MSN Degree Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee, where BBQ and country music live, has a growing demand for qualified and skilled healthcare workers including nurses. RNs wanting to take charge of nursing units or concentrate in pediatrics, geriatrics, or psychiatric care can become leaders or specialists by completing a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree.
A high-level career in nursing can be achieved via bridge options (RN/BSN to MSN degrees) as well as a direct entry program.

RN to MSN and BSN to MSN Programs
RNs with either associate or bachelor's degrees can find a direct path to an MSN in the state of Tennessee. Streamlined RN to MSN and BSN to MSN bridge programs enable rapid degree progression in an online, on-ground, or blended instructional method. Simulation opportunities make the most of distance learning. Many programs allow students to specialize as nurse practitioners, administrators, or educators once core courses are completed. The curricula of many such programs focus on providing patient care in a rural setting.
Typical Program Length:
- Approximately 5 full-time semesters for an RN to MSN
- At least 3 full-time semesters for a BSN to MSN
Typical Admissions Requirements:
- ADN or BSN from an accredited university (degree level may vary by program)
- Minimum GPA of 3.00
- Application with letter of intent
- Current, unencumbered license as an RN in Tennessee
- Some clinical experience
- Resume and letters of recommendation
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (some universities)
Accelerated & Master's Entry Nursing Programs
Nurses make a positive difference in the lives of others. Bachelor's-educated professionals who want to enter this in-demand occupation can do so with less of a hassle with the PreSpecialty master's entry program at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. Upon successful completion of core coursework, which is similar to a BSN and only offered in-person and full-time, students then choose among specialty areas to complete the master's degree. Once they enter their concentration area, they are afforded more flexibility in completing the degree.
Typical Program Length:
- 2 to 3 years of full-time study
Typical Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a non-nursing field
- GPA of 3.0 or higher and submission of official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Completion of prerequisite courses in science and statistics
- Application (responding to all questions)
- Letters of reference (at least three)
2023 List of MSN Programs in Tennessee
There are more than 5 different RN to MSN programs offered within the state of Tennessee, some of which offer traditional in-class learning, while others offer online distance education. Taking an online program can offer candidates the opportunity to finish their degree from just about anywhere, and the freedom to work around personal and professional responsibilities. Imagine being a clinical nurse leader, or a pain management nurse or even a nurse executive, these are just some of the title that you can aspire to once you have completed your MSN degree.
MSN Programs By City:
Bristol, TN
King University
Bristol, TN 37620
(800) 362-0014
Chattanooga, TN
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Family Nurse Practitioner Campus
- Nurse Anesthesia Hybrid
- Nursing Administration Campus
- Nursing Administration: Health Systems Campus
- Nursing Administration: Nursing Informatics Campus
- Nursing Education Campus
Chattanooga, TN 37403
(423) 425-4416
Clarksville, TN
Austin Peay State University
- Family Nurse Practitioner Online
- Nursing Education Online
Clarksville, TN 37044
(931) 221-7662
Cookeville, TN
Tennessee Tech University
- BSN to MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner Online
- BSN to MSN: Nursing Administration Online
- BSN to MSN: Nursing Education Online
- RN-to-MSN Online
Cookeville, TN 38505
(931) 372-3101
Harrogate, TN
Lincoln Memorial University
Harrogate, TN 37752
(423) 869-3611
Jackson, TN
Union University
- Administration Online
- Adult/Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Campus
- RN to MSN Nurse Education Online
- Family Nurse Practitioner Campus
- Family Psychiatric Mental Health Campus
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Campus
- RN-MSN: Administration Hybrid
- RN-MSN: Adult/Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Campus
- Nurse Education Online
- RN-MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner Campus
- RN-MSN: Family Psychiatric Mental Health Campus
- RN-MSN: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Campus
Jackson, TN 38305
(731) 661-6545
Johnson City, TN
East Tennessee State University
- Family Nurse Practitioner Online
- Nursing Administration Online
- Nursing Education Online
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-4578
Knoxville, TN
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, TN 37996
(865) 974-4151
Memphis, TN
University of Memphis
- MSN - Administration Online
- MSN - Executive Leadership Hybrid
- MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner Online
- MSN - Education Online
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-2003
Murfreesboro, TN
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
(615) 898-2300
Nashville, TN
Belmont University
Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 460-6000
Tennessee State University
- Family Nurse Practitioner Online
- Nursing Education Online
Nashville, TN 37209
(615) 963-5000
Vanderbilt University
- Healthcare Leadership Online
Nashville, TN 37235
(615) 322-7311
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Hybrid
Nashville, TN 37240
(615) 322-4400
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