Nursing Programs in Memphis, TN
With a growing need for qualified registered nurses, cities like Memphis have been steadily increasing their educational offerings. From beginners to experienced nurses looking to specialize, there is a nursing program for just about everyone.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Memphis
Rankings provide a valuable framework for prospective nursing students to evaluate program quality and outcomes. At Registerednursing.org, we are creating the Best Nursing Schools in Memphis rankings based solely on NCLEX pass rates, a key indicator of exam readiness. This methodology, available at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/, helps students identify programs that best prepare graduates for licensure.
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Memphis, TN - Public 4-Year - uthsc.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is a top-ranked program that prepares students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. With a concept-based curriculum, students learn to deliver holistic, evidence-based care across the lifespan. The program offers two pathways: a 12-month accelerated option for those with a prior bachelor's degree, and a traditional four-semester track for students completing prerequisites. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and enter the workforce with strong clinical reasoning and leadership skills. Clinical experiences span acute care, community health, and mental health settings. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and boasts a 91.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate. UT Promise scholarships are available for eligible traditional BSN students.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts spring/fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Top 4% of BSN programs nationwide
- 91.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
- Two pathways: accelerated 12-month and traditional 4-semester
Baptist Health Sciences University
Memphis, TN - Private 4-year - baptistu.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Baptist Health Sciences University is a four-year, on-campus program that prepares students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. With 122 credit hours, the curriculum blends classroom instruction with simulated clinical experiences, covering health promotion, disease prevention, evidence-based practice, and leadership. Students gain hands-on training in advanced medical concepts through clinical placements within the Baptist Memorial Health Care system. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, and the program boasts a 97% first-attempt pass rate and a 92% job placement rate. Career opportunities span pediatrics, critical care, community health, and more. Distinctive features include one-on-one faculty instruction, a supportive learning environment, and a guaranteed job offer upon graduation. The program is CCNE-accredited and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Tennessee Board of Nursing accredited
- 4-Year program
- 122 total credit hours
- 97% licensure pass rate
- 92% job placement rate
- $86,070 median earnings
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- One-on-one instruction from faculty
- Simulated clinical experience
- First-hand clinical training
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN - Public 4-Year - memphis.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing offers a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pre-licensure program designed to prepare students for registered nurse licensure. The curriculum blends standard core content—pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and evidence-based practice—with comprehensive clinical experiences across the lifespan, including maternity, pediatrics, adult, and mental health nursing. Students develop foundational nursing skills and explore professional topics like leadership, ethics, and transition to practice. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Accredited by CCNE and meeting Tennessee Board of Nursing standards, the program offers fall and spring admission. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA, prerequisite science courses, and supporting documents. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized support throughout their nursing journey.
- CCNE, Tennessee Board of Nursing accredited
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Covers maternity, pediatrics, adult, mental health
- Standard core includes pathophysiology and pharmacology
- Science courses valid for 5 years
Concorde Career College-Memphis
Memphis, TN - Private 2-year - concorde.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Elevate your nursing career with Concorde's flexible online RN to BSN program, designed for working professionals seeking career advancement. Complete your bachelor's degree in as little as 17 months, with options to take 1-3 courses per term. This program leverages your existing RN experience, helping you develop critical leadership skills sought by Magnet Hospitals and trauma centers. Transform your professional trajectory while balancing work and education.
- Fully online RN to BSN
- 17-41 months completion time
- Flexible course load options
- Block transfer credits available
- No additional clinical requirements
- Designed for working RNs
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN - Private 4-year - cbu.edu
Bachelor's - Traditional BSN Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Christian Brothers University's Traditional BSN Nursing Program is a comprehensive baccalaureate degree that blends a liberal arts foundation with intensive nursing coursework. Students complete two years of prerequisite sciences and general education before entering a four-semester upper-division curriculum. Core courses include pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, adult health, mental health, family health, and community health nursing. The program integrates evidence-based practice, nursing informatics, and clinical judgment across 792 clinical hours. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. Rooted in Lasallian values of faith, service, and community, the program emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- CCNE accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- 792 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Rooted in AACN Essentials and COPA Model
- Prepares for RN licensure
- Holistic care for diverse populations
- Lasallian values: faith, service, community
Entry Level ADN & BSN Programs in Memphis, TN
Memphis and its surrounding areas are home to a multitude of entry-level nursing programs. Whether your goal is to earn an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN), there are programs available that do not require a prior nursing degree or license.
LPN to RN Programs
Licensed practical nurses in Memphis who want to build upon their patient care skills and earn higher salaries as registered nurses can pursue LPN to RN bridge programs that will prepare them for the NCLEX-RN exam and award them with associate’s degrees in nursing. The LPN Mobility Track at Southwest Tennessee Community College awards experienced LPNs with seven-course credits for previous practical nursing coursework, allowing LPN students to finish in less time than those without prior nursing experience.
ADN Programs
The Associate's Degree in Nursing pathway is the quickest route to becoming an RN. These 2-year programs offer a basic RN education and are widely available and technical schools and community colleges. Southwest Tennessee Community College, for instance, offers a 65-credit associate's degree program where students take courses such as Dosages & Solutions, Nursing of Children, and Mental Health Nursing.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
The classic bachelor's degree in nursing has been steadily increasing in popularity in recent years. This is due in part to many hospitals and medical care facilities starting to require this 4-year degree for nursing roles. The Baptist College of Health Sciences offers a pre-licensure BSN program that consists of 122 credit hours and includes classes in Pharmacology, Senior Nursing, and more.
Find out more about Tennessee Accelerated BSN Programs.
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Memphis, TN
Bridge programs, such as the RN to BSN and RN to MSN pathways, help current RNs continue their education. These programs are popular because they allow nurses to build upon the knowledge they've already acquired, making them much shorter in length.
RN to BSN Programs
The RN to BSN pathway allows ADN or diploma-educated RNs to earn a bachelor's degree in under 2 years of study. Online classes are often available, along with part-time attendance options, making it easy for RNs to continue working while furthering their education. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center offers an RN to BSN program that can be completed in 12 months of full-time study or 17 months of part-time study.
Find out more about Tennessee RN to BSN Programs.
RN to MSN Programs
Nurses who want to advance even more can opt for the RN to MSN bridge pathway. Depending on the program, students may be awarded both a BSN and MSN degree, or just an MSN degree. Most programs allow students to specialize in a nursing area such as Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator. The University of Memphis offers an RN to MSN program for RNs who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing topic. This program culminates in only the MSN degree.
Find out more about Tennessee RN to MSN Programs.
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Memphis, TN
Advanced nursing programs allow RNs to enter into the most prestigious nurse practitioner roles. Options for advanced degrees include the traditional MSN degree, the post-graduate certificate program, and even doctoral degrees such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing.
MSN Programs
The traditional master's degree in nursing is designed to be completed following a BSN degree and takes around 2 years to finish. Students are generally able to choose between many nurse practitioner specialties as well as other advanced roles, such as Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator. The University of Memphis offers an MSN program that varies in length depending on specialty. It also boasts a 75% graduation rate and a 100% employment rate as of 2016.
Find out more about Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Programs and Tennessee DEMSN Programs.
Post-Graduate Certificate Programs
Some RNs who have already earned an MSN degree choose to complete a post-graduate nursing certificate program in order to change to a specific area of nursing. For instance, a nurse with an MSN as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner may wish to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Instead of completing a lengthy and expensive additional degree, the nurse is able to complete a certificate program. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center offers an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner post master's certificate program that consists of just 23 credits and can be completed in one year.
Find out more about Tennessee Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
DNP & Ph.D. Programs
The most advanced nursing programs available are doctoral programs. Students can select the DNP degree, which is geared toward high-level clinical practice, or a Ph.D. degree, intended for those going into academia or research. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center offers both options, including DNP programs in multiple concentrations, a traditional Ph.D. in Nursing program, and even a dual DNP/Ph.D. program.
Find out more about Dual DNP/PhD Programs and Tennessee DNP Programs.
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Memphis
Memphis, TN
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Full-time and part-time options
- $100,000 median earnings
- 1020 clinical hours
- Employer reimbursement supported
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Prepares for AGACNP certification
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse-Midwifery
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education accredited
- Full-time and part-time options
- 100% licensure pass rate
- $100,000 median earnings
- 1200 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Prepares for American Midwifery Certification Board
- Employer reimbursement supported
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 13 concentration options
- Apply by 2027-03-01
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts summer/fall
- 98% licensure pass rate
- Scholarships available
- No. 10 DNP among public universities
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Midwifery - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE, ACME accredited
- 66 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 1200 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Prepares for American Midwifery Certification Board
- Employer reimbursement supported
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 13 concentration options
- 61 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1080 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Prepares for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification examination
- Financial aid available
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 13 concentration options
- 63 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1020 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Employer reimbursement supported
- Financial aid available
- MSN to DNP - Dual Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health/Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 2 concentration options
- 73 total credit hours
- Capstone required
- Prepares for two national certification exams
- CCNE accredited through 2034
- DNP Project capstone required
- MSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited
- 13 concentration options
- 61 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 1140 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Prepares for American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board
- MSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Tennessee Board of Nursing accredited
- 13 concentration options
- 61 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 1140 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Prepares for American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board exam
- MSN to DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Full-time and part-time options
- Synchronous and asynchronous options
- 1080 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Prepares for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification
- Employer reimbursement supported
- Financial aid available
University of Memphis
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 44-credit hour program
- Hybrid online/campus format
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care concentration
- Requires 2 years ICU/ER experience
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- RN license in Tennessee needed
- Up to three on-campus intensives
- Core MSN courses: 12 credits
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 5 concentration options
- 31 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Capstone required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Memphis, TN
Memphis, TN
Baptist Health Sciences University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Tennessee Board of Nursing accredited
- 4-Year program
- 122 total credit hours
- 97% licensure pass rate
- 92% job placement rate
- $86,070 median earnings
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- One-on-one instruction from faculty
Christian Brothers University
- Bachelor's - Traditional BSN Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- 792 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Rooted in AACN Essentials and COPA Model
- Prepares for RN licensure
Concorde Career College-Memphis
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online RN to BSN
- 17-41 months completion time
- Flexible course load options
- Block transfer credits available
- No additional clinical requirements
- Designed for working RNs
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts spring/fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Top 4% of BSN programs nationwide
University of Memphis
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE, Tennessee Board of Nursing accredited
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Covers maternity, pediatrics, adult, mental health
