Nursing Programs in Knoxville, TN

Last Updated On Feb 21, 2026

Expert Verified: Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN

3 Min Read

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Knoxville

When exploring the best nursing schools in Knoxville, prospective students can use rankings to identify programs with proven success in preparing graduates for licensure. Registerednursing.org creates these rankings based on NCLEX pass rates, providing an objective measure of program effectiveness. For more details on how these rankings are compiled, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Examining pass rate trends over recent years reveals patterns in program performance and student outcomes.

2024: 94% average pass rate with 35 students
2023: 94% average pass rate with 48 students
2022: 68% average pass rate with 41 students

Top Performing Schools

Identifying schools with consistently high pass rates helps students find quality nursing education programs.

Carson-Newman University: 85.4% average pass rate across 124 students over 3 years

Pass Rate by Program Size

Analyzing pass rates by program size category shows how different educational environments may affect student success.

Small programs (<50 students/year): 94% average pass rate with 35 students

Biggest Improvements

Tracking schools with significant pass rate improvements highlights programs that have enhanced their educational quality.

Carson-Newman University: Improved from 68% to 94% between 2024 and 2024, a 26-point increase

Yearly Nursing Graduates

Understanding graduation trends provides insight into the nursing workforce pipeline and program capacity.

2024: 35 nursing graduates
2023: 48 nursing graduates
2022: 41 nursing graduates

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

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

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides a rigorous campus-based education that combines advanced simulation labs with diverse clinical experiences across healthcare settings. This program emphasizes critical thinking, leadership development, and holistic patient care within a comprehensive curriculum. Admission requires a competitive 3.2 GPA and specific prerequisite coursework, with direct freshman admission available. The program's NCLEX preparation is exceptional, with pass rates reaching 98% in 2023 and 97% in 2024, consistently exceeding national averages. While the BSN program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission, it offers substantial support through the BSN Scholars Program and other tuition assistance opportunities.

Direct freshman admission available.
Competitive application process.
3.2 minimum GPA required.
State-of-the-art simulation labs.
Hands-on clinical experiences.
Emphasis on holistic care.
Leadership and critical thinking focus.
NCLEX preparation excellence.
BSN Scholars Program option.
Tuition assistance opportunities.

South College

Knoxville, TN - Private 4-year - south.edu

Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

South College's Associate of Science in Nursing program in Knoxville provides comprehensive training for aspiring nurses through classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations. This campus-based program emphasizes critical thinking and clinical judgment across diverse patient care settings including mental health, pediatric, adult health, and maternal-infant nursing. With a focus on preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam, the program has demonstrated strong outcomes with a 94% NCLEX pass rate for BSN graduates in 2024. Admission requires meeting specific academic criteria, and the program is military-friendly with financial aid options available.

Rigorous academic and clinical foundation.
Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
Hands-on clinical training.
Focus on critical thinking skills.
Diverse patient care settings.
Experienced instructors.
Holistic patient care approach.
Interdisciplinary collaboration focus.
Cultural sensitivity training.
Eligibility for licensure.

Associate - Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Nursing)

Online Learning - Visit Website

South College's online Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Nursing) program offers a strategic 21-month pathway for students preparing for nursing careers. This comprehensive program covers essential prerequisite courses including anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry, providing foundational healthcare knowledge for BSN program entry. The online format allows flexible learning while developing key skills for future nursing success. As a bachelor's-level preparatory program, admission typically requires ACT or SAT scores, though specific requirements should be verified with the admissions office. The program is military-friendly and ranked as a top pre-nursing option.

Online and hybrid learning options
21-month program length
Prerequisite courses for BSN
Multiple campus locations available

Associate - Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Nursing)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The campus-based Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Nursing) at South College prepares students for nursing careers through a rigorous 21-month curriculum focused on foundational sciences. This program covers critical subjects including anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry, creating a direct pathway to advanced nursing education. Students gain comprehensive healthcare knowledge and skills essential for BSN program success. For this bachelor's-level preparatory program, admission generally requires ACT or SAT exam scores, though applicants should confirm specific requirements. The program is military-friendly and offers multiple campus locations for convenient access.

Online and hybrid learning options
21-month program length
Prerequisite courses for BSN
Multiple campus locations available

Show 2 More Programs ˅

Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, TN - Private 4-year - cn.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Carson-Newman University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program integrates a Christian perspective with comprehensive clinical training, requiring ACT or SAT scores for admission. Students complete over 900 hours of clinical rotations across diverse healthcare settings, including pediatric and psychiatric-mental health specialties. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and emphasizes small class sizes with experienced faculty. NCLEX pass rates have improved significantly, from 68% in 2022 to 94% in both 2023 and 2024, reflecting strong preparation for nursing licensure.

Small class sizes
900+ clinical hours
Christian perspective
Accredited by CCNE
Diverse clinical rotations
Experienced faculty
Campus-based program
Includes pediatric nursing
Psychiatric-mental health focus
State-of-the-art facilities

Johnson University

Knoxville, TN - Private 4-year - johnsonu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Johnson University offers a hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in partnership with Tennessee Wesleyan University, requiring ACT or SAT scores for admission. This unique program allows students to earn an Associate Degree in Health Science in two years and complete their BSN in four years. Students can obtain a Nursing Assistant Certificate early in the program, enabling them to gain clinical experience while studying. The curriculum emphasizes scientific excellence, spiritual formation, and service within a Christian framework. Students live on Johnson's campus all four years, benefiting from community life and award-winning residence halls. NCLEX pass rate information is not provided for this program.

Hybrid program format
Earn CNA certificate early
Live on campus all four years
Partnership with TWU
Focus on spiritual formation
Scientific excellence emphasis
Community and social experiences
Award-winning dorms
Double major opportunity
Pre-Nursing to BSN pathway

*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/ (IPEDS 2024).

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Knoxville, TN

Though jobs and careers change all the time, nursing is one occupation that offers long term stability and staying power. As the vocation continues to evolve, nurses are taking on greater roles at hospitals and medical centers every day. With student-centered formats and curriculums, entering the nursing profession can be done via many different educational pathways, including LPN to RN, ADN, and BSN.

LPN to RN Programs

Licensed Practical Nurses care for patients’ basic needs, talk with them and provide them with comfort and support. When faced with patient challenges, however, LPNs are limited in the level of support they can provide. South College in Knoxville, TN has created a bridge LPN to RN program that enables working nurses to elevate their careers, take on greater patient responsibility and earn more money. Because the future of nursing will likely call for RNs to hold Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees, those who complete this distinctive bridge program will also earn their BSNs.

ADN Programs

Charge nurses and nursing administrators commonly start their vocations by caring for patients’ bedside. Students can begin their journey with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (A.A.S.N.) from Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville. The priced-for-everyone program teaches evidence-based nursing, fundamentals, clinicals, ethics of nursing and much more. Graduates of the accredited program are eligible for the NCLEX-RN.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Nursing is a profession of both science and compassion. By beginning your journey with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you can have a greater impact on patient recovery right from the start. Tennessee Wesleyan University about an hour outside of Knoxville, Tennessee, teaches nursing fundamentals, decision making, and ethics with a Christian perspective. Students examine pediatric, adult, mental health and community health nursing and gain theoretical and clinical learnings.

Find out more about Tennessee Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN Programs in Knoxville, TN

In most every profession, earning a degree increases your chances of landing a promotion, and nursing is no exception. Professional nurses in Knoxville, TN can take advantage of online education programs such as RN to BSN to better position themselves for career advancement without having to stop working.

RN to BSN Programs

The quest to make a difference in the lives of others can be found at the heart of nursing. With a BSN, nursing professionals can do to help patients heal, recover and return to a state of healthiness. Carson-Newman University located outside of Knoxville, TN offers an online RN to BSN program that can be completed in 14 months for those who are able to transfer in the maximum number of credit hours. The Christian school designed the program to accommodate the lives of busy working professionals who must juggle multiple priorities.

Find out more about Tennessee RN to BSN Programs.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

If you're a registered nurse looking to advance your career, RN to BSN and MSN programs offer flexible paths to higher education. Many schools provide online or hybrid options that fit your schedule. These programs build on your experience to deepen your clinical skills and leadership abilities. Below, you'll find a table listing schools by city and state, with highlights of each program and links to learn more about specific details and how to apply.