6 Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into in Tennessee 2025

Students interested in starting a career as a registered nurse (RN) can find quality nursing schools throughout Tennessee. But how hard is it to gain admission to their RN programs? Some schools have tough admission processes, while others are less competitive. If you're ready to start a nursing career and worry about your ability to gain admission, keep reading. Below, we'll explore some of the easiest nursing schools to get into in Tennessee.

How Competitive Are Nursing Schools in Tennessee?

When researching nursing schools in Tennessee, you might find that some are more selective than others. For instance, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, which requires that freshmen apply for direct admission, has a highly competitive holistic application review process. On the other hand, community colleges in Tennessee, which most often deliver Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, are generally less competitive.

If you want to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you can find quality programs throughout the state that aren't as selective. What's the key to finding easy nursing programs? Look for colleges with higher acceptance rates. Also, consider schools with lower overall GPA and test requirements.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for Tennessee Nursing Schools?

Nursing school requirements vary by program; however, most top schools align theirs with standards set by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). To meet admission requirements at most Tennessee nursing schools, students must:

• Achieve a minimum GPA.
• Submit high school or college transcripts.
• Earn a minimum score on required standardized tests.

Schools also require students to complete prerequisites, including specific math and science courses, with a passing letter grade (often C or better). Learners who want to speed up this process might consider taking self-paced nursing prerequisites online.

Nursing Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rates in Tennessee

Do you want to pursue a nursing degree at one of the easiest nursing programs to get into in Tennessee? Review the best nursing schools with higher acceptance rates and more lenient admissions requirements.

1. Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus

The Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus's College of Nursing offers several nursing programs, including two on-campus BSN degrees. Learners can choose from a three-year traditional BSN and an 18-month BSN for students seeking a second bachelor's degree.

To gain admission, learners must earn minimum scores on any of the following tests: ACT (20), SAT (1100), Multilevel PAX (101), ATI TEAS (58.7). No GPA requirements are stated. The school, which prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), has an impressive 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $430 to $515 per quarter credit hour (in-state); $430 to $515 per quarter credit hour (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Accreditation: CCNE

2. University of Memphis

At the University of Memphis, students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree and RN licensure can choose from a traditional BSN and an accelerated BSN (ABSN). Both programs prepare learners to sit for the NCLEX exam.

To gain admission to a BSN program, applicants need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students should also have a minimum nursing program prerequisite GPA of 3.0 for courses such as Anatomy and Physiology I and Nutrition. Accelerated BSN applicants need a baccalaureate degree at the time of application.

• Estimated tuition cost: $389 per credit hour (in-state); $585 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 93% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

The traditional BSN at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is designed for students who have at least 45 semester hours of coursework completed (including general education and prerequisite nursing courses). The School of Nursing requires a minimum overall and prerequisite 3.0 GPA with a letter grade no lower than C.

A second-degree ABSN is also available with admission requirements similar to the traditional BSN (except students can have a 2.75 GPA for pre-requisite coursework). The first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for all School of Nursing nursing programs is 99%.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,224 per semester (in-state); $9,256 per semester (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 77% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate is home to Lincoln Memorial University, where students can pursue degrees at multiple levels, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Learners interested in a bachelor's degree and RN licensure can pursue traditional and fast-track BSNs.

Admission to these programs requires a 2.75 cumulative GPA and a grade of C or better for prerequisites. The NCLEX-RN pass rate for the LMU's nursing school is 98%. At this institution, students can pursue scholarships, grants, and other financial aid to help cover tuition and fees.

• Estimated tuition cost: $26,856 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 59% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: ACEN

5. Union University

Students interested in starting RN careers can choose between two BSN programs at Union University: a traditional BSN and an ABSN for students with a bachelor's degree in another field. Applicants to the traditional BSN who qualify for unconditional admission must have a 2.0 core GPA (or 2.3 GPA for transfer students).

The ABSN requires a 3.0 GPA for the last 60 hours of coursework (2.75 to 2.99 is considered for students with proficient TEAS scores). Nursing programs at Union University have a 98% NCLEX pass rate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $34,800 to $39,990 per year (in-state); $34,800 to $39,990 per year (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 47% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: CCNE

6. University of Tennessee Health Science Center

At the University of Tennessee Health Science Center's College of Nursing, which has a 98.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate, students can obtain RN licensure through the traditional BSN or accelerated BSN program. Admission to the traditional BSN requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on all collegiate work.

For the accelerated program, students need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or a 3.2 for the most recently completed degree program. Both degrees require a 2.67 GPA on science prerequisite courses for admission.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,023 per year (in-state); $25,715 per year (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: Not reported for undergraduate programs
• Accreditation: CCNE

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the institutions in this ranking list to confirm that each has met the following criteria for providing a high-quality academic experience:

• Accreditation: Each nursing program in this list is accredited by the CCEN or the ACEN.
• Acceptance rates: Colleges and universities above offer quality nursing programs, some with higher acceptance rates.
• Program reputation: Nursing programs in this list have quality reputations with high NCLEX pass rates.

What Can I Expect From a Nursing Degree Program?

When enrolled in a bachelor's nursing degree program, students develop the skills to provide direct patient care. Coursework teaches the fundamentals of professional nursing care and explores specialties such as pediatric, mental health, and critical care.

In addition to classroom learning, programs ensure students get hands-on training through clinical rotations in healthcare settings. After completing nursing courses and clinicals, learners sit for the NCLEX exam to qualify for licensure.

Students who want to further their careers in nursing can pursue a master's degree to become an advanced practice registered nurse (e.g., family nurse practitioner). These programs also require classroom learning and clinical rotations. Coursework explores nursing theory, health policy, pharmacotherapeutics, and beyond.

Whether learning at the bachelor's or master's level, the curriculum can be tough, and the clinical hours challenging. But the hard work prepares students to provide quality care in hospitals, physicians' offices, medical clinics, schools, and beyond.

FAQs About the Easiest Nursing Programs To Get Into

Do you want to begin a nursing program in Tennessee? Before taking the next step, explore frequently asked questions about the easiest nursing schools to get into.

Is Nursing School Hard?

Nursing programs are typically very science-heavy. In addition to prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and microbiology, students take classes like pharmacology and pathophysiology once admitted. Programs also emphasize math, many requiring Algebra or Statistics before or during enrollment.

If these aren't your best subjects, a nursing program might be somewhat challenging. But don't let that stop you from pursuing your dream career. Consider working with a tutor or asking your instructors for help to ensure you excel in your studies.

Read More: Can I Be a Nurse If I Am Bad at Math?

Are Online Nursing Schools Easier Than Traditional Programs?

The preference for online or traditional RN programs varies by student. Some learners enjoy the personal interactions experienced in campus-based courses. Others like the flexibility of online learning.

While fully online programs aren't as common for students seeking a traditional four-year BSN, you can find numerous online RN to BSN degrees for registered nurses seeking a bachelor's degree. Which is the easiest RN to BSN program online? For many, it's a program that offers short, flexible courses, self-paced learning options, or a competency-based format.

What Is the Lowest GPA To Get Into Nursing School?

A common GPA for students entering nursing school is 3.0. Depending on the institution, you could find a BSN program that admits learners with a 2.75 GPA. But if you're looking to be accepted with a lower GPA, consider schools like Walter State Community College, where students can gain admission to the Associate of Applied Science in nursing with a 2.5 GPA in general education and a 2.0 GPA for all courses taken at the school.

Some students also opt to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs). For these programs, schools often have no GPA requirements. The practical nursing program from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, for example, only requires students to pass prerequisite classes.

What Is the Career Outlook for Nurses in Tennessee?

If you're interested in becoming an RN, you might wonder what nursing career outlook you can expect. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of RNs is projected to grow 6% through 2033.

In Tennessee, over 63,000 work as registered nurses. What about the job prospects for nurses in Nashville? The most recent BLS data reveal that over 22,000 nurses work in the Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin area, earning an annual mean wage of $83,360.

What Is the Hardest Nursing School To Get Into in Tennessee?

One of the hardest nursing schools to get into is the Tennessee State University BSN program, which requires a 3.5 GPA to gain admission. Belmont University's BSN also has tough admission requirements. Freshmen applicants need a 3.5 cumulative high school GPA, and transfers need a 3.25 GPA.

Are you wondering what's the hardest nursing class? Some students believe Anatomy and Physiology is the most difficult nursing course. Others struggle with classes like Health Assessment and Pharmacology.

Where Can I Work With a Nursing Degree in Tennessee?

After completing a nursing program in Tennessee, RNs can begin their careers in various settings. Here is a short list of popular work environments for graduates seeking nursing jobs, according to the BLS:

• ambulatory healthcare services
• government
• hospitals (state, local, and private)
• educational services (state, local, and private)
• nursing and residential care facilities

Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into Near You

Start your journey toward an exciting nursing career by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools directly to learn how they can help you reach your academic and career goals.