Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Tennessee

Last Updated On Mar 11, 2025

RegisteredNursing.org Staff

5 Min Read

2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Tennessee

Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Tennessee? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list considers key factors like flexibility, cost, and support services. Start your journey to a BSN today with a program that meets your needs. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

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

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Tennessee's RN to BSN online program provides working nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing education. Designed for registered nurses with an associate's degree or nursing diploma, this fully online program enables students to complete 34 credit hours in convenient eight-week courses. With no campus visits required, nurses can continue working while earning their bachelor's degree within a calendar year. Admission requires a minimum 2.0 GPA, valid RN licensure, and completed associate degree in nursing. The program offers part-time and full-time options, making higher education accessible for busy healthcare professionals.

Fully online nursing program
Complete in one calendar year
34 online credit hours
Flexible start dates
No campus visits required
Minimum 2.0 GPA required
Part-time and full-time options
Eight-week course format

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN - Public 4-Year - etsu.edu

Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

East Tennessee State University's RN-to-BSN online program empowers registered nurses to advance their careers through a flexible, comprehensive degree completion pathway. Designed for working professionals, this top-ranked Tennessee program enhances nursing skills, leadership potential, and career opportunities. Students can complete the program in three semesters, with asynchronous coursework accommodating busy schedules. Affordable tuition rates and potential employer support make this an accessible option for career-driven nurses seeking professional growth.

100% Online Program
Top-Ranked in Tennessee
Flexible Three-Semester Track
CCNE Accredited Program
Tuition from $464/credit hour
Summer Term Start
Practicum in Current Workplace
Asynchronous Course Delivery
Scholarships Available

Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, TN - Private 4-year - lmunet.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN Option

Online Learning - Visit Website

The RN-BSN Option at Lincoln Memorial University is designed for registered nurses aiming to elevate their career and education. This fully online program prepares RNs for professional roles and graduate education opportunities. It's tailored for those with an ASN degree or nursing diploma, offering flexibility to complete general education requirements alongside the program. Ideal for nurses seeking career advancement, it focuses on comprehensive care across the wellness-illness continuum. Admission requires RN licensure and an ASN from an accredited institution, making it a perfect fit for dedicated professionals ready to take the next step in their nursing career.

Fully online program.
Designed for RNs with ASN.
Prepares for graduate education.
Flexible general education completion.
Focuses on comprehensive care.
Requires RN licensure for admission.
ASN from accredited institution needed.
Career advancement opportunities.
Professional role preparation.
Tailored for dedicated professionals.

Union University

Jackson, TN - Private 4-year - uu.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Union University's RN-BSN online program offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing careers. Designed for RNs with associate degrees or diplomas, this 18-month program enhances nursing knowledge and leadership skills. Students can complete most coursework online, with a curriculum covering critical areas like health assessment, research, legal and ethical aspects, and community nursing. The program provides a comprehensive approach to professional development, preparing nurses for expanded roles and opportunities in healthcare.

Online flexible learning format
$400 per credit hour
18-month completion timeline
Nationwide program availability
Requires 2.5 GPA
Unencumbered RN licensure needed
27 nursing requirement hours
Rolling admissions process
Capstone course included

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN - Public 4-Year - tntech.edu

Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN program

Online Learning - Visit Website

Tennessee Technological University offers an online RN-to-BSN program designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. This program is tailored for those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), aiming to enhance their professional skills and knowledge. The curriculum focuses on leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for higher responsibilities in the nursing field. Admission requires an active RN license and an ADN/ASN degree. The program's flexibility allows working nurses to balance their studies with professional commitments, making it an ideal choice for career advancement in nursing.

Online RN-to-BSN program.
For ADN/ASN holders.
Focus on leadership skills.
Community health emphasis.
Evidence-based practice curriculum.
Flexible for working nurses.
Active RN license required.
Prepares for higher responsibilities.
Enhances professional skills.
Ideal for career advancement.

Fast & Affordable Program Options

One of the best ways you can level up your career as a nurse is by getting a BSN degree. One of the fastest and most affordable ways to do that is to enroll in an RN to BSN degree program. THese programs are shorter than a typical BSN degree program because they build on the nurses existing experience and training, saving you more money and time in your busy schedule.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

By design, an RN to BSN program is supposed to be fast. Still, the actual time you’ll spend in class will depend on the specific program. Most RN to BSN programs can be completed in two years but in some cases, students can expect an even faster trajectory, often graduating in as little as a year or even a few months! Here are a few examples of the fastest RN to BSN programs available in Tennessee.

School	Degree Name	Length
Tennessee State University	Online RN to BSN	2 Semesters
University of Memphis	Online RN to BSN	1 Year

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

Yes, they do, but they’re somewhat rare, especially in Tennessee. You can definitely expect to find RN to BSN programs under two years in Tennessee (as demonstrated above) but to be eligible for 6-month RN to BSN degree programs, you’ll need to have a large number of transferable credits and you’ll need to locate a school that accepts them.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

Apart from the timeliness of an RN to BSN program, many students are particularly happy with the price. Because you will only be required to enroll for a period of one to two years for your BSN, this means that you will likely only be paying around half the cost compared to a traditional BSN program. Keep in mind that your cost may be more or less costly depending on your state residency status and the cost of living and textbooks in the area where you are enrolling. That being said, here are a few of the cheapest RN to BSN programs in Tennessee.

School

Degree Name

Tuition Cost

Austin Peay State University

Online RN to BSN

$8,431 per year (Resident)

$13,975 per year (Non-Resident)

Tennessee State University

Online RN to BSN

$8,336 per year (Resident)

$21,692 per year (Non-Resident)

Learn more about the most Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

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Admissions Requirements for Accredited 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 accredited 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

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

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.