The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Tennessee

Are you a registered nurse (RN) interested in becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) in Tennessee? Graduates of Tennessee NP programs can anticipate growing employment opportunities and high salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Tennessee ranks among the top states for NP employment. The average salary for NPs in Tennessee is $103,720.

This guide introduces you to the top nurse practitioner schools in TN and provides important information about admission requirements, accreditation, and certification.

Since programs vary, prospective students should inquire about what the NP program offers. Considerations include specialties, the number of credits, and the required clinical hours to graduate. The typical NP curriculum includes evidence-based coursework, population-focused classes, and clinical experiences. These requirements prepare graduates for national certification and state licensure.

Nurse practitioner schools in TN require certain must-haves before admissions, such as a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and an active nursing license with no restrictions or limitations. Although some programs do not require nursing experience before applying, it may be beneficial to have 1-2 years of nursing experience before applying.

Depending on curriculum requirements, NP programs take 1.5-3 years to complete. Some schools offer online formats, part-time study plans, bridge programs, and accelerated timelines, which affect the time needed to finish the degree.

While every NP degree requires clinical experience, each program determines where students can fulfill their placements and the number of hours required.

When applying to Tennessee’s nurse practitioner programs, consider specific entrance requirements. In addition to holding an undergraduate degree from an accredited school, you can complete specific prerequisites. Depending on the program, you may have to submit GRE scores. In general, nurse practitioner programs accept applicants who demonstrate the following:

Accreditation for NP programs is important because it helps you identify schools that meet industry standards. This status establishes the program’s academic quality and integrity, ensuring graduates adequately prepare to practice as NPs.

There are three accrediting agencies for NP programs:

Attending an unaccredited program has many risks. You may not qualify for federal financial aid, transfer credits to an accredited school, or sit for the state boards. Doctoral programs and prospective employers look for applicants who hold degrees from accredited institutions. All nurse practitioner schools in TN in this ranking have received programmatic accreditation.

Think of paying for an NP program in Tennessee as an investment. Tuition costs vary depending on whether you attend a public or private school. And, like everything else, tuition continues to rise due to inflation.

Luckily, there are programs to assist NP students with paying for their education. For students unable to pay out-of-pocket, there are many financial aid resources for nurses, including filling out a Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They can also research nursing scholarships and grants.

Hospitals and certain institutions may offer tuition reimbursement for employees who have been with the company for a set time. This benefit can help employees pay for tuition, fees, and required books. Make sure to research the requirements and budget your out-of-pocket costs.

Federal grants are also available to nurses enrolled in accredited NP programs in Tennessee. These grants help you finance your nursing degrees and may pay for some or all of your tuition and fees. In return, you must work for a few years in a critical nursing or facility shortage area after graduation.

The national growth outlook for NPs is an encouraging 45% compared to other advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specialties like nurse anesthetists and midwives. According to the BLS, the average yearly salary for NPs in Tennessee is $103,720. Tennessee also ranks among the top 5 states with the highest level of employment of NPs.

You can choose from various specialties in NP programs offered in Tennessee. Each program offers courses unique to a specialty and helps advance your nursing skills.

According to ZipRecruiter data accessed in June 2024, the national average for these specific NP salaries in Tennessee are:

According to the BLS, the national mean annual salary for NPs is $128,490 as of May 2023.