Fully asynchronous online coursework now separates Tennessee's most flexible FNP options from hybrid programs that still require occasional campus intensives. Working RNs can keep full-time jobs in Memphis, Nashville, or Knoxville while completing didactic requirements, but every pathway still demands 600 to 750 or more clinical hours with a preceptor.
Twenty online or hybrid nurse practitioner programs across the state made the 2026 ranked list, spanning public MSN tracks, private DNP options, and post-master's certificates. Tuition, credit loads, and clinical placement policies vary enough to change a student's total cost by tens of thousands of dollars.
Tennessee's rising demand for primary care NPs keeps local preceptor slots competitive, especially in rural counties. State licensure and salary outcomes remain tied to the same variables: degree type, clinical hours, and county of practice.
Best Online FNP Programs in Tennessee: 2027 Rankings
Tennessee nursing students have more online and hybrid FNP options than ever in 2026. The programs below made the strongest showing in our annual review of online-delivery-eligible nurse practitioner education in the state. Each school card includes the details you need to compare curriculum, clinical hours, and outcomes.
How this list was built
- Hybrid and online delivery fit
- Graduation and retention rates
- Graduate earnings signals
- Tuition and net price
- Accreditation and outcomes
- Internal program database
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
Vanderbilt University
#1Nashville, TN · $58,000/yr
Best for: Nurses seeking multiple NP specialties
Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville with one of the broadest FNP and NP specialty portfolios in Tennessee. Most programs blend online coursework with scheduled on-campus sessions for simulation, skills labs, and immersive learning. The FNP MSN requires over 600 clinical hours, and graduates report first-time certification pass rates well above national averages. Special funding supports students who commit to rural or underserved community practice.
- 4 full-time semesters; part-time available
- Over 600 clinical hours across diverse settings
- 10% higher first-time certification pass rate
- Special funding for rural and underserved care
- Dual NM/FNP specialty in 8 full-time semesters
- Over 1,400 clinical hours
- FNP curriculum hybrid; midwifery begins in person
- Clinical practicums available across continental U.S.
- 4-5 full-time semesters; part-time available
- 500+ supervised clinical hours
- Requires MSN and RN licensure
- CCNE-accredited; 97% employment after graduation
- Dual WHNP/AGPCNP specialty
- 1,190 clinical practice hours
- Five semesters full-time; part-time plan available
- Prepares for national certification exams
- 4-semester program; 560 clinical hours
- Requires pediatric acute care work experience
- Prepares for PNCB certification
- One of the first PNP-AC programs
- Rolling admissions; no entrance exam required
- 4 semesters; 500 clinical hours
- 100% licensure pass rate reported
- Subspecialty certificates in dermatology and cardiology
- Full-time completion in 16 months
- 560 supervised clinical hours
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- On-campus sessions 3-5 days each
- 4 semesters; 630 clinical practice hours
- Prepares for CPNP-PC certification
- BSN-to-DNP and post-master's certificate pathways
- Ranked #2 nationally
- Dual WHNP/AGPCNP MSN in 5 semesters
- 1,190 clinical hours
- Small class sizes and faculty mentors
- Certification exam preparation included
- 4 full-time semesters; 770 clinical hours
- Requires 2+ years NICU experience
- Small collaborative classes
- High employment rate after graduation
- Full-time and part-time options
- Requires RN emergency experience
- Dual certification potential
- Low faculty-to-student ratios
Middle Tennessee State University
#2Murfreesboro, TN · $12,000/yr
Best for: Tennessee nurses wanting local clinicals
Middle Tennessee State University offers a fully online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner designed for Tennessee residents who want to stay close to home. The 42-credit curriculum includes 630 direct patient care clinical hours, with rotations arranged in the student's local area when possible. MTSU's FNP path is CCNE-accredited and can be completed in four or five semesters. The school also offers online PMHNP options at the MSN and post-master's certificate levels.
- 42 total credits; 630 direct patient care hours
- 4 or 5 semester completion options
- Clinical rotations arranged locally when possible
- CCNE-accredited; prepares for national FNP certification
- Tennessee residents with active RN license only
- Online post-master's certificate
- 630 supervised clinical hours minimum
- Requires prior APRN core coursework
- Meets national APRN standards
- 42-credit curriculum; 630 clinical hours
- 4-5 semester completion options
- Local clinical rotations
- CCNE-accredited; holistic care focus
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
#3Knoxville, TN · ~$16,000/yr (est.)
Best for: BSN-prepared nurses pursuing DNP
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville provides a range of nurse practitioner pathways, including FNP, pediatric, and psychiatric-mental health programs at the graduate certificate and DNP levels. Courses use a hybrid format with synchronous online sessions and on-campus visits about twice a semester. The College of Nursing ties clinical training to the state where the student is licensed, a practical detail for Tennessee-based nurses. High-fidelity simulation and mentored rotations support certification readiness.
- 840 clinical hours; hybrid delivery
- Requires MSN and current APRN certification
- Holistic admissions with essay priority
- Mandatory on-site clinical sessions
- 840 clinical hours; mandatory on-site visits
- Requires MSN and APRN certification
- Spring 2026 start; application deadline October 15
- Care across the lifespan
- 840 clinical hours; requires PNP primary care certification
- Gap analysis of previous coursework
- Prerequisites must be within 5 years
- Essay required for admission
- Dual certification in primary and acute care
- Synchronous online classes; on-campus visits twice a semester
- High-fidelity simulation center
- Mentored clinical rotations
- 600 clinical hours
- Prepares for CPNP-PC certification
- Hybrid format; campus visits twice a semester
- Synchronous online class sessions
- 840 clinical hours; hybrid format
- Synchronous online class meetings
- On-campus visits twice a semester
- High-fidelity simulation and mentored clinicals
- BSN-DNP program of study
- Minimum 600 direct patient care clinical hours
- 1,000 total hours for DNP degree
- Synchronous online classes with on-campus visits
- 600 direct patient care hours; hybrid online format
- Synchronous online courses
- Collaborative clinical site placement
- Prepares for national FNP certification
University of Memphis
#4Memphis, TN · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
The University of Memphis is a public research university whose advanced practice offerings include a post-master's Family Nurse Practitioner certificate and adult-gerontology acute care programs. The FNP certificate is built for MSN-prepared nurses seeking national certification through a hybrid format. Clinical practicums and evidence-based coursework prepare graduates for roles in private practices, hospitals, and community settings. The university also reports strong employment outcomes for its nursing graduates.
- Post-master's certificate for MSN-prepared RNs
- Hybrid format with clinical practice
- Primary and acute care across lifespan
- Prepares for national certification exam
- For advanced practice nurses
- Focus on high-acuity hospital and ICU settings
- Clinical practicums required
- National certification eligible
- 44-credit hour program; hybrid format
- Requires 2 years ICU/ER experience
- Up to three on-campus intensives
- 100% employment rate and 75% graduation rate reported
Tennessee Tech
#5Cookeville, TN · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville offers a fully online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner that requires 45 credit hours and clinical work with local preceptors. Students typically finish in 2 to 2.5 years while continuing to work. The university also offers DNP concentrations in FNP, PMHNP, pediatrics, women's health, and adult-gerontology, many in partnership with East Tennessee State University. An independent ranking of online NP programs places Tennessee Tech first in the state.
- 45 credit hours; fully online delivery
- Complete in 2 to 2.5 years
- Local clinical preceptors
- Requires 3.0 undergraduate and graduate GPA
- RN license in Tennessee or clinical state required
- 23 credit hours; 4 semesters
- Fully online with local clinical preceptors
- In-state tuition $730 per credit; out-of-state $870
- Requires MSN and RN license
- CCNE-accredited online MSN
- Lifespan mental health focus
- RN-to-MSN bridge option available
- Prepares for national certification exam
- Joint program with East Tennessee State
- Requires two years RN experience
- Fully online with local clinical placements
- Focus on care from birth to age 21
- Joint TTU-ETSU program
- BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP entry paths
- DNP project required (12 hours)
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Joint program between TTU and ETSU
- BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP entry options
- Eligible for PMHNP national certification
- Capstone DNP project included
- 79 total credit hours in BSN-DNP path
- Offered with ETSU
- Prepares for WHNP national certification
- MSN-DNP path available (32 credits)
- BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP entry paths
- DNP project required
- Eligible for national certification
- Prepares for varied healthcare settings
- BSN-DNP track requires 75 credits
- MSN-DNP track requires 31-35 credits
- Collaborative program with ETSU
- Focus on acute care management
East Tennessee State University
#6Johnson City, TN · ~$11,000/yr (est.)
East Tennessee State University in Johnson City delivers a fully online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner with asynchronous coursework and no campus visits required. The 51-credit program takes five full-time semesters and carries a Tennessee resident tuition rate of $672 per credit. ETSU also enrolls students in PMHNP, adult-gerontology, pediatric, and women's health tracks across MSN, certificate, and DNP levels. The curriculum emphasizes rural and underserved communities, and clinical placement assistance is provided.
- 51 credit hours; 5 semesters full-time
- Asynchronous online classes; no campus visits
- No GRE required; 3.0 minimum GPA
- In-state tuition $672 per credit
- High FNP certification pass rate
- 24 credit hours; 4 semesters
- Requires MSN degree and RN licensure
- TN resident rate $672 per credit
- Prepares for FNP certification
- 24 credit hours; 4 semesters
- MSN required; 3.0 minimum GPA
- Resident tuition $672 per credit
- Prepares for national certification exam
- 32 credit hours; 4 semesters
- DNP degree required
- In-state $672 per credit
- Prepares for AGPCNP national certification
- 46 total credit hours
- GRE optional; 3.0 GPA minimum
- Focus on rural and underserved populations
- Prepares for national certification
- 48 credit hours; 5 semesters full-time
- No GRE required
- TN resident tuition $672 per credit
- High PMHNP certification pass rate
- 77 total credit hours
- Joint ETSU-TTU program
- BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP pathways
- Rural and underserved population focus
- 100% licensure pass rate reported
- Online classes with in-person intensives
- $672 per credit for TN residents
- Rural focus in curriculum
- BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP pathways
- 100% licensure pass rate reported
- Intensives via Zoom or in-person
- Clinical placement assistance provided
- 9-semester program
- Joint program with Tennessee Tech
- Program intensives twice a year
- Eligible for WHNP certification
- Full-time BSN-DNP in 9 semesters
- In-state tuition $672 per credit hour
- Intensive on-campus sessions each semester
- Curriculum with a rural focus
- 9-semester program; $672 per credit
- 2-5 day intensive each semester
- Rural-focused curriculum
- Prepares for AGACNP national certification
- Bridge for RNs with non-nursing BA/BS
- 12 credit hour bridge sequence
- Fall admission only for PMHNP concentration
- Board exam eligibility in multiple states
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
#7Chattanooga, TN · ~$11,000/yr (est.)
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga offers hybrid MSN, certificate, and DNP programs in family, psychiatric-mental health, and adult-gerontology acute care nursing. Its FNP MSN spans 48 to 53 credit hours with 630 clinical hours, while the DNP FNP requires 1,050 clinical hours and reports a 100% first-time pass rate. A newer PMHNP DNP pathway was added to address mental health workforce needs across the region. Applicants need a BSN for MSN entry; post-master's certificates are available for already-prepared APRNs.
- 48-53 credit hours; 630 clinical clock hours
- Prepares for AANP or ANCC certification
- Advanced pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology
- Hybrid format with on-campus components
- 25 credit hours; 4 semesters
- For MSN or DNP-prepared nurses
- Adult, women's, and pediatric primary care focus
- Application deadline March 1
- 28 credit hours; 5 semesters
- For MSN or DNP-prepared NPs
- Includes clinical coursework and final practicum immersion
- CCNE-accredited
- 24 semester hours; 630 clinical hours
- Hybrid online and campus format
- Eligible for national certification
- Requires master's degree for admission
- 83 total credit hours; 1,050 clinical hours
- 100% first-time pass rate reported
- Preceptorships in adult, women's, and pediatric care
- Apply by March 1
- 82 total credit hours; 8 semesters
- Full-time enrollment; fall start
- Above 96% first-time pass rate
- Preceptorships in various psychiatric settings
Austin Peay State University
#8Clarksville, TN · ~$11,000/yr (est.)
Austin Peay State University in Clarksville offers hybrid MSN programs in family and psychiatric-mental health nursing that are built around the schedules of working nurses. The FNP concentration requires 45 credit hours and 750 clinical hours, with coursework mostly online and just two on-campus visits. Most students finish in about 2.5 years while taking two courses per semester. Graduates are eligible for ANCC or AANP certification.
- 45 credit hours; 750 clinical hours
- Primarily online with two on-campus visits
- About 2.5 years; two courses per semester
- Requires BSN, RN license, and statistics prerequisite
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- 42-credit hour curriculum
- Two required on-campus visits
- About two years; 2-3 courses per semester
- ANCC certification eligible
Belmont University
#9Nashville, TN · $28,000/yr
Belmont University in Nashville offers an MSN and a DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner, both delivered in a hybrid format suited to regional students. The MSN is a 41-credit program with a six-year completion limit, while the DNP includes 800 clinical hours and reports a 100% clinical placement rate. DNP coursework is largely asynchronous, with intensive weekend classes on the Nashville campus four weekends per semester. Admission uses NursingCAS for both tracks.
- 41 credit hours; BSN required
- 3.0 minimum GPA and RN license needed
- Application through NursingCAS
- Must complete within six years
- 800 clinical hours
- Asynchronous online coursework with weekend intensives
- 100% clinical placement rate reported
- Global health project opportunities and IMPACT Labs
Lee University
#10Cleveland, TN · $17,000/yr
Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration that blends online coursework with annual on-campus intensives. The program prepares graduates for FNP board certification and emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and training in rural, global, and disaster healthcare. A state-of-the-art simulation lab and local practicum coordination support hands-on learning. The curriculum integrates a Christian worldview and is CCNE-accredited.
- CCNE-accredited; hybrid format
- Mostly online with annual on-campus intensives
- Prepares for FNP board certification
- Emphasis on rural, global, and disaster healthcare
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
#11Memphis, TN · ~$15,000/yr (est.)
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis provides hybrid DNP and post-graduate certificate options for nurses pursuing advanced practice. Its DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner requires 61 credit hours and 1,140 clinical hours, with on-campus intensives about three times a year. The school also offers PMHNP, adult-gerontology acute care, and a dual PMHNP/FNP concentration. Faculty assist with clinical site placement across the Mid-South region.
- 20 credit hours; one-year program
- Online with on-campus sessions twice a year
- Clinical placements near student residence
- For licensed APRNs with MSN in nursing
- 61 total credit hours; 1,140 clinical hours
- 100% licensure pass rate reported
- On-campus intensives about three times a year
- Faculty-assisted clinical site selection
- 1,080 clinical hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- Minimum 500 hours in direct primary care
- Post-BSN and post-MSN entry options
- 1,020 clinical hours; on-campus intensives 3 times yearly
- Full-time or part-time enrollment
- Prepares for AGACNP certification
- Post-BSN and post-MSN pathways
- 73 total credit hours
- Prepares for two national certification exams
- DNP Project capstone required
- CCNE-accredited through 2034
Union University
#12Jackson, TN · ~$14,000/yr (est.)
Union University offers an accelerated MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner that can be completed in 16 months through a blended online and campus format. The 46-credit curriculum includes 560 clinical hours, and students can start in the fall with rolling admissions. Union also offers post-graduate certificates and BSN-to-DNP tracks in family and psychiatric-mental health nursing. Graduates are eligible for national certification through AANP or ANCC.
- 16-month full-time program
- 46 credit hours; 560 clinical hours
- $761 per credit; fall start with rolling admissions
- Blended online and campus format
- Prepares for AANP and ANCC certification
- 26 credit hours; 560 clinical practice hours
- $739 per credit; fall start
- Requires MSN degree and RN licensure
- NursingCAS application required
- 29 total credit hours; 560 clinical hours required
- $739 per credit
- Requires MSN and RN license
- Fall semester start only
- 36-month program; 73 total credit hours
- 1,220 required clinical hours
- Blended online and campus delivery
- FNP certification exam eligibility
- 36-month program; 73 total credit hours
- 1,220 total clinical hours; capstone required
- Apply by June 1 for fall start
- Eligible for national certification exam
How We Evaluated Tennessee's Online FNP Programs
Choosing among the best online nurse practitioner schools and programs in Tennessee forces a practical tradeoff: the flexibility of distance learning against the harder-to-see signals of long-term value, cost, and graduate outcomes.
How We Weighted the Factors
We applied an online-delivery boost as the primary factor, since this list is meant for working nurses who need to keep their jobs while completing clinical and didactic coursework. After that, we combined a quality composite made up of institution-wide graduation rates, median graduate earnings, affordability as measured by net price, and debt outcomes.
Where the Numbers Came From
Earnings and debt data come from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. Tuition and graduation rates come from IPEDS, the federal postsecondary data system, which lets us compare programs on a consistent cost and completion baseline.
What the Rankings Do Not Capture
This method does not evaluate curriculum quality, faculty credentials, or student satisfaction. Those are real considerations, but they are not consistently measured in federal datasets. Graduation rates are institution-wide rather than FNP-program-specific; we still use them as a proxy because a college that performs well on student completion and earnings at the institutional level is more likely to have the student support systems that benefit nurse practitioner students too.
Tennessee FNP Program Comparison: Tuition, Credits and Clinical Hours
Tuition for online and hybrid FNP programs in Tennessee ranges widely, from roughly $10,500 per year at public universities to nearly $58,000 at private institutions. Public schools such as Austin Peay, Middle Tennessee State, and Tennessee State offer some of the most affordable in-state options, while Vanderbilt commands premium tuition that reflects its nationally ranked program. Clinical hour requirements also vary, so prospective students should weigh total program cost against the depth of hands-on training each school provides.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Degree or Track | Total Credits | Clinical Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State University | $10,518 | $15,702 | MSN-FNP | 45 | 750 | Hybrid |
| Middle Tennessee State University | $11,718 | $29,700 | MSN-FNP | 42 | 630 | Online |
| Tennessee State University | $11,188 | $23,808 | MSN-FNP | 49 | 750 | Online |
| Tennessee Tech University | $12,386 | $15,746 | MSN-FNP | 45 | Not published | Online |
| UT Chattanooga | $11,110 | $19,174 | MSN-FNP | 48 to 53 | 630 | Hybrid |
| East Tennessee State University | $11,366 | $26,486 | MSN-FNP | 51 | Not published | Online |
| Carson-Newman University | Not published | Not published | MSN-FNP | 48 | 780 | Online |
| King University | Not published | Not published | MSN-FNP | 45 | 600 | Online |
| Vanderbilt University | $57,868 | $57,868 | MSN-FNP (FNP/ENP track) | 65 | 1,300 | Hybrid |
| UT Knoxville | $15,972 | $34,760 | BSN to DNP FNP | 67 | 600 minimum | Hybrid |
| Lee University | $17,480 | $17,480 | DNP-FNP | Not published | Not published | Hybrid |
FNP Pathways in Tennessee: MSN, BSN-To-DNP, and Post-Master's Routes
Tennessee offers several routes to becoming a family nurse practitioner, depending on the degree you already hold. While Tennessee does not currently require a DNP for NP practice, national momentum toward doctoral-level preparation continues to build, making it worth considering as you choose your pathway.
Admissions, Clinical Placement & Preceptor Policies
Clinical placement logistics now shape online FNP choices in Tennessee as much as curriculum does.
Most Tennessee FNP programs expect a current unrestricted RN license, a BSN from an accredited program, a minimum GPA near 3.0, letters of recommendation, and some clinical nursing experience. Some programs also require a resume or personal statement, but the baseline is fairly consistent across schools.
Preceptor support varies widely
nurse practitioner preceptor matching is the biggest difference. Vanderbilt uses a collaborative process: students often identify sites and preceptors, then the placement office vets them and manages affiliation agreements. Direct matching is available on request for students within the Greater Middle Tennessee area, roughly a 150-mile radius from Nashville. South College's MSN FNP Program goes further, promising assistance with practicum placement and preceptor matching, with no restriction beyond requiring sites to be in the United States. At Lincoln Memorial University, distant students are asked to help identify preceptors in their home community before the school secures the placement.1 King University requires faculty approval of preceptors, who must hold at least a master's degree, and does not allow supervisors, family members, or evaluators to serve.23
Clinical hours and location limits
Expect 500 to 700 direct patient care hours in most programs, though some require more. The University of Tennessee allows out-of-state rotations only if students comply with that state's Board of Nursing requirements. Union University's clinical placement policy is not clearly published, so prospective students should ask directly.
Tennessee APRN Licensure, Certification & Scope of Practice
Before practicing as a nurse practitioner in Tennessee, you will navigate a multi-step licensure process through the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Understanding these requirements early helps you plan your timeline from graduation to patient care.
Licensure Requirements and Application
To apply for APRN licensure in Tennessee, you must hold a current unencumbered Tennessee RN license or multistate RN privilege, complete a graduate NP program at the master's level or higher, and pass a national certification exam. Tennessee accepts both the ANCC FNP-BC and AANP FNP-C credentials.
The application is submitted online and requires:
- Notarized Declaration of Citizenship and proof of citizenship
- Official transcript sent directly from your nursing program
- Certification verification from ANCC or AANP
- Completion of the Mandatory Practitioner Profile Questionnaire
Applicants with any criminal history must submit a letter of explanation along with certified copies of arrest documents, judgment or disposition records, and proof of completion. The total licensure fee is approximately $515 as of 2026.1 You cannot practice in an APRN role until your license is issued.
Prescriptive Authority and Collaborative Practice
APRN licensure alone does not grant prescribing privileges. Tennessee requires a separate certificate of fitness for prescriptive authority, which includes mandatory pharmacology coursework.1 Once approved, you will also need DEA registration for controlled substances.
Tennessee remains a collaborative practice state. NPs with prescriptive authority must maintain a collaborative agreement with a physician under the state-by-state NP laws.1 No recent legislation has eliminated this requirement, so prospective students should factor this arrangement into their career planning.
Certification Exam Pass Rates
Nationally, first-time pass rates stand at 82% for the ANCC FNP-BC2 and 81% for the AANP FNP-C3 based on 2025 data. When evaluating Best Online MSN Programs in Tennessee, ask about program-specific pass rates, as these vary and indicate how well a school prepares graduates for board certification.
FNP Salary in Tennessee: Statewide and by Metro Area
Tennessee employed roughly 13,060 nurse practitioners as of the most recent federal wage survey, with a statewide median annual salary of $99,330. That figure sits well below the national NP median of $121,610, though Tennessee's lower cost of living narrows the gap in real purchasing power. Wages climb significantly with experience and specialty focus: NPs at the 90th percentile in the state earn nearly $136,000. The table below presents statewide wage data across earning tiers. Metro-level breakdowns for Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are not included because verified figures for those areas were not available at the time of publication.
| Wage Measure | Tennessee | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $99,330 | $121,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,860 | N/A |
| 75th Percentile | $119,470 | N/A |
| 10th Percentile | $82,480 | N/A |
| 90th Percentile | $135,980 | N/A |
| Total Employment | 13,060 | N/A |
Scholarships and Loan Repayment for Tennessee FNP Students
How can Tennessee FNP students learn how to afford nursing school to lower the total cost of graduate school before taking on more federal debt?
HRSA's NURSE Corps Scholarship covers tuition, fees, and a stipend for FNP students who agree to serve at least two years at a critical shortage facility; master's NP students receive preference.2 The companion NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program repays up to 85% of qualifying student debt for APRNs, including FNPs, who work full time (at least 32 hours per week) in a designated shortage site. Applications for that repayment cycle open in June 2026.
Tennessee adds state-level support. The Tennessee State Loan Repayment Program offers up to $50,000 for a two-year obligation and $20,000 per additional year for APRNs practicing in an HPSA, FQHC, or rural health clinic.1 The Graduate Nursing Loan Forgiveness Program provides up to $7,000 per year full time or $3,500 part time for RNs in master's or post-master's programs who intend to teach or administer in Tennessee, with a four-year service commitment and a March 1 application deadline.
Without an award, federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans remain the baseline borrowing options for graduate study; How to Pay for Your MSN Degree: Scholarships, Grants & Loan Forgiveness can help identify aid.
Tennessee FNP Programs: Common Questions Answered
Choosing and completing a Family Nurse Practitioner program involves many practical details. Below are answers to the questions prospective Tennessee FNP students ask most often, drawn from current program data and state licensing requirements.
How long does it take to complete an online FNP program in Tennessee?
What is the average nurse practitioner salary in Tennessee compared to the national average?
Do Tennessee FNP programs help students find clinical preceptors?
What certification exams do Tennessee FNP graduates need to pass?
Can nurse practitioners in Tennessee prescribe medications independently?
Is a DNP required to practice as an FNP in Tennessee?
More Online FNP Programs in Tennessee Worth Exploring
Beyond the ranked programs above, these additional Tennessee schools offer online, hybrid, or flexible NP options. They are grouped by region to help you compare choices close to home, and this list is not ranked.
East Tennessee
- Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
- MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Concentration in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate
- Nursing, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN PMHNP)
Northeast Tennessee
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master’s Certificate
- BSN to DNP (Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
- Bachelor of Science to Doctoral - Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
- Bachelor of Science to Doctoral - Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP))
- Bachelor of Science to Doctoral - Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) (Nurse Leadership & Administration (NLA))
- Family Nurse Practitioner
Chattanooga Area
- Master of Science in Nursing (Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental Health NP)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Primary Care - Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care, Adult/Gerontology NP
- BSN to DNP (Primary Care, Family NP)
- RN to MSN (Acute Care, Adult/Gerontology NP)
Nashville Area
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Post-Graduate Certificate - FNP
Memphis Area
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)