Become a Registered Nurse in Tennessee - TN

How to Become an RN in Tennessee

Registered nurses in Tennessee work in a variety of practice settings. Tennessee’s landscape is diverse, and nurses can work in populated cities such as Knoxville or rural areas in Appalachia.  The Tennessee Foundation for Nursing estimates a 38% increase in demand for nurses from 1999-2020. There are several factors for the increased demand. One factor is a shift from hospital care to community care. Another factor is the growing elderly population. Finally, the retirement of aging RNs contributes to demand.  Additionally, in 2007, the Foundation counted 76,642 nurses with active RN licenses, but only 49,967 are active. Tennessee is a state that actively works to enhance the quantity and quality of nursing professionals to provide for the healthcare for its citizens.

Steps Becoming a Registered Nurse in Tennessee

 Becoming a nurse in Tennessee begins with graduating from one of the online or campus based Tennessee RN programs. Individuals interested in a degree leading to an RN can choose an Associates degree or Baccalaureate degree path.  After earning a degree graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition to passing the NCLEX, registered nurses will have to apply for licensure from the Tennessee Board of Nursing.  After licensure has been obtain nurses are eligible to practice in the state. Nurses work in a variety of settings, hospitals, schools, community centers, medical offices, corporations, and more. In some cases, nurses are able to apply for licensure by endorsement, individuals interested in pursuing licensure by endorsement should contact the Tennessee Board of Nursing for specific rules.

Registered Nursing Step-by-Step

• Apply to nursing education programs either 2 or 4-year programs.
• Successfully complete nursing practice curriculum  usually about 65-70 credit hours (classes in anatomy & physiology, clinical nursing, mental health nursing, nutrition, etc.)
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Apply for licensure to the Tennessee Board of Nursing
• Apply for nursing jobs in the field.