Best Online MSN Programs in Tennessee

Vanderbilt University's Family Nurse Practitioner program, ranked #3 nationally, delivers comprehensive primary care training through a hybrid online/in-person format. Students complete over 600 clinical hours, mastering preventive care and chronic condition management across patient lifespans. This MSN program requires no entrance exam and follows the 2021 AACN Essentials curriculum, preparing graduates for certification in diverse healthcare settings.

• Over 600 clinical practice hours
• Hybrid online/in-person format
• Fall 2025 applications open
• Comprehensive lifespan care focus
• 4 full-time semesters completion
• 10% higher certification pass rate
• Clinical placements prioritized
• 2021 AACN Essentials curriculum
• Diverse clinical rotation settings

Vanderbilt's dual Nurse-Midwifery/Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program combines online learning with immersive clinical experiences totaling over 900 hours. This hybrid program focuses on comprehensive lifespan care without requiring an entrance exam. Students train in small collaborative classes with practice-active faculty, preparing for national certification and careers in rural clinics or global health centers.

• Dual Nurse-Midwifery/FNP specialty
• 6 full-time semesters completion
• Over 900 clinical hours
• In-person and hybrid learning
• Small collaborative classes
• National certification preparation
• Multiple program entry options
• Practice-active faculty
• Rural/underserved focus opportunities
• Comprehensive lifespan care training

Vanderbilt's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care program specializes in critical pediatric care for children up to age 21. This hybrid MSN program requires no entrance exam and delivers 560 clinical hours through online/hybrid learning. Designed for experienced RNs, it boasts high PNCB exam pass rates and prepares graduates for pediatric emergency departments and ICUs with family-centered acute care expertise.

• 4 Full-time Semesters
• Online/Hybrid Learning Format
• 560 Clinical Practice Hours
• For Experienced RNs Only
• High PNCB Exam Pass Rate
• Small Cohort Size
• Clinical Placements Nationwide

Vanderbilt's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program trains advanced practice nurses to care for patients aged 13+. This hybrid MSN program requires no entrance exam and offers over 500 clinical hours through online/in-person learning. With a 100% first-time exam pass rate, graduates gain expertise in acute/chronic condition management for diverse healthcare settings.

• 4 Full-time Semesters
• Online/Hybrid Learning Format
• 500+ Clinical Practice Hours
• 100% Exam Pass Rate
• Comprehensive Care Training
• Diverse Practice Settings
• Evidence-Based Curriculum
• Part-Time Option Available

Vanderbilt's #2-ranked Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan) program provides advanced mental health training through hybrid online/campus learning. This MSN program requires no entrance exam and includes 560 clinical hours in psychotropic medication management and psychotherapy. Flexible full-time/part-time options prepare graduates for lifespan mental health care roles following AACN standards.

• Hybrid Online/Campus Learning
• 560 Clinical Practice Hours
• 4 Full-Time Semesters
• Lifespan Mental Health Focus
• Evidence-Based Curriculum
• Multiple Program Entry Options

• 6 Part-time Semesters
• Fully Online Learning Format
• Individually Tailored Practicums
• Nationally Recognized Faculty
• ANCC Certification Preparation
• Career Growth Potential
• Technology-Focused Curriculum
• Low Student-Faculty Ratio

• 4 Full-time Semesters
• Online/Hybrid Learning Format
• 600 Clinical Practice Hours
• Small Collaborative Classes
• Up-to-Date Curriculum
• Multiple Program Options
• Faculty with Clinical Experience

• 4 Full-time Semesters
• Online/Hybrid Learning Format
• 630 Clinical Practice Hours
• Expert Faculty Mentorship
• Multiple Program Pathways
• CPNP-PC Certification Preparation
• Pediatric Care Specialization

• Five full-time semesters
• Online/hybrid learning format
• 1,190 clinical practice hours
• Dual certification potential
• Comprehensive women's healthcare focus
• Small collaborative classes
• Personalized faculty attention

• 4 Full-time Semesters
• Hybrid Learning Format
• 770 Clinical Practice Hours
• Requires 2+ Years NICU Experience
• Small Collaborative Classes
• High Employment Rate
• Faculty-Supervised Training
• Certification Exam Preparation

• Flexible full/part-time options
• Hybrid online/on-campus format
• Robust nationwide clinical experiences
• Requires RN emergency experience
• Dual certification potential
• Low faculty-to-student ratios
• Comprehensive emergency care curriculum

East Tennessee State University's 100% online MSN in Nursing Education prepares advanced nurses for educational roles across healthcare settings. This 42-credit asynchronous program offers specialized tracks in Adult Health, Psychiatric/Mental Health, and Pediatric Nursing, with no GRE required. Students develop teaching methodologies and curriculum development skills while benefiting from flexible part-time/full-time options and competitive Tennessee resident rates of $646/credit. The CCNE-accredited program includes preceptorship opportunities and prepares graduates for NLN certification as nursing faculty or clinical educators.

• 100% Online Asynchronous Program
• 42 Credit Hours Total
• No GRE Required
• 5 Specialized Clinical Tracks
• Preparation for NLN Certification
• Flexible Part-Time/Full-Time Options
• Tennessee Resident Rate: $646/Credit
• Preceptorship Opportunities Included
• CCNE Accredited Program

East Tennessee State University's online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program focuses on comprehensive primary healthcare across patient lifespans. This 51-credit asynchronous program requires no GRE and offers competitive tuition ranging from $646-$1,487 per credit. Designed for working professionals, it provides full/part-time options with fall and spring start dates, taking 5 semesters full-time. The CCNE-accredited program includes acute/chronic illness management training, with RN-to-MSN options available for career advancement in primary care settings.

• 100% Online Asynchronous Program
• 51 Credit Hours Total
• Full/Part-Time Options
• No GRE Required
• Tuition: $646-$1,487 per credit
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Comprehensive Primary Care Focus
• 5 Semesters Full-Time Completion
• RN to MSN Option Available
• Fall and Spring Start Dates

East Tennessee State University's online MSN with Adult, Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Specialty prepares nurses for advanced practice with older adult populations. This 46-credit program emphasizes rural and underserved communities, requiring a BSN with 3.0 GPA and current nursing licensure (no entrance exam specified). The CCNE-accredited curriculum includes comprehensive health assessment training, advanced clinical practicum, and multiple clinical practice courses. Graduates gain expertise in complex care management and patient-centered interventions, preparing for national certification and leadership roles in geriatric healthcare.

• 46 total credit hours
• CCNE fully accredited program
• Specialized geriatric nursing focus
• National certification preparation
• Rural healthcare emphasis
• Advanced clinical practicum included
• Multiple clinical practice courses
• Comprehensive health assessment training
• Professional role development

East Tennessee State University's 100% online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN prepares RNs to provide comprehensive mental healthcare across lifespans. This 48-credit asynchronous program requires no GRE, with admission needing an unencumbered RN license, bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA, and completed prerequisites. Flexible part-time/full-time options allow completion in 5 semesters full-time, with affordable tuition from $646-$1,487 per credit. The CCNE-accredited program accepts both BSN and non-nursing bachelor's degrees, training students in psychiatric care for individuals, groups, and families.

• 100% Online Asynchronous Program
• 48 Total Credit Hours
• No GRE Required
• Flexible Part-Time/Full-Time Options
• CCNE Accredited Program
• 5 Semesters Full-Time Completion
• Multiple Tuition Rate Options
• BSN or Non-Nursing Bachelor's Accepted

East Tennessee State University's online MSN in Nursing Informatics prepares nurses to leverage technology in healthcare delivery. This 38-credit program requires a 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN license, statistics prerequisite, and comprehensive exam (no entrance exam specified). Students develop skills in health information systems, data analysis, and evidence-based practice through flexible online learning. The curriculum includes a practicum component and focuses on managing healthcare data, implementing technological solutions, and improving patient care through innovative informatics strategies.

• Online MSN program
• 38 total credit hours
• Nursing Informatics specialty
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• Unencumbered RN license needed
• Statistics course prerequisite
• Comprehensive exam required
• Practicum included
• Six Tennessee universities

• Hybrid program format
• Psychiatric Mental Health focus
• RN license required
• Non-nursing BA/BS degree needed
• Prerequisite courses required
• Competitive admission process
• Advanced nursing knowledge
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Leadership in mental health
• Serves diverse populations

Union University's online Master of Science in Nursing - Education Track prepares nurses to become educators in healthcare settings. This 16-month program offers flexible full-time or part-time options with 340 clinical hours. It requires RN licensure and a 3.0 GPA, but no entrance exam is needed. Tuition is $739 per credit hour for 41 credits, with ACEN/CCNE accreditation. The program starts annually in fall with priority and final deadlines.

• 16-month graduate nursing program
• Fully online educational track
• Full-time and part-time options
• $739 per credit hour
• 41 total credit hours
• 340 total clinical hours
• Admits once annually
• Fall semester start
• Priority deadline Oct. 1
• Final deadline June 1

Union University's hybrid Family Nurse Practitioner track focuses on preparing nurses for advanced practice across all life stages. This 16-month program requires 560 clinical hours and 46 credits at $739 per credit hour. It's a full-time program starting annually in fall, with blended online and campus learning. Admission requires BSN, RN licensure, and 3.0 GPA, but no entrance exam is specified.

• 16-month graduate nursing curriculum
• Blended online/campus learning
• $739 per credit hour
• Full-time program only
• Annual fall semester start
• 560 total clinical hours
• 46 total credit hours
• Multiple campus locations
• Priority deadline October 1st
• Final deadline April 1st

Union University's hybrid MSN/MBA Dual Degree Option combines nursing administration with business leadership. This program allows 12 MSN credits to apply toward a 36-credit online MBA. No GRE or GMAT is required for admission. Tuition is $739 per credit hour for nursing courses and $750 for MBA courses. It requires BSN, RN licensure, and 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours, preparing graduates for healthcare leadership roles.

• Hybrid program format.
• Fully online MBA option.
• $739 per credit hour nursing.
• $750 per credit hour MBA.
• No GRE or GMAT required.
• 12 MSN credits apply to MBA.
• 36 total MBA credit hours.
• Requires BSN and RN licensure.
• 3.0 GPA in last 60 hours.
• Prepares for healthcare leadership.

Union University's online Master of Science in Nursing - Administration track develops leadership skills for complex healthcare systems. This flexible program offers full-time or part-time options with 360 clinical hours over 39 credits. Tuition is $739 per credit hour. It requires RN licensure and 3.0 GPA, with no entrance exam needed. Graduates gain expertise in healthcare informatics, quality management, and organizational transformation.

• Online graduate nursing program
• Full-time and part-time options
• 39 total credit hours
• 360 total clinical hours
• Admits once per year
• Current RN licensure required
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• $739 per credit hour
• Potential MBA dual enrollment
• Leadership-focused curriculum

Union University's hybrid Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Track prepares nurses for family health practice. This 16-month program blends online coursework with on-campus sessions in Jackson, TN, requiring 560 clinical hours. Tuition is $739 per credit hour. Admission requires BSN, RN licensure, and 3.0 GPA, with no entrance exam specified. Graduates are eligible for FNP certification exams and can work in diverse healthcare settings.

• 16-month program duration
• Hybrid online and campus format
• 560 clinical hours required
• $739 per credit hour tuition
• BSN and RN licensure required
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Focus on family health across lifespan
• Eligible for FNP certification exams
• Financial aid options available
• Rolling admissions process

Tennessee Technological University's online MSN in Nursing Education prepares RNs to become effective educators in academic and clinical settings. This program focuses on innovative teaching strategies and professional development, enabling graduates to shape future healthcare practices. No entrance exam is required for admission. The curriculum emphasizes clinical expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students for faculty roles and certification as Nurse Educators.

• Nursing Education concentration offered
• Academic and clinical teaching preparation
• Prepares for faculty and staff roles
• Certification as Nurse Educator encouraged
• Advanced nursing knowledge integration
• Collaborative interdisciplinary approach
• Holistic healthcare perspective

Tennessee Technological University offers a 100% online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program designed for working RNs. This 45-credit program can be completed in 2-2.5 years with flexible scheduling and local clinical experiences. No entrance exam is required. The program prepares graduates for Advanced Practice licensure through comprehensive clinical training taught by experienced nursing faculty.

• 100% online MSN-FNP program
• 45 credit hour degree
• Complete in 2-2.5 years
• Flexible course load
• Local clinical hour requirements
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Taught by graduate nursing faculty
• Seven to eight semester duration
• Advanced Practice licensure preparation

Tennessee Technological University's online Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program trains nurses to provide comprehensive mental healthcare across all age groups. This rigorous program prepares graduates for national certification and diverse practice settings including hospitals and community clinics. No entrance exam is required. Students learn to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions through interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Online MSN program
• Comprehensive psychiatric care training
• National certification eligible
• Diverse healthcare settings
• Advanced practice nursing focus

Tennessee Technological University's online MSN in Nursing Administration prepares nurses for healthcare leadership roles. This CCNE-accredited program focuses on fiscal management, system evaluation, and patient safety strategies. No entrance exam is required. Graduates develop skills in legal compliance, resource management, and quality improvement to effectively lead healthcare systems and advocate for patients and staff.

• Online MSN program available
• CCNE accredited program
• Advanced nursing leadership focus
• Prepares for healthcare management roles
• Promotes patient safety strategies

South College's online Master of Science in Nursing with an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares registered nurses for advanced roles in acute care settings. This 21-month program covers advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice with supervised clinicals. Admission requires a BSN or ASN with a 3.0 GPA and unencumbered RN license. No entrance exam is required. The CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates for national certification and offers financial aid options.

• Online program format.
• 21-month completion time.
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care concentration.
• Requires BSN or ASN degree.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• Unencumbered RN license needed.
• Includes clinical practicum experiences.
• Covers advanced health assessment.
• Teaches advanced pharmacology.
• Focuses on evidence-based practice.

South College's online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care Post-Graduate Certificate program focuses on advanced pediatric care for nurses with graduate degrees. This 44-credit program covers health assessments, pharmacology, and chronic condition management through clinical practicums and a residency. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license and master's in nursing, with GPA review. No entrance exam is required. The program prepares graduates for national certification in primary pediatric settings, though it's currently not accepting new students.

• Online program delivery.
• 44 total credits required.
• Post-graduate certificate level.
• Focus on pediatric primary care.
• Includes clinical practicum courses.
• Requires RN license for admission.
• Admission based on GPA review.
• Transfer credit up to 3 courses.
• Program not accepting new students.
• Prepares for national certification exams.

South College's hybrid Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Executive concentration prepares registered nurses for healthcare leadership roles. Combining online learning with practical experiences, the program focuses on critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and systems management. Admission requires a BSN or ASN with 3.0 GPA, current RN license, and $50 application fee. No entrance exam is required. The AACN-aligned curriculum prepares graduates for board certification in nursing management with flexible scheduling for professionals.

• Hybrid program format.
• Nurse Executive concentration.
• Requires BSN or ASN degree.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• Current RN license needed.
• $50 application fee.
• Online learning available.
• Focuses on leadership skills.
• Ethical decision-making emphasis.
• Critical thinking development.

The University of Memphis offers an online MSN in Nursing Education, a 31-credit hour program preparing nurses for advanced teaching roles. This hybrid program focuses on innovative teaching methodologies and curriculum development, with flexible full-time and part-time options. No entrance exam is required for admission. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, Tennessee licensure, and an undergraduate statistics prerequisite, with application acceptance from September 1 to July 1.

• 31-credit hour nursing education program
• Full-time and part-time options
• Advanced teaching methodology focus
• Curriculum design courses included
• Nurse Educator Immersion experiences
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Licensure in Tennessee required
• Undergraduate statistics prerequisite
• Application period: Sept 1 - July 1
• Graduate degree completed in 5 years

The University of Memphis provides an online MSN in Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, a 44-credit hour hybrid program for registered nurses seeking specialized expertise in acute adult care. This advanced practice program combines online coursework with clinical practicums, focusing on advanced health assessment and pathophysiology. No entrance exam is required for admission. The program maintains competitive graduate admission standards with a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.

• 44-credit hour specialized program
• Hybrid learning format
• Advanced practice nursing preparation
• Focuses on acute adult care
• Clinical practicum included
• Competitive graduate admission
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required

The University of Memphis offers an online Accelerated RN to BSN to MSN program with a Nursing Administration concentration, designed for registered nurses without a bachelor's degree. This hybrid program combines 61 nursing credit hours of online and campus learning, covering pharmacology, health assessment, and advanced nursing research. No entrance exam is required for admission. The program requires a 2.8 GPA and active RN license, preparing graduates for leadership roles in nursing administration.

• Hybrid learning format
• For RNs without a Bachelor's
• Concentration in Nursing Administration
• Requires 2.8 GPA for admission
• Active RN license needed
• Covers pharmacology, health assessment
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Flexible for working professionals
• Combines BSN and MSN degrees
• 61 total nursing credit hours

Austin Peay State University's online MSN Nurse Educator program prepares registered nurses for academic and clinical teaching roles. This 31-credit concentration requires 240 clinical hours and can be completed in about two years through flexible online coursework. The program focuses on educational methodologies and advanced nursing theory, preparing graduates for faculty positions. No entrance exam is required. Admission requires a 2.9 minimum GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and undergraduate statistics. Two admission cycles occur annually with deadlines on May 1st and October 1st.

• 100% online coursework
• 31-hour concentration
• 240 required clinical hours
• Two admission cycles annually
• Fall deadline: May 1st
• Spring deadline: October 1st
• 2.9 minimum GPA required
• Undergraduate statistics course
• Unencumbered RN license
• Prepares for faculty positions

Austin Peay State University's hybrid MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program trains registered nurses for primary care across all life stages. This 43-credit concentration combines online coursework with two on-campus intensives and requires 600 clinical hours. Students typically complete the program in two years while preparing for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certification. No entrance exam is required. Designed for working professionals, the program offers fall and spring admissions with a focus on assessment, diagnosis, and medication prescription skills.

• 43-hour FNP concentration
• 600 required clinical hours
• Primarily online delivery
• Two on-campus visits
• Two years program completion
• Professional certification preparation
• Working professional focus
• Lifespan patient care
• Advanced practice preparation
• Fall and spring admissions

Austin Peay State University's hybrid MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to deliver advanced mental healthcare. This 42-credit concentration features primarily online coursework with two on-campus intensives and requires 540 clinical hours. Students gain skills in assessment, diagnosis, and medication prescription across the lifespan, completing the program in about two years. No entrance exam is required. Graduates become eligible for APRN licensure and specialty certification, with the program structured for working professionals taking 2-3 courses per semester.

• 42-hour online curriculum
• 540 required clinical hours
• Two on-campus skill intensives
• Prepares for APRN licensure
• Primarily online format
• 2-3 courses per semester
• Program completed in two years
• Across lifespan mental health focus
• Medication prescription training

Southern Adventist University's online MSN program focuses on the Primary Care—Psychiatric Mental Health NP concentration, preparing nurses for specialized mental healthcare roles. This fully online program offers flexible scheduling with Tuesday classes, ideal for working professionals. Admission requires a BSN with 3.0 GPA, current RN license, and two years of nursing experience. No entrance exam is mentioned as required. The program capitalizes on strong job growth projections in nursing.

• Fully online psychiatric mental health NP
• 30% job growth projection
• Flexible part-time enrollment
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Two years nursing experience required
• RN licensure prerequisite
• Tuesday class schedules

Southern Adventist University offers an online dual-degree MSN-MBA program that combines nursing expertise with business leadership skills. This comprehensive program requires a BSN with 3.0 GPA, RN license, and two years of experience. Notably, no GMAT is required for applicants with a 3.25 GPA. The program features eight-week MBA terms and Tuesday nursing classes, providing flexibility for working healthcare professionals seeking management roles.

• Full online delivery format
• Dual nursing and business degree
• Flexible part-time enrollment
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Two years nursing experience required
• Christ-centered leadership approach
• Eight-week online MBA terms
• Graduate nursing classes Tuesdays
• No GMAT with 3.25 GPA

Southern Adventist University's hybrid RN to MSN program with an Acute Care—Adult/Gerontology NP concentration accelerates nurses' paths to advanced practice. This hybrid format combines online and in-person learning, requiring an RN license for admission. No bachelor's degree is awarded separately as the program integrates BS and MSN coursework. No entrance exam is mentioned as required. The program prepares graduates for specialized acute care roles with older adult populations.

• Hybrid program format
• Acute Care—Adult/Gerontology NP concentration
• No BS degree awarded
• Accelerated path to MSN
• RN license required for admission
• Combines BS and MSN coursework
• Prepares for advanced practice roles
• Focus on acute care settings
• Specialized knowledge in gerontology
• Clinical expertise enhancement

Southern Adventist University's hybrid RN to MSN program offers a Nurse Educator concentration, preparing registered nurses for teaching roles in healthcare education. This hybrid program combines online flexibility with on-campus components, requiring an RN license for admission. No entrance exam is mentioned as required. The curriculum emphasizes practical teaching skills, curriculum development, and evaluation methods, equipping graduates to educate future nursing professionals.

• Hybrid learning format
• Nurse Educator concentration
• Flexible for working professionals
• RN license required
• Focus on curriculum development
• Teaches teaching strategies
• Includes evaluation methods
• Prepares for educator roles
• Combines practical and theoretical learning
• Designed for career advancement

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga's online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for advanced primary care roles across all age groups. This hybrid program requires 48-53 credit hours and 630 clinical hours, focusing on comprehensive lifespan care. Students develop skills in advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice through a blend of online coursework and clinical practicums. The program prepares graduates for national certification and does not require an entrance exam. Military-friendly options are available.

• 48-53 total credit hours
• 630 clinical clock hours
• Lifespan primary care focus
• National certification eligible
• Advanced clinical practicum
• Multiple specialty courses
• Primary care across ages
• Advanced health assessment
• Research and policy courses

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga offers an online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program designed for working professionals. This 48-credit hybrid program can be completed in 24 months with flexible scheduling. Students receive rigorous training in acute care management, advanced pathophysiology, and clinical decision-making through online courses and hands-on practicums. The CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates for national certification and does not require an entrance exam. Military-friendly options and regional tuition rates make it accessible.

• 48-credit MSN program
• 24-month flexible schedule
• Hybrid learning format
• Advanced clinical training
• National certification preparation
• CCNE accredited program
• Low regional tuition rates
• Clinical practicum included
• Online, hybrid, face-to-face courses
• Advanced practice core courses