Nursing Programs in Nashville, TN

Last Updated On Feb 21, 2026

Expert Verified: Melanie Shaw, MSN, RN, CCRN

3 Min Read

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Nashville

Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for career success. Registerednursing.org creates rankings of the Best Nursing Schools in Nashville to help students make informed decisions. Our rankings are based exclusively on NCLEX pass rates, providing objective data to evaluate program quality. For details on our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Nashville nursing programs show strong NCLEX performance with consistent high pass rates. The data reveals stable outcomes across recent years.

2024: 98.74% average pass rate (103 students)
2023: 99.12% average pass rate (107 students)
2022: 92.99% average pass rate (110 students)

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

Both program types demonstrate excellent licensure exam preparation with minimal performance differences.

ADN programs: 100% average pass rate (38 students)
BSN programs: 98% average pass rate (65 students)

Top Performing Schools

These institutions lead in nursing education outcomes based on comprehensive student performance data.

Cumberland University: 98.32% average pass rate (186 students over 3 years)
Volunteer State Community College: 94.91% average pass rate (134 students over 3 years)

Pass Rate by Program Size

Program scale shows minimal correlation with licensure success rates in Nashville nursing schools.

Small programs (<50 students/year): 100% average pass rate (38 students)
Medium programs (50-100 students/year): 98% average pass rate (65 students)

Geographic Trends

Nashville area nursing programs maintain high standards regardless of specific location within the region.

Lebanon: 98% average pass rate (65 students)
Gallatin: 100% average pass rate (38 students)

Cumberland University

Lebanon, TN - Private 4-year - cumberland.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Cumberland University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Lebanon, TN, prepares students for diverse nursing careers through evidence-based education across the lifespan. With a 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2023 and consistent high performance (98% in 2024), the program emphasizes clinical excellence through 1,080 hands-on clinical hours. The 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports personalized learning, while transcultural nursing trips and state-of-the-art technology enhance practical skills. This bachelor's program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams and offers nursing scholarships and tuition reimbursement options. Graduates benefit from strong job placement outcomes, pursuing roles from flight nursing to nurse midwifery.

100% NCLEX pass rate
11:1 student to faculty ratio
1,080 clinical hours
100% job placement
State of the art technology
Transcultural nursing trips
Nursing scholarships available
Tuition reimbursement options
Evidence-based nursing care
Personalized learning experience

Volunteer State Community College

Gallatin, TN - Public 2-Year - volstate.edu

Associate - Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Volunteer State Community College's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program prepares students for RN licensure through a rigorous curriculum emphasizing hands-on clinical experience. Offered at Gallatin, Livingston, and Springfield campuses with summer and fall start dates, this competitive program requires a minimum 2.9 GPA in prerequisite courses but doesn't mandate ACT/SAT scores for admission. The program boasts impressive NCLEX-RN pass rates, reaching 100% in 2024, demonstrating its effectiveness in preparing graduates for the licensing exam. Designed for seamless transition to BSN programs, it combines academic excellence with practical training to develop competent nursing professionals ready for healthcare careers.

Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure.
Offered at multiple campuses.
Competitive admission process.
Minimum 2.9 GPA required.
Seamless bachelor's degree transition.
Summer and fall start dates.
Hands-on learning focus.
Academic excellence emphasis.

Belmont University

Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - belmont.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.N.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Belmont University's Nursing BSN program offers direct admission, allowing students to begin nursing coursework immediately. The program emphasizes compassionate, holistic care and leadership development through small class sizes and interdisciplinary simulations. With a 100% NCLEX first-time pass rate for Spring 2024 graduates and a 98% employment rate within six months, graduates are well-prepared for diverse nursing careers. Admission requires a 3.5 high school GPA for freshmen or 3.25 cumulative GPA for transfers. The curriculum includes service learning, mission trips, and study abroad opportunities, supported by state-of-the-art simulation facilities and CCNE accreditation.

Direct admission into nursing program.
100% NCLEX first-time pass rate.
Small class and clinical groups.
98% employment rate post-graduation.
State-of-the-art Simulation Center.
National League of Nursing Center of Excellence.
Priority admission to DNP program.
Interdisciplinary simulations and projects.
Service learning and mission trips.
Accredited by CCNE.

Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.N. (Community College Bridge Program)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Belmont University's Community College Bridge BSN program provides a seamless transition for transfer students to complete their nursing degree in approximately two years. This Christ-centered program focuses on compassionate care and healthcare innovation, featuring small class sizes and interdisciplinary learning. With a 91% NCLEX pass rate and 98% employment rate within six months, graduates are equipped for various nursing roles. Admission requires a minimum 3.25 GPA, and discounted tuition is available for students from partner community colleges. The program utilizes advanced simulation facilities and prepares students for both immediate employment and further education.

Seamless transfer opportunity.
Christ-centered nursing education.
91% NCLEX pass rate.
98% employment rate.
Small class sizes.
State-of-the-art simulation facilities.
Interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Discounted tuition available.
Minimum 3.25 GPA required.
Prepares for diverse nursing roles.

Show 1 More Programs ˅

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN - Public 4-Year - tnstate.edu

Bachelor's - Traditional B.S.N. Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Tennessee State University's Traditional B.S.N. Program in Nashville provides comprehensive nursing education with a holistic approach to patient care. This campus-based program emphasizes ethical practice, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based clinical decision-making to prepare graduates for diverse healthcare environments. Admission for Fall 2025 requires meeting specific prerequisites with applications accepted from March 26 to May 1, 2025; ACT or SAT scores are typically required for bachelor's-level admission. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX-RN performance with recent pass rates ranging from 93% to 100%, indicating effective preparation for licensure. Students develop leadership skills through community service projects and collaborative healthcare team training within a supportive HBCU environment.

Campus-based program
Focus on holistic care
Strong NCLEX-RN pass rates
Leadership development
Ethical practice emphasis
Evidence-based learning
Community service projects
Professional growth opportunities
Admission cycle March-May
High employment rate

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - lipscomb.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lipscomb University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program integrates Christian values with comprehensive nursing education, emphasizing both physical and spiritual care. The program features personalized faculty mentorship, an advanced Health Simulation Laboratory, and extensive clinical rotations at premier healthcare facilities. Offering traditional and accelerated options, the 16-month ABSN track is available for degree holders. With consistently high NCLEX pass rates (92-96% from 2022-2024) and 100% job placement, graduates are well-prepared for diverse nursing roles. The curriculum covers obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health, critical care, and medical/surgical nursing. Admission requires ACT or SAT scores, and the program maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio.

Christian community focus
One-on-one faculty mentorship
State-of-the-art simulation lab
100% NCLEX pass rate
100% job placement
Traditional and accelerated options
16-month ABSN program
Extensive clinical hours
Covers five nursing areas
11:1 student to faculty ratio

Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Lipscomb University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program provides a fast-track pathway to nursing for individuals with existing bachelor's degrees, completing in just 16 months. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences while maintaining rigorous educational standards. Focused on holistic and compassionate care, it prepares graduates for various healthcare environments. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, specific science prerequisites, and a background check—no entrance exam is needed. The program costs $899 per credit hour with additional semester fees. Financial aid options include the TN R-WIN initiative for rural healthcare. With full ACEN accreditation, the program supports students through its Christian community framework.

16-month program length.
Hybrid online and in-person format.
$899 per credit hour.
3.0 GPA requirement.
Background check and immunizations required.
Full accreditation by ACEN.
Focus on holistic, compassionate care.
Prepares for diverse healthcare settings.
Financial aid options available.
TN R-WIN initiative for rural healthcare.

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Postsecondary data from: IPEDS 2024, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Nashville, TN

For aspiring nurses with no prior training or experience, an entry-level training program is the best place to find out if a career in nursing is right for you. In the Nashville area, there are a few options for entry-level nursing programs, including LPN to RN programs, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, and one direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing program. Each of these programs trains students for their first professional job in the nursing field.

LPN to RN Programs

Many licensed practical nurses decide to pursue their RN license in order to earn a higher wage and take on more patient care responsibilities. LPN to RN programs help practical nurses do just that and earn either their ADN or BSN in the process. Tennessee College of Applied Science offers an LPN to BSN program in a hybrid online/on-campus program that can be taken on a full- or part-time basis to accommodate working practical nurses.

ADN Programs

The ADN degree is offered at many community colleges and vocational schools and generally takes around two years to complete. These programs provide basic nursing education and prepare students to take the NCLEX licensing exam. One example of these programs is found at Nashville State Community College, which places students in clinical settings in middle Tennessee for clinical practice hours.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

BSN programs are becoming more popular entry points to the nursing profession as more employers are seeking candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher education level. BSN programs take longer to complete than ADN programs and generally include additional general education courses as well as a more in-depth nursing curriculum. Belmont University, as an example, offers a traditional BSN program as well as an accelerated BSN program that allows students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject to earn the BSN in just 16 months of full-time study.

Find out more about Tennessee Accelerated BSN Programs

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

A less common entry point to nursing is the direct-entry MSN program, which is generally offered to students who have completed a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and would like to earn a master’s-level education in nursing. The direct-entry MSN program at Vanderbilt University program includes three semesters of study for the bachelor’s level degree in nursing, followed by three semesters or more of the master’s-level study of nursing.

Find out more about Tennessee Direct Entry MSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Nashville, TN

If you are a working nurse with a valid RN license and an ADN degree, there are specially designed programs in which you can earn a higher nursing degree in a shorter amount of time than a traditional BSN or MSN program. So-called “bridge” programs because they provide a bridge between one degree and the next, RN to BSN/MSN programs can put your dreams of a new career in nursing within reach.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs can be completed in as little as one year of study, and are often offered in an online format to accommodate working nurses. For RNs in Nashville, there are several online options, as well as an RN to BSN program at Tennessee State University that offers admission in the summer semester and is completed in one calendar year.

Learn more about Tennessee RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

Nurses who want to become advanced practice nurses may be interested in RN to MSN programs, such as the one offered at Vanderbilt University, which is in a modified block format that features concentrated blocks of time on campus supplemented with online conferencing and recorded lecture delivery and can be completed in two years of study.

Learn more about Tennessee RN to MSN 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 a great path. These programs build on your experience and help you gain new skills. Many schools provide flexible online options so you can keep working while you study. The table below lists schools with their locations, program highlights, and links to learn more. You can find details about each program to choose the one that fits your goals. Explore the options to take the next step in your nursing journey.

Nashville, TN

Lipscomb University

RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN-to-BSN pathway
- 32 credit hours clinical placements
- Christian nursing perspective
- Comprehensive healthcare training
- 100% job placement rate
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio
- Hybrid learning options
- Extensive health simulation lab

*Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2024, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nashville, TN

For nurses who are serious about advancing their careers in the nursing field, an advanced practice degree is a next step. These programs, which include traditional MSN, graduate certificate programs, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees, prepare nurses for careers as nurse leaders, nurse practitioners, administrators, and educators.

MSN Programs

MSN programs prepare nurses for careers as nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nursing specialties, and generally allow students to specialize their studies along a particular career track. Tennessee State University offers an MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner program that includes coursework on nursing theory, research, health policy, pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, and family health nursin,g and 600 hours of clinical practice.

Find out more about Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Nurses who have already earned their MSN but would like to learn a new advanced practice specialty can seek out a post-graduate certificate program. These programs offer master’s-level specialty nursing courses that prepare nurses with their MSN for certification exams in a new specialty. For example, Belmont University offers a 24-credit hour post-master’s certificate program in the family nurse practitioner role.

Learn more about Tennessee Post-Master's Certificate Programs

DNP Programs

The highest level of advanced practice nursing education is the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. DNP programs may be designed for nurses with BSN degrees or MSN degrees. Belmont University offers both types of DNP programs, offered in a hybrid format with intensive classes held during four weekends each semester and supplemented by online coursework.

Learn more about Tennessee DNP Programs

List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Nashville

If you're looking to advance your nursing career in Nashville, there are several excellent APRN programs to consider. These include Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Nurse Practitioner (NP) options. The table below lists schools in Nashville, Tennessee, with program highlights and direct links to their program pages for more details. Explore these opportunities to find the right fit for your professional goals.