Nursing Programs in Memphis, TN

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Memphis

#1

Baptist Health Sciences University

Memphis, TN - Private 4-year - baptistu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Baptist Health Sciences University in Memphis, TN, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for aspiring nurses. This campus-based program provides personal instruction from experienced faculty, combining classroom learning with clinical simulations. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, with a high first-time pass rate. The program boasts a strong job placement rate, reflecting its quality and the demand for its graduates. Admission to the university means acceptance into the nursing program, simplifying the path to becoming a nurse. The curriculum focuses on developing skills for diverse healthcare settings, ensuring graduates are ready to meet the challenges of modern nursing.

• Four-year BSN program.
• High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
• Strong job placement for graduates.
• Personal instruction from faculty.
• Combines classroom and clinical learning.
• Admission to university equals nursing program acceptance.
• Focus on diverse healthcare settings.
• Campus-based learning environment.
• Prepares for leadership in nursing.
• Integration with Baptist Memorial Health Care system.

#2

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, TN - Private 4-year - cbu.edu

Bachelor's - Traditional BSN Nursing Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Traditional BSN Nursing Program at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN, is designed for students seeking a comprehensive nursing education. This program prepares students for RN licensure, with a curriculum that includes both theoretical and clinical experiences. Students will complete 120 credit hours, including 67 nursing-specific hours and 792 clinical/simulation/lab hours. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring a high-quality education. Admission requires prior acceptance to CBU, with specific prerequisites for incoming freshmen and transfer students. The program emphasizes service-learning, offering clinical opportunities in the Memphis community and study abroad options.

• 120 Credit Hours
• 67 Nursing Hours
• 792 Clinical Hours
• Accredited by CCNE
• Service-learning focus
• Clinicals in Memphis
• Study abroad options
• Pre-Nursing Plan
• Traditional BSN Plan
• RN licensure eligibility

#3

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

#4

Southwest Tennessee Community College

Memphis, TN - Public 2-Year - southwest.tn.edu

Associate - Nursing, A.A.S.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Southwest Tennessee Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (A.A.S.) program designed to prepare students for immediate licensure and employment as Registered Nurses. This program equips students with the necessary skills to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and deliver safe, quality care to diverse patient populations. The curriculum spans four semesters, covering fundamentals of nursing, medical surgical nursing, mental health, pediatric nursing, and women's health. Admission requires meeting specific prerequisites, including general education courses. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and professional practice, ensuring graduates are ready for entry-level nursing positions.

• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Four-semester program
• Covers diverse nursing fields
• Includes hands-on experience
• Requires general education courses
• Focus on professional practice
• Designed for immediate employment
• Campus-based learning
• Total of 67 credits
• Terminal degree for career field

#5

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 University of Tennessee Health Science Center offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, designed to open doors to the nursing profession. With nursing employment expected to grow by 7% over the next decade, this program prepares graduates for a rewarding career. It features two pathways: a 12-month Accelerated 2nd-Degree BSN for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree and a Traditional BSN for students completing prerequisites. Both pathways are concept-based, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. The program boasts a 98.8% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX for FY 2024, highlighting its excellence in nursing education.

• 12-month Accelerated BSN option.
• Traditional BSN spans four semesters.
• 98.8% NCLEX first-time pass rate.
• Concept-based curriculum.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
• Two distinct pathways available.
• High employment growth expected.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Dynamic health science center setting.
• Early admission benefits.

*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2024 Final Release.

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.