Nursing Programs in Knoxville, TN

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for a career as a registered nurse. The curriculum combines general education with nursing-specific courses focusing on holism, diversity, and caring, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and leadership. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements at major hospitals, community clinics, and health departments in the region. The program features technology-enhanced classrooms and an accredited simulation lab. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX exam, with pass rates exceeding state and national averages. The college offers direct freshman admission, a living-learning community, and pathways through Army and Air Force ROTC. With a minimum GPA requirement of 3.2 for transfer students, the program is competitive and designed to produce socially conscious nursing leaders.

• 3.2 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Scholarships available
• Direct freshman admission to nursing major
• Freshman Nursing Living and Learning Community
• Active Student Nurses Association
• Clinical experiences at major hospitals
• Highly qualified faculty leaders in nursing
• Technology-enhanced classrooms and simulation lab

South College offers a strategic Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Nursing) program designed for students aspiring to enter the nursing field. This comprehensive 21-month pathway provides essential prerequisite courses for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, covering critical areas like anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry. Students develop foundational healthcare skills and gain a clear understanding of nursing roles, positioning themselves for future academic and professional success.

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

The Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Nursing) prepares students for a dynamic healthcare career by providing foundational knowledge essential for nursing school entry. Designed for aspiring nurses, this 21-month program covers critical science subjects like anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry, creating a robust pathway to advanced nursing education. Students gain comprehensive skills in key healthcare areas, positioning themselves for future success in nursing or related health professions.

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

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at South College's Knoxville campus prepares students for entry-level nursing roles. This 21-month full-time program requires approximately 20 hours of weekly in-class time plus outside work. Students develop skills in evidence-based patient care, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration through classroom, laboratory, and clinical training. The curriculum covers mental health, pediatric, adult health, and maternal infant nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission requires meeting general college requirements, completing prerequisites with C or higher, achieving minimum ATI TEAS or HESI A2 scores, maintaining a 2.50 GPA, and passing drug and background checks. The program is accredited by ACEN and approved by Tennessee's Board of Nursing.

• 21-month full-time duration
• On-campus format
• Accredited by ACEN
• Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
• Four start dates annually
• 20 hours weekly in-class
• Clinical training required
• C or higher prerequisite grades
• Minimum 2.50 GPA required
• ATI TEAS or HESI A2 scores

This Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is a bridge option for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to become Registered Nurses (RNs). It takes 21 months full-time with on-campus classes, labs, and clinical training. Admission requires an LPN license, prerequisite courses with a C or better, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and passing the ATI TEAS or HESI A2 exam. The program prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Costs and financial aid details are available through the school's financial aid office.

• 21 months full-time.
• On-campus format.
• LPN-ASN bridge option.
• NCLEX-RN exam eligibility.
• TEAS or HESI A2 required.
• Minimum 2.5 GPA required.
• Prerequisite courses needed.
• LPN license required.
• Accredited by ACEN.
• Clinical training included.

South College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Knoxville, Tennessee, offers a hybrid/online format. Students complete coursework online with required in-person labs and clinical training. The program aims to develop skills in evidence-based patient care, critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and nursing management. It prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Admissions require a minimum ATI TEAS or HESI A2 score, prerequisite courses with a C or higher, a 2.50 GPA in core and science courses, a drug test, and background check. The program is accredited by CCNE and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Financial aid options include scholarships and grants.

• Hybrid/online format
• 39 months full-time duration
• Start dates in January, April, June, October
• CCNE accreditation
• ATI TEAS or HESI A2 entrance exam required
• Minimum 2.50 GPA for prerequisites
• Drug test and background check required
• Online coursework with in-person labs
• Clinical training in medical facilities
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure

• 39 months duration full-time
• On-campus format
• Start dates in January/April/June/October
• CCNE accreditation
• Requires current LPN license
• No TEAS Assessment required
• Classroom, lab, and clinical training
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Covers mental health nursing
• Covers pediatric nursing

• 39 months full-time duration.
• Hybrid format with online classes.
• In-person labs and clinical training.
• Start dates in January, April, June, October.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Requires ATI TEAS or HESI A2 exam.
• Minimum 2.50 GPA for prerequisites.
• Background check and drug test required.
• Financial aid available.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.

• Accelerated BSN program
• 18-month duration
• On-campus format
• For prior degree holders
• CCNE accredited
• ATI TEAS exam required
• HESI A2 exam accepted
• 2.50 GPA requirement
• Prerequisite courses needed
• Drug test required

Carson-Newman University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare through a blend of rigorous academics and Christian values. The curriculum covers adult medical-surgical, pediatric, psychiatric, maternal-newborn, and critical-care nursing, along with research and evidence-based practice. Students gain over 900 clinical hours across top facilities like UT Medical Center and East Tennessee Children's Hospital, with rotations in emergency care, obstetrics, pediatrics, and geriatrics. The program's distinctive Christian perspective fosters compassion and character, while small class sizes ensure personalized attention from experienced faculty. Housed in a new state-of-the-art facility with simulation labs, the BSN offers hands-on learning in a supportive environment. Graduates pursue diverse roles such as registered nurse, flight nurse, travel nurse, hospice nurse, or hospital educator. The program is accredited by CCNE and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing, and has earned recognition as a College of Distinction for Nursing and a top-ranked nursing school.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Tennessee Board of Nursing accredited
• 900 clinical hours
• Christian perspective in nursing education
• Clinical rotations in emergency, obstetrics, pediatrics
• State-of-the-art facility with simulation labs
• College of Distinction for Nursing
• Small class sizes
• Career paths: flight nurse, travel nurse, hospice nurse