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Tennessee RN Certification and Schools - TN

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 19th, 2010

Registered Nurse Education in Tennessee

Registered Nurses in Tennessee have either an Associate’s degree or a Bachelors degree earned through one of the online or campus based Tennessee RN schools. Associates degrees only take two years, a Bachelor’s takes longer, but it can open up more opportunities than a 2-year degree.  In order to be eligible for admission to a nursing school admission, individuals will have to have a minimum GPA, usually about 3.0. Additional candidates may also have to pass a criminal background check, pass a drug test, and pass a nursing admission exam to test basic skills.

The course curriculum of nursing students includes general education courses and nursing specific courses.  Because nurses work with a variety of patients, communication classes are required and specific nursing fields, such as mental health nursing, family nursing and management.  Nurses complete clinical hours where they apply knowledge and tools learned under the supervision of a nurse in the field and their course instructor.  The 4-year programs can be completed a college or university all at once. Another option is to complete an RN program and than pursue a Bachelors of Nursing degree in 2-3 years later. A bachelor’s degree is not required to practice as an RN.

Individuals thinking about pursuing a degree in nursing have several options to choose from in Tennessee. Nursing programs should be accredited by a national agency, such as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Additionally, the Tennessee Board of Nursing has a list of nursing programs in the state that are Board approved for licensure.

Through campus or online programs, aspiring Registered Nurses in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Memorial Hospital, Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and Nashville's Baptist Hospital.