Check out these ten highly-rated accelerated nursing programs in Tennessee, if you’re considering a career in nursing, but want to get started sooner rather than later.
These programs allow students to complete their degrees faster by allowing them to graduate after as little as two years (or less) of study.
In addition to saving time, this approach also saves money—students can avoid accumulating student debt while working towards their degrees.
The Following are List of Accelerated Nursing Programs in Tennessee
Now that you know the basics of an accelerated BSN program, it’s time to list out some accredited programs in Tennessee.
These degree programs will help you earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in just one year or a few months:
South College, Knoxville
Let’s face it, if you’re in the market for an accelerated nursing program, you’re probably looking for a school that offers flexibility and affordability. And South College is definitely a good option in terms of both these things.
But wait! There’s more! South College is also accredited by ACICS, which means that its accelerated nursing program qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam upon graduation. That’s right—you can get your RN license right after completing your certificate at South College!
South College is a private, non-profit school that’s one of the most accredited nursing schools in Tennessee.
The school offers an Associate Degree in Nursing with three different tracks: Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, and LPN-to-RN Transitional programs. All of these options offer its students flexibility in terms of scheduling and course completion.
Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville
This public university is part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system and offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, as well as a 2nd Degree BSN for those who have already completed their bachelor’s program.
It also has an accelerated option for students who have completed their prerequisites. If you have already earned your BSN, but would like to further your education with accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degrees, then Tennessee Tech offers these programs.
This accelerated nursing program also requires at least 10 credits from another accredited school before beginning classes at Tennessee Tech; however, it does not require any clinicals if you’ve already completed them for your BSN degree.
Accreditation: TTU’s Accelerated Nursing bachelor’s program received first approval from the Tennessee Board of Nursing in 1980, and it still has full board approval today. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission continued to accredit the Tennessee Tech School of Nursing until 2005, after which accreditation was sought with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Initial CCNE certification was given to Tennessee Tech for a maximum of five years (2004-2009).
Without further ado, TTU remains one of the best nursing schools to study accelerated nursing programs in Tennessee.
East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
If you want to get your nursing degree in Tennessee, look no further than East Tennessee State University (ETSU). The university’s bachelor of science in nursing program is accredited by both the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which are considered to be two of the highest-ranking accrediting bodies for nursing programs.
If you want to become an RN quickly, ETSU offers an accelerated nursing program that can be completed in just 12 months. After completing 90 credit hours of pre-nursing coursework and earning a bachelor’s degree in another field, you’ll be able to apply for admittance into the accelerated BSN program.
Union University, Jackson
Union University is a private institution that offers an accelerated baccalaureate program in nursing. The university was established in 1891 and has over 6,000 students enrolled at the main campus in Jackson, Tennessee.
Union University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is a 15-month nationally recognized nursing program that has gathered fame, prestige and recommendations among people living in and around Jackson, Tennessee.
Students can complete their required courses online, or on campus at Union University with an opportunity to finish their degree within two years if they are able to maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher each semester (full time).
In order to become part of this accelerated BSN program at Union University your minimum requirements must include:
- Must have completed 60 credit hours prior to matriculation into this program;
- Graduate from an accredited college/university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; and
- Provide proof of passing score on Entrance Exam prior to applying for admission into Union’s RN-BSN program.
Marian University, Nashville
Marian University-Nashville is a private, Catholic liberal arts university that offers an accelerated nursing program for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree.
If you’re looking for a way to pursue your passion for nursing without having to take time away from your current career, Marian University Nashville could be the perfect fit for you.
The online accelerated nursing program at Marian University Nashville allows students to complete their studies in just 16 months.
In addition to providing a fast track to earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), this program also offers a variety of other benefits:
- Small class sizes, ensuring individualized attention from professors and peers.
- A flexible schedule that allows students to work full-time or part-time while completing their coursework.
- Financial aid assistance is available through Federal Student Aid (FSA) and private grants, etc.
University of Memphis, Memphis
The University of Memphis, located in the city that shares its name, is a four-year public university with an emphasis on undergraduate education. It was founded in 1912 and has grown from a small technical college to one of Tennessee’s largest universities with more than 21,000 students across six campuses.
The University of Memphis offers several accelerated nursing programs, including an RN-to-BSN program offered through the College of Health Sciences and Human Performance; four different MSN programs designed for professionals already working in healthcare; and an Accelerated BSN Completion Program which combines online learning with on-campus classes each term (see below for more information about this program).
The cost for all these programs varies depending on whether you are an out-of-state, or an in-state resident.
University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Knoxville
What’s not to love about UTK? It’s got a great reputation and a high-quality nursing program. And, when it comes to the NCLEX exam, UTK students have one of the highest pass rates in the country (93%).
After graduation from this accelerated program, you’ll have no trouble finding a job—nurse practitioners are in demand across sectors and regions. Students also report that they feel prepared to hit the ground running as soon as they enter their new roles.
The student body is diverse, with students coming from all over Tennessee and surrounding states like Kentucky and Alabama. The faculty are dedicated to providing every student with personalized attention along with access to state-of-the-art facilities that prepare them for clinical rotations at some of Nashville’s top hospitals.
If you’re looking for a rigorous nursing program with a high likelihood of landing an excellent job right out of school, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville is for you.
University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga‘s accelerated nursing program is a great option for students who want to pursue a career in healthcare and are willing to work hard.
The program is designed so that you can complete your bachelor’s degree in just two years, and then go on to earn your registered nurse license and become a member of the nursing profession in as little as 15 months more.
The accelerated nursing program at ECU boasts small class sizes, so you’ll get plenty of time with your professors and instructors. This means you’ll have more opportunities for one-on-one guidance than you would in a larger university setting. And since there are fewer people in the classroom, it’s easier for everyone to learn from each other and collaborate on projects together.
You’ll also be able to take part in hands-on training with real patients, which will give you important experience before entering the workforce. You’ll also have access to career services that help prepare you for interviews and provide resources so that you can land your first job after graduation.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center‘s accelerated nursing program is designed for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and are interested in becoming registered nurses.
The program is highly competitive, but it offers a range of benefits to help you succeed. First, you’ll be able to take advantage of the university’s dedicated faculty, who are committed to your success and focused on helping you become skilled nurses.
Second, you will have access to state-of-the-art learning facilities including the Clinical Skills and Simulation Center, an advanced learning facility that allows students to practice their clinical skills in a safe environment. Finally, students who complete this accelerated program are eligible for advanced standing at many other schools in Tennessee and across the country.
Belmont University, Nashville
Belmont University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a private university with a total of six colleges. The _School of Nursing and Health Sciences_ offers an accelerated nursing program that allows students to earn an RN degree in just three years.
The university has been nationally accredited since 1971 and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
The nursing program offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with an accelerated track that can be completed in as little as three years. Students are required to have at least 60 credits before applying to the program, which includes completion or near completion of prerequisites such as anatomy and physiology; microbiology; chemistry; calculus; and English composition.
Cumberland University, Lebanon
For nurses who have completed their Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Cumberland University‘s online accelerated MSN program is the perfect next step for increasing your knowledge and improving your skills.
The program’s faculty members are scholars, researchers, and practitioners with diverse backgrounds in nursing education. They use these experiences to create a curriculum that is both rigorous and relevant to the needs of practicing nurses.
In addition to an online learning environment that allows you to complete assignments on your own schedule, students will benefit from having access to top-notch facilities and resources on campus. This includes state-of-the-art clinical simulation labs where you can practice your clinical skills before heading out into the real world.
Students will also have access to student support services such as academic advising, career counseling services, disability services (including accommodations), and financial aid advising.
What to Consider When Selecting One of These Accelerated Nursing Programs in Tennessee
There are several factors to consider when choosing between a traditional or an accelerated nursing program. If you’re interested in the latter, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Accelerated programs cost more money. They also require a lot more time and effort from their students, which can make them less appealing to some people looking for a way out of debt.
If you have the flexibility and motivation required for accelerated learning, however, this is usually worth it—despite the cost.
The skills and knowledge that you acquire during your final semester will put you light years ahead of other graduates when it comes time to apply for jobs and enter practice as an RN.
- Accelerated programs are more rigorous than traditional programs. They typically have higher rates of attrition (i.e., dropout) than traditional ones do because they require much greater levels of commitment on behalf of both faculty members and students alike; there is simply no room for slacking off or cutting corners if someone wants success within these types of settings.
Accelerated nursing programs in Tennessee or anywhere in the United States, are simply more competitive than traditional ones, making it difficult for some to gain acceptance into an accelerated nursing degree.
Before choosing any program, you should consider what type of nurse you want to be. If you’re interested in becoming an RN as soon as possible, then accelerated nursing degrees are probably right for you because they focus more on specialized skills than clinical practice. If money isn’t an issue, then go ahead and look into accelerated programs in Tennessee that offer lower tuition rates.
Let’s take a dive in.
Tuition Information
Key Information at a Glance
- Tuition is generally a bit lower in Tennessee than in most other states.
- The most expensive accelerated nursing program in Tennessee is Marian University’s online ABSN program (65 credits in 4 semesters, valued at $880 per credit).
- Like most other states, accelerated nursing programs have financial assistance opportunities available for students. So, applicants who cannot fund their studies on their own may choose to apply for these financial aids.
Below is the compiled tuition information for schools offering accelerated nursing programs in Tennessee.
Unless specified, the tuition rates shown in the table below apply to the out-of-state students of the mentioned universities.
| Accelerated Nursing Programs in Tennessee | Tuition Fee |
| South College | $22,210 |
| Tennessee Technical University | $25,000 |
| Union University | $660 per credit (estimated at $42,240 per year) |
| Marian University | $880 per credit (estimated at $57,200 per year) |
| East Tennessee State University | $22,000 |
| University of Memphis | $11,200 |
| The University of Tennessee at Knoxville | $18,556 |
| The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | $31,664 |
| UTHSC at Memphis | $8,470 – $12,705 |
| Belmont University | $39,850 |
| Cumberland University | Less than $23,000 |
Benefits of Studying Nursing in Tennessee
For those of you who haven’t considered Tennessee as a place to live and work, it’s time to reconsider. The state is widely regarded as one of the best places in the country to be a nurse. Here are some examples:
- Nurse-to-patient ratios are lower than in most states
- More nurses per capita than any other state.
- Generally, nurses in Tennessee are pretty comfortable earners in Tennessee. Registered Nurses earn $66,680 on a yearly average in the state. While Nurse Practitioners (a much more demanding role) earn $95,120 in the same.
The salary estimate typically excludes bonuses and retirement benefits. But still, it comfortable puts nurses as one of the most comfortable earners in Tennessee state.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re looking to attend one of these accelerated nursing programs in Tennessee, then we hope that this article has helped you get a better idea about what each school offers.
With so many options available, we understand that it can be hard to decide which one will be the best fit for your needs and goals. We hope that this article has been able to help narrow down your options by providing some helpful information on cost and location so that you can make an informed decision.