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/).
Baptist Health Sciences University
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
Union University
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
Tennessee Wesleyan University
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
University of Tennessee Knoxville
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
East Tennessee State University
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
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.
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.
- 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
2024 List of RN to BSN Programs in Tennessee
Check out the best RN to BSN programs in Tennessee in our listings.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Athens, TN
Tennessee Wesleyan University
Athens, TN 37303
(423) 745-7504
Bristol, TN
King University
Bristol, TN 37620
(423) 652-6312
Chattanooga, TN
University of Tennessee Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN 37403
(423) 425-4644
Clarksville, TN
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN 37044
(844) 851-6815
Cookeville, TN
Tennessee Tech University
Cookeville, TN 38505
(931) 372-3547
Jackson, TN
Union University
Jackson, TN 38305
(731) 668-1818
Jefferson City, TN
Carson-Newman University
Jefferson City, TN 37760
(865) 471-3442
Johnson City, TN
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-7051
Knoxville, TN
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, TN 37916
Martin, TN
University of Tennessee at Martin
Martin, TN 38238
Memphis, TN
Baptist Health Sciences University
Memphis, TN 38104
(866) 575-2247
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 321-3465
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
(190) 167-8200 x3
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Memphis, TN 38163
Milligan College, TN
Milligan College
Milligan College, TN 37682
(423) 461-8655
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.