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Our admissions guide contains information you need to apply, along with full curriculum details and course descriptions.

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Nursing Schools in Tennessee

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Tennessee's nursing environment is competitive and promising, with a growing demand for skilled professionals. The state faces a projected shortage of 8,500 registered nurses by 2035, and aspiring nursing students have a unique opportunity to enter a field that is not only rewarding but also essential to the state's healthcare system.

“Registered nurses are the top in-demand occupation, and it typically is month over month,” 

—Lauren Longmire, Knoxville Chamber of Commerce*

*August 2024, WBIR

Jersey College's accredited campuses in both Knoxville and Cleveland, Tennessee offer hands-on training and education tailored to meet the needs of the healthcare industry. Committed to equipping future nurses with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their careers, Jersey College ensures that graduates are fully prepared to deliver compassionate care in their communities.

Locations

 

Jersey College offers nursing education at multiple campuses across Tennessee, providing accessible training for aspiring healthcare professionals.

 

Knoxville Campus Image

Knoxville

Serving Greater Knoxville, TN area
Phone: (865) 500-3026

Our Knoxville campus, located within Tennova Healthcare - Turkey Creek Medical Center, offers a 10,000 sq. ft. facility with state-of-the-art classrooms and a 1,500 sq. ft. skills lab.

Cleveland Campus Image

Cleveland

Serving Cleveland and Chattanooga, TN area
Phone: (423) 250-5199

Situated within Vitruvian Health Bradley Medical Center, our Cleveland campus features a 10,000 sq. ft. facility with modern classrooms and a 1,000 sq. ft. skills lab.

Becoming a Nurse in Tennessee

Individuals looking to enroll in nursing schools in Tennessee must be at least eighteen years old and possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED. The admissions process at Jersey College includes submitting an application and participating in interviews with faculty and/or administration. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of citizenship or a permanent resident green card.

To become a licensed nurse in Tennessee, you must graduate from an approved nursing program, such as those offered by Jersey College, and pass the NCLEX exam.

After obtaining your RN license, you can either enter the workforce as an entry-level healthcare professional or pursue further education. Jersey College graduates work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and various other healthcare settings across Tennessee.

Jersey College's nursing programs emphasize a holistic approach to healthcare. Our faculty believes that proper nursing care requires understanding the physical, emotional, social, and cultural needs of patients in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

Program Timelines

The length of a nursing program depends on several factors, including the chosen program and each student's situation.

The Professional Nursing (RN) Program at Jersey College typically takes between 15 to 36 months to complete. This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) degree and is offered in a full-time, in-person format. The curriculum combines classroom theory, skills lab practice, and hands-on clinical experiences to prepare students for entry-level RN positions.

The LPN to RN Bridge Program is designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to advance their careers. This program generally takes 15 to 24 months to complete and also results in an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) degree. Like the RN program, it is offered full-time and in-person.

It’s important to note that the length of time for each program can vary based on several factors, such as the pace of completion, the number of credits taken per term, course repeats, and any leaves of absence. Students are encouraged to consult with an Admissions Representative to discuss their unique circumstances and timing expectations.

NurseLife After Graduation

Many of our dedicated nurses embark on fulfilling careers that allow them to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients throughout Tennessee. Graduates often find themselves working in a variety of healthcare environments, from bustling hospitals to community clinics and long-term care facilities. Some choose to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, critical care, or outpatient services, while others pursue advanced degrees or take on roles as nursing educators.

Jersey College graduates excel on the NCLEX exam, reflecting the high caliber of training they receive. In 2024, the first-time NCLEX pass rate for the Professional Nursing (RN) program at the Cleveland campus was an impressive 100%. The average for all first-time test takers in Tennessee was 94%.

Cost of Nursing School

The cost of tuition for nursing schools in Tennessee depends on the program and campus location, as well as whether the classes are taken during the day or at night.

Campus: Program:

The Cost of Attendance (“COA”) is a technical term utilized to provide an estimate of the total amount of a student’s educational expenses during their enrollment. The components of COA are: (x) tuition and fees (books, course materials, supplies, and equipment) (“Direct College Expenses”); and (y) an allowance for (i) transportation; (ii) miscellaneous personal expenses; (iii) living expenses (including food and housing costs); (iv) a professional license and (v) dependent care and/or disability accommodations, where necessary (“Life Expenses”). This website only provides information related to Direct College Expenses; it does not include Life Expenses.

With our net price calculator, you can easily get a sense of what your tuition and net costs would be for the Jersey College nursing program that is best suited to your needs. Financial aid is available for those who qualify by filing a FAFSA, and prospective students are welcome to discuss ways to finance their Jersey College education with a Financial Aid Planner at any time.

Nursing Salaries in Tennessee

To understand which nursing career path is best for you, it’s helpful to assess the earning potential for each position at both the nationwide and state levels.

First, here are some recent national nursing salary data, relative to education level:

Salaries for nurses in Tennessee reflect a competitive landscape, with the median statewide salary for RNs in 2023 at approximately $62,390. The median LPN salary in 2023 was around $45,970.

Here is a sample of nursing salaries in selected cities across Tennessee.

 

Nursing role nashville average salary chattanooga average salary memphis average salary
Registered Nurse (RN) $70,900 $65,590 $68,510
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $45,670 $30,820 $36,070

 
Jersey College does not promise or guarantee employment. Figures cited on this page are for informational purposes only and are no promise or guarantee of any certain wage.

For more statistics on the various occupations and their estimated wages, visit our nursing salary guide.

Nursing Jobs in Tennessee

Nurses in Tennessee work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare services. They are responsible for coordinating with physicians, administering medications, and educating patients and their families. Most nurses work full-time and may have shifts that include nights and weekends.

Currently, there are approximately 63,430 registered nurses and 16,000 licensed practical nurses in Tennessee. About 49% of RNs are employed in hospitals, while LPNs often work in long-term care facilities and outpatient centers.

The job growth outlook for nursing careers in Tennessee is promising. Employment for registered nurses is projected to grow by 12.8% from 2022 to 2032, resulting in about 10,871 new RN positions and an average of 4,700 job openings annually. Licensed practical nurses can expect an increase of 19.6% by 2032, leading to approximately 1,380 job openings each year.

In Tennessee, the average RN salary ranks 45th among all states, with nurse anesthetists earning about 90% more than the average RN salary (Healthcare Task Force Report).

Employment and income figures have been gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

FAQs

 

  • Is Tennessee a good state for nursing?
  • What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?

Additional Resources

Learn more here:

To gain a more in-depth understanding of what distinguishes the various nursing positions and career paths, we also encourage you to explore the following additional resources:

Get Started

There's no better time than now to begin your nursing journey at Jersey College. Take the first step by scheduling a visit to one of our campuses to see our facilities and meet our dedicated faculty. Reach out today to request more information about admissions and how you can become part of our nursing community!

 

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