2026 Best Nursing Schools in Nashville

#1

Belmont University

Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - belmont.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.N.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Belmont University's Nursing, B.S.N. program prepares students to become compassionate, holistic care providers and leaders in healthcare innovation. With direct admission into the nursing program, students start nursing courses in their first semester. The program boasts a 100% NCLEX first-time pass rate for Spring 2024 graduates and small class sizes for enhanced learning. Graduates enjoy a 98% employment rate in nursing within six months of graduation. The curriculum includes general education, prerequisite, and upper-level nursing courses, with opportunities for service learning, mission trips, and study abroad. Admission requires a 3.5 high school GPA for freshmen and a 3.25 cumulative GPA for transfers.

  • Direct admission into nursing program.
  • 100% NCLEX first-time pass rate.
  • Small class and clinical groups.
  • 98% employment rate post-graduation.
  • State-of-the-art Simulation Center.
  • National League of Nursing Center of Excellence.
  • Priority admission to DNP program.
  • Interdisciplinary simulations and projects.
  • Service learning and mission trips.
  • Accredited by CCNE.

Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.N. (Community College Bridge Program)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Belmont University's Nursing, B.S.N. (Community College Bridge Program) offers a seamless transition for students from partner colleges to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as little as two years. This Christ-centered program emphasizes compassionate care, leadership in healthcare innovation, and a strong foundation in sciences and humanities. With a 91% NCLEX pass rate and 98% employment rate within six months of graduation, students benefit from small class sizes, state-of-the-art simulation facilities, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Discounted tuition is available for students from specific community colleges. The program requires a minimum GPA of 3.25 for admission and prepares graduates for diverse nursing roles and further education.

  • Seamless transfer opportunity.
  • Christ-centered nursing education.
  • 91% NCLEX pass rate.
  • 98% employment rate.
  • Small class sizes.
  • State-of-the-art simulation facilities.
  • Interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
  • Discounted tuition available.
  • Minimum 3.25 GPA required.
  • Prepares for diverse nursing roles.
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#2

Fortis Institute-Nashville

Nashville, TN - Private 2-year - fortis.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Fortis Institute in Nashville, TN, offers a hybrid Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program designed for aspiring registered nurses. This program blends online and on-campus learning, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam. It's ideal for those starting their nursing career or LPNs/LVNs aiming to advance. The curriculum focuses on clinical skills and healthcare needs, offering flexibility for students. Financial aid options are available for those who qualify, making it accessible to various life stages.

  • Hybrid learning format
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
  • For LPNs/LVNs and beginners
  • Financial aid available
  • Focuses on clinical skills
#3

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - lipscomb.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lipscomb University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program stands out with its Christian community focus, blending physical and spiritual care. Students benefit from one-on-one faculty mentorship, a state-of-the-art Health Simulation Laboratory, and hundreds of clinical hours in top health care facilities. The program offers a traditional BSN and an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) option for degree holders, completing in 16 months. With a 100% NCLEX pass rate and job placement, graduates are well-prepared for diverse nursing careers. The curriculum covers obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health, critical care, and medical/surgical nursing, ensuring a well-rounded education.

  • Christian community focus
  • One-on-one faculty mentorship
  • State-of-the-art simulation lab
  • 100% NCLEX pass rate
  • 100% job placement
  • Traditional and accelerated options
  • 16-month ABSN program
  • Extensive clinical hours
  • Covers five nursing areas
  • 11:1 student to faculty ratio

Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Lipscomb University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field, offering a fast-track to a nursing career in just 16 months. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, maintaining the rigor of traditional nursing education. With a focus on holistic, compassionate care, the program prepares graduates for diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, specific science prerequisites, and a background check. The cost is $899 per credit hour, with fees of $3,500 per semester. Financial aid options, including the TN R-WIN initiative for rural healthcare, are available.

  • 16-month program length.
  • Hybrid online and in-person format.
  • $899 per credit hour.
  • 3.0 GPA requirement.
  • Background check and immunizations required.
  • Full accreditation by ACEN.
  • Focus on holistic, compassionate care.
  • Prepares for diverse healthcare settings.
  • Financial aid options available.
  • TN R-WIN initiative for rural healthcare.
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#4

Nashville State Community College

Nashville, TN - Public 2-Year - nscc.edu

Associate - Associate of Applied Science degree program in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Nashville State Community College in Tennessee offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, a two-year program designed for those eager to enter the healthcare field. With a curriculum covering fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, and care across various settings, graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The program costs approximately $10,000 and is accredited by ACEN, ensuring a quality education. Admission requires meeting specific criteria, setting students on a path to become Registered Nurses in diverse healthcare environments.

  • Two-year program
  • Approx. $10,000 cost
  • NCLEX-RN exam prep
  • ACEN accredited
  • Campus-based learning
  • Covers diverse nursing areas
  • Tennessee Board approved
  • Clinical training included
  • Pathophysiology studies
  • Pharmacology education
#5

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN - Public 4-Year - tnstate.edu

Bachelor's - Traditional B.S.N. Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Tennessee State University's Traditional B.S.N. Program in Nashville, TN, prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing with a focus on holistic, ethical, and culturally sensitive care. The program emphasizes leadership, clinical decision-making, and evidence-based practice, equipping graduates to excel in various healthcare settings. Admission requires meeting specific prerequisites and departmental requirements, with applications accepted from March 26 to May 1, 2025, for the Fall 2025 cycle. The program boasts a strong NCLEX-RN pass rate, with recent years seeing 93% to 100% success. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment that fosters professional growth and community service.

  • Campus-based program
  • Focus on holistic care
  • Strong NCLEX-RN pass rates
  • Leadership development
  • Ethical practice emphasis
  • Evidence-based learning
  • Community service projects
  • Professional growth opportunities
  • Admission cycle March-May
  • High employment rate
*Source: IPEDS 2024 survey results, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Nashville, TN

For aspiring nurses with no prior training or experience, an entry-level training program is the best place to find out if a career in nursing is right for you. In the Nashville area, there are a few options for entry-level nursing programs, including LPN to RN programs, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, and one direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing program. Each of these programs trains students for their first professional job in the nursing field.

LPN to RN Programs

Many licensed practical nurses decide to pursue their RN license in order to earn a higher wage and take on more patient care responsibilities. LPN to RN programs help practical nurses do just that and earn either their ADN or BSN in the process. Tennessee College of Applied Science offers an LPN to BSN program in a hybrid online/on-campus program that can be taken on a full- or part-time basis to accommodate working practical nurses.

ADN Programs

The ADN degree is offered at many community colleges and vocational schools and generally takes around two years to complete. These programs provide basic nursing education and prepare students to take the NCLEX licensing exam. One example of these programs is found at Nashville State Community College, which places students in clinical settings in middle Tennessee for clinical practice hours.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

BSN programs are becoming more popular entry points to the nursing profession as more employers are seeking candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher education level. BSN programs take longer to complete than ADN programs and generally include additional general education courses as well as a more in-depth nursing curriculum. Belmont University, as an example, offers a traditional BSN program as well as an accelerated BSN program that allows students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject to earn the BSN in just 16 months of full-time study.

Find out more about Tennessee Accelerated BSN Programs

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

A less common entry point to nursing is the direct-entry MSN program, which is generally offered to students who have completed a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and would like to earn a master’s-level education in nursing. The direct-entry MSN program at Vanderbilt University program includes three semesters of study for the bachelor’s level degree in nursing, followed by three semesters or more of the master’s-level study of nursing.

Find out more about Tennessee Direct Entry MSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Nashville, TN

If you are a working nurse with a valid RN license and an ADN degree, there are specially designed programs in which you can earn a higher nursing degree in a shorter amount of time than a traditional BSN or MSN program. So-called “bridge” programs because they provide a bridge between one degree and the next, RN to BSN/MSN programs can put your dreams of a new career in nursing within reach.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs can be completed in as little as one year of study, and are often offered in an online format to accommodate working nurses. For RNs in Nashville, there are several online options, as well as an RN to BSN program at Tennessee State University that offers admission in the summer semester and is completed in one calendar year.

Learn more about Tennessee RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

Nurses who want to become advanced practice nurses may be interested in RN to MSN programs, such as the one offered at Vanderbilt University, which is in a modified block format that features concentrated blocks of time on campus supplemented with online conferencing and recorded lecture delivery and can be completed in two years of study.

Learn more about Tennessee RN to MSN Programs

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Lebanon, TN

Cumberland University

  • RN to MSN - Masters of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Educator track - Campus Based - Website

    • Educator track focus.
    • Campus-based program.
    • Leadership in nursing education.
    • Evidence-based curriculum.
    • BSN required for admission.

Nashville, TN

Lipscomb University

  • RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN-to-BSN pathway
    • 32 credit hours clinical placements
    • Christian nursing perspective
    • Comprehensive healthcare training
    • 100% job placement rate
    • 11:1 student-faculty ratio
    • Hybrid learning options
    • Extensive health simulation lab
*NCES IPEDS database, 2024 release. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nashville, TN

For nurses who are serious about advancing their careers in the nursing field, an advanced practice degree is a next step. These programs, which include traditional MSN, graduate certificate programs, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees, prepare nurses for careers as nurse leaders, nurse practitioners, administrators, and educators.

MSN Programs

MSN programs prepare nurses for careers as nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nursing specialties, and generally allow students to specialize their studies along a particular career track. Tennessee State University offers an MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner program that includes coursework on nursing theory, research, health policy, pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, and family health nursin,g and 600 hours of clinical practice.

Find out more about Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Nurses who have already earned their MSN but would like to learn a new advanced practice specialty can seek out a post-graduate certificate program. These programs offer master’s-level specialty nursing courses that prepare nurses with their MSN for certification exams in a new specialty. For example, Belmont University offers a 24-credit hour post-master’s certificate program in the family nurse practitioner role.

Learn more about Tennessee Post-Master's Certificate Programs

DNP Programs

The highest level of advanced practice nursing education is the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. DNP programs may be designed for nurses with BSN degrees or MSN degrees. Belmont University offers both types of DNP programs, offered in a hybrid format with intensive classes held during four weekends each semester and supplemented by online coursework.

Learn more about Tennessee DNP Programs

Jump to City:

Lebanon, TN

Cumberland University

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN Nurse Educator program
    • 5 semesters to complete
    • Two annual start dates
    • Asynchronous class format
    • Aligns with NLN Core Competencies
    • Develops educational leadership skills
    • Prepares for diverse teaching roles
    • Evidence-based curriculum approach
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Executive Leadership and Administration

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format.
    • Complete in five semesters.
    • Focus on leadership and administration.
    • Asynchronous class schedule.
    • Requires BSN for admission.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Emphasizes healthcare management.
    • Improves patient outcomes.

Nashville, TN

Belmont University

  • BSN to MSN - Nursing, M.S.N.

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • MSN with FNP Specialization
    • 41 Total Credit Hours
    • 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
    • Active RN License Needed
    • Clinical Practice Focused
    • Core and Specialty Courses
    • Graduate Admissions via NursingCAS
    • Six-Year Completion Limit
  • Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid instruction format
    • 100% clinical placement rate
    • Nationally accredited program
    • Flexible for working nurses
    • Prepares for FNP certification
    • Minimum 3.5 GPA preferred
    • Diverse clinical opportunities
    • Interprofessional learning approach
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning model
    • 100% clinical placement
    • Nashville healthcare hub
    • $985 per credit hour
    • 3 annual immersion experiences
    • Board certification eligible
    • Interprofessional collaboration
    • Global health opportunities

Tennessee State University

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN-FNP program
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • 49 total credit hours
    • 750 clinical hours
    • Comprehensive lifespan care focus
    • Flexible semester scheduling
    • Available for working nurses
    • Post-graduate certificate option
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate - FNP

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN Program
    • Part-time or Full-time Options
    • 49 Total Credit Hours
    • 750 Clinical Hours
    • Comprehensive Healthcare Focus
    • Lifelong Patient Care Training
    • Advanced Diagnostic Skills
    • Medication Prescription Training

Vanderbilt University

  • BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • BSN to MSN - Emergency Nurse Practitioner Specialty

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Ranked #3 FNP program nationally
    • 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
  • BSN to MSN - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Specialty

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • BSN to MSN - Nurse-Midwifery/Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • BSN to MSN - Nursing Informatics

    Online Learning - Website

    • 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
  • BSN to MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care

    Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • BSN to MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care

    Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • BSN to MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • #2 Ranked PMHNP Program
    • Hybrid Online/Campus Learning
    • 560 Clinical Practice Hours
    • 4 Full-Time Semesters
    • Lifespan Mental Health Focus
    • Evidence-Based Curriculum
    • Multiple Program Entry Options
  • BSN to MSN - Women's Health Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • BSN to MSN - Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Informatics

    Online Learning - Website

    • 18-credit part-time program
    • No practicum required
    • Six total courses
    • Four semester completion
    • Graduate nurse focused
    • Analytics-focused curriculum
    • Technology integration training
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online/hybrid format available.
    • 4 to 5 full-time semesters.
    • 7 to 8 part-time semesters option.
    • 500+ supervised patient care hours.
    • High licensure pass rates.
    • 97% employment rate post-graduation.
    • Expert, practicing faculty.
    • 13 clinical nursing specialties.
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate

    Concentration: Nurse-Midwifery - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Number 1 Nurse-Midwifery Program
    • 840+ Clinical Practice Hours
    • Hybrid Learning Format
    • Comprehensive Women's Healthcare Training
    • 5 Full-time Semesters
    • National Certification Preparation
    • Low Faculty-to-Student Ratio
    • Clinical Sites Across U.S.
  • Graduate Certificate - Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Five full-time semesters
    • Online/hybrid learning format
    • 1,190 clinical practice hours
    • Dual specialty certification
    • Small collaborative classes
    • National certification preparation
    • Diverse practice settings
    • Comprehensive patient care focus
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Multiple entry track options
    • Minimum 500 practice hours
    • Hybrid delivery format
    • Comprehensive integrative project
    • Advanced evidence-based practice focus
    • Leadership and systems thinking
    • Synchronous intensive sessions
    • Five-semester curriculum
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Advanced Clinical Practice - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 8 semester DNP program
    • Minimum 500 practice hours
    • Multiple entry pathways
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Advanced clinical specializations
    • Leadership skill development
    • Evidence-based practice focus
    • Synchronous intensive sessions
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Advanced Systems Practice - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • Minimum 500 practice hours
    • Advanced systems leadership focus
    • Flexible entry options
    • Evidence-based practice emphasis
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Four unique entry options
    • Hybrid program format
    • Multiple certification pathways
    • Leadership-focused curriculum
    • Flexible admission requirements
*U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024.