Why Choose Accelerated Nursing Programs in TN?
Accelerated programs are beneficial for graduates because they show they are mature, quick studies on the job and have strong clinical skills. These programs are much faster than a traditional program, so you can get out of the program and into the field faster.
Some accelerated programs are for people with some medical background. Other programs welcome people from all different backgrounds. Fast-track programs usually take between 11 and 18 months, which is extremely fast. With a fast-track master’s program, you may be able to complete in as little as three years altogether.
Top 5 Accelerated Nursing Programs in TN
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Union University | Jackson, Tennessee |
| 2 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, Tennessee |
| 3 | Tennessee Technological University | Cookeville, Tennessee |
| 4 | Belmont University | Nashville, Tennessee |
| 5 | University of Memphis | Memphis, Tennessee |
Choosing Accelerated Nursing Programs in TN
While most states have accelerated nursing programs, taking part in a program in Tennessee is an excellent choice. There are many major hospital systems in the state, so you can easily find a spot for your clinical hours. Accelerated program graduates are in high demand thanks to their skills, so many find it’s easier to find their place in the field following graduation.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that registered nurses earn around $77,460 annually, while nurse practitioners earn over $115,000 on average. The fields are expected to grow, with RNs looking at a 7% increase in demand between 2019 and 2029. That’s an additional 221,900 positions that will need to be filled.
Below are the top eight schools with accelerated nursing programs in Tennessee. These schools are ranked from our top choice to last choice. Don’t’ see a program you love? Let us know. We would be happy to help you find one you do with our search guidance.
The Best 7 Schools with Accelerated Nursing Programs in TN
Union University
Union University offers a full-time accelerated BSN track that consists of 15 months of courses for individuals who don’t have a background in nursing. The program is also open to those who are over the age of 24 and who have completed their general education courses but could not go on to complete the bachelor’s degree.
The program is available at three of the school’s campuses, including Germantown, Hendersonville, and Jackson. Since the program is intensive, the school suggests not being employed while being enrolled.
School Overview
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University offers an accelerated second-degree program that starts in May or August each year. The five-semester program requires two summer semesters.
This is a competitive program, and it only accepts 30 students per class. Usually, there are over 200 applicants. Students work clinicals twice a week, and they attend classes two or three days of the week.
After completing the program, students are prepared to receive a BSN and take the NCLEX-RN.
School Overview
Tennessee Technological University
Tennessee Technological University offers a state-of-the-art facility to incoming nursing students. It hosts the accelerated second-degree BSN program that consists of 15 months of classes. The program begins in the summer and ends in the following August.
The school does require you to take the HESI A2 admission examination for entry into this program, and your acceptance is based on your previous GPA as well as past science course scores.
School Overview
Belmont University
Belmont University in Nashville has been offering nursing programs for over 45 years. The accelerated program is available to those who want to pursue nursing as a second degree. There are two programs. One is an accelerated 16-month program, and the other is a 21-month program.
Students take three types of courses: Introductory, foundation, and experiential.
School Overview
University of Memphis
The University of Memphis offers a nursing accelerated BSM program at its Memphis campus. The program is a little longer than others at 18 months. It is a four-semester degree that requires students to attend full-time.
Students who want to pursue a second degree at the Lambuth or Memphis campuses can pursue the traditional BSN through a five-semester program as well, which will take 2.5 years to complete. The school has connections with over 300 clinical sites, so students have easy access to their clinical practice experiences.
School Overview
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing has been offering nursing programs for over 100 years. The specialty Entry program is a direct entry MSN program that is for those with a non-nursing background who are looking to move into advanced practice nursing. The program usually takes six semesters to complete, and students are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN during that time. Students complete a minimum of 700 credit hours in this program.
School Overview
University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville’s College of Nursing was established in 1971 and has been offering programs ever since. With a comprehensive curriculum, the school is able to offer a 12-month ABSN program. The intensive program is short but requires students to spend much time focusing on their studies. The program begins in June and ends the following year in May.
Students complete their clinical hours at local hospitals in the Knoxville area.
Ranking Methodology
To rank the schools in this article, we first rated them from 1-15 for tuition rates (lower received higher scores) and 1-15 for enrollment (smaller class sizes were ranked higher). Then, the two scores were merged, and this list was set from our top choice to our bottom.
While every possible effort was taken to provide accurate information here on this list, it’s important to note that the list may be altered or adjusted as needed in the future. The information that was collected for this list cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change at any time.
Interested in Hearing More About Our Rankings?
If you would like to learn more about how we chose to rank your school or you would like us to correct information in this article, please reach out to us. If your school is not listed but you would like to know more about how you can have it added to one of our lists, we would be glad to speak with you and talk to you about the information we’ll need.
