible provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to provide comprehensive information about these esteemed institutions. The data presented here is current as of the article’s publication date, and specific program details may vary.
#1 South College
Location: Knoxville, TN
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: Online + Campus
Established in 1882, South College stands as a beacon for top-notch NP programs in Tennessee, emphasizing family nursing achievable through a fully online curriculum spanning 18 months. Flexible tracks include BSN-to-MSN, RN-to-MSN, or RN-to-MSN options ranging from 18 to 36 months.
The program focuses on cultivating advanced nursing practice skills, incorporating core courses in pathophysiology, healthcare informatics, pharmacology, health assessment, and research methods. The family nursing concentration delves into primary care for infants, children, adolescents, and adults.
Program: Master of Science in Nursing
Campus: Knoxville, Tennessee
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $3,950/quarter (1-9 credits); $5,500/quarter (10-20 credits)
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s in nursing degree or associate in nursing degree from an accredited college, depending on the program; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; personal statement; resume
Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
On-Campus Requirements: No
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 89% first-time pass rate
Average Undergrad Tuition:
– In-state: $16,450
– Out-of-state: $16,450
Average Graduate Tuition:
– In-state: $27,025
– Out-of-state: $27,025
Retention Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: Not provided
Students Enrolled: 5,171
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 77%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Southern Adventist University
Location: Collegedale, TN
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: Online + Campus
Rooted in Seventh-day Adventist principles, Southern Adventist University offers an NP program with concentrations in nursing education, acute care-adult gerontology, and primary care for families, adult gerontology, or psychiatric mental health. The 51-credit MSN degree with an emphasis on nursing education is fully online, accommodating full or part-time study with clinical placements in the student’s state of residence.
Program: Master of Science in Nursing
Campus: Collegedale, Tennessee
Type: Public
Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $715 per credit for North Carolina residents and out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited school; minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license; two years of nursing experience; official transcripts; three recommendations; written statement; resume; interview
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: No
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 87% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $92,277 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition:
– In-state: $22,060
– Out-of-state: $22,060
Average Graduate Tuition:
– In-state: $11,700
– Out-of-state: $11,700
Retention Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 74%
Students Enrolled: 2,730
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 43%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Union University
Location: Jackson, TN
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: Online + Campus
Union University distinguishes itself by providing a Christian-based nursing education achievable in 16 months. Delivered by the College of Nursing established in the 1960s, the program offers tracks in family nursing or psychiatric mental health nursing. Courses are accessible online or at campuses in Jackson, Germantown, and/or Hendersonville.
Program: Master of Science in Nursing
Campus: Jackson, Tennessee
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $685 per credit for Tennessee residents and out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s in nursing degree from an accredited school; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
On-Campus Requirements: No
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 93% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $90,412 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition:
– In-state: $22,080
– Out-of-state: $22,080
Average Graduate Tuition:
– In-state: $10,625
– Out-of-state: $10,625
Retention Rate: 87%
Admission Rate: 58%
Students Enrolled: 3,071
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 46%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Vanderbilt University
Location: Nashville, TN
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: Online + Campus
Vanderbilt University’s School of Nursing, dating back to 1908, presents a hybrid nurse practitioner program designed to be completed in just one year. The MSN program, with an emphasis on family nursing, involves pre-recorded lectures, web conferences, and 10 on-campus visits. The curriculum explores advanced pathophysiology, health assessments, pharmacotherapeutics, and clinical decision-making. A total of 630 clinical hours are required for degree completion.
Program: Master of Science in Nursing
Campus: Nashville, Tennessee
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $1,939 per credit for Tennessee residents and out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; statement of purpose;
admission essay; three letters of recommendation; official transcripts; completed prerequisites
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 95% first-time pass rate for master’s students
Average Undergrad Tuition:
– In-state: $52,781
– Out-of-state: $52,781
Average Graduate Tuition:
– In-state: $50,082
– Out-of-state: $50,082
Retention Rate: 96%
Admission Rate: 12%
Students Enrolled: 13,537
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 83%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Programs
Can a nurse practitioner work independently in Tennessee?
Tennessee imposes some of the highest restrictions for advanced practice registered nurses, including NPs. State law mandates that Tennessee NPs must operate under collaborative practice agreements with a physician. While the supervising physician must be available for consultation, physical presence in the same practice location is not required.
How do I become a nurse practitioner in Tennessee?
Becoming a nurse practitioner in Tennessee involves obtaining an RN license, completing undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees, and fulfilling state requirements for licensure. After obtaining either an MSN or a doctor of nursing practice degree with APRN concentrations, NPs must pass a certification exam to secure state licensure.
How much do Tennessee nurse practitioners make?
As of May 2021, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that NPs in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $95,120, compared to the national average of $118,040. Tennessee ranks fifth in the U.S. for NP employment, providing over 11,300 jobs. Specializations in high-demand areas such as cardiology, emergency nursing, and orthopedics can lead to higher salaries.
Is a nurse practitioner degree worth it in Tennessee?
Graduates of Tennessee nurse practitioner programs can expect abundant career opportunities as the NP job market continues to grow. Factors such as an aging population, shortages of primary care physicians, and nurse retirements contribute to the demand for NPs across the state. Tennessee projects a 57.2% increase in NP jobs between 2020 and 2030, resulting in over 1,000 job openings for these professionals each year.
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