Tennessee RN to BSN Programs

As the field of nursing continues to advance with healthcare changes and emergent technologies and practices, it’s important for nurses to stay abreast of evidence-based best practices in the field. To this end, many nurses each year commit to undergoing an RN to BSN program to complete their degree. This advancement, while stressful, opens new pathways for success – both for patients and for nurses themselves.

2024 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Tennessee

Tennessee RNs who hold an associate's degree or nursing diploma may wish to advance their career options by enrolling in an RN to BSN completion program. These programs are designed specifically for the busy working RN, and can usually be completed swiftly and efficiently. Online RN to BSN options make the process even easier, as students can work through the curriculum on their own time. To find the perfect program, check out our rankings of the top online RN to BSN programs in Tennessee below. We've ranked the best of the best to help you get started on expanding your nursing career.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

1.

Baptist Health Sciences University

Memphis, TN

Committed to Christ and to developing careers in nursing and health care, Baptist Health Sciences University (formerly Baptist College of Health Sciences) in Tennessee offers an intense, fast-paced RN to BSN online. By integrating clinical thinking, ethical precepts, and information systems, graduates are ready for today's nursing challenges.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Total nursing tuition rate is $15K
• One year degree completion
• Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is available

2.

Union University

Jackson, TN

Union University, a private Christian institution of higher learning, offers a fast-moving, top-ranked online RN to BSN program. Technology in Nursing and Population-Focused Health (Community and World) are just a few courses. The holistic program includes professional – as well as spiritual, psychological and sociocultural components.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• The RN to BSN is available across the U.S. via E-Campus online
• Earn your degree in 18 months (not including general ed courses)
• Apply for fall or spring semester

3.

Tennessee Wesleyan University

Athens, TN

Tennessee Wesleyan University's Fort Sanders Nursing Department is home to an excellent 100% online RN to BSN degree program designed to help working nurses expand their careers. This flexible and affordable program can be completed in just one year of study, with assignments and projects tailored to each student.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Clinical projects can be completed in the student's hometown
• Challenge up to 12 credit hours through proficiency testing
• Discounted tuition rates and federal/state financial aid make this program affordable

4.

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Knoxville, TN

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers a comprehensive online RN-to-BSN program, empowering nurses for career advancement. Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, the program combines academic rigor with flexibility. With experienced faculty and a supportive online platform, UT Knoxville prepares nurses to excel in diverse healthcare settings.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Offered 100% online
• Dedicated and experienced online faculty
• Flexible start dates

5.

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN

RNs can turn their jobs into careers when they complete the RN to BSN program online at East Tennessee State University. Students learn about patient education, health promotion, nursing informatics, and more in this progressive program.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Graduates can have greater earning power
• Reduced tuition for neighboring state residents
• Online resources and IT assistance available

Admissions Requirements for Tennessee RN to BSN Programs

Whether you’ve been in the workforce for a short while or a longer term, returning to the classroom to complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can seem overwhelming. Below, we’ve included some of the most common admissions criteria that appear throughout RN to BSN programs in Tennessee.

• Be fully admitted to your university of choice by the application deadline
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.6 (cumulative)
• Have graduated from an accredited RN diploma program, also known as an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Complete all nursing prerequisites with a minimum of ‘C’ in ADN coursework
• Have an unencumbered nursing license valid for the state of Tennessee

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

Austin Peay State University in Clarksville strives for the year on year betterment of their online RN to BSN programming with the philosophy that now is the time for nurses to upgrade and update their credentials. Offered fully online, the program offers such courses as the following to help nurses bridge knowledge and experiential gaps between ADN and BSN.

• NURS 4151 – Community and Public Health Nursing Clinical
• NURS 4170 – Leadership and Management of Professional Nursing
• NURS 4171 – Leadership and Management of Professional Nursing Clinical
• NURS 4180 Trends and Issues of Professional Nursing

Online RN to BSN Programs in Tennessee

Tennessee has more than 20 colleges, professional schools, and universities that offer the RN to BSN program for nurses who wish to upgrade their ADN credentials. With an emphasis on health outcomes and leadership, nurses will find the theoretical components highly useful to integrate into their practice almost immediately. Online courses are designed to fit around a nurse’s other personal and professional commitments.

Admissions and Program Length

There are some differences in RN to BSN program length throughout universities in Tennessee; however, the average seems to be about 12 – 16 months of full-time study. At a part-time pace, students may take up to three years to earn the required number of credits (usually somewhere between 30 and 40). Coupled with ADN transfer credits, students will end the program with a total of about 120 credits and will be eligible for a bachelor of science degree.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Students who take part in Cumberland University‘s program can expect to incur about $550 per credit hour and the course is comprised of approximately 37 core hours. Students should note that they are responsible for buying their own materials, equipment, and textbooks; tuition rates do not cover these expenses. Due to the distance education component of the online RN to BSN program, costs of living, food, and transportation are not included in this tuition estimate.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

With more education, the trend is that employees earn more money and nursing is no exception to this. With a BSN degree, have the opportunity to earn greater responsibility and leadership roles. With that capacity comes more pay and upwardly mobile opportunities. For example, BSN-prepared nurses work in ER and trauma, urgent care, and community health initiatives.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Tennessee

Tennessee RNs can earn as little as $34,000 or as much as $100,000 plus, depending on the degree that they hold and their experience. Other factors like where they practice can also influence their salary. The single biggest determining factor is whether they hold only an ADN degree or have continued on to achieve a BSN – a difference in some cases of more than $15,000 per year. Zip Recruiter lists the average annual salary for a BSN-educated nurse in Tennessee at roughly $84,400.

2024 List of RN to BSN Programs in Tennessee

Careers in public health, clinical managers, and government agencies could be the career advancement opportunities that become available to candidates that take up a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Making $4,000 more annually than an ADN nurse is also another benefit in investing in your career goals. The benefits of having a BSN degree or higher can be obtained by attending one of the more than 20 RN to BSN programs offered throughout the state and by different modalities, including online part-time studies.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Memphis RN to BSN Programs
• Nashville RN to BSN Programs
• Knoxville RN to BSN Programs

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.