Becoming an RN in Tennessee
If you have the dedication and aptitude to become a professional nurse, Tennessee can use your services. You can become a registered nurse by completing an approved degree program. Usually this is at the associate’s or baccalaureate level, though students with a previous degree in another field sometimes do their initial program at the master’s level (Direct-Entry Master’s in Nursing).
As a prospective RN, you will have a number of program options. How do you decide which type of program to apply to? The baccalaureate degree, or BSN, is becoming the preferred degree at the national level. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in fact, has set a goal of having 80% of Nurses prepared at the BSN level by 2020. This is because studies have linked better patient outcomes with higher education.
The ADN, of course, can offer a swifter entry into the workforce. If you are interested in completing a four-year degree, it doesn’t necessarily have to be done all at once. The Tennessee Board notes a sharp increase in the percentage of students seeking RN to BSN mobility in recent years.
Whichever degree you seek for initial licensure, you will take the same exam: the NCLEX-RN.
Registered Nursing Education Options in Tennessee
There are additional options for people who already have a degree in another field. One option is the accelerated BSN, or second bachelor’s. These programs report a very high retention rate — higher than for ADN or standard BSN programs. The curriculum may be fast-paced, but second career professionals are used to high demands that don’t end in the summer months. Another option for a post-baccalaureate student is the direct-entry master’s. Tennessee boasts three in-state programs.
If you are already licensed as an LPN, you will have the opportunity to taker a shorter bridging program. Here again, you will have a number of different programs to choose from. The Tennessee Board lists 13 LPN to associate’s programs and nine LPN to BSN programs (with two more on the way).
Tennessee is just beginning to offer bridging programs for other health professionals. Chattanooga offers a paramedic to RN bridge program. Students complete a seven-unit transition program; this allows them to get credit for two semesters of nursing coursework. They must also take the typical nursing prerequisites such as psychology, anatomy and physiology, and human growth and development.
The Tennessee Board reports that a corpsmen/ medic to RN program is also under development within the state.
Registered Nursing Career Outlook
Nursing is affected, to some degree, by recession. Nurses sometimes have spouses who lose their jobs; for this reason, they may choose to re-enter the workforce or add shifts. However, long term, demographics are a better indicator of the need for new nurses. Nearly 40% of the RN workforce in Tennessee is above 50. That means that many nurses will be retiring in the coming years.
Tennessee is concerned about having an adequate supply of professional nurses. The Center for Nursing reported that in 2008, the RN vacancy rate was approximately 7% in both the hospital and home health sectors. In nursing homes, it was somewhat lower: 4.2%. Even in difficult times, there are jobs to be had.
The Application Process
Tennessee nursing schools are limited with regards to faculty, classroom space, and other resources. The state is working to increase capacity; still, some students who do meet the minimum stated requirements are turned away. Candidates should realize that more ADN programs turn away qualified applicants than either BSN or MSN programs. In the 2008 to 2009 school year, 14 of 15 ADN programs reported turning away qualified applicants while only 13 of 28 BSN programs did. Candidates should be aware that while community colleges may have lower stated requirements, it is often necessary to exceed them to actually get a spot.
University-based programs typically have higher academic standards. In many, though not all, cases, it’s enough just to meet them. Do be prepared to write a thoughtful essay or personal statement. In some cases, an interview may be required a well.
ADN Programs in Tennessee
Aquinas College 4210 Harding Road Nashville, TN 37205 615-297-7545 | Chattanooga State Technical Community College 4501 Amnicola Hwy. Chattanooga, TN 37406 423-493-8740 | Cleveland State Community College 3535 Adkisson Drive, P.O. Box 3570 Cleveland, TN 37320-3570 423-472-7141 | Columbia State Community College 1665 Hampshire Pike Columbia, TN 38401 931-540-2600 |
Dyersburg State Community College 1510 Lake Road Dyersburg, TN 38024 731- 286-3390 | Freed-Hardeman University 158 East Main Street Henderson, TN 38340 731-989-6965 | Jackson State Community College 2046 North Parkway Jackson, TN 38301-3797 731- 425-2622 | Lincoln Memorial University 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway Harrogate, TN 37752 800-325-0900 ext. 6324 |
Motlow State Community College 6015 Ledford Mills Rd., P.O. Box 8500 Lynchburg, TN 37352-8500 931-393-1628 | Northeast State Technical Community College 2425 Highway 75, P. O. Box 246 Blountville, TN 37617-0246 423-354-5108 | Roane State Community College 276 Patton Lane Harriman, TN 37748 865-882-4605 | Southern Adventist University P.O. Box 370; 5010 University Dr. Collegedale, TN 37315 423-236-2940 |
Southwest Tennessee Community College 301 Walnut Street Memphis, TN 38126 901-333-5425 | Tennessee State University 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. Nashville, TN 37209-1561 615-963-5251 | Walters State Community College 500 S. Davy Crockett Parkway Morristown, TN 37813 423-585-6981 |
(Source: Tennessee Board of Nursing)
BSN Programs Approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing
Belmont University School of Nursing
Belmont University School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The BSN and MSN programs are approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Programs Offered: BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN – (Tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator), Post-Master’s Certificate – (Options: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator)
Belmont University School of Nursing, 1900 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212-3757
South College – BSN Program
South College is located in Knoxville, TN. They offer a BSN program accredited by the NLNAC and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Austin Peay State University P.O. Box 4658; 681 Summer St. Clarksville, TN 37040 931-221-7710 | Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences 1003 Monroe Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 901-575-2468 | Belmont University 1900 Belmont Boulevard Nashville, TN 37212-3757 615-460-6100 | Bethel University 325 Cherry Avenue McKenzie, TN 38201 731-352-6757 |
Carson-Newman College 1646 Russell Avenue Jefferson City, TN 37760 865-471-3425 | Cumberland University One Cumberland Square Lebanon, TN 37087 615-547-1215 | East Tennessee State University P.O. Box 70617 Johnson City, TN 37614 423-439-7051 | Fisk University – Vanderbilt Partnership Program 1000 17th Avenue North, 319 Dubois Hall Nashville, TN 37208-3051 615-329-2197 |
King College 1350 King College Road Bristol, TN 37620 423-652-4748 | Lincoln Memorial University 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway Harrogate, TN 37752 800-325-0900 ext. 6324 | Lipscomb University – Vanderbilt Nursing Partnership Program One University Park Drive Nashville, TN 37204-3951 615-966-1000 | Martin Methodist College 433 West Madison Street Pulaski, TN 38478 931-424-4663 |
Middle Tennessee State University 1301 East Main Street Murfreesboro, TN 37132 615-898-2437 | Milligan College P. O. Box 500 Milligan College, TN 37682 423-461-8655 | South College 3904 Lomas Drive Knoxville, TN 37909 865-251-1800 | Southern Adventist University P.O. Box 370; 5010 University Dr. Collegedale, TN 37315 423-236-2940 |
Tennessee State University 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. Nashville, TN 37209-1561 615-963-5251 | Tennessee Technological University 805 Quadrangle Drive Cookeville, TN 38505 931-372-3203 | Tennessee Weslyan College 9821 Cogdill Road, Suite 2 Knoxville, TN 37932 865-777-5100 | Trevecca Nazarene University- Belmont Partnership Program 333 Murfreesboro Road Nashville, TN 37210-2877 615-248-1540 |
Union University 1050 Union University Drive Jackson, TN 38305 731-661-5200 | University of Memphis 610 Goodman, Newport 100 Memphis, TN 38152 901-678-2003 | The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 615 McCallie Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37403 423-425-4644 | The University of Tennessee at Knoxville 1200 Volunteer Boulevard Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-4151 |
The University of Tennessee at Martin 538 University Street, Gooch Hall 136 Martin, TN 38238 731- 881-7138 | The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing 877 Madison Avenue, Suite 620 Memphis, TN 38163 901-448-6135 |