Best Nursing Schools in Nashville TN in 2024 (On-Campus & Online)

Looking for a nursing program in Tennessee? You’ve come to the right place. Nursing is a career field that many people begin but few have the gumption and wherewithal to finish. For those that are truly dedicated and want to be a part of this fast-paced and rewarding career, finding the best nursing schools in Nashville TN is a must. From BSN programs to nurse practitioner schools in Nashville, TN, your future is limitless as a prospective nurse. Nursing challenges you each and every day to continually be a better person and to achieve more. Nurses are the first line of care for most patients and they often stay the entire course of treatment so they are a familiar face. Nurses are expected to help administer medication, perform medical procedures, assist with routine care and to ensure that patients have the best chance at a full and easy recovery.

A nurse is someone that needs to be caring, compassionate, and able to think on their feet to make split-second decisions about care. Nursing is a profession that is always in demand and is a career that can easily secure over $30,000 each year depending on the place of work. For example, in May 2011, the median registered nurse (RN) salary for those employed in a hospital was $33.56 per hour. For those that live in areas where the cost of living is higher, a proportional increase in salary can be expected. Nursing also allows for customized specialization in different areas of healthcare. Depending on what medical setting you work in and any special certifications you might have, you can also make more money.

For those that want to become a nurse, you’ll need to attend an accredited program. Nurses also need to make sure that they can pass their licensing tests.

Here are some of the best nursing schools in Nashville TN area and a bit about some of the programs they offer.

13 of the Best Nursing Schools in Nashville TN

1. Vanderbilt University School of Nursing

Vanderbilt is a highly prestigious university that has long been known for its high standards, superior students, and its ability to provide a world-class education. The nursing program is no different and has some truly fantastic professors and a hands-on curriculum that allows you real-world experience.

• NCLEX-RN pass rates 93%
• Program length or required credit hours vary depending on the program chosen. They have a Master of Science in Nursing, a doctoral degree, a traditional BSN as well as post-doctoral and post-masters programs as well.
• Admission requirements are that you are 18 or older and are admitted to the university as well as to the nursing program.
• Tuition varies and there is financial aid available to those that qualify.
• Accredited by the Southern Association of colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

2. Fortis Institute

Fortis Institute offers a huge range of programs and class options so that you can fit school into your schedule. They have online classes as well as in-person classes so that you can make the most of your time and your education.

• NCLEX-RN pass rates 83%
• Program length or required credit hours depend on what program you choose. Fortis offers an RN program that is a four-year degree, a medical assisting program, a medical laboratory tech program, a surgical technology program and more.
• Admission requirements are that students must be 18 or older and have a GED or a high school diploma.
• Tuition is around $16,000 a year but financial aid is available to those that qualify.
• Accredited through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission of the Council for Continuing Education and Training, and Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

3. Marian University

Marian University offers a blended program with classes both online and in-person and in conjunction and cooperation with local hospitals. Marian University is one of the best accelerated nursing schools in Nashville, TN. They have an accelerated BSN program so you can start your career quickly.

• NCLEX-RN pass rates 93%
• Program length or required credit hours depends on how much education you bring to the program. You can complete your BSN in as little as 16 months with this program.
• Admission requirements are that students must be 18 or older and may benefit from having some of their prerequisite courses completed.
• Tuition is $403 per credit hour with financial aid available to those that qualify.
• Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

4. Accelerated Learning Center

The Accelerated Learning Center offers a great range of options when it comes to getting your degree. They also offer a test option where you can test in to get credit and get certifications sooner.

• NCLEX-RN pass rates 97%
• Program length or the number of required credit hours depends on how many classes you bring to the program, but working at your own pace is a viable option.
• Admission requirements are that students must be 18 or older and must have a GED or a diploma.
• Tuition is $600 per course.
• Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

5. SASH Healthcare PLC

SASH offers both a CNA certificate and a basic CPR certification as well which are both great if you are looking to break into the nursing career track.

• NCLEX-RN pass rates: N/A
• Program length or required credit hours are around 5 weeks so that you can get your certification and start working toward furthering your education and your degree.
• Admission requirements are that students must be 18 or older and have their GED or their diploma.
• Tuition is $800 for the CNA course.
• Accredited by the Tennessee Nursing Board

6. Nats Inc.

Nats Inc. is a postsecondary education institution that offers both a nursing assistant program as well as a phlebotomy course so that you can choose what is going to work best for you. They offer a day and evening class.

• NCLEX-RN pass rates: N/A
• Program length or required credit hours vary but the CNA program overall is only​ 4 weeks with clinical rotations built-in.
• Admission requirements are that students must be 18 or older.
• Tuition is $800 for the program.
• Accredited by the Tennessee Department of Health

7. Nashville State Community College

This school offers a range of options in terms of access to courses and what programs you can choose. If you attended one of the LPN nursing schools in Nashville, TN (or elsewhere), NSCC has a wonderful LPN to RN bridge program as well as an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree. They also offer additional resources to help you find a job after graduation and determine what steps are necessary if you’re interested in continuing your education.

• NCLEX-RN pass rates 80%
• Program length or required credit hours vary based on how many classes you have completed before you enter the program.
• Admission requirements are that students must be 18 or older and must have a GED or a high school diploma.
• Tuition is $168 per credit hour for in-state students and $193 for out-of-state students. Financial aid is available to those that qualify.
• Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

8. Tennessee College of Applied Technology

This is a wonderful school that allows you to quickly and simply get your degree and start your career as a practical nurse. As one of the best practical nursing schools in Nashville, TN, TCAT‘s programs are straightforward, easy to follow, and get you ready for a wonderful career in nursing.

• NCLEX-RN pass rates 86%
• Program length or required credit hours are around 12 months for a full-time student or a total of 1,296 clock hours. This program gives you a diploma or certificate and allows you to take the tests to get your RN license.
• Admission requirements are that students must be 18 years or older and must have a diploma or a GED.
• Tuition is around $6,686 for the whole program with textbooks and supplies being around an additional $2,750. Financial aid is available for those that qualify.
• Accredited by the Tennessee Board of Nursing

9. South College-Nashville Campus

The Nashville Campus of South College offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing and has some truly amazing hands-on programs, making it easily one of the best nursing schools in Nashville TN. They can also help with continuing education and with getting you more certifications.

• NCLEX-RN pass rates 82%
• Program length or required credit hours depends on which program you are choosing and what classes you have completed prior to applying.
• Admission Requirements:
  • Students must complete general education requirements prior to applying
  • 18 yrs or older
  • Must have a GED/high school diploma
  • Students must take part in an interview
  • Students need to meet minimum GPA requirements
• Tuition is around $17,625 per year.
• Accredited by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

10. Remington College

Remington College offers a fantastic medical assisting program (a certificate or associate degree) that is a perfect start to your nursing career. Break into the healthcare field and learn what it’ll take!

• NCLEX-RN pass rates: N/A
• Program length or required credit hours depend on how many classes you have taken prior to applying.
• Admission requirements are that students must be 18 or older and have a GED/high school diploma and also need to meet the general admission requirements for the school
• Tuition $15,995 per year.
• Accredited by the ACCSC

11. Trevecca Nazarene University

Trevecca Nazarene University has created an innovative joint BSN degree with Belmont University. Students are able to complete their first two years of study at Trevecca then transfer to Belmont to get their full degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rates 100%
• Program length is two years at Trevecca followed by two years at Belmont to finish out your four-year BSN degree.
• Admission requirements are that students must be 18 or older and must have a GED or a high school diploma. Them must be accepted to both the nursing program and the college itself.
• Tuition is $24,624 per year  with financial aid available to those that qualify.
• Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Ranking Methodology

Nursing is a wonderful career and with the right classes and the option of attending one of the best nursing schools in Nashville TN you can be sure you to get an education that you can use to propel your career.

Schools were ranked based on NCLEX-RN pass rates, the classes and programs offered, and the ease of access for students. If you represent one of the schools on this list and you would like to amend or alter your entry please feel free to contact us.

Nursing is a great career, start your nursing career today!