Nursing Programs in Knoxville, TN

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Knoxville

#1

Johnson University

Knoxville, TN - Private 4-year - johnsonu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Johnson University in Tennessee offers a hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, designed for students aiming for a fulfilling career in nursing. This program, in partnership with Tennessee Wesleyan University, allows students to earn an Associate Degree in Health Science in two years and a BSN in four. Early in the coursework, students can obtain a Nursing Assistant Certificate, enabling them to work in medical facilities for experience and tuition support. The program emphasizes scientific excellence, spiritual formation, and service, distinguishing it from others. Students benefit from living on Johnson's beautiful campus all four years, enjoying community life, award-winning dorms, and spiritual and social experiences.

• Hybrid program format
• Earn CNA certificate early
• Live on campus all four years
• Partnership with TWU
• Focus on spiritual formation
• Scientific excellence emphasis
• Community and social experiences
• Award-winning dorms
• Double major opportunity
• Pre-Nursing to BSN pathway

#2

South College

Knoxville, TN - Private 4-year - south.edu

Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at South College in Knoxville, TN, is designed for those passionate about starting a career in nursing. This program combines classroom learning, laboratory work, and clinical training to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam. It focuses on developing critical thinking, clinical judgment, and patient care skills across various settings. With a rigorous schedule, students gain hands-on experience in mental health, pediatric, adult health, and maternal infant nursing care. The program is structured to provide a strong foundation for those looking to enter the nursing field or pursue further education. Admission requires meeting specific academic criteria, and financial aid options are available for eligible students.

• Rigorous academic and clinical foundation.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Hands-on clinical training.
• Focus on critical thinking skills.
• Diverse patient care settings.
• Experienced instructors.
• Holistic patient care approach.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration focus.
• Cultural sensitivity training.
• Eligibility for licensure.

#3

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers a comprehensive education combining campus resources with hands-on clinical experiences. Students gain skills in state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs, preparing them for diverse healthcare settings. The program emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and holistic care. Admission is competitive, requiring a 3.2 GPA and specific coursework. Financial aid and scholarships are available, with unique opportunities like the BSN Scholars Program offering tuition assistance. Graduates excel in the NCLEX exam, ready to lead in nursing.

• Direct freshman admission available.
• Competitive application process.
• 3.2 minimum GPA required.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• Emphasis on holistic care.
• Leadership and critical thinking focus.
• NCLEX preparation excellence.
• BSN Scholars Program option.
• Tuition assistance opportunities.

*Citation: IPEDS 2024, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. DOE.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Knoxville, TN

Though jobs and careers change all the time, nursing is one occupation that offers long term stability and staying power. As the vocation continues to evolve, nurses are taking on greater roles at hospitals and medical centers every day.  With student-centered formats and curriculums, entering the nursing profession can be done via many different educational pathways, including LPN to RN, ADN, and BSN.

LPN to RN Programs

Licensed Practical Nurses care for patients’ basic needs, talk with them and provide them with comfort and support. When faced with patient challenges, however, LPNs are limited in the level of support they can provide. South College in Knoxville, TN has created a bridge LPN to RN program that enables working nurses to elevate their careers, take on greater patient responsibility and earn more money. Because the future of nursing will likely call for RNs to hold Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees, those who complete this distinctive bridge program will also earn their BSNs.

ADN Programs

Charge nurses and nursing administrators commonly start their vocations by caring for patients’ bedside. Students can begin their journey with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (A.A.S.N.) from Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville. The priced-for-everyone program teaches evidence-based nursing, fundamentals, clinicals, ethics of nursing and much more.  Graduates of the accredited program are eligible for the NCLEX-RN.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Nursing is a profession of both science and compassion. By beginning your journey with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you can have a greater impact on patient recovery right from the start. Tennessee Wesleyan University about an hour outside of Knoxville, Tennessee, teaches nursing fundamentals, decision making, and ethics with a Christian perspective. Students examine pediatric, adult, mental health and community health nursing and gain theoretical and clinical learnings.

Find out more about Tennessee Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN Programs in Knoxville, TN

In most every profession, earning a degree increases your chances of landing a promotion, and nursing is no exception. Professional nurses in Knoxville, TN can take advantage of online education programs such as RN to BSN to better position themselves for career advancement without having to stop working.

RN to BSN Programs

The quest to make a difference in the lives of others can be found at the heart of nursing. With a BSN, nursing professionals can do to help patients heal, recover and return to a state of healthiness. Carson-Newman University located outside of Knoxville, TN offers an online RN to BSN program that can be completed in 14 months for those who are able to transfer in the maximum number of credit hours. The Christian school designed the program to accommodate the lives of busy working professionals who must juggle multiple priorities.

Find out more about Tennessee RN to BSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Knoxville, TN

Nurses with advanced degrees in Knoxville, Tennessee, are filling gaps in healthcare. By treating common medical conditions in patients of all ages, advanced practice nurses can help hospitals reduce treatment costs. APRNs serve as healthcare leaders while also providing specialty patient care. Some advanced degree programs offer online learning options to accommodate working nurses.

MSN Programs

Gaining advanced proficiency in a specific field can make your nursing career more rewarding. You can also increase your annual salary and overall job stability. Lincoln Memorial University, about an hour outside of Knoxville, TN, offers a Master of Science in Nursing with several specialties, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Mental Health, and Nursing Administration. Portions of specific programs can be completed in a distance learning format.

Find out more about Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Programs and Tennessee Accelerated MSN Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Your career can flourish when you specialize. By earning a post-graduate certificate, you gain more control over your career and can often command higher compensation. The nationally-ranked University of Tennessee in Knoxville offers a range of both clinical and non-clinical certs from Family Nurse Practitioner and Mental Health Nursing to Nursing Administrator and Educator. Each graduate certificate comes with its own admission and completion requirements.

Find out more about Tennessee Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

Go beyond providing quality care to patients to developing and advancing healthcare policy when you earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The University of Tennessee in Knoxville offers a leadership-focused DNP that enables advanced practice nurses to impact clinical care at hospitals. By rewriting policy, DNPs use their research and clinical backgrounds to be agents of change in healthcare.

Find out more about Tennessee DNP Programs.